cell_n l._n 6_o p._n 302._o and_o st._n basil_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr spirit_n sanct._n c._n 29._o p._n 221._o tell_v we_o that_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n who_o be_v his_o predecessor_n in_o the_o bishopric_n of_o neocaesarea_n and_o cotemporary_a with_o st._n cyprian_n compose_v a_o liturgy_n and_o appoint_v ceremony_n for_o that_o church_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o age_n when_o miraculous_a gift_n last_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o century_n ann._n dom._n 312._o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o life_n of_o constantine_n lib._n 4._o c._n 17._o p._n 395._o order_v his_o palace_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o church_n and_o will_v take_v the_o book_n himself_o into_o his_o hand_n either_o for_o explain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o repeat_v the_o prescribe_v prayer_n in_o his_o royal_a family_n in_o the_o same_o century_n athanasius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n show_v we_o that_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n in_o that_o church_n for_o in_o his_o epist_n to_o solitar_n p._n 239._o he_o say_v the_o people_n mourn_v and_o groan_v to_o god_n in_o the_o church_n all_o of_o they_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n good_a lord_n spare_v they_o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o it_o seem_v the_o church_n do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o then_o for_o the_o people_n to_o say_v amen_o but_o appoint_v they_o distinct_a and_o intelligent_a answer_n in_o the_o same_o century_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n can._n 15._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 459._o appoint_v canonical_a singer_n who_o sing_v out_o of_o book_n and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o begin_v the_o hymn_n and_o the_o same_o council_n can._n 18._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 461._o ordain_v that_o the_o very_a same_o liturgy_n of_o prayer_n shall_v be_v use_v always_o both_o at_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n and_o now_o because_o this_o council_n be_v so_o plain_a evidence_n against_o the_o dissenter_n that_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o they_o fly_v again_o to_o their_o last_o refuge_n which_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o council_n for_o they_o say_v this_o council_n of_o laodicea_n be_v but_o a_o provincial_a synod_n or_o council_n but_o though_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o provincial_a synod_n yet_o i_o hope_v a_o provincial_a council_n of_o orthodox_n bishop_n be_v good_a authority_n but_o beside_o this_o very_a canon_n concern_v liturgy_n be_v take_v into_o the_o code_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n which_o be_v a_o general_a council_n and_o that_o they_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o response_n and_o alternate_a way_n of_o sing_v in_o the_o african_a church_n appear_v by_o st._n cyprian_n before_o and_o by_o optatus_n malevianus_n l._n 2._o p._n 47._o for_o there_o he_o blame_v the_o donatist_n for_o shut_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o force_v they_o to_o be_v silent_a see_v also_o st._n augustine_n do_v eccles_n dog_n c._n 30._o tom._n 3._o p._n 46._o many_o more_o instance_n and_o authority_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o st._n basil_n ep._n 63._o p._n 843._o and_o ep._n 68_o p._n 856._o where_o he_o say_v that_o a_o prayer_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o conjoin_v voice_n be_v not_o half_a so_o strong_a as_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v conc._n carthag_a can._n 106._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 640._o but_o i_o will_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o dr._n comber_n of_o liturgy_n and_o dr._n falkner_n his_o defence_n of_o liturgy_n our_o dissenter_n object_n against_o our_o alternate_a way_n of_o pray_v as_o in_o our_o litany_n where_o the_o priest_n say_v half_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o people_n the_o rest_n for_o that_o neither_o priest_n nor_o people_n speak_v a_o complete_a sentence_n and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n be_v use_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a men._n but_o pray_v why_o may_v not_o the_o word_n make_v as_o perfect_v a_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v pronounce_v by_o two_o mouth_n as_o when_o only_o by_o one_o prayer_n be_v not_o the_o pronounce_v of_o word_n but_o the_o join_v the_o desire_n and_o consent_v thereto_o and_o this_o they_o may_v do_v as_o well_o when_o they_o be_v pronounce_v by_o several_a mouth_n as_o by_o one_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o when_o a_o tune_n be_v play_v by_o a_o consort_n of_o music_n and_o the_o treble_n rest_n and_o let_v the_o tenor_n and_o base_n go_v on_o as_o sometime_o they_o do_v that_o the_o tune_n be_v not_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a tune_n for_o if_o you_o take_v either_o part_n single_o it_o be_v not_o but_o altogether_o it_o be_v too_o great_a advantage_n the_o advantage_n of_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o response_n be_v that_o we_o can_v give_v our_o hearty_a consent_n to_o each_o petition_n after_o a_o more_o lively_a manner_n than_o by_o bare_o say_v amen_n and_o also_o by_o our_o frequent_a answer_v of_o whole_a sentence_n our_o fancy_n be_v the_o more_o stir_v up_o and_o enliven_v by_o shake_v off_o that_o dulness_n and_o drowsiness_n that_o otherwise_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o seize_v upon_o our_o spirit_n in_o bare_o listen_v to_o one_o long_o continue_a prayer_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v certain_a prayer_n for_o certain_a time_n and_o occasion_n as_o easter-eve_n etc._n etc._n see_v leo_n in_o vit._n chrysost_n tom._n 8._o p._n 288._o etc._n etc._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n now_o let_v we_o come_v a_o little_a near_o our_o own_o time_n and_o see_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v concern_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o liturgy_n and_o this_o we_o do_v the_o rather_o because_o the_o dissenter_n be_v perpetual_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n