a_o strong_a spirit_n of_o delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n and_o to_o work_v abomination_n have_v their_o excuse_n for_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o error_n and_o to_o justify_v their_o leave_v of_o we_o but_o these_o i_o judge_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o be_v in_o so_o desperate_a a_o case_n that_o without_o a_o miracle_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o snatch_v they_o out_o of_o the_o claw_n of_o that_o command_a spirit_n that_o govern_v they_o this_o advice_n be_v design_v for_o the_o perusal_n of_o a_o more_o moderate_a sort_n and_o of_o more_o reasonable_a soul_n more_o tractable_a and_o sociable_a who_o embrace_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o expect_v the_o same_o salvation_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a work_n these_o also_o have_v their_o plea_n and_o excuse_n to_o hide_v that_o which_o be_v not_o justifiable_a by_o god_n word_n and_o right_a reason_n their_o not_o conform_v with_o we_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o whatever_o be_v their_o pretence_n these_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o our_o unhappiness_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a be_v prejudice_n and_o partiality_n proceed_v from_o education_n a_o long_a custom_n in_o and_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o that_o irregular_a way_n which_o they_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o these_o be_v wont_v strange_o to_o prepossess_v man_n mind_n and_o blind_a their_o judgement_n against_o the_o most_o apparent_a discovery_n of_o truth_n the_o late_a usurpation_n and_o anarchy_n in_o the_o church_n let_v in_o another_o government_n and_o other_o order_n unto_o which_o many_o that_o be_v accustom_v can_v so_o ready_o prevail_v upon_o themselves_o to_o embrace_v what_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v contrary_a chief_o in_o so_o delicate_a a_o business_n as_o religion_n in_o which_o their_o sincerity_n make_v they_o constant_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o mean_a circumstance_n but_o i_o will_v entreat_v you_o my_o brethren_n to_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n by_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n for_o we_o desire_v you_o not_o to_o forsake_v your_o religion_n but_o to_o profess_v the_o same_o according_a to_o that_o most_o excellent_a manner_n that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o religious_a governor_n of_o our_o kingdom_n have_v think_v fit_v to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o search_v into_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o see_v that_o we_o agree_v as_o well_o as_o you_o with_o the_o holy_a record_n of_o god_n word_n we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o sacrament_n the_o same_o god_n and_o saviour_n the_o same_o initiation_n and_o we_o be_v design_v for_o the_o same_o end_n and_o glory_n what_o a_o pity_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v divide_v in_o the_o way_n beside_o all_o the_o occasion_n of_o your_o prejudices_fw-la proceed_v from_o mistake_n and_o misapprehension_n of_o we_o therefore_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o this_o evil_a take_v not_o thing_n too_o much_o upon_o trust_n but_o give_v yourselves_o the_o satisfaction_n to_o examine_v our_o way_n and_o the_o reason_n we_o give_v for_o that_o which_o you_o object_n against_o we_o converse_v with_o we_o in_o our_o devotion_n and_o think_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v defile_v to_o pray_v with_o we_o to_o the_o same_o god_n if_o your_o tender_a conscience_n will_v suffer_v you_o to_o hearken_v to_o reason_n and_o to_o associate_v yourselves_o with_o we_o in_o our_o public_a worship_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o all_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n will_v soon_o vanish_v at_o the_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o sincere_o teach_v among_o we_o you_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v jealous_a of_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v your_o conscience_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n nothing_o but_o humour_n strengthen_v by_o a_o long_a continuance_n and_o if_o your_o conscience_n have_v be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o act_v against_o truth_n good_a manner_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n of_o christian_a religion_n you_o must_v labour_v by_o prayer_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o of_o your_o more_o enlighten_v brethren_n to_o find_v out_o the_o mistake_v of_o your_o deceive_a conscience_n for_o i_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o many_o of_o the_o well_o mean_v people_n among_o you_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o conscience_n and_o fright_v with_o secret_a remorse_n from_o the_o just_a action_n agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v and_o word_n for_o when_o a_o inveterate_a prejudice_n have_v possess_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o blind_v their_o judgement_n it_o harden_v their_o heart_n it_o strengthen_v their_o resolution_n and_o cause_v conscience_n itself_o to_o soothe_v they_o up_o in_o their_o error_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o easy_o reconcile_v to_o the_o most_o apparent_a truth_n a_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a who_o obstinacy_n in_o oppose_a christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v most_o remarkable_a as_o therefore_o this_o plea_n be_v not_o