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sense_n catholic_n church_n communion_n 2,595 5 9.8911 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33791 A Collection of cases and other discourses lately written to recover dissenters to the communion of the Church of England by some divines of the city of London ; in two volumes ; to each volume is prefix'd a catalogue of all the cases and discourses contained in this collection. 1685 (1685) Wing C5114; ESTC R12519 932,104 1,468

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and_o of_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o then_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v as_o fix_v as_o our_o relation_n and_o membership_n be_v and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n who_o understand_v himself_o will_v talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a member_n if_o no_o man_n can_v perform_v any_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n since_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o a_o member_n be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o he_o who_o be_v no_o member_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v than_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n as_o of_o occasional_a membership_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o occasional_a communion_n with_o a_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n may_v exercise_v act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n if_o all_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n which_o respect_v christian_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n tho_o perform_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o act_n mere_o of_o a_o particular_a church-communion_n but_o of_o catholic_n communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o than_o every_o true_a catholic_n christian_n be_v not_o only_o in_o a_o fix_a state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o live_v in_o as_o constant_a a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n with_o all_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n as_o he_o do_v with_o that_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v for_o every_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o it_o be_v perform_v if_o that_o church_n be_v in_o catholic_n communion_n be_v a_o 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constant_a abide_v and_o habitation_n in_o it_o when_o ever_o i_o travel_v into_o any_o other_o church_n i_o communicate_v with_o they_o as_o a_o member_n so_o that_o wherever_o i_o communicate_v whether_o in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o usual_o live_v or_o in_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n where_o i_o be_o accidental_o present_a my_o communion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o be_v i_o communicate_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o shall_v communicate_v otherwise_o for_o i_o have_v no_o right_n to_o communion_n but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o nothing_o i_o can_v do_v can_v be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n if_o i_o be_v not_o and_o do_v not_o own_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o mistake_v about_o fix_v and_o occasional_a communion_n that_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o great_a and_o wise_a reason_n and_o indeed_o according_a to_o 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of_o traveller_n with_o some_o other_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v also_o member_n and_o so_o still_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n and_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n but_o those_o of_o which_o we_o own_v ourselves_o member_n as_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o communion_n as_o be_v either_o sincere_a member_n of_o the_o national_a or_o catholic_n church_n from_o hence_o our_o dissenter_n conclude_v that_o their_o communion_n with_o a_o independent_a or_o presbyterian_a church_n of_o which_o they_o profess_v themselves_o fix_v member_n be_v as_o constant_a with_o their_o occasional_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o to_o serve_v some_o present_a turn_n they_o hear_v the_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o we_o as_o our_o fix_a communion_n with_o our_o parish-church_n be_v with_o our_o occasional_a communion_n with_o other_o parish-church_n which_o no_o body_n account_v schism_n though_o when_o it_o be_v too_o frequent_a and_o causeless_a it_o be_v a_o great_a disorder_n but_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v vast_o great_a for_o in_o the_o first_o case_n we_o only_o communicate_v with_o such_o church_n which_o be_v all_o in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o be_v a_o member_n of_o they_o all_o and_o communicate_v with_o they_o wherever_o he_o be_v as_o a_o member_n but_o he_o who_o be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a church_n can_v communicate_v so_o much_o as_o occasional_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o member_n because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n not_o only_o of_o another_o particular_a but_o of_o a_o separate_a church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n who_o be_v one_o with_o himself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o worship_n we_o join_v in_o with_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n they_o be_v not_o
proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o premise_v the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o church_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a or_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v make_v it_o very_o easy_a to_o resolve_v those_o case_n which_o immediate_o respect_v church-communion_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o these_o three_o 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n 2._o whether_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n case_n 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n case_n 1_o or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n now_o methinks_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o christian_n be_v baptise_a into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o he_o renounce_v his_o membership_n by_o schism_n or_o infidelity_n or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n baptism_n incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o be_v frequent_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 12._o eph._n 5._o 23._o 4._o 12._o 4._o 4._o one_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v animate_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o one_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o this_o one_o body_n for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o 18._o col._n 1._o 18._o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a 13._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13._o into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n for_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o now_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o church_n communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o church-membership_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v 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all_o doubt_n that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o a_o church-member_n i_o shall_v offer_v these_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o membership_n be_v bind_v to_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o all_o body_n and_o society_n of_o man_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o member_n of_o it_o a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v a_o community_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o community_n in_o which_o every_o member_n may_v act_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o communication_n with_o 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and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o we_o can_v celebrate_v this_o feast_n but_o in_o church-communion_n for_o this_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n which_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v administer_v by_o consecrate_a person_n and_o in_o church-communion_n for_o it_o lose_v its_o nature_n and_o signification_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o private_a mass_n so_o that_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o true_a christian_a worship_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o we_o may_v observe_v further_o that_o church_n authority_n be_v exercise_v only_o about_o church-communion_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o all_o christian_n who_o
out_o of_o england_n without_o interrupt_v our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o communion_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o though_o they_o may_v observe_v different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o other_o untoward_a consequence_n that_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n then_o constant_a communion_n be_v not_o always_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a i_o suppose_v because_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o constant_a actual_a or_o presential_a communion_n with_o the_o french_a church_n though_o we_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o it_o but_o certain_o sir_n have_v you_o ever_o consider_v what_o i_o discourse_v about_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n you_o will_v not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o for_o this_o be_v a_o modern_a distinction_n which_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o the_o bottom_n as_o i_o plain_o show_v but_o however_o by_o constant_a communion_n our_o dissenter_n understand_v the_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n always_o or_o ordinary_o in_o the_o same_o church_n and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n sometime_o or_o as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o another_o church_n now_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o notion_n of_o constant_a or_o occasional_a communion_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a or_o the_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n must_v that_o question_n be_v understand_v whether_o constant_a communion_n he_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a the_o meaning_n of_o which_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o when_o other_o reason_n and_o circumstance_n determine_v my_o personal_a communion_n ordinary_o to_o one_o church_n it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n to_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o that_o church_n if_o i_o can_v lawful_o communicate_v sometime_o with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v non-communion_n with_o any_o church_n with_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v for_o other_o reason_n ordinary_o to_o communicate_v but_o only_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o such_o a_o pretence_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v acknowledge_v lawful_a for_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n make_v occasional_a as_o well_o as_o constant_a act_n of_o communion_n sinful_a i_o hence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o communicate_v constant_o or_o ordinary_o with_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o live_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o or_o sometime_o with_o it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o understand_v this_o question_n as_o you_o now_o do_v not_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o for_o other_o reason_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o but_o of_o any_o church_n with_o which_o i_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v as_o occasion_n serve_v it_o make_v it_o a_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a proposition_n to_o say_v that_o constant_a communion_n by_o that_o meaning_n presential_a and_o personal_a communion_n be_v always_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a for_o at_o this_o rate_n if_o occasional_a communion_n with_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n geneva_n holland_n germany_n be_v lawful_a it_o become_v