though_o i_o think_v under_o favour_n we_o of_o england_n have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o other_o nation_n as_o to_o the_o reform_v and_o govern_v of_o our_o church_n than_o we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o state_n since_o we_o have_v as_o absolute_a and_o independent_a power_n of_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o any_o of_o they_o and_o god_n be_v thank_v as_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n to_o direct_v we_o therein_o they_o may_v as_o well_o quarrel_n with_o we_o because_o we_o do_v not_o depose_v our_o king_n and_o reduce_v our_o government_n from_o that_o of_o a_o limit_a and_o mix_v monarchy_n to_o a_o commonwealth_n like_o that_o of_o geneva_n but_o since_o they_o insist_v so_o must_v upon_o this_o i_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n come_v near_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o use_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n than_o the_o dissenter_n do_v in_o reject_v they_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o lutheran_n church_n which_o i_o show_v before_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o which_o far_o exceed_v in_o number_n the_o church_n that_o follow_v calvin_n method_n luther_n himself_o compose_v a_o form_n of_o common-prayer_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittemburg_n take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n see_v luther_n epist_n tom._n 2._o p._n 384._o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o his_o communion_n at_o this_o day_n do_v use_v a_o liturgy_n contain_v collect_v epistle_n gospel_n for_o every_o sunday_n prayer_n and_o litany_n together_o with_o all_o other_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ministration_n as_o our_o common-prayer_n book_n do_v and_o which_o agree_v with_o we_o almost_o verbatim_o especial_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o these_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o church_n as_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o denmark_n and_o the_o church_n in_o upper_a hungary_n which_o be_v all_o lutheran_n and_o the_o lutheran_n church_n do_v chant_v their_o public_a prayer_n as_o we_o do_v in_o our_o cathedral_n and_o they_o observe_v holy_a day_n see_v all_o this_o prove_v at_o large_a from_o their_o own_o writer_n by_o dr._n comber_n his_o defence_n of_o liturgy_n second_o part_n p._n 305_o etc._n etc._n next_o for_o the_o church_n of_o poland_n and_o lithuania_n in_o 2_o synod_n hold_v there_o ann._n dom._n 1633._o and_o 1634._o one_o certain_a liturgy_n be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o those_o dominion_n certain_a prescribe_v liturgy_n be_v also_o use_v in_o transilvania_n hungary_n bohemia_n etc._n etc._n see_v at_o large_a dr._n comb._n ubi_fw-la
be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n commend_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o all_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n perhaps_o some_o may_v say_v if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o other_o reform_a church_n as_o we_o pretend_v it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o that_o they_o all_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o england_n and_o become_v all_o diocesan_n church_n i_o answer_v they_o may_v as_o well_o ask_v we_o why_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n do_v not_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n when_o they_o resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o become_v all_o monarchy_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o england_n some_o nation_n beside_o england_n ireland_n and_o scotland_n do_v assume_v episcopal_a government_n as_o denmark_n sweden_n etc._n etc._n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o present_a circumstance_n or_o politic_a constitution_n of_o all_o place_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o set_v up_o episcopal_a government_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o since_o neither_o episcopal_a nor_o any_o other_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n as_o that_o a_o true_a church_n may_v not_o be_v without_o it_o in_o case_n of_o indispensible_a necessity_n they_o put_v themselves_o some_o under_o one_o form_n of_o government_n some_o under_o another_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o present_a constitution_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n every_o where_o that_o all_o protestant_n of_o every_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o government_n what_o it_o will_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_v church_n in_o which_o they_o live_v for_o though_o every_o national_a or_o whole_a church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o choose_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n they_o please_v for_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o allow_v that_o particular_a scrupulous_a people_n among_o themselves_o have_v power_n to_o do_v so_o too_o this_o power_n of_o subdivide_v be_v never_o pretend_v to_o nor_o practise_v in_o any_o other_o nation_n since_o the_o reformation_n but_o in_o england_n so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v all_o allow_v the_o antiquity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o episcopal_a government_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n no_o more_o than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a nor_o convenient_a at_o this_o time_n for_o all_o place_n some_o may_v refuse_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o in_o england_n shall_v do_v so_o since_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o come_v by_o much_o near_a the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o but_o they_o say_v we_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o that_o we_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n here_o in_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v plain_a we_o do_v not_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o allow_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o diocesan_n bishop_n it_o be_v true_a by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o any_o cathedral_n or_o parish_n church_n or_o chapel_n nor_o to_o hold_v