allow_v by_o god_n word_n in_o such_o case_n i_o will_v advise_v every_o good_a christian_a to_o have_v some_o other_o reason_n ready_a for_o his_o action_n than_o bare_a and_o naked_a conscience_n which_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o other_o in_o this_o corrupt_a age._n ii_o other_o of_o the_o simple_a and_o more_o hypocritical_a sort_n be_v keep_v in_o their_o nonconformity_n by_o a_o inclination_n to_o singularity_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v more_o precise_a and_o more_o religious_a than_o their_o other_o neighbour_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o seem_v religious_a to_o man_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o respect_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o purchase_v this_o esteem_n but_o by_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o of_o the_o society_n in_o god_n worship_n of_o the_o common_a people_n this_o folly_n be_v entertain_v by_o too_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o the_o outward_a garb_n than_o to_o the_o inward_a reality_n and_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o defile_v themselves_o with_o other_o man_n sin_n than_o their_o own_o these_o pretend_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o time_n the_o viciousness_n of_o such_o as_o assist_v at_o prayer_n and_o public_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o minister_n weakness_n in_o manner_n and_o ability_n as_o just_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o however_o they_o think_v thereby_o to_o answer_v their_o end_n to_o oblige_v other_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o more_o holy_a and_o angelical_a than_o those_o who_o they_o despise_v while_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o hatred_n malice_n envy_n pride_n vanity_n and_o many_o time_n you_o may_v perceive_v in_o they_o the_o devil_n of_o hypocrisy_n that_o have_v a_o worldly_a interest_n to_o manage_v by_o this_o fond_a conceit_n of_o preciseness_n with_o which_o the_o poor_a soul_n endeavour_v to_o deceive_v itself_o and_o other_o for_o that_o intent_n as_o the_o boast_a pharisee_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o cure_v this_o kind_n of_o lunaticism_n in_o religion_n i_o will_v advise_v the_o distemper_a to_o seek_v but_o into_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o understand_v themselves_o better_a and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v find_v there_o more_o cause_n to_o lament_v at_o their_o own_o corruption_n than_o to_o exclaim_v against_o the_o viciousness_n of_o other_o i_o will_v advise_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v more_o severe_a against_o their_o sinful_a brethren_n than_o god_n and_o to_o consider_v that_o by_o partake_v with_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n in_o holy_a duty_n thou_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o their_o negligence_n profaneness_n and_o other_o crime_n unless_o thou_o follow_v their_o vicious_a example_n that_o thy_o piety_n and_o humility_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o thy_o god_n and_o please_v to_o man_n in_o a_o public_a congregation_n the_o more_o it_o excel_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o assistant_n that_o other_o man_n unworthiness_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o scare_v thou_o from_o perform_v thy_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v animate_v thou_o the_o more_o with_o a_o inclination_n to_o promote_v god_n glory_n and_o keep_v up_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n with_o that_o due_a respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o other_o man_n neglect_v in_o their_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o ridiculous_a persuasion_n to_o fancy_v thyself_o able_a to_o obtain_v the_o esteem_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o a_o scornful_a neglect_n of_o the_o encouragement_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n iii_o another_o cause_n of_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n refuse_v a_o conformity_n with_o we_o in_o our_o
nonconformity_n have_v be_v the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o much_o disturbance_n in_o this_o nation_n of_o tumult_n and_o war_n and_o that_o it_o continue_v to_o dissociate_v our_o mind_n and_o interest_n one_o from_o another_o to_o the_o general_a unquietness_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n be_v that_o which_o none_o can_v well_o deny_v ii_o that_o all_o unnecessary_a and_o avoidable_a action_n and_o proceed_n whereby_o strife_n debate_n envy_n hatred_n malice_n and_o variance_n be_v entertain_v among_o man_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n and_o the_o bless_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o teach_v to_o be_v like_o mind_a one_o towards_o another_o chief_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n rom._n xv_o 5._o to_o consult_v in_o all_o our_o action_n love_n mercy_n and_o charity_n one_o towards_o another_o john_n xiii_o 34._o which_o teach_v we_o to_o suppress_v all_o distaste_v and_o to_o study_v to_o advance_v the_o universal_a unity_n of_o the_o christian_n among_o who_o we_o live_v 1_o john_n three_o 1._o and_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o action_n whereby_o difference_n be_v maintain_v 1_o cor._n xiii_o 4_o 5_o 6._o iii_o that_o we_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o all_o rule_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o against_o god_n glory_n or_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o express_o forbid_v in_o