enemy_n as_o they_o have_v be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v to_o episcopacy_n or_o liturgy_n but_o modest_o to_o desire_v such_o alteration_n in_o either_o as_o without_o shake_a foundation_n may_v best_o allay_v the_o present_a distemper_n and_o he_o express_v himself_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o either_o persuasion_n be_v agree_v as_o follow_v if_o upon_o these_o excellent_a foundation_n in_o submission_n to_o which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o harmony_n of_o affection_n any_o superstructure_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o the_o shake_n of_o those_o foundation_n and_o to_o the_o contract_n or_o lessen_v of_o the_o bless_a gift_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v a_o vital_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o very_o unfortunate_a and_o even_o suspect_v that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o that_o administration_n of_o government_n with_o which_o god_n have_v entrust_v we_o and_o he_o say_v far_a that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v his_o reverence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o least_o degree_n diminish_v by_o condescension_n not_o peremptory_o to_o insist_v on_o some_o particular_n of_o ceremony_n which_o howsoever_o introduce_v by_o the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o order_n of_o former_a time_n may_v not_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o present_a but_o may_v lessen_v that_o piety_n and_o devotion_n for_o the_o improvement_n whereof_o they_o may_v happy_o be_v introduce_v and_o consequent_o may_v well_o be_v dispense_v with_o this_o gracious_a heal_a declaration_n be_v receive_v with_o the_o thanks_o of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o with_o the_o applause_n of_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v to_o our_o special_a joy_n have_v the_o moderation_n therein_o specify_v stand_v in_o force_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o concord_n in_o the_o church_n will_v have_v ensue_v but_o the_o frustration_n thereof_o lie_v not_o on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o we_o have_v earnest_o seek_v peace_n and_o unity_n though_o we_o have_v not_o so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o gain_v so_o much_o as_o the_o abatement_n of_o one_o ceremony_n but_o our_o bond_n have_v be_v make_v strong_a and_o the_o term_n of_o our_o ministerial_a liberty_n much_o hard_a to_o we_o than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a time_n of_o prelacy_n 22._o some_o indeed_o say_v that_o to_o indulge_v we_o any_o abatement_n of_o injunction_n even_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o mutable_a will_v cherish_v we_o in_o our_o ungovernable_a persuasion_n and_o the_o church_n will_v yield_v up_o her_o authority_n to_o those_o principle_n that_o will_v be_v a_o everlasting_a hindrance_n of_o her_o settlement_n these_o man_n speak_v as_o if_o our_o exclusion_n not_o our_o conformity_n be_v desire_v but_o against_o their_o uncharitable_a and_o unsober_a assertion_n we_o offer_v our_o principle_n already_o here_o testify_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o challenge_v our_o adversary_n to_o gain_n say_v they_o or_o to_o prove_v that_o we_o false_o pretend_v unto_o they_o 23._o the_o extravagant_a pen_n of_o some_o writer_n have_v make_v ridiculous_a and_o odious_a description_n of_o we_o to_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o common_a scorn_n and_o hatred_n they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o instead_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n intelligible_o set_v forth_o we_o make_v a_o religion_n of_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n and_o new_a phrase_n of_o thin_a airy_a notion_n frivolous_a and_o senseless_a nicety_n and_o fanatic_a whimsy_n this_o they_o fix_v promiscuous_o upon_o the_o nonconformist_n from_o passage_n collect_v out_o of_o some_o writer_n that_o go_v under_o that_o name_n but_o suppose_v those_o passage_n as_o erroneous_a and_o frivolous_a as_o they_o will_v make_v they_o will_v any_o party_n in_o the_o world_n or_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o deal_v with_o shall_v a_o collection_n of_o error_n absurdity_n incongruity_n injudicious_a expression_n and_o such_o like_a weakness_n be_v pick_v here_o and_o there_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o and_o the_o other_o conformist_n and_o then_o be_v entitle_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o conform_v clergy_n let_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o be_v extant_a defend_v itself_o we_o be_v not_o careful_a about_o this_o matter_n indeed_o we_o can_v boast_v that_o none_o among_o we_o be_v injudicious_a yea_o or_o that_o any_o one_o among_o we_o do_v never_o write_v or_o speak_v a_o incongruous_a word_n if_o our_o adversary_n so_o boast_v of_o themselves_o and_o they_o let_v they_o take_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o this_o boast_n or_o to_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o other_o it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n throughout_o christendom_n as_o indeed_o of_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v defective_a and_o imprudent_a in_o their_o expression_n but_o