a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o i_o to_o communicate_v always_o personal_o and_o presentional_o with_o all_o these_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v who_o can_v be_v present_a but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o a_o time_n but_o yet_o thus_o far_o the_o proposition_n hold_v universal_o true_a that_o whatever_o church_n i_o can_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o without_o sin_n i_o be_o also_o bind_v to_o communicate_v constant_o with_o whenever_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o determine_v my_o communion_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n make_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n ever_o understand_v this_o question_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o this_o you_o think_v can_v be_v my_o meaning_n for_o accorcord_v to_o i_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o another_o provide_v the_o distance_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o he_o may_v communicate_v with_o both_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o sir_n how_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o fasten_v so_o many_o absurd_a proposition_n upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v desire_v of_o you_o for_o the_o future_a if_o you_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o your_o own_o reputation_n yet_o upon_o principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n not_o to_o write_v so_o hasty_o but_o to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o understand_v a_o book_n before_o you_o undertake_v to_o confute_v it_o where_o do_v i_o say_v that_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o of_o another_o i_o assert_v indeed_o that_o no_o baptise_a christian_n be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n consider_v mere_o as_o particular_a but_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o all_o sound_a orthodox_n church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n this_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n without_o which_o he_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o church-communion_n though_o he_o shall_v join_v in_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o christian_a worship_n but_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o not_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o of_o another_o the_o first_o suppose_n that_o every_o christian_a whatever_o particular_a church_n he_o actual_o communicate_v in_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a sound_a church_n the_o second_o suppose_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o christian_n be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o church_n as_o they_o be_v not_o of_o another_o that_o constant_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n confine_v their_o church-membership_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o they_o communicate_v so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o church_n i_o must_v be_v a_o member_n of_o for_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n not_o mere_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o what_o particular_a church_n i_o must_v communicate_v in_o now_o our_o obligation_n to_o communicate_v in_o a_o certain_a particular_a church_n result_v from_o the_o place_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a and_o have_v our_o ordinary_a abode_n and_o residence_n the_o church_n which_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o state_n of_o which_o we_o be_v natural_a subject_n if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a christian_a church_n challenge_n our_o communion_n and_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o same_o place_n there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o competition_n between_o two_o church_n because_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n in_o what_o church_n we_o must_v constant_o communicate_v which_o must_v be_v the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o french_a and_o a_o dutch_a as_o well_o as_o a_o english_a church_n in_o london_n and_o since_o distance_n of_o place_n do_v not_o hinder_v may_v we_o not_o choose_v which_o of_o these_o we_o will_v ordinary_o communicate_v with_o i_o answer_v no_o we_o have_v only_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o england_n the_o french_a church_n be_v in_o france_n and_o the_o dutch_a church_n be_v in_o holland_n though_o there_o be_v a_o french_a and_o dutch_a congregation_n allow_v in_o london_n these_o congregation_n belong_v to_o their_o own_o original_a church_n and_o be_v under_o their_o government_n and_o censure_n but_o there_o be_v no_o church-power_n and_o authority_n in_o england_n but_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a congregation_n our_o obligation_n to_o constant_a communion_n be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o alone_o have_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o england_n to_o require_v our_o communion_n and_o obedience_n one_o particular_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o not_o by_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n which_o be_v schismatical_a but_o by_o distinct_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o church_n within_o who_o jurisdiction_n we_o live_v can_v only_o challenge_v our_o communion_n and_o i_o suppose_v
no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o live_v in_o the_o french_a or_o dutch_a church_n because_o there_o be_v a_o french_a and_o dutch_a church_n allow_v among_o we_o 5._o your_o next_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o true_a christian_a though_o not_o visible_o admit_v into_o church-communion_n where_o he_o want_v the_o mean_n have_v not_o a_o virtual_a baptism_n in_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n according_a to_o 1._o peter_n 2._o 21._o ans_fw-fr what_o this_o concern_v i_o i_o can_v tell_v i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o visible_a member_n you_o put_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o want_n of_o visible_a admission_n by_o baptism_n when_o it_o can_v be_v have_v may_v not_o be_v supply_v with_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n i_o hope_v in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v though_o i_o do_v not_o hope_v this_o from_o what_o st._n peter_n say_v who_o only_o speak_v of_o that_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v make_v at_o baptism_n not_o of_o that_o which_o be_v make_v without_o it_o but_o what_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o determie_n unbaptise_v person_n be_v no_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o not_o capable_a of_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o not_o concern_v at_o all_o in_o this_o dispute_n 6._o query_n why_o a_o profess_a atheist_n who_o have_v be_v baptise_a and_o out_o of_o secular_a interest_n continue_v a_o communicant_a with_o this_o church_n be_v more_o a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n then_o such_o as_o be_v above_o describe_v ans_fw-fr neither_o atheist_n nor_o schismatic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o this_o be_v a_o vile_a insinuation_n against_o the_o governor_n and_o government_n of_o our_o church_n as_o if_o profess_a atheist_n be_v admit_v to_o communion_n though_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o atheist_n yet_o i_o never_o meet_v yet_o with_o one_o who_o will_v profess_v himself_o a_o atheist_n if_o i_o shall_v i_o assure_v you_o i_o will_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o communion_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n who_o have_v any_o kindness_n for_o the_o church_n with_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o hold_v communion_n will_v ask_v such_o a_o question_n 7._o query_n whether_o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o body_n of_o man_n incorporate_v by_o one_o charter_n shall_v upon_o supposition_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o charter_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o of_o the_o officer_n do_v it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o of_o the_o officer_n or_o the_o church_n representative_a as_o i_o remember_v bishop_n sanderson_n call_v the_o clergy_n may_v forfeit_v the_o privilege_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n or_o at_o least_o may_v suspend_v they_o as_o suppose_v a_o protestant_a clergy_n take_v their_o power_n to_o be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n claim_v shall_v deny_v the_o laity_n the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o popish_a do_v in_o venice_n and_o here_o in_o king_n john_n time_n during_o the_o interdict_v quid_fw-la inde_fw-la operatur_fw-la ans_fw-fr just_o as_o much_o as_o this_o query_n do_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o can_v easy_o guess_v i_o assert_v indeed_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o covenant_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v found_v so_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n to_o which_o this_o covenant_n belong_v and_o therefore_o those_o who_o divide_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n forfeit_v etc._n resol_n of_o case_n p._n 8._o etc._n etc._n their_o right_n to_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o illustrate_v by_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o charter_n grant_v to_o a_o particular_a corporation_n which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o interest_n in_o who_o divide_v himself_o from_o that_o corporation_n to_o which_o this_o charter_n be_v grant_v but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o forfeit_v a_o charter_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o officer_n i_o doubt_v sir_n your_o head_n have_v be_v warm_v with_o quo_n warranto_n which_o so_o affect_v your_o fancy_n that_o you_o can_v dream_v of_o nothing_o else_o i_o be_v almost_o afraid_a when_o your_o hand_n be_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o these_o question_n and_o i_o know_v no_o more_o reason_n why_o you_o so_o soon_o leave_v off_o ask_v question_n than_o why_o you_o ask_v any_o at_o all_o for_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o ask_v five_o hundred_o more_o as_o pertinent_a to_o the_o business_n as_o most_o of_o these_o you_o have_v not_o indeed_o do_v yet_o but_o have_v a_o reserve_v of_o particular_a query_n but_o general_a query_n be_v the_o most_o formidable_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o find_v what_o they_o relate_v to_o than_o how_o to_o answer_v they_o you_o have_v three_o set_n of_o query_n relate_v to_o three_o several_a proposition_n beside_o a_o part_a blow_n of_o four_o query_n relate_v to_o my_o text._n the_o first_o proposition_n you_o be_v please_v to_o question_v i_o about_o be_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n governor_n of_o his_o church_n with_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o i_o allege_v to_o prove_v that_o when_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o christian_n but_o a_o regular_a society_n under_o order_n and_o government_n now_o sir_n be_v this_o true_a or_o false_a if_o it_o be_v false_a than_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o govern_a society_n be_v not_o a_o body_n but_o a_o confuse_a heap_n and_o multitude_n of_o independent_a individual_n which_o be_v somewhat_o worse_o than_o independent_a church_n if_o it_o be_v true_a why_o do_v you_o ask_v all_o these_o question_n unless_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o confute_v our_o saviour_n and_o burlesque_fw-la his_o institution_n but_o since_o i_o be_o condemn_v to_o answer_v question_n i_o will_v brief_o consider_v they_o 1._o whether_o our_o saviour_n promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v every_o man_n in_o his_o respective_a station_n and_o capacity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o church-governor_n for_o which_o you_o may_v compare_v st._n john_n with_o st._n matthew_n ans_fw-fr no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v promise_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o promise_n which_o belong_v to_o particular_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n which_o relate_v peculiar_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o authority_n but_o what_o then_o christ_n be_v with_o his_o church_n with_o his_o minister_n with_o particular_a christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n and_o to_o different_a purpose_n and_o yet_o that_o promise_n there_o be_v peculiar_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n include_v their_o successor_n also_o for_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v here_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o apostolical_a ministry_n be_v 2._o therefore_o query_n whether_o it_o signify_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n to_o particular_a church_n provide_v there_o be_v to_o particular_a person_n such_o as_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o man_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n which_o require_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o divine_a covenant_n ans_fw-fr it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o hard_a query_n what_o this_o query_n mean_n or_o how_o it_o concern_v that_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v to_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o this_o query_n relate_v i_o assert_v indeed_o that_o christ_n have_v make_v no_o covenant_n with_o any_o particular_a but_o only_o with_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o include_v particular_n as_o member_n of_o it_o nor_o have_v he_o make_v any_o promise_n to_o particular_a person_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o communion_n with_o it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v upon_o lawful_a term_n whoever_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o necessary_a reason_n though_o he_o may_v in_o other_o thing_n be_v a_o very_a good_a nature_a man_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o true_a christian_a charity_n which_o unite_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n in_o one_o communion_n