god_n holy_a word_n or_o contrary_a to_o it_o this_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n own_o example_n who_o conform_v to_o the_o harmless_a and_o indifferent_a injunction_n of_o man_n to_o avoid_v all_o singularity_n for_o in_o the_o celebrate_v of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n he_o eat_v it_o not_o stand_v as_o moses_n command_v but_o lie_v down_o upon_o a_o couch_n matth._n xxvi_o 20._o mark_v fourteen_o 18._o he_o cause_v a_o hymn_n to_o be_v sing_v which_o be_v a_o jewish_a ordinance_n christ_n also_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o synagogue-worship_n establish_v among_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o human_a authority_n which_o our_o bless_a and_o peaceable_a saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o disapprove_v that_o he_o express_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o who_o have_v make_v that_o ordinance_n sit_v in_o moses_n seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v matth._n xxiii_o 2_o 3._o and_o in_o many_o other_o particular_n of_o as_o high_a a_o importance_n as_o those_o which_o cause_n you_o my_o nonconforming_a brethren_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o this_o divine_a saviour_n teach_v you_o by_o his_o good_a example_n to_o avoid_v singularity_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n appoint_v in_o the_o place_n where_o you_o live_v and_o not_o for_o such_o matter_n as_o endanger_v not_o in_o themselves_o your_o salvation_n to_o cause_v that_o disturbance_n that_o will_v infallible_o endanger_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o beget_v in_o your_o soul_n those_o passion_n vice_n and_o distemper_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o our_o christian_a religion_n and_o present_a interest_n or_o our_o future_a hope_n of_o salvation_n iv_o that_o all_o disobedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o will_n be_v unlawful_a and_o forbid_a by_o s._n paul_n rom._n xiii_o 1_o 2._o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o high_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n a_o passive_a obedience_n be_v not_o sufficient_a where_o a_o active_a be_v require_v and_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v yield_v and_o though_o you_o do_v not_o actual_o resist_v at_o present_a the_o civil_a magistrate_n all_o nonconformity_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o resistance_n take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o by_o this_o opposition_n you_o render_v not_o yourselves_o liable_a to_o the_o curse_n and_o so_o deserve_v the_o damnation_n that_o be_v so_o severe_o threaten_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n to_o titus_n verse_n the_o first_o he_o desire_v he_o to_o put_v his_o people_n in_o mind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o obey_v magistrate_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o the_o hebrew_n st._n paul_n speak_v more_o pertinent_o to_o our_o purpose_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o and_o st._n peter_n 1_o epist_n chap._n two_o vers_fw-la 13._o call_v upon_o you_o to_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n without_o the_o exception_n or_o distinction_n of_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o that_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v these_o command_n of_o any_o force_n or_o authority_n with_o you_o my_o brethren_n be_v you_o not_o thereby_o require_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o god_n church_n among_o we_o enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v not_o these_o ordinance_n of_o man_n which_o you_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o therefore_o none_o of_o you_o can_v refuse_v a_o obedience_n to_o they_o without_o violate_v god_n law_n and_o break_v the_o sacred_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v instance_n many_o other_o example_n precept_n command_n and_o entreaty_n out_o of_o god_n holy-word_n direct_v to_o you_o to_o wish_v require_v and_o desire_v you_o to_o be_v at_o unity_n and_o conformity_n with_o we_o your_o brethren_n especial_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o set_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n whereby_o you_o be_v hinder_v from_o see_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n what_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o keep_v we_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n be_v it_o your_o conscience_n how_o can_v your_o conscience_n oppose_v god_n word_n and_o will_n be_v it_o conscience_n that_o oblige_v you_o to_o be_v irregular_a in_o your_o practice_n and_o reject_v we_o as_o profane_a and_o idolatrous_a who_o labour_n in_o all_o respect_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o conscience_n in_o a_o word_n that_o teach_v you_o to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o breed_v a_o disturbance_n in_o a_o church_n and_o kingdom_n for_o such_o frivolous_a and_o idle_a matter_n to_o the_o encourage_n of_o our_o enemy_n against_o we_o to_o conspire_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o king_n and_o country_n for_o god_n sake_n as_o well_o as_o for_o your_o own_o sake_n and_o for_o religion_n sake_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o your_o posterity_n deceive_v not_o yourselves_o and_o think_v not_o to_o deceive_v god_n and_o man_n with_o this_o childish_a and_o empty_a excuse_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o your_o obstinate_a nonconformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o reason_n common_o allege_v of_o conscience_n