any_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n within_o these_o kingdom_n but_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o since_o both_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n do_v require_v that_o all_o minister_n who_o desire_v to_o serve_v in_o this_o church_n shall_v declare_v public_o that_o they_o assent_n to_o and_o approve_v of_o our_o form_n 〈◊〉_d worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v willing_a to_o use_v the_o same_o as_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o ordination_n and_o licence_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n from_o the_o bishop_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o such_o as_o want_v these_o qualification_n shall_v be_v refuse_v the_o liberty_n of_o execute_v their_o office_n in_o these_o kingdom_n ordination_n kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o say_v absolute_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n who_o want_v episcopal_a ordination_n be_v no_o true_a minister_n but_o only_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o lawful_a bishop_n priest_n or_o deacon_n so_o as_o to_o execute_v their_o function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v once_o ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o ordination_n but_o the_o reason_n we_o refuse_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o that_o presbyterian_a ordination_n do_v not_o make_v they_o true_a minister_n according_a to_o god_n law_n as_o though_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n without_o a_o bishop_n in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n but_o all_o to_o the_o contrary_a because_o they_o stubborn_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n and_o contemn_v the_o lawful_a authority_n under_o which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o statute_n of_o 14_o car._n 2._o in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a proviso_n that_o all_o minister_n of_o foreign_a reform_a church_n who_o come_v into_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o king_n permission_n be_v to_o be_v except_v out_o of_o and_o excuse_v from_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o act._n and_o this_o custom_n of_o require_v conformity_n and_o subscription_n from_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o settle_a church_n that_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n day_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o the_o 3d._a objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o state_n our_o by_o national_a church_n be_v mean_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o such_o nation_n as_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n national_a church_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o foundation_n and_o want_v discipline_n all_o be_v encroach_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v full_a power_n to_o execute_v every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o the_o presbyter_n in_o our_o church_n have_v as_o great_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n what_o power_n be_v they_o deprive_v of_o by_o the_o bishop_n that_o they_o have_v then_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n no_o rule_n of_o discipline_n no_o article_n of_o doctrine_n no_o form_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v introduce_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o impose_v upon_o any_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o convocation_n who_o appear_v either_o in_o person_n or_o by_o proxy_n the_o only_a authority_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v above_o the_o presbyter_n be_v government_n ordination_n and_o censure_n which_o be_v all_o appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n st._n cyprian_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o african_a church_n in_o his_o three_o book_n ep._n 10._o &_o 12._o 28._o 27._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n see_v cod._n eccl._n afr._n c._n 6_o 7_o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o lodge_v sole_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a say_v they_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o presbyter_n do_v ordain_v for_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o but_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n on_o this_o text_n say_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o who_o ordain_v timothy_n be_v apostle_n that_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n 1._o v._n 6._o say_v i_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o
time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a which_o be_v near_o 1400_o year_n constantine_n by_o his_o edict_n suppress_v all_o separate_a meeting_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o novatian_o and_o silence_v their_o preacher_n though_o their_o ordination_n be_v as_o good_a as_o any_o among_o our_o nonconformist_n see_v eusebius_n vita_fw-la const_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 63_o 64_o 65_o 66._o and_o st._n augustine_n do_v very_o much_o commend_v the_o emperor_n for_o so_o do_v see_v aug._n ep._n 48._o and_o see_v also_o his_o 4_o book_n against_o cresconius_n a_o donatist_n ch_n 51._o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v at_o this_o day_n silence_n such_o minister_n as_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o believe_v they_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v at_o geneva_n their_o council_n of_o state_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o elect_v and_o depose_v minister_n nay_o far_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o geneva_n they_o have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o silence_n but_o to_o excommunicate_v such_o minister_n as_o shall_v contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o their_o obstinacy_n disturb_v the_o order_n of_o it_o in_o the_o french_a church_n if_o any_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o church_n he_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v a_o schismatic_a and_o calvin_n himself_o ep._n olevian_n pag._n 311_o and_o 122._o say_v let_v he_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o a_o society_n be_v cast_v out_o but_o what_o need_v we_o go_v so_o far_o from_o home_n