disobedience_n but_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o little_a absurd_a to_o say_v that_o those_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o separate_v from_o it_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v just_a what_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n be_v in_o the_o state_n and_o such_o person_n by_o your_o own_o confession_n cease_v to_o be_v sound_a member_n you_o add_v nay_o possible_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v several_a religious_a assembly_n live_v by_o different_a custom_n and_o rule_n and_o yet_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n be_v not_o more_o inconsistent_a than_o that_o particular_a place_n shall_v have_v their_o particular_a custom_n and_o by-law_n differ_v from_o the_o common_a law_n of_o the_o land_n without_o make_v a_o distinct_a government_n ans_fw-fr whatever_o variety_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o worship_n in_o several_a congregation_n be_v consistent_a with_o one_o communion_n may_v be_v grant_v when_o the_o prudence_n of_o governor_n see_v it_o fit_a and_o expedient_a but_o mr._n humphry_n project_n which_o i_o perceive_v you_o be_v nibble_v at_o of_o make_v a_o national_a church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o shall_v declare_v presbyterian_o independent_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o national_a church_n be_v certain_o the_o cunning_a way_n of_o cure_v schism_n that_o ever_o be_v think_v on_o but_o you_o may_v find_v that_o expedient_a for_o union_n at_o large_a consider_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o and_o thus_o sir_n i_o proceed_v to_o your_o three_o letter_n and_o here_o you_o run_v nothing_o but_o dregs_o and_o lees_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o any_o neglect_n of_o you_o if_o i_o do_v not_o answer_v you_o paragraph_v by_o paragraph_n as_o i_o have_v do_v your_o first_o letter_n there_o be_v little_a new_a in_o this_o but_o only_o a_o repetition_n of_o your_o old_a query_n and_o though_o you_o know_v repetition_n be_v very_o convenient_a to_o lengthen_v a_o sermon_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o art_n to_o lengthen_v this_o answer_n which_o be_v too_o long_o already_o your_o first_o charge_n upon_o i_o be_v that_o i_o only_o amuse_v people_n with_o equivocal_a word_n and_o term_n that_o i_o play_v 16._o letter_n 3._o p._n 16._o with_o the_o word_n church_n and_o schism_n which_o have_v be_v no_o fault_n have_v i_o play_v the_o right_a way_n with_o they_o that_o be_v have_v i_o ridicule_v they_o as_o you_o do_v who_o think_v they_o word_n only_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v with_o who_o have_v find_v out_o a_o church_n without_o any_o government_n which_o be_v only_o a_o intrigue_n 12._o p._n 12._o between_o clergyman_n on_o all_o side_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n 17._o p._n 17._o church_n to_o be_v schism_n but_o place_n schism_n whole_o in_o want_n of_o charity_n and_o make_v it_o nothing_o else_o but_o some_o division_n and_o contention_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n who_o still_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o a_o true_a independent_a notion_n to_o justify_v causeless_a separation_n division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v certain_o very_o sinful_a and_o a_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o unnatural_a as_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n shall_v fight_v with_o each_o other_o while_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o same_o body_n but_o to_o divide_v from_o the_o same_o body_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o schism_n unless_o a_o quarrel_n be_v a_o rent_n and_o schism_n but_o separation_n be_v none_o you_o desire_v i_o to_o define_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o church_n when_o consider_v as_o catholic_n and_o universal_a and_o when_o take_v in_o a_o more_o restrain_a sense_n but_o this_o i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v already_o if_o you_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v it_o and_o you_o may_v find_v it_o do_v more_o large_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o but_o will_v not_o any_o man_n who_o have_v ever_o see_v this_o discourse_n which_o you_o undertake_v to_o confute_v wonder_v to_o hear_v you_o ask_v i_o whether_o a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v of_o a_o particular_a 18._o p._n 18._o church_n as_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n when_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o that_o tract_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o christian_n by_o be_v so_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o all_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o it_o in_o which_o he_o live_v in_o the_o next_o place_n you_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o visible_a but_o invisible_a church_n but_o not_o 19_o p._n 19_o to_o examine_v your_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n you_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o church_n not_o that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o member_n also_o of_o the_o invisible_a that_o be_v every_o profess_a christian_a be_v not_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o whoever_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o do_v not_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v not_o that_o we_o know_v of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o man_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o what_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v know_v do_v not_o concern_v we_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o with_o he_o it_o become_v we_o to_o leave_v they_o but_o this_o also_o you_o may_v find_v more_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n you_o urge_v the_o case_n of_o pope_n victor_n who_o as_o you_o say_v in_o a_o council_n or_o full_a representative_a of_o that_o church_n excommunicate_v 21._o p._n 21._o the_o poor_a asian_o upon_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n and_o that_o each_o church_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o own_v each_o other_o member_n for_o their_o own_o what_o shall_v the_o poor_a lay-christians_a do_v in_o this_o divide_a state_n can_v they_o not_o communicate_v with_o both_o or_o either_o without_o danger_n of_o schism_n themselves_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o put_v hard_a case_n almost_o about_o any_o thing_n and_o if_o a_o particular_a hard_a case_n which_o either_o may_v possible_o happen_v or_o have_v sometime_o happen_v be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v a_o stand_n and_o general_a rule_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n for_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n can_v be_v firm_a and_o stable_a in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n man_n dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n against_o the_o apostolical_a power_n and_o ministry_n and_o all_o church-government_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v many_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o many_o otherwise_o very_o good_a man_n from_o the_o power_n and_o prejudice_n of_o education_n or_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o damnable_a heresy_n but_o must_v there_o be_v no_o stand_a law_n or_o rule_n because_o there_o may_v happen_v some_o hard_a and_o difficult_a case_n do_v not_o humane_a power_n make_v provision_n against_o such_o case_n by_o court_n of_o chancery_n or_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o authority_n and_o sacredness_n of_o law_n and_o will_v we_o not_o allow_v god_n himself_o a_o power_n of_o dispense_v with_o law_n in_o hard_a case_n without_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n be_v not_o church-communion_n a_o necessary_a duty_n because_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o sometime_o i_o can_v communicate_v with_o any_o church_n be_v not_o schism_n a_o very_a grievous_a and_o damn_v sin_n because_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o man_n may_v be_v unavoidable_o innocent_o and_o without_o a_o schismatical_a mind_n engage_v in_o a_o schism_n i_o have_v evident_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-unity_n and_o communion_n and_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o if_o you_o can_v answer_v the_o scripture-evidence_n produce_v in_o this_o cause_n i_o will_v careful_o consider_v it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o confutation_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n to_o urge_v hard_a case_n against_o it_o which_o will_v overthrow_v all_o law_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v if_o you_o imagine_v or_o can_v produce_v any_o real_a case_n wherein_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o the_o person_n concern_v to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a