of_o popery_n superstition_n and_o the_o unjustifiableness_n of_o our_o government_n and_o liturgy_n by_o god_n word_n be_v but_o mere_a pretence_n and_o empty_a excuse_n to_o cozen_v the_o weak_a sort_n and_o to_o colour_v these_o follow_a cause_n of_o our_o unreasonable_a nonconformity_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n iu._n the_o true_a cause_n why_o most_o part_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v not_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o god_n inquire_v into_o in_o what_o particular_n our_o difference_n chief_o consist_v and_o their_o grand_a objection_n answer_v it_o be_v the_o usual_a custom_n of_o all_o malcontent_n to_o pretend_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o intend_v another_o and_o to_o veil_v over_o the_o foul_a action_n with_o the_o most_o glorious_a cover_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o grand_a impostor_n who_o appear_v to_o we_o common_o in_o the_o garb_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n thus_o korah_n and_o his_o rebellious_a confederate_n who_o separate_v themselves_o from_o moses_n and_o his_o congregation_n pretend_v the_o people_n holiness_n and_o privilege_n and_o the_o ruler_n tyranny_n for_o their_o divide_v from_o they_o thus_o absalom_n ambition_n be_v veil_v over_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o do_v justice_n more_o careful_o to_o god_n people_n and_o free_v they_o from_o a_o tedious_a attendance_n at_o david_n court._n thus_o jeroboam_n the_o wicked_a son_n of_o nebat_fw-la pretend_v the_o ease_n of_o the_o people_n for_o his_o idolatrous_a worship_n thus_o the_o quaker_n fifth-monarchy_n anabaptist_n and_o many_o of_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o separatist_n who_o soul_n and_o understanding_n god_n have_v give_v over_o to_o
the_o abolish_v ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o profane_a practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolater_n we_o be_v about_o the_o lawful_a decent_a and_o religious_a ceremony_n of_o christian_n their_o controversy_n be_v about_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o scandalous_a as_o eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n partake_v with_o the_o idolater_n in_o a_o heathen_a temple_n or_o observe_v the_o fasti_fw-la and_o nefasti_fw-la day_n of_o good_a or_o ill_a luck_n according_a to_o the_o roman_a persuasion_n but_o our_o dispute_n be_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v harmless_a and_o innocent_a the_o roman_n be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o many_o weak_a in_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o liberty_n other_o man_n allow_v themselves_o we_o in_o england_n methinks_v shall_v be_v well_o ground_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o not_o to_o be_v discourage_v from_o its_o profession_n by_o every_o trifle_n the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n be_v never_o enjoin_v or_o look_v upon_o by_o the_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n as_o sit_v to_o be_v practise_v and_o of_o any_o decency_n in_o god_n worship_n our_o matter_n in_o dispute_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o every_o true_a heart_a english_a soul_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o undeniable_a law_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o by_o man_n law_n and_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n to_o submit_v and_o conform_v do_v you_o think_v in_o conscience_n that_o in_o our_o case_n if_o s._n paul_n do_v live_v among_o we_o that_o he_o will_v bid_v you_o not_o conform_v because_o you_o be_v damn_v if_o you_o conform_v doubt_v he_o that_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n vers_fw-la 16._o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o towards_o another_o mind_v not_o high_a thing_n but_o condescend_v to_o man_n of_o low_a estate_n be_v not_o wise_a in_o your_o own_o conceit_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 5._o be_v you_o like_v mind_v one_o towards_o another_o that_o you_o way_n with_o one_o mind_n and_o with_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n think_v you_o that_o he_o will_v have_v open_v so_o wide_a a_o gap_n to_o nonconformity_n and_o to_o the_o sinister_a design_n of_o apostat_n and_o heretic_n think_v you_o that_o he_o will_v have_v give_v this_o liberty_n to_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n to_o these_o son_n of_o tumult_n and_o division_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o a_o groundless_a suspicion_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o bare_a pretence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v their_o irregularity_n disorder_n schism_n separation_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o their_o superior_n he_o that_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a for_o conscience_n sake_n will_v he_o have_v say_v that_o a_o naked_a excuse_n or_o a_o mere_a imagination_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v free_v you_o from_o all_o subjection_n and_o give_v you_o liberty_n to_o disobey_v the_o magistrate_n in_o indifferent_a mattress_n be_v you_o to_o prefer_v your_o wilful_a suspicion_n or_o groundless_a fancy_n to_o the_o declaration_n of_o your_o brethren_n and_o christian_a ruler_n to_o imagine_v sin_n in_o that_o which_o they_o think_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o needful_a to_o be_v practise_v this_o general_a rule_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n vers_n 23._o be_v misapply_v to_o our_o case_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v