for_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o own_o dissenter_n heretofore_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n first_o then_o in_o the_o great_a dispute_n between_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n about_o the_o minister_n preach_v etc._n etc._n against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o non_fw-fr conformist_n all_o agree_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v power_n immediate_o from_o god_n to_o set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n but_o their_o power_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o under_o heathen_a magistrate_n but_o our_o minister_n have_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o our_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v respect_v see_v gifford_n a_o nonconformist_a minister_n his_o answer_n to_o barrow_n and_o see_v the_o confutation_n of_o the_o brownist_n by_o several_a nonconformist_n who_o join_v together_o for_o that_o purpose_n publish_v by_o one_o rathband_n by_o their_o command_n p._n 51._o and_o see_v mr._n bradshaw_n his_o answer_n to_o johnson_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o silence_v the_o apostle_n for_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o silence_v of_o they_o be_v intend_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v among_o we_o for_o the_o intent_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o silence_v all_o christian_a minister_n but_o some_o particular_a man_n only_o so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o minister_n or_o no_o but_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o doubtless_o every_o christian_a prince_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v what_o man_n he_o think_v fit_a for_o public_a office_n in_o church_n or_o state_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v equal_o qualify_v according_a to_o god_n law_n but_o to_o go_v on_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o the_o late_a unhappy_a time_n be_v not_o yet_o forget_v they_o be_v all_o then_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o christ_n minister_n may_v be_v silence_v and_o according_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n every_o party_n as_o it_o serve_v their_o turn_n see_v their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n all_o who_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o solemn_o swear_v to_o do_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o abolish_v episcopacy_n and_o set_v up_o presbytery_n be_v immediate_o not_o only_a silence_v but_o sequester_v though_o their_o ministry_n be_v as_o much_o of_o divine_a right_n as_o any_o of_o they_o now_o conscience_n then_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o not_o take_v this_o solemn_a oath_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v one_o of_o the_o old_a clergy_n to_o teach_v a_o school_n nay_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v their_o own_o independent_a brethren_n to_o preach_v though_o they_o have_v all_o take_v presbyterian_a order_n as_o they_o themselves_o see_v the_o letter_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o london_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n ann._n 1645._o jan._n 1._o and_o the_o grand_a debate_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o new-england_n where_o the_o independent_o have_v the_o power_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n none_o be_v to_o preach_v public_o by_o their_o law_n where_o any_o two_o organic_n church_n council_n of_o state_n or_o general_a court_n shall_v declare_v their_o dissatisfaction_n thereat_o see_v their_o body_n of_o statute_n which_o they_o have_v late_o print_v nay_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o silence_v such_o minister_n as_o will_v not_o conform_v but_o they_o banish_v they_o too_o as_o they_o do_v mr._n willams_n and_o other_o and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a then_o that_o the_o silence_v of_o such_o minister_n by_o the_o king_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o positive_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o give_v their_o governor_n such_o a_o test_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o they_o in_o their_o discretion_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o require_v of_o they_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o thing_n so_o unlawful_a and_o wicked_a now_o that_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v in_o power_n and_o by_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o test_n which_o the_o law_n require_v of_o their_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n be_v too_o severe_a and_o rigid_a they_o may_v blame_v themselves_o for_o it_o for_o governor_n can_v be_v too_o cautious_a in_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n against_o a_o faction_n that_o have_v once_o already_o overthrow_v this_o monarchy_n and_o church_n and_o give_v we_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v the_o same_o again_o especial_o the_o latter_a as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n the_o bitter_a spirit_n they_o show_v in_o scotland_n already_o and_o their_o unchristian_a like_a behaviour_n to_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n show_v we_o plain_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v here_o when_o ever_o they_o be_v able_a and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n use_v for_o separation_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v against_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o they_o say_v our_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n injoin_v some_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o express_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a and_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o ceremony_n and_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n first_o as_o to_o our_o ceremony_n the_o church_n of_o england_n use_v no_o ceremony_n but_o such_o as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v prove_v in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n and_o such_o as_o be_v now_o use_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n the_o lutheran_n church_n have_v the_o same_o and_o more_o ceremony_n than_o we_o have_v and_o yet_o these_o church_n