before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o eminent_a nonconformist_n of_o several_a persuasion_n publish_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o suffering_n which_o such_o needless_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o edition_n correct_v by_o the_o author_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxiv_o to_o the_o dissenter_n from_z the_o church_n of_o england_n dear_a brethren_n you_o be_v at_o this_o time_n call_v upon_o by_o authority_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n order_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o such_o as_o refuse_v it_o it_o be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o you_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o expose_v our_o religion_n to_o danger_n and_o yourselves_o to_o suffer_v in_o which_o unless_o the_o cause_n be_v good_a the_o call_v clear_a and_o 3._o mr._n mede_n be_v farewell_o serm._n on_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 3._o the_o end_v right_a it_o can_v bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o or_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n not_o bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o for_o we_o can_v suffer_v joyful_o the_o 4._o mr._n read_v his_o case_n p._n 4._o spoil_n of_o our_o good_n the_o confinement_n of_o our_o person_n the_o ruin_n of_o our_o family_n unless_o conscience_n be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v i_o will_v have_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o sin_n against_o god_n that_o i_o may_v have_v avoid_v those_o suffering_n from_o men._n not_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o who_o all_o be_v accountable_a 92._o continuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exer._n ser._n 4._o p._n 92._o for_o what_o portion_n he_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v not_o to_o throw_v away_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o who_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v without_o sin_n in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o as_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o ibid._n read_v ibid._n in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o yourselves_o to_o assist_v person_n in_o this_o enquiry_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o of_o late_a several_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v undertake_v the_o most_o material_a point_n that_o you_o do_v question_n and_o have_v handle_v they_o with_o that_o candour_n and_o calmness_n which_o become_v their_o profession_n and_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o which_o may_v the_o better_o invite_v those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v they_o but_o because_o truth_n and_o reason_n do_v too_o often_o suffer_v by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la we_o have_v against_o particular_a person_n to_o remove_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v that_o obstruction_n i_o have_v in_o this_o treatise_n show_v that_o these_o author_n be_v not_o alone_o but_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a nonconformist_n for_o they_o who_o do_v general_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o the_o parochial_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o many_o of_o these_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v and_o for_o one_o hundred_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v produce_v two_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o go_v by_o the_o poll_n so_o that_o if_o reason_n or_o authority_n will_v prevail_v i_o hope_v that_o yet_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o recovery_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despair_v of_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o your_o own_o and_o the_o church_n sake_n amen_n the_o content_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o ministerial_a and_o lay-communion_n pag._n 1_o the_o dissenter_n grant_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n p._n 4_o that_o they_o be_v not_o total_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o p._n 12_o that_o they_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o as_o far_o as_o lawful_o they_o can_v p._n 16_o that_o defect_n in_o worship_n if_o not_o essential_a be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n p._n 23_o that_o the_o expectation_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o withhold_v communion_n p._n 39_o the_o badness_n of_o minister_n will_v not_o justify_v separation_n p._n 48_o the_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o discipline_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v p._n 59_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v of_o the_o several_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o its_o lay-member_n be_v concern_v in_o p._n 64_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a and_o do_v not_o stint_v the_o spirit_n ibid._n that_o public_a prescribe_a form_n may_v lawful_o be_v join_v with_o p._n 66_o that_o the_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n be_v for_o its_o matter_n sound_n and_o good_a and_o for_o its_o form_n tolerable_a if_o not_o useful_a p._n 69_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o idolatrous_a nor_o unlawful_a and_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o ordinance_n p._n 71_o 72_o that_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n and_o gospel_n be_v lawful_a p._n 73_o the_o conclusion_n ibid._n the_o non-conformists'_a plea_n for_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o christian_a world_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o rank_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n minister_n and_o people_n the_o clergy_n beside_o the_o thing_n essential_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o all_o well-ordered_a church_n in_o the_o world_n strict_o oblige_v by_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n or_o both_o to_o own_o and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v thus_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o do_v subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n more_o especial_o contain_v in_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v use_v the_o form_n and_o rite_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o promise_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n in_o its_o order_n the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n which_o do_v much_o depend_v upon_o that_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o laity_n be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n require_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o attend_v upon_o and_o join_v with_o the_o worship_n practise_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o mr._n baxter_n to_o who_o when_o it_o 29._o defence_n of_o the_o cure_n part_v 2._o pag._n 29._o be_v object_v that_o many_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o life_n be_v impose_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n he_o reply_v what_o be_v impose_v on_o you_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o your_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o parish-church_n but_o your_o actual_a communion_n itself_o in_o discourse_v therefore_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o must_v be_v careful_o observe_v lest_o the_o thing_n require_v only_o of_o one_o order_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o all_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o one_o that_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o mischief_n cranford_n a_o book_n license_v by_o mr._n cranford_n spring_v from_o man_n confound_v the_o term_n of_o ministerial_a conformity_n with_o those_o of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n there_o be_v much_o more_o require_v of_o the_o minister_n than_o of_o the_o people_n private_a person_n have_v much_o less_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o in_o absent_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n than_o the_o pastor_n have_v for_o not_o take_v oath_n etc._n etc._n certain_o if_o this_o difference_n be_v but_o observe_v and_o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n true_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v far_o more_o
we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o not_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o case_n either_o first_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o a_o sin_n or_o second_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o induce_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o comply_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v give_v offence_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n than_o i_o here_o profess_v i_o will_v myself_o immediate_o turn_v their_o proselyte_n and_o renounce_v conformity_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o for_o ever_o 1._o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v essential_o evil_a none_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o charge_v her_o doctrine_n with_o falsehood_n or_o her_o discipline_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a and_o when_o any_o shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v find_v enough_o to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n have_v dare_v to_o charge_v we_o no_o further_o in_o either_o of_o these_o but_o only_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o both_o and_o reject_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o it_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n than_o heretic_n or_o to_o prove_v we_o heretic_n not_o because_o we_o believe_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a but_o rather_o because_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v or_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v christian_a and_o true_a neither_o do_v they_o charge_v our_o liturgy_n and_o service_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_o evil_a no_o nor_o redundant_fw-la but_o only_o deficient_a in_o many_o usage_n and_o rite_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o if_o our_o own_o brethren_n must_v be_v more_o spiteful_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o our_o worst_a adversary_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o even_o they_o become_v not_o their_o accuser_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o yet_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o have_v not_o adventure_v to_o do_v this_o and_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a enough_o when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o themselves_o free_v we_o from_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o our_o conformity_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v offence_n i._n e._n do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v formal_o a_o sin_n ourselves_o and_o thereby_o induce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o evil_n by_o join_v with_o we_o 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o see_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o conformity_n be_v direct_o introductive_a of_o or_o a_o temptation_n unto_o and_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o duty_n i_o thank_v god_n yet_o leave_v in_o i_o as_o to_o dare_v to_o justify_v she_o from_o this_o imputation_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o intend_v no_o sin_n in_o what_o she_o do_v nor_o know_v of_o any_o evil_n that_o her_o communion_n will_v betray_v any_o man_n into_o all_o that_o she_o design_n in_o her_o doctrine_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o symbol_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o she_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o the_o one_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o innovate_a and_o corrupt_v that_o faith_n or_o debauch_v it_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a religion_n and_o thereby_o conciliate_v that_o grace_n that_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n require_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v in_o one_o thing_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n our_o brethren_n to_o have_v it_o grant_v as_o it_o will_v be_v any_o disparagement_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o in_o and_o guilt_n that_o all_o those_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o that_o rail_v and_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o separate_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o studious_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o downright_a schism_n against_o it_o but_o certain_o all_o man_n will_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o offence_n only_o take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o church_n than_o murder_n and_o adultery_n theft_n and_o robbery_n ought_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v sin_n be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o unjust_a separation_n from_o it_o but_o so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o will_v be_v no_o transgression_n and_o adulterer_n may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o law_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o one_o case_n as_o schismatic_n can_v accuse_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v both_o in_o this_o case_n equal_o culpable_a i._n e._n indeed_o not_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o period_n if_o piety_n and_o become_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n if_o gravity_n decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o engage_v man_n to_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sin_n or_o evil_n to_o be_v eschew_v and_o dread_v by_o man_n then_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v possible_o give_v offence_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v