as_o a_o lawful_a excuse_n for_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o apparent_a duty_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o our_o nonconformist_n but_o may_v easy_o attain_v to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n which_o may_v justify_v their_o unity_n with_o we_o be_v they_o live_v among_o the_o cannibal_n or_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o popery_n or_o heathenish_a idolatry_n where_o none_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v their_o doubt_n to_o satisfy_v their_o mind_n and_o inform_v their_o conscience_n this_o plea_n may_v be_v so_o long_o allowable_a till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o gain_v more_o knowledge_n quinctil_n calig_n aut_fw-la in_o sole_fw-la quinctil_n but_o for_o they_o to_o shut_v their_o eye_n to_o all_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o their_o ear_n to_o all_o the_o reason_n argument_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o to_o say_v we_o be_v blind_a we_o do_v believe_v we_o be_v not_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o our_o conformity_n without_o faith_n will_v be_v a_o sin_n be_v a_o most_o ridiculous_a pretence_n unto_o which_o mere_a necessity_n drive_v they_o who_o be_v obstinate_o resolve_v to_o the_o contrary_n suppose_v a_o heathen_a or_o a_o papist_n shall_v have_v have_v the_o same_o advantage_n as_o you_o have_v to_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o as_o strong_a invitation_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v you_o allow_v they_o this_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n why_o do_v not_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o approve_v of_o this_o plea_n in_o those_o who_o they_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o assembly_n for_o religion_n sake_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v they_o to_o communion_n man_n must_v take_v heed_n in_o this_o corrupt_a age_n of_o such_o general_a rule_n which_o the_o devil_n be_v wont_a to_o wrest_v to_o promote_v his_o own_o wicked_a purpose_n but_o in_o this_o case_n you_o will_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v what_o course_n shall_v we_o take_v for_o our_o conscience_n have_v get_v such_o a_o command_n over_o we_o and_o our_o judgement_n through_o such_o like_a persuasion_n that_o we_o can_v enjoy_v no_o peace_n within_o our_o breast_n if_o we_o comply_v with_o you_o in_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o our_o principle_n we_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o hear_v your_o prayer_n as_o to_o worship_v before_o a_o idol_n of_o stone_n or_o timber_n to_o see_v a_o white_a surplice_n as_o to_o assist_v at_o mass_n to_o have_v a_o cross_n upon_o our_o child_n forehead_n as_o to_o receive_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n we_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o your_o worship_n and_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n as_o to_o apostatise_v from_o christ_n and_o forsake_v christianity_n this_o fear_n and_o these_o persuasion_n can_v easy_o be_v overcome_v what_o advice_n therefore_o will_v you_o give_v we_o that_o we_o in_o this_o case_n may_v take_v that_o course_n which_o may_v agree_v in_o some_o respect_n with_o our_o obligation_n to_o our_o superior_n and_o favour_v we_o a_o little_a in_o our_o weakness_n that_o we_o may_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o you_o say_v be_v mislead_v chap._n v._o seasonable_a and_o christian_a advice_n for_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n who_o be_v possess_v with_o such_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o they_o can_v easy_o overcome_v they_o and_o a_o reconciliation_n propose_v i_o will_v free_o grant_v what_o you_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v afraid_a by_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o church_n to_o wound_v your_o conscience_n or_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o your_o persuasion_n which_o you_o think_v to_o be_v well_o ground_v and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o proceed_n you_o shall_v disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o your_o soul_n as_o when_o conscientious_a man_n commit_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n law_n yet_o my_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n your_o resolve_a nonconformity_n be_v not_o warrantable_a nor_o agree_v with_o christian_a prudence_n because_o your_o superior_n to_o who_o judgement_n reason_n and_o duty_n teach_v you_o to_o yield_v a_o little_a condemn_v it_o as_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_o destructive_a to_o peace_n and_o all_o christian_a virtue_n which_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o nourish_v in_o a_o society_n therefore_o in_o this_o case_n for_o your_o own_o quiet_a and_o the_o public_a peace_n i_o advise_v you_o my_o brethren_n to_o observe_v a_o medium_n between_o a_o strict_a conformity_n and_o a_o nonconformity_n until_o such_o time_n as_o you_o can_v be_v better_o inform_v and_o to_o practice_v these_o follow_a rule_n which_o will_v infallible_o give_v your_o soul_n and_o conscience_n satisfaction_n and_o answer_v in_o some_o respect_v your_o obligation_n to_o your_o superior_n under_o god_n as_o well_o as_o secure_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n however_o i_o be_o certain_a you_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n holy_a word_n to_o observe_v these_o rule_n that_o though_o the_o case_n be_v as_o you_o suspect_v i_o be_o certain_a that_o if_o you_o will_v govern_v