by_o insist_v on_o this_o kind_n of_o exception_n our_o adversary_n have_v do_v we_o this_o right_a as_o in_o effect_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v not_o deprive_v and_o silence_v for_o treason_n rebellion_n drunkenness_n swear_v incontinence_n rail_a insufficiency_n idleness_n seldom_o preach_v plurality_n nonresidence_n and_o such_o like_a immorality_n let_v not_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o just_a and_o necessary_a defence_n be_v take_v for_o self_n exalt_v for_o we_o do_v not_o exclude_v other_o but_o only_o include_v ourselves_o in_o that_o sobriety_n from_o which_o some_o will_v exclude_v we_o and_o we_o do_v this_o to_o show_v that_o other_o ought_v to_o receive_v we_o see_v we_o accord_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n notwithstanding_o our_o lesser_a difference_n 24._o we_o earnest_o disavow_v and_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o conduct_n of_o pretend_a inspiration_n and_o we_o own_o god_n public_a law_n write_v in_o scripture_n and_o nature_n for_o our_o perpetual_a rule_n the_o world_n know_v that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v as_o much_o own_v among_o we_o and_o as_o large_o assert_v by_o some_o of_o we_o as_o by_o any_o of_o they_o that_o so_o speak_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a propugnator_n and_o preacher_n thereof_o we_o take_v the_o spirit_n be_v grand_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o to_o stand_v in_o some_o inward_a unaccountable_a suggestion_n and_o persuasion_n but_o in_o a_o objective_a evidence_n propound_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n though_o we_o likewise_o hold_v the_o spirit_n internal_a teach_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o illumination_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o save_v faith_n we_o do_v not_o hunt_v after_o mystery_n in_o word_n and_o phrase_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o make_v void_a or_o lessen_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o make_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o a_o scheme_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n we_o approve_v not_o affect_v language_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o have_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o scripture_n language_n call_v cant_v we_o make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o understand_v the_o thing_n we_o affirm_v and_o to_o speak_v sense_n to_o our_o hearer_n in_o the_o plain_a word_n and_o in_o preach_v to_o avoid_v vain_a jangle_n and_o impertinent_a curiosity_n useless_a speculation_n novelty_n and_o vain_a ostentation_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n and_o to_o insist_v on_o thing_n essential_a or_o of_o great_a importance_n to_o christian_a piety_n and_o whereinsoever_o we_o have_v do_v weak_o we_o desire_v to_o do_v better_o and_o refuse_v not_o to_o learn_v even_o from_o our_o adversary_n 25._o in_o man_n conversion_n to_o god_n we_o urge_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unnecessary_a we_o stand_v not_o on_o certain_a mode_n method_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v about_o wherein_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n proceed_v various_o towards_o several_a person_n according_a to_o the_o different_a circumstance_n of_o their_o condition_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o assert_v not_o a_o general_a necessity_n of_o this_o or_o that_o measure_n of_o humiliation_n much_o less_o of_o a_o dismal_a despair_a horror_n as_o some_o have_v say_v of_o we_o we_o press_v conviction_n and_o humiliation_n no_o far_o than_o to_o make_v a_o sinner_n restless_a till_o he_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o find_v rest_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o he_o and_o we_o take_v not_o conversion_n to_o be_v as_o some_o have_v slander_v we_o a_o embrace_n of_o our_o opinion_n or_o a_o adhere_n to_o our_o party_n but_o a_o internal_a principle_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n express_v in_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a life_n if_o this_o be_v it_o which_o some_o mean_a when_o they_o
a_o account_v give_v of_o the_o principle_n &_o practice_n of_o several_a nonconformist_n wherein_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v profess_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o of_o their_o persuasion_n against_o the_o misrepresentation_n make_v of_o they_o and_o in_o hearty_a desire_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o concord_n among_o all_o true_a protestant_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n in_o this_o time_n of_o their_o common_a danger_n write_a by_o mr._n john_n corbet_n late_o of_o chichester_n and_o approve_v by_o many_o other_o nonconformist_n london_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o 3_o crown_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1682._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n lest_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o agreement_n of_o all_o here_o write_v in_o sense_n and_o very_o much_o in_o word_n with_o what_o i_o have_v publish_v do_v signify_v that_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o the_o author_n work_n but_o any_o of_o it_o i_o i_o do_v true_o