of_o it_o but_o if_o not_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v or_o fear_v any_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o it_o by_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v free_a from_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o first_o sense_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n 2._o i_o proceed_v therefore_o now_o to_o inquire_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o sufficient_o from_o it_o in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n also_o and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v best_a and_o most_o plain_o be_v determine_v by_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v think_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o reasonable_a discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o mean_v still_o cause_n of_o these_o give_v to_o he_o by_o another_o now_o these_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reduce_v pretty_a safe_o to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o some_o dishonour_n offer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n 2._o the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o man_n 3._o the_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a and_o difficult_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v these_o be_v great_a and_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n it_o can_v but_o great_o afflict_v a_o good_a man_n to_o behold_v his_o god_n who_o he_o adore_v and_o honour_n and_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n affront_v and_o dishonour_v his_o law_n violate_v his_o authority_n contemn_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o dare_v and_o foolish_a man_n river_n of_o water_n say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n psal_n 119._o 136._o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o like_a sorrow_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o see_v other_o man_n for_o who_o he_o have_v a_o great_a and_o concern_v charity_n and_o who_o he_o love_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n
allowable_a but_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v further_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o this_o point_n he_o may_v have_v it_o abundant_o in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v he_o it_o be_v more_o my_o business_n to_o show_v here_o that_o infant-baptism_n be_v at_o least_o a_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a thing_n to_o prove_v this_o i_o need_v but_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o two_o first_o question_n for_o if_o infant_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o it_o neither_o direct_o nor_o consequential_o otherwise_o if_o baptism_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o as_o great_a latitude_n in_o its_o self_n as_o circumcision_n its_o forerunner_n be_v and_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o one_o age_n more_o than_o one_o sex_n once_o more_o if_o child_n may_v be_v take_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o under_o the_o law_n and_o christ_n never_o say_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v interpret_v to_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v take_v in_o in_o a_o word_n if_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o baptism_n now_o that_o they_o be_v of_o circumcision_n then_o and_o of_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n consign_v unto_o they_o and_o christ_n neither_o by_o himself_o nor_o by_o his_o apostle_n do_v forbid_v the_o church_n to_o satisfy_v and_o fulfil_v this_o their_o capacity_n or_o last_o of_o all_o if_o christ_n have_v only_o appoint_v baptism_n instead_o of_o circumcision_n but_o say_v nothing_o to_o determine_v the_o subject_a of_o it_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o infant-baptism_n must_v at_o least_o be_v lawful_a and_o allowable_a because_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a and_o not_o a_o forbid_a or_o sinful_a thing_n but_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a and_o indifferent_a by_o christ_n it_o may_v like_v other_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v lawful_o appoint_v by_o any_o church_n from_o which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v upon_o that_o account_n for_o in_o this_o case_n church_n may_v safe_o differ_v in_o their_o practice_n about_o infant-baptism_n as_o they_o do_v now_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptism_n and_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o church_n which_o do_v practise_v it_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o for_o appoint_v of_o it_o than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o another_o church_n which_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o aught_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o for_o not_o appoint_v thereof_o thus_o much_o i_o have_v say_v i_o hope_v with_o sufficient_a moderation_n upon_o supposition_n that_o all_o i_o have_v write_v upon_o former_a question_n do_v but_o satisfactory_o prove_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v only_o lawful_a and_o not_o high_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a but_o than_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a so_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v appoint_v than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o sinful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a now_o as_o to_o the_o requisite_a necessity_n of_o infant-baptism_n suppose_v that_o my_o reader_n bear_v in_o memory_n that_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o last_o question_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v with_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o credibility_n that_o christ_n institute_v baptism_n for_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o companion_n practise_v infant-baptism_n i_o must_v here_o entreat_v he_o further_a to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a necessity_n in_o matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n one_o which_o proceed_v from_o plain_n dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n or_o from_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o sense_n be_v so_o obvious_a and_o clear_a that_o no_o sober_a man_n can_v mistake_v it_o or_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o another_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o general_a scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o from_o doubtful_a place_n in_o it_o so_o or_o so_o understand_v and_o interpret_v by_o the_o unanimous_a voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n the_o first_o degree_n of_o necessity_n be_v found_v on_o oftensive_a certainty_n and_o demonstration_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o objection_n and_o the_o second_o be_v found_v upon_o violent_a presumption_n where_o the_o objection_n on_o one_o hand_n be_v insufficient_a to_o move_v or_o at_o least_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n if_o put_v in_o the_o scale_n against_o the_o other_o which_o be_v weigh_v down_o mole_n universatis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o because_o this_o rule_n like_o other_o be_v not_o so_o intelligible_a without_o a_o example_n i_o will_v add_v some_o instance_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o every_o good_a christian_n under_o both_o these_o notion_n of_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v be_v better_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o equal_a unto_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a and_o coequal_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v all_o but_o one_o god_n because_o these_o doctrine_n though_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v collect_v from_o several_a place_n of_o it_o which_o be_v always_o so_o interpret_v by_o that_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n again_o according_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o speak_v or_o write_v because_o natural_a reason_n teach_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o according_a to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o other_o how_o divine_a and_o orthodox_n and_o ancient_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v because_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o such_o by_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n by_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christian_n to_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n because_o reason_n and_o scripture_n plain_o 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church-communion_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n they_o have_v no_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o a_o church_n or_o no_o notion_n of_o one_o church_n or_o know_v not_o wherein_o the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n consist_v and_o these_o man_n think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o they_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n at_o all_o or_o that_o they_o secure_v themselves_o from_o schism_n by_o communicate_v sometime_o with_o one_o church_n and_o sometime_o with_o another_o that_o they_o may_v choose_v their_o church_n according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o change_v again_o when_o ever_o their_o humour_n alter_v but_o i_o hope_v who_o ever_o consider_v careful_o what_o i_o have_v now_o write_v and_o attend_v to_o those_o passionate_a exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o brotherly_a love_n which_o can_v be_v preserve_v but_o in_o one_o communion_n which_o be_v 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nor_o suspend_v communion_n with_o the_o asian_a church_n unless_o they_o will_v justify_v this_o schismatical_a excommunication_n the_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o particular_a bishop_n be_v confine_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o roman_a christian_n at_o rome_n can_v receive_v the_o excommunicate_v asian_o to_o their_o communion_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o bishop_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v in_o asia_n where_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o authority_n over_o they_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n during_o their_o abode_n among_o they_o if_o the_o asian_o will_v receive_v they_o without_o commendatory_a letter_n from_o their_o bishop_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o thus_o sir_n i_o have_v consider_v the_o case_n you_o put_v about_o pope_n victor_n excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o real_a but_o a_o feign_a case_n for_o there_o be_v no_o actual_a schism_n upon_o it_o as_o i_o perceive_v some_o body_n have_v tell_v you_o there_o be_v and_o yet_o suppose_v it_o have_v be_v so_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o the_o roman_a and_o asian_a church_n may_v have_v maintain_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o case_n of_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o so_o desperate_a as_o you_o represent_v it_o your_o follow_a exception_n concern_v national_a communion_n and_o national_a church_n and_o the_o possibility_n 22._o letter_n 3._o p._n 22._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v several_a sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o same_o place_n have_v be_v sufficient_o consider_v already_o and_o you_o twit_v i_o so_o often_o with_o my_o repetition_n that_o though_o i_o find_v you_o want_v very_o frequent_a repetition_n to_o make_v you_o 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13_o 14._o to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n that_o a_o member_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n not_o mere_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o i_o do_v as_o plain_o assert_v that_o every_o true_a catholic_n christian_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o as_o such_o be_v a_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n that_o no_o man_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n whatever_o act_v of_o communion_n he_o may_v perform_v in_o it_o who_o do_v not_o communicate_v with_o it_o as_o a_o member_n and_o that_o therefore_o to_o talk_v of_o occasional_a communion_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a