have_v be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a protestant_n as_o appear_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o chareton_n in_o france_n anno_fw-la 1631._o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o do_v make_v law_n and_o canon_n in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o compel_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o obey_v the_o same_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o every_o variation_n in_o circumstance_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v set_v up_o new_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o our_o dissenter_n seem_v to_o do_v when_o they_o charge_v we_o with_o set_v up_o new_a part_n of_o worship_n and_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a adoration_n we_o all_o agree_v be_v a_o substantial_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o whether_o this_o adoration_n be_v perform_v by_o prostration_n or_o by_o bow_v or_o by_o kneel_v be_v a_o circumstance_n in_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o
a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n in_o which_o all_o their_o plea_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o and_o their_o separation_n condemn_v by_o the_o reform_a church_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n wellington_n at_o the_o lute_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1697._o to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v some_o it_o be_v like_a who_o may_v think_v it_o a_o vseless_a and_o impertinent_a piece_n of_o work_n to_o write_v a_o book_n on_o this_o subject_a that_o have_v be_v late_o so_o ingenious_o handle_v by_o such_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n dr._n comber_n dr._n maurice_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v will_v pretend_v to_o write_v better_a than_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o this_o book_n that_o have_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o any_o who_o have_v yet_o write_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o since_o man_n notion_n and_o apprehension_n be_v so_o different_a it_o be_v like_o some_o may_v be_v move_v with_o one_o argument_n some_o with_o another_o according_a as_o it_o suit_v their_o several_a judgement_n and_o capacity_n but_o beside_o there_o be_v several_a person_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o bestow_v the_o time_n or_o pain_n to_o read_v over_o all_o the_o book_n at_o large_a that_o have_v be_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n chief_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o have_v here_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v set_v down_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o argument_n use_v on_o both_o side_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n that_o have_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v as_o true_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v to_o she_o do_v arise_v from_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v notion_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n do_v own_o she_o as_o a_o true_a reform_a church_n and_o do_v high_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o she_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o downright_a schism_n and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n in_o condemn_v the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o well_o as_o this_o church_n i_o can_v have_v bring_v many_o more_o authority_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o this_o matter_n but_o i_o purposely_o omit_v they_o because_o these_o which_o i_o have_v bring_v be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v such_o as_o the_o dissenter_n never_o do_v nor_o i_o think_v never_o will_v pretend_v to_o answer_n another_o reason_n why_o i_o omit_v they_o be_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o book_n may_v invite_v some_o to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v like_a might_n be_v discourage_v at_o a_o large_a volume_n a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n when_o god_n almighty_a first_o create_v man_n he_o give_v he_o no_o other_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n or_o reason_n under_o which_o alone_o he_o live_v for_o the_o first_o 2000_o year_n but_o at_o last_o this_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v great_o let_v and_o blind_v by_o evil_a custom_n it_o become_v necessary_a to_o give_v man_n more_o positive_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o therefore_o god_n almighty_a command_v moses_n to_o write_v a_o law_n for_o his_o people_n which_o we_o call_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o sometime_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o this_o law_n god_n almighty_a reveal_v to_o man_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o angel_n but_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n typical_a and_o ceremonial_a and_o therefore_o not_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n do_v then_o often_o appear_v to_o his_o people_n himself_n and_o teach_v they_o more_o immediate_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v what_o not_o and_o under_o this_o law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n superad_v to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n or_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n live_v till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o full_a and_o excellent_a manner_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o under_o which_o we_o live_v at_o this_o day_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a be_v hereby_o abolish_v see_v galat._n 4._o and_o as_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a so_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v most_o extraordinary_a contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o superfluous_a nor_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o direct_v all_o man_n to_o heaven_n on_o very_o easy_a term_n it_o be_v so_o adapt_v and_o fit_v to_o all_o condition_n of_o man_n that_o the_o very_o mean_a capacity_n may_v easy_o understand_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n and_o this_o evangelical_n law_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n such_o plain_a and_o