acquaint_v you_o that_o he_o never_o so_o much_o as_o acquaint_v i_o with_o his_o write_n it_o nor_o do_v i_o read_v it_o all_o before_o i_o give_v it_o to_o the_o printer_n nor_o do_v i_o alter_v add_v or_o diminish_v one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o book_n but_o as_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o heart_n our_o agreement_n be_v no_o wonder_n and_o his_o widow_n the_o daughter_n of_o the_o famous_a dr._n twisse_n assure_v i_o that_o several_a eminent_a nonconform_v divine_v see_v it_o and_o approve_v it_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o most_o other_o will_v do_v when_o they_o have_v serious_o peruse_v it_o but_o alas_o i_o that_o have_v know_v these_o twenty_o year_n what_o other_o design_n have_v be_v in_o some_o man_n head_n inconsistent_a with_o all_o such_o endeavour_n for_o our_o concord_n and_o how_o powerful_a those_o man_n have_v be_v who_o profess_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o concord_n and_o avoid_v schism_n but_o by_o obey_v the_o govern_n universal_a church_n which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o universal_a legislation_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v a_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n i_o say_v i_o that_o know_v this_o must_v needs_o know_v how_o little_o more_o than_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o conscience_n such_o pacificatory_a endeavour_n as_o these_o do_v signify_v but_o as_o my_o dear_a brother_n die_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o christ_n judgement_n bless_a be_v the_o peacemaker_n the_o rest_n of_o we_o wait_v in_o hope_n so_o to_o die_v richard_n baxter_n feb._n 10._o 1681._o several_a tract_n not_o yet_o print_v prepare_v for_o the_o press_n and_o leave_v under_o mr._n john_n corbett'_v own_o handting_n intend_v short_o to_o be_v publish_v be_v as_o follow_v 1._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n 2._o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n compare_v with_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n 3._o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o conformity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o 5._o a_o tract_n of_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n 6._o of_o divine_a worship_n in_o three_o part_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n kind_n part_n and_o adjunct_n of_o divine_a worship_n 2._o of_o idolatry_n 3._o of_o superstition_n less_o than_o idolatry_n 7._o his_o humble_a representation_n of_o his_o case_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n 8._o discourse_n between_o dr._n gunning_n late_a bishop_n of_o chichester_n and_o himself_o wherein_o be_v several_a humble_a defence_n make_v both_o as_o to_o his_o principle_n and_o practice_n 9_o a_o humble_a endeavour_n of_o some_o plain_a and_o brief_a explication_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n about_o the_o free_a action_n of_o men._n more_o especial_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o divine_a grace_n 10._o matrimonial_a purity_n a_o account_v give_v by_o some_o deprive_a minister_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n etc._n etc._n the_o manifold_a reproach_n heap_v upon_o the_o nonconformist_n among_o who_o it_o be_v our_o lot_n to_o be_v number_v have_v fill_v the_o whole_a nation_n our_o religion_n have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o mixture_n of_o folly_n and_o villainy_n our_o principle_n and_o temper_n as_o turbulent_a seditious_a and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n or_o state_n and_o our_o pretence_n as_o frivolous_a and_o often_o baffle_v our_o governor_n have_v be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o we_o as_o their_o worst_a and_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n and_o excite_v to_o use_v the_o utmost_a severity_n against_o we_o hereupon_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o to_o bear_v his_o just_a rebuke_n in_o the_o unjust_a reproach_n cast_v upon_o we_o by_o man_n also_o to_o suffer_v these_o indignity_n with_o christian_a patience_n and_o to_o show_v ourselves_o reconcilable_a to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o adverse_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v peace_n and_o concord_n with_o they_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a many_o of_o who_o we_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v act_v in_o this_o matter_n with_o a_o undissembled_a zeal_n though_o not_o regulate_v by_o sound_a knowledge_n or_o due_a charity_n but_o hurry_v with_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n and_o passion_n we_o hold_v it_o also_o our_o duty_n not_o to_o neglect_v our_o own_o necessary_a vindication_n but_o in_o honest_a simplicity_n to_o make_v know_v to_o all_o what_o principal_n and_o practice_n we_o own_o and_o stand_v to_o though_o we_o be_v teach_v and_o encourage_v to_o labour_n and_o suffer_v reproach_n and_o to_o reckon_v it_o a_o very_a small_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o man_n judgement_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o vindicate_v our_o innocence_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o out_o of_o charity_n towards_o all_o man_n to_o provide_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v that_o