membership_n these_o be_v the_o very_a principle_n on_o which_o i_o dispute_v against_o those_o absurd_a distinction_n of_o 30._o p._n 30._o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n which_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v absurd_a and_o a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o therefore_o you_o be_v concern_v to_o answer_v this_o absurdity_n not_o i_o i_o have_v charge_v this_o absurdity_n upon_o our_o occasional_a communicant_n and_o let_v any_o man_n take_v it_o off_o that_o can_v but_o be_v you_o not_o sir_n admirable_o qualify_v to_o answer_v book_n without_o so_o much_o as_o understand_v the_o general_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o book_n you_o answer_v without_o know_v what_o make_v for_o you_o or_o against_o you_o as_o for_o your_o next_o question_n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o we_o must_v perform_v the_o constant_a act_n of_o communion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o we_o constant_o live_v you_o ought_v instead_o of_o ask_v this_o question_n to_o have_v show_v that_o what_o proof_n i_o have_v allege_v for_o this_o be_v not_o conclusive_a or_o do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v the_o thing_n but_o your_o question_n insinuate_v that_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o you_o do_v not_o know_v that_o i_o have_v though_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o that_o discourse_n and_o then_o i_o be_o a_o very_a careless_a writer_n or_o you_o a_o very_a careless_a reader_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n no_o man_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o external_n visible_a act_n of_o communion_n when_o he_o may_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n be_v but_o one_o communion_n whoever_o communicate_v with_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a no_o man_n can_v ordinary_o communicate_v in_o a_o church_n in_o which_o he_o do_v not_o ordinary_o live_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v bind_v at_o all_o to_o the_o external_n and_o visible_a act_n of_o communion_n he_o must_v perform_v they_o in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o live_v and_o in_o so_o do_v if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a catholic_n church_n he_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n but_o you_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v so_o much_o as_o sometime_o with_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o ibid._n ibid._n the_o catholic_n church_n because_o you_o live_v where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o this_o you_o prove_v from_o mr._n chillingworth_n authority_n who_o say_v that_o if_o you_o speak_v to_o the_o papist_n require_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o error_n among_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o communion_n our_o obligation_n to_o communion_n with_o you_o cease_v now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o admirable_a proof_n that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n where_o we_o live_v because_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o a_o erroneous_a church_n which_o impose_v the_o belief_n of_o her_o error_n as_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v not_o this_o a_o wonderful_a sound_a church_n and_o be_v not_o you_o a_o very_a subtle_a arguer_n you_o produce_v another_o passage_n of_o mr._n chillingworth_n by_o which_o i_o can_v tell_v what_o you_o intend_v to_o prove_v unless_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o external_n or_o visible_a church-society_n so_o man_n do_v but_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o your_o forego_n paragraph_n but_o
be_v his_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n most_o earnest_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o have_v use_v all_o those_o prudent_a mean_n that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v viz._n that_o he_o can_v join_v in_o our_o worship_n without_o sin_n what_o will_v we_o say_v to_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o will_v we_o still_o say_v that_o this_o man_n must_v either_o conform_v though_o against_o his_o conscience_n or_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a before_o god_n this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o or_o of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n viz._n that_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o our_o communion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v i_o do_v very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o there_o will_v present_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o those_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v schism_n and_o division_n which_o do_v now_o give_v so_o much_o scandal_n to_o all_o good_a man_n and_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o this_o poor_a church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v so_o long_o labour_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o furious_a attacques_n that_o have_v be_v make_v upon_o she_o by_o enemy_n without_o and_o enemy_n within_o her_o own_o bowel_n will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v perfect_o set_v free_a from_o all_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n at_o the_o least_o from_o the_o one_o sort_n of_o her_o adversary_n if_o all_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n will_v most_o serious_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o in_o thing_n where_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v will_v religious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n for_o direction_n and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o prudent_a mean_n for_o satisfaction_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o face_n of_o thing_n will_v present_o be_v change_v among_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v near_o no_o more_o of_o any_o division_n or_o schism_n in_o our_o nation_n that_o be_v either_o dangerous_a to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o man_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o but_o alas_o we_o fear_v we_o have_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n even_o those_o of_o they_o that_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n have_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v their_o mind_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n in_o those_o point_n which_o they_o stick_v at_o if_o they_o have_v one_o will_v think_v that_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n they_o shall_v before_o they_o pronounce_v conformity_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v able_a to_o produce_v some_o one_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o prove_v it_o so_o either_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v they_o do_v indeed_o produce_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v do_v make_v for_o they_o but_o real_o they_o be_v such_o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o supine_o take_v up_o their_o meaning_n upon_o trust_n but_o will_v have_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o careful_o examine_v they_o and_o use_v such_o help_n as_o they_o have_v every_o where_o at_o hand_n for_o the_o understanding_n they_o it_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o have_v expound_v those_o text_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o will_v infer_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o further_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o condemn_v our_o communion_n as_o unlawful_a have_v ever_o anxious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o consider_v the_o point_n or_o gain_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o because_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o consult_v their_o own_o teacher_n in_o this_o affair_n and_o much_o less_o those_o of_o our_o way_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v have_v be_v dispose_v to_o think_v better_o of_o our_o communion_n than_o they_o do_v for_o not_o to_o mention_v what_o the_o churchman_n do_v teach_v &_o press_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a thus_o far_o to_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o our_o communion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o but_o what_o a_o lay-person_n may_v honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n incovenient_a and_o which_o they_o wish_v be_v amend_v nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o afford_v we_o their_o company_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n but_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n because_o it_o be_v a_o invidious_a one_o all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v that_o we_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o too_o apparent_a by_o many_o evidence_n that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o church_n constitution_n that_o they_o have_v do_v little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o it_o but_o have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o much_o think_n or_o inquire_v and_o have_v once_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n they_o adhere_v to_o it_o without_o scarce_o so_o much_o as_o once_o think_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o man_n that_o may_v with_o reason_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o point_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n give_v we_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v no_o end_n no_o interest_n to_o serve_v by_o his_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o who_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o have_v the_o indifference_n of_o a_o traveller_n to_o who_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o his_o way_n light_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o on_o the_o left_a be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o concern_v himself_o as_o little_a as_o you_o please_v in_o the_o speculative_a dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o yet_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o therefore_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n or_o trouble_n that_o may_v give_v he_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o that_o give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a heat_n and_o division_n and_o different_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o modest_a and_o humble_a and_o docible_a that_o believe_v he_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o that_o his_o private_a friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v too_o and_o have_v such_o a_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o to_o admit_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o may_v see_v far_o into_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o religion_n than_o he_o do_v and_o that_o therefore_o every_o tenent_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v inbibe_v in_o his_o education_n that_o be_v infuse_v by_o private_a man_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n or_o that_o be_v espouse_v upon_o a_o very_a few_o thought_n and_o little_a consideration_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o stiff_o maintain_v as_o to_o control_v or_o to_o be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a establishment_n of_o authority_n last_o give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o where_o the_o public_a law_n do_v run_v counter_a to_o his_o private_a sentiment_n and_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o reconcile_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o present_o upon_o this_o set_v up_o a_o flag_n of_o defiance_n to_o authority_n but_o rather_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o the_o indifference_n and_o honesty_n he_o can_v to_o get_v a_o true_a information_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o pray_v to_o god_n continual_o for_o his_o assistance_n he_o call_v in_o the_o best_a help_n and_o consult_v the_o best_a guide_n he_o can_v his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o what_o both_o side_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o and_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o read_v a_o book_n which_o be_v write_v against_o his_o opinion_n as_o one_o that_o defend_v
galatia_n yet_o no_o one_o member_n of_o they_o be_v ever_o command_v to_o come_v out_o or_o separate_v from_o those_o church_n to_o join_v in_o a_o pure_a congregation_n or_o to_o avoid_v mix_v communion_n or_o for_o better_a edification_n for_o man_n to_o be_v drink_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v certain_o a_o worse_a fault_n than_o to_o kneel_v at_o it_o or_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o advise_v any_o to_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n but_o only_o every_o one_o to_o examine_v himself_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v without_o sin_n submit_v to_o a_o hundred_o thing_n which_o be_v against_o our_o mind_n or_o we_o have_v rather_o let_v alone_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n so_o desirable_a in_o itself_o so_o necessary_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n for_o our_o common_a interest_n and_o safety_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o what_o i_o may_v without_o vanity_n call_v the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o can_v stand_v now_o to_o tell_v you_o how_o earnest_o this_o duty_n of_o maintain_v unity_n among_o christian_n be_v press_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o concern_v our_o bless_a master_n be_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v agree_v together_o and_o live_v as_o brethren_n how_o severe_o the_o holy_a apostle_n chide_v and_o rebuke_v those_o that_o cause_v division_n and_o strife_n among_o christian_n reckon_v schism_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n it_o shall_v make_v both_o the_o ear_n one_o will_v think_v of_o some_o among_o we_o to_o tingle_v but_o to_o hear_v what_o sense_n the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o separate_n from_o and_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_n nay_o what_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n here_o in_o england_n have_v say_v of_o it_o yet_o remain_v in_o print_n charge_v the_o people_n to_o be_v as_o tender_v of_o church-division_n as_o they_o be_v of_o drunkenness_n whoredom_n or_o any_o other_o enormous_a crime_n and_o do_v man_n know_v and_o consider_v the_o evil_n of_o schism_n they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n to_o split_v upon_o that_o rock_n let_v we_o therefore_o divert_v our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n upon_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v far_o more_o certain_a that_o causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n or_o pray_v by_o a_o book_n be_v such_o why_o then_o have_v man_n such_o invincible_a scruple_n about_o one_o and_o none_o at_o all_o about_o the_o other_o they_o run_v headlong_o into_o the_o separate_a assembly_n which_o sure_o be_v more_o like_a to_o schismatical_a conventicle_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n be_v to_o idolatry_n let_v man_n be_v as_o scrupulous_a and_o fearful_a of_o offend_v against_o the_o christian_a law_n of_o subjection_n peaceableness_n and_o charity_n as_o they_o be_v of_o worship_v god_n after_o a_o impure_a manner_n and_o this_o alone_a will_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o make_v up_o those_o breach_n which_o threaten_v sudden_a ruin_n to_o our_o church_n and_o nation_n i_o only_o add_v here_o that_o in_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v use_v any_o argument_n or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o many_o of_o those_o very_a minister_n who_o now_o dissent_n from_o we_o do_v teach_v and_o maintain_v and_o print_v too_o against_o the_o independent_o and_o other_o sectary_n that_o divide_v from_o they_o when_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o parish-church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a doctrine_n against_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o corruption_n for_o pure_a ordinance_n in_o those_o day_n i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o be_v not_o as_o good_a against_o themselves_o when_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o pretence_n and_o no_o other_o they_o divide_v from_o we_o now_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o then_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o we_o finis_fw-la some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n london_n print_v by_o h._n hill_n jun._n for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o f._n gardiner_n and_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v concern_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v to_o mention_v any_o one_o thing_n require_v of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n judge_v by_o they_o absolute_o sinful_a on_o the_o account_n of_o which_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v necessary_a and_o consequent_o justifiable_a they_o either_o put_v we_o off_o with_o some_o inconvenience_n inexpedience_n or_o corruption_n as_o they_o call_v they_o some_o thing_n appoint_v and_o use_v which_o in_o their_o opinion_n render_v our_o service_n less_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o chief_a of_o which_o exception_n have_v be_v consider_v in_o several_a discourse_n late_o write_v with_o great_a temper_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n or_o else_o some_o of_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v they_o do_v not_o see_v but_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o and_o devout_o our_o way_n and_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n live_v and_o die_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v long_o join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o at_o least_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v such_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n as_o be_v by_o law_n require_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o heinous_a and_o of_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o st._n matt._n 18._o 6._o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_n of_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom_n 14._o 15._o now_o this_o case_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n i_o have_v undertake_v brief_o to_o consider_v where_o i_o once_o for_o all_o suppose_v as_o all_o those_o must_v do_v who_o make_v this_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o our_o church_n that_o nothing_o be_v among_o we_o impose_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n for_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o itself_o sinful_a require_v by_o our_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n that_o alone_o will_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o discourse_v therefore_o at_o this_o present_a only_a with_o such_o who_o for_o their_o own_o particular_a can_v well_o enough_o join_v with_o we_o but_o dare_v not_o do_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_a those_o who_o yet_o scruple_n and_o be_v dissatisfy_v at_o the_o use_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n nor_o do_v i_o design_v exact_o to_o handle_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o scandal_n or_o elaborate_o explain_v all_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v it_o or_o state_n the_o case_n there_o treat_v of_o nor_o shall_v i_o now_o meddle_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o governor_n and_o superior_n how_o far_o they_o ought_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o those_o under_o their_o care_n and_o charge_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o this_o one_o question_n whether_o there_o do_v lie_v any_o obligation_n upon_o any_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o to_o absent_a from_o his_o parish_n church_n or_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n here_o i_o shall_v first_o of_o all_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o three_o how_o
persuade_v to_o rebuke_n and_o exhort_v and_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o for_o fancy_n peevishness_n and_o humour_n to_o be_v scorn_v and_o discountenance_v and_o have_v their_o ministry_n render_v useless_a and_o the_o sheep_n to_o govern_v the_o shepherd_n but_o what_o if_o our_o pastor_n be_v idle_a or_o remiss_a in_o his_o duty_n or_o corrupt_v in_o his_o faith_n and_o teach_v error_n instead_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o we_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o edification_n what_o must_v we_o do_v must_v we_o take_v in_o poison_n for_o food_n or_o not_o be_v feed_v at_o all_o to_o be_v sure_a you_o must_v not_o run_v into_o schismatical_a separation_n it_o be_v more_o tolerable_a to_o go_v to_o other_o congregation_n of_o our_o communion_n that_o may_v be_v irregular_a but_o it_o be_v not_o schismatical_a but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v a_o government_n which_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o modest_a complaint_n will_v quicken_v the_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a correct_v the_o heretical_a pastor_n and_o restore_v to_o you_o true_a edification_n that_o this_o discourse_n may_v prevail_v upon_o such_o who_o make_v this_o question_n i_o desire_v to_o recommend_v these_o two_o follow_a thing_n which_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o their_o consideration_n 1._o that_o if_o they_o fancy_v any_o defect_n in_o our_o government_n they_o shall_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a edification_n in_o the_o church_n to_o save_v their_o soul_n if_o upon_o a_o nice_a search_n and_o critical_a enquiry_n they_o think_v they_o have_v find_v some_o little_a flaw_n and_o defect_n improper_a phrase_n doubtful_a sense_n and_o some_o small_a omission_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o discipline_n yet_o let_v they_o not_o conclude_v that_o these_o can_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o black_a sin_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o all_o its_o sad_a consequence_n which_o be_v excuse_v by_o nothing_o else_o but_o term_n of_o communion_n plain_o sinful_a have_v not_o divine_a service_n be_v accept_v which_o be_v less_o perfect_a and_o come_v not_o up_o to_o their_o rule_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o hezekiah_n passover_n which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n yet_o the_o good_a king_n 20._o 2_o chron._n 30._o 18_o 19_o 20._o prayer_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n prevail_v with_o god_n to_o heal_v the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o repute_v they_o clean_o and_o well_o prepare_v and_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o devotion_n good_a be_v there_o no_o reverence_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o pious_a author_n of_o our_o service_n and_o reformation_n but_o to_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v divide_v from_o they_o be_v they_o now_o live_v for_o they_o can_v edify_v under_o that_o religion_n and_o government_n for_o which_o they_o die_v be_v there_o or_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v any_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o well_o frame_v and_o build_v but_o some_o curious_a surveyor_n can_v spy_v out_o some_o disproportion_n or_o ill_a shape_n especial_o if_o assist_v by_o ill_a nature_n emulation_n the_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contention_n which_o be_v ever_o quick-sighted_a abroad_o and_o blind_a at_o home_n the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v what_o be_v utmost_a perfection_n and_o absolute_a purity_n of_o administration_n which_o till_o attain_v these_o man_n think_v they_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o any_o church_n shall_v make_v they_o judge_v candid_o interpret_v fair_o and_o comply_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o love_n when_o man_n in_o the_o english_a church_n be_v plain_o teach_v to_o believe_v well_o to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o die_v well_o and_o have_v good_a and_o proper_a office_n to_o serve_v these_o great_a purpose_n in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n what_o can_v they_o desire_v more_o to_o be_v better_o or_o more_o save_v we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v to_o leave_v such_o a_o communion_n upon_o such_o a_o account_n proceed_v from_o peevishness_n uncharitableness_n or_o some_o ill_a principle_n and_o