none_o may_v take_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v in_o we_o and_o here_o it_o shall_v suffice_v we_o only_o to_o make_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o ourselves_o have_v this_o confidence_n that_o the_o bare_a state_v of_o our_o case_n will_v be_v our_o sufficient_a defence_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o declare_v that_o with_o we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n as_o such_o but_o christianity_n or_o real_a godliness_n which_o be_v most_o summary_o comprise_v in_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o more_o explicit_o yet_o brief_o in_o the_o creed_n lord_n prayer_n and_o decaloge_n and_o at_o large_a and_o most_o perfect_o in_o the_o holy_a bible_n a_o religiousness_n make_v up_o of_o little_a opinion_n and_o mode_n and_o phrase_n and_o siding_n with_o this_o or_o the_o other_o party_n be_v none_o of_o we_o though_o we_o be_v injurious_o personate_v in_o some_o late_a write_n to_o act_v such_o a_o part_n i'faith_o hope_n and_o love_n be_v the_o essence_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o we_o difference_n in_o thing_n not_o essential_a do_v not_o make_v different_a religion_n we_o disdain_v our_o be_v of_o a_o party_n as_o such_o and_o though_o the_o godly_a be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n we_o confine_v not_o godliness_n to_o any_o peculiar_a way_n narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n we_o make_v no_o humane_a addition_n in_o sacred_a thing_n nor_o any_o mutable_a circumstance_n to_o be_v the_o term_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n 2._o according_o we_o seek_v not_o the_o advancement_n of_o any_o sect_n or_o party_n to_o the_o injury_n or_o neglect_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o christian_a cause_n or_o the_o common_a good_a and_o as_o we_o be_v no_o faction_n we_o know_v that_o factiousness_n be_v not_o our_o interest_n but_o turn_v to_o our_o great_a loss_n our_o aim_n be_v christian_n and_o catholic_n we_o seek_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n or_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o man_n profess_v true_a christianity_n in_o order_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a or_o the_o society_n of_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o to_o these_o end_n we_o desire_v and_o most_o approve_v the_o primitive_a simplicity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o herein_o we_o boast_v not_o as_o if_o we_o be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a spirit_n but_o we_o answer_v they_o who_o have_v trample_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o impertinent_a trifle_a sect._n 3._o we_o hearty_o own_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n in_o doctrine_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n contain_v in_o the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o article_n except_o those_o two_o or_o three_o that_o relate_v only_o to_o some_o of_o our_o present_a difference_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o
faith_n and_o sacrament_n and_o we_o great_o esteem_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o homily_n we_o unfeigned_o assent_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n in_o that_o passage_n wherein_o he_o just_o rebuke_n those_o that_o have_v the_o hardyness_n to_o publish_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n against_o which_o no_o man_n with_o who_o he_o have_v confer_v have_v except_v ought_v to_o be_v reform_v as_o well_o as_o the_o discipline_n be_v it_o here_o observe_v that_o some_o conformist_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o hearty_o subscribe_v to_o the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o article_n take_v the_o liberty_n of_o interpretation_n that_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o church_n herself_o though_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o presume_v that_o she_o require_v subscription_n to_o they_o as_o to_o a_o instrument_n of_o peace_n only_o and_o for_o this_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o eminent_a bishop_n be_v cite_v say_v the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o define_v any_o of_o these_o question_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v necessitate_v medii_fw-la or_o praecepti_fw-la which_o be_v much_o less_o but_o only_o to_o bind_v her_o son_n for_o peace_n sake_n not_o to_o oppose_v they_o but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o believe_v the_o very_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n 4._o we_o be_v not_o ashamed_a constant_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o we_o apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n or_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n to_o make_v new_a worship_n of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n and_o reason_n with_o those_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n which_o the_o word_n have_v already_o make_v nevertheless_o particular_a mode_n and_o accident_n and_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v common_a to_o it_o with_o all_o humane_a action_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o take_v such_o determination_n in_o those_o matter_n to_o be_v no_o addition_n to_o god_n