be_v downright_a schism_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n bring_v but_o a_o honest_a sincere_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o it_o will_v find_v improvement_n and_o advantage_n in_o office_n and_o administration_n full_a of_o spot_n and_o blemish_n far_o than_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o find_v in_o the_o english_a church_n but_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v bias_v by_o a_o party_n or_o corrupt_v by_o design_n if_o its_o palate_n be_v vitiate_a the_o best_a food_n be_v coarse_a and_o insipid_a to_o it_o 2._o let_v edification_n be_v place_v in_o the_o substantial_a thing_n of_o religion_n some_o revolt_n from_o our_o church_n for_o thing_n wherein_o the_o pastor_n be_v sole_o concern_v and_o other_o for_o thing_n of_o decency_n and_o indifferency_n but_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o edification_n that_o a_o right_a faith_n and_o a_o honest_a conversation_n be_v not_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n be_v only_o a_o scandal_n cast_v upon_o she_o to_o plead_v for_o their_o unjust_a separation_n for_o after_o she_o have_v plain_o and_o distinct_o teach_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v prove_v before_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o zeal_n she_o command_v and_o press_v justice_n humility_n mercy_n and_o every_o virtue_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n and_o both_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n these_o and_o these_o alone_a do_v true_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o be_v plain_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n our_o church_n ceremony_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o other_o part_n in_o religion_n be_v in_o order_n to_o and_o minister_v unto_o faith_n their_o head_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o the_o near_o these_o approach_n unto_o and_o the_o great_a service_n they_o do_v to_o this_o design_n the_o great_a degree_n they_o have_v in_o religion_n and_o more_o value_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v that_o religion_n which_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v of_o in_o his_o paradise_n and_o innocency_n noah_n and_o his_o posterity_n in_o their_o precept_n and_o pious_a man_n in_o different_a country_n before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thus_o serve_v god_n and_o the_o scope_n and_o aim_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n with_o its_o temple_n and_o utensil_n its_o figure_n and_o ceremony_n be_v to_o discipline_n and_o teach_v man_n thus_o to_o be_v good_a with_o allowance_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o people_n and_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o know_a pagan_n think_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o will_v most_o please_v god_n who_o therefore_o in_o some_o measure_n do_v accept_v it_o and_o reward_v it_o with_o great_a discovery_n as_o be_v plain_a 4._o act_n 8._o 27._o act_n 10._o 4._o in_o cornelius_n the_o queen_n of_o candaces_n treasurer_n and_o other_o who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o messiah_n be_v to_o consist_v not_o in_o meat_n 17._o rom._n 14._o 17._o and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o edify_v in_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a condition_n and_o qualification_n for_o the_o upper_a world_n where_o though_o other_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n shall_v die_v with_o we_o righteousness_n gratitude_n love_n of_o god_n and_o glorify_a being_n and_o such_o like_a virtue_n be_v of_o a_o eternal_a nature_n shall_v be_v ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o shall_v live_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o what_o can_v be_v just_o require_v in_o religion_n to_o improve_v man_n soul_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o this_o be_v it_o to_o recover_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n now_o deface_v righteousness_n and_o goodness_n proceed_v from_o faith_n their_o root_n will_v make_v we_o true_o good_a be_v it_o to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o worthy_a conception_n of_o god_n such_o a_o practical_a religion_n as_o this_o best_o prepare_v for_o great_a knowledge_n and_o in_o scripture-sence_n be_v know_v of_o he_o be_v it_o religion_n 4._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 4._o to_o love_n god_n the_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o resignation_n to_o his_o providence_n otherwise_o it_o be_v flattery_n and_o fondness_n be_v it_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bless_v mankind_n here_o and_o edify_v they_o in_o their_o different_a relation_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o in_o our_o church_n will_v do_v all_o that_o and_o make_v the_o world_n a_o paradise_n once_o more_o this_o will_v give_v we_o the_o best_a character_n to_o judge_v by_o whether_o we_o shall_v be_v
may_v 12._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 5._o 12._o receive_v edify_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v to_o the_o edify_v 12._o eph._n 4._o 12._o of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a wherein_o the_o apostle_n place_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n in_o unity_n and_o love_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o 13._o 13._o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v by_o one_o faith_n into_o one_o body_n and_o perfect_a man._n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o in_o he_o into_o 16._o 15_o 16._o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_v itself_o in_o love_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a description_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o all_o the_o part_n be_v close_o unite_v and_o compact_v together_o as_o stones_z and_o timber_n be_v to_o make_v one_o house_n and_o thus_o they_o grow_v into_o one_o body_n and_o increase_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a building_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v edifyed_a and_o build_v up_o in_o love_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v 1._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o that_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v this_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o such_o a_o common_a charity_n as_o we_o have_v for_o all_o mankind_n but_o such_o a_o love_n and_o sympathy_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o which_o none_o but_o member_n can_v have_v for_o each_o other_o and_o now_o methinks_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o schism_n and_o separation_n be_v not_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o separate_a for_o edification_n be_v to_o pull_v down_o in_o stead_n of_o building_n up_o but_o these_o man_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o their_o own_o particular_a edification_n and_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o edification_n be_v sometime_o apply_v to_o particular_a christian_n in_o scripture_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n exhortation_n comfort_v yourselves_o together_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o 11._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 11._o even_o as_o also_o you_o do_v and_o this_o edify_v one_o another_o without_o question_n signify_v our_o promote_a each_o other_o growth_n and_o progress_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o building_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o christian_a grace_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a christian_n but_o then_o this_o be_v call_v edification_n or_o building_n because_o this_o growth_n and_o improvement_n be_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v they_o one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n thus_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v god_n temple_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v and_o yet_o god_n have_v but_o one_o temple_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o particular_a christian_n be_v god_n temple_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o as_o live_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n be_v edify_v and_o build_v up_o as_o it_o grow_v into_o a_o spiritual_a house_n and_o holy_a temple_n by_o a_o firm_a and_o close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o its_o part_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o edification_n man_n may_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o in_o a_o separation_n the_o apostle_n know_v no_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o internal_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o i_o have_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o 7._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 6_o 7._o increase_n so_o then_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n nor_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o 4._o eph._n 4._o 4._o one_o spirit_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o this_o one_o spirit_n be_v appropriate_v to_o this_o one_o body_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n i●_n animate_v than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o case_n still_o remain_v which_o case_n 3_o will_v be_v resolve_v in_o a_o few_o word_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n now_o lay_v down_o which_o be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n for_o this_o be_v think_v of_o late_a day_n not_o only_o a_o very_a innocent_a and_o lawful_a thing_n but_o the_o true_a catholick-spirit_n and_o catholick-communion_n to_o communicate_v with_o church_n of_o all_o communion_n unless_o perhaps_o they_o may_v except_v the_o papist_n and_o quaker_n it_o be_v think_v a_o schismatical_a principle_n to_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o we_o and_o thus_o some_o who_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o communicate_v in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n with_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a church_n and_o presbyterian_o can_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o with_o independent_o who_o former_o they_o charge_v with_o downright_a schism_n and_o some_o think_v it_o very_o indifferent_a who_o they_o communicate_v with_o and_o therefore_o take_v their_o turn_n in_o all_o but_o this_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o church-communion_n as_o any_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a and_o opposite_a church_n be_v to_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o ourselves_o as_o those_o separate_a church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v two_o church_n divide_v from_o each_o other_o by_o separate_a communion_n there_o be_v a_o schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n and_o whoever_o communicate_v with_o both_o these_o church_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n that_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a church_n have_v make_v a_o actual_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o have_v evident_o prove_v already_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v lawful_a as_o those_o who_o can_v and_o ordinary_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v presume_v to_o acknowledge_v than_o they_o be_v schismatic_n and_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o be_v to_o partake_v in_o their_o schism_n now_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o innocent_a thing_n and_o the_o true_a catholic_n spirit_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v but_o that_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a mistake_n but_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o that_o which_o will_v damn_v we_o as_o soon_o as_o adultery_n and_o murder_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o communicate_v with_o schismatic_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o in_o short_a be_v this_o beside_o these_o man_n who_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o charge_v she_o with_o require_v sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v justify_v their_o separation_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v there_o be_v other_o who_o separate_a light_o and_o wanton_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o