word_n and_o no_o argument_n of_o the_o defectiveness_n of_o his_o law_n but_o mere_o a_o application_n of_o the_o general_a law_n in_o particular_a case_n as_o the_o law_n itself_o do_v warrant_v a_o firm_a agreement_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n have_v be_v long_o since_o manifest_v in_o their_o paper_n present_v to_o his_o majesty_n we_o still_o acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o liturgy_n for_o matter_n agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o several_a ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o confine_v to_o it_o as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o exhortation_n we_o still_o profess_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n but_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o ceremony_n as_o in_o their_o design_a end_n seem_v to_o draw_v to_o near_o to_o the_o significancy_n and_o moral_a efficacy_n of_o sacrament_n and_o which_o have_v be_v reject_v by_o many_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n worship_n be_v best_a manage_v for_o the_o exterior_a form_n thereof_o when_o it_o have_v least_o of_o humane_a mixture_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a adjoin_v and_o appropriate_v thereunto_o 5._o we_o entire_o own_o that_o ministry_n that_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a as_o that_o of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n high_a prerogative_n transcend_v all_o humane_a authority_n to_o institute_v spiritual_a office_n how_o be_v it_o there_o may_v be_v office_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la of_o man_n appointment_n that_o spiritual_a officer_n receive_v their_o authority_n from_o christ_n as_o the_o immediate_a donor_n thereof_o by_o his_o charter_n though_o their_o designation_n to_o their_o office_n it_o not_o ordinary_o immediate_a without_o man_n interpose_v and_o consequent_o they_o be_v christ_n immediate_a steward_n commission_v by_o he_o and_o accountable_a to_o he_o each_o one_o for_o himself_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n for_o bind_v and_o lose_v for_o retain_v and_o remit_v of_o sin_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n that_o ministerial_a power_n be_v deliver_v by_o ordination_n as_o by_o way_n of_o solemn_a investiture_n and_o that_o each_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o proper_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n one_o or_o more_o reside_v among_o they_o for_o all_o ministerial_a duty_n who_o have_v no_o coercive_a power_n upon_o the_o body_n or_o estate_n of_o man_n and_o may_v rule_v they_o by_o no_o other_o instrument_n than_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o their_o outward_a stand_n in_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o church_n be_v the_o lord_n heritage_n and_o portion_n ought_v not_o to_o lie_v common_a but_o must_v be_v fence_v with_o christ_n spiritual_a discipline_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lay_v waist_n and_o lose_v in_o a_o world_n of_o ungodliness_n break_v in_o upon_o it_o this_o charge_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n who_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o same_o to_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n all_o presbyter_n be_v charge_v till_o very_o late_o in_o the_o form_n of_o ordain_v minister_n to_o administer_v the_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o discipline_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v and_o as_o this_o realm_n have_v receive_v the_o same_o and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v to_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o rule_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n admission_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v one_o act_n of_o pastoral_a government_n and_o include_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o party_n to_o be_v so_o admit_v that_o which_o we_o require_v in_o the_o adult_n for_o their_o visible_a church-membership_n be_v their_o intelligent_a own_n of_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n by_o a_o serious_a profession_n there_o be_v no_o notoriety_n or_o proof_n of_o a_o invalidating_a contradiction_n other_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o public_a admonition_n of_o scandalous_a offender_n and_o enjoin_v of_o penitence_n the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o obstinate_a and_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o penitent_a this_o spiritual_a government_n be_v not_o to_o be_v manage_v with_o external_a force_n and_o terror_n like_o the_o secular_a power_n but_o by_o reproof_n exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o judge_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o we_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o christ_n discipline_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o powerless_a thing_n of_o itself_o and_o insufficient_a to_o obtain_v its_o end_n unless_o the_o temporal_a sword_n enforce_v it_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o have_v the_o church_n destitute_a of_o the_o magistrate_n due_a assistance_n and_o encouragement_n 7._o as_o touch_v the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n the_o scripture-bishop_n or_o evangelical_n pastor_n we_o do_v and_o ever_o do_v acknowledge_v likewise_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v renounce_v the_o episcopacy_n or_o presidency_n which_o be_v of_o a_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a custom_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ignatius_n yea_o or_o of_o cyprian_n bishop_n usher_v model_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n with_o their_o presbyter_n be_v by_o some_o of_o we_o present_v to_o his_o majesty_n as_o a_o groundwork_n of_o accommodation_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o in_o his_o discourse_n touch_v the_o difference_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o two_o house_n in_o point_n of_o church_n government_n declare_v his_o judgement_n in_o these_o word_n that_o he_o be_v not_o against_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o episcopal_a presidency_n in_o one_o man_n by_o the_o joint_a counsel_n and_o consent_n of_o many_o presbyter_n but_o that_o he_o have_v offer_v to_o restore_v it_o as_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o avoid_v those_o error_n and_o corruption_n and_o partiality_n
speak_v so_o high_o of_o morality_n and_o virtue_n we_o will_v not_o differ_v with_o they_o about_o the_o name_n for_o morality_n or_o immorality_n take_v not_o vulgar_o but_o theological_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o conformity_n or_o inconformity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o action_n to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o that_o to_o preach_v morality_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v to_o preach_v christ_n we_o acknowledge_v as_o free_o as_o any_o other_o but_o we_o know_v the_o vulgar_a notion_n thereof_o respect_v the_o civil_a righteousness_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o common_a hearer_n who_o understand_v word_n as_o they_o be_v common_o use_v among_o themselves_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v between_o save_a grace_n and_o moral_a virtue_n furthermore_o we_o say_v not_o nor_o be_v we_o acquaint_v with_o they_o that_o do_v say_v that_o the_o moral_o righteous_a man_n be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o grace_n than_o the_o profane_a and_o better_o be_v lewd_a and_o debauch_a than_o to_o lead_v a_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a life_n we_o hear_v no_o such_o word_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o nonconformist_n though_o some_o have_v suggest_v it_o against_o we_o to_o make_v we_o odious_a and_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o shall_v insinuate_v a_o charge_n of_o antinomianism_n against_o we_o by_o make_v the_o personate_a nonconformist_a to_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o good_a work_n legal_a preach_n when_o it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o some_o of_o we_o have_v do_v as_o much_o as_o any_o in_o confute_v the_o antinomian_a dotage_n we_o teach_v none_o to_o call_v themselves_o godly_a mere_o because_o they_o hear_v sermon_n frequent_a lecture_n and_o meet_v together_o for_o prayer_n and_o other_o religious_a exercise_n yet_o our_o aim_n be_v that_o man_n shall_v make_v religion_n their_o business_n and_o we_o encourage_v their_o diligence_n in_o attend_v on_o god_n ordinance_n and_o redeem_v the_o time_n and_o help_v each_o other_o forward_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n 26._o though_o we_o be_v accuse_v to_o be_v of_o that_o spirit_n that_o say_v stand_v by_o thyself_o come_v not_o near_o to_o i_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o yet_o we_o place_v not_o holiness_n in_o any_o peculiar_a garb_n of_o profession_n or_o in_o stand_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o other_o than_o god_n will_v have_v we_o we_o receive_v all_o man_n as_o much_o as_o either_o brotherly_a kindness_n or_o common_a charity_n will_v allow_v we_o affect_v no_o great_a singularity_n than_o the_o uncontroverted_a nonconformity_n to_o the_o world_n make_v necessary_a difference_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o matter_n controvert_v we_o make_v not_o to_o be_v mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n we_o judge_v not_o any_o as_o ungodly_a upon_o the_o mere_a account_n of_o their_o conformity_n yea_o we_o have_v incomparable_o more_o value_n for_o a_o godly_a conformist_n than_o for_o a_o mere_o opinionative_n nonconformist_a we_o renounce_v not_o communion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o parish_n church_n though_o for_o its_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n in_o some_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v most_o desirable_a by_o we_o it_o be_v our_o heart_n desire_v and_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o the_o word_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n therein_o dispense_v may_v be_v blessed_v to_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n in_o those_o that_o attend_v thereon_o yea_o we_o wish_v so_o well_o to_o the_o ability_n and_o godliness_n of_o our_o opposite_n in_o these_o controversy_n that_o it_o will_v be_v our_o great_a rejoice_v that_o every_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o able_a godly_a minister_n though_o conformable_a we_o own_o the_o catholic_n communion_n of_o saint_n and_o desire_v a_o part_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n whether_o they_o pray_v by_o a_o set_a form_n or_o without_o it_o 27._o whereas_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o immodesty_n and_o boldness_n in_o our_o inquiry_n and_o conclusion_n we_o profess_v that_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n redemption_n divine_a grace_n free_a will_n original_a sin_n justification_n perseverance_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n we_o differ_v not_o from_o the_o establish_v doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o we_o approve_v her_o moderation_n use_v in_o those_o article_n which_o we_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o the_o english_a episcopal_n divine_v in_o general_a that_o live_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n his_o time_n and_o for_o our_o part_n we_o judge_v that_o the_o controversy_n about_o these_o point_n may_v be_v lessen_v and_o will_v glad_o do_v our_o endeavour_n to_o the_o lessen_v of_o they_o 28._o our_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o unquietness_n and_o confusion_n no_o more_o than_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o we_o protest_v against_o such_o citation_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o man_n bring_v out_o of_o writer_n repute_v of_o our_o party_n and_o renounce_v whatsoever_o be_v write_v or_o speak_v contradictory_n to_o our_o here_o avow_a principle_n and_o we_o think_v it_o not_o fair_a deal_n in_o our_o adversary_n to_o repeat_v and_o aggravate_v all_o intemperate_a passage_n vent_v in_o those_o time_n when_o impetuous_a act_n hurry_v man_n into_o extremity_n and_o statesman_n and_o swordman_n heighten_v the_o difference_n between_o divine_n and_o especial_o to_o do_v this_o after_o our_o profess_a moderation_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o our_o governor_n beside_o the_o generality_n or_o at_o least_o the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o the_o silence_a minister_n now_o live_v be_v not_o engage_v in_o the_o late_a war_n and_o if_o these_o be_v allow_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v be_v thankful_a for_o the_o favour_n though_o the_o rest_n remain_v exclude_v 29._o we_o acknowledge_v the_o importance_n of_o a_o public_a settlement_n and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o both_o people_n and_o teacher_n be_v under_o the_o regulation_n and_o influence_n of_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o wilful_a and_o indiscreet_a may_v be_v hold_v in_o their_o due_a limit_n we_o will_v not_o have_v thing_n leave_v at_o random_n but_o under_o state_v rule_n we_o seek_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v upon_o lawless_a term_n but_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o trial_n not_o only_o upon_o accusation_n of_o lewd_a scandal_n or_o insufficiency_n or_o negligence_n in_o our_o call_n but_o of_o vent_v any_o error_n contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n or_o of_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o peace_n and_o order_n but_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o to_o urge_v this_o concession_n for_o the_o rigorous_a impose_v of_o doubtful_a and_o needless_a thing_n which_o tend_v to_o trouble_v and_o not_o to_o settle_v the_o church_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n to_o lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n than_o thing_n necessary_a and_o here_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o impertinency_n who_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o confute_v all_o our_o plea_n for_o moderation_n by_o publish_v quotation_n out_o of_o our_o writer_n which_o be_v write_v against_o a_o intolerable_a toleration_n to_o wit_n of_o heresy_n blasphemy_n and_o open_a impiety_n and_o not_o the_o indulgence_n which_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o if_o they_o can_v see_v no_o medium_n between_o tolerate_v all_o thing_n and_o tolerate_v nothing_o other_o can_v beside_o it_o be_v a_o accommodation_n and_o union_n that_o we_o have_v seek_v by_o a_o sufficient_a comprehensiveness_n in_o the_o public_a constitution_n and_o then_o there_o withal_o a_o indulgence_n towards_o remain_a dissenter_n but_o such_o as_o for_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o that_o be_v intolerable_a we_o have_v a_o true_a regard_n to_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v more_o streigthen_v in_o their_o judgement_n than_o we_o be_v and_o will_v not_o have_v they_o the_o worse_a for_o our_o liberty_n if_o we_o can_v obtain_v it_o 30._o though_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o latitude_n of_o judgement_n with_o conformist_n in_o some_o point_n yet_o we_o have_v the_o same_o catholic_n spirit_n to_o promote_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o protestant_n reformation_n and_o to_o dread_v the_o weaken_n or_o shatter_v of_o it_o by_o needless_a schism_n we_o mind_v the_o way_n of_o unity_n and_o consistence_n and_o retain_v heal_a principle_n we_o hold_v it_o not_o our_o duty_n to_o publish_v all_o truth_n when_o the_o unseasonableness_n thereof_o may_v cause_v disturbance_n nor_o to_o defend_v lesser_a truth_n with_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o great_a we_o will_v not_o widen_v breach_n nor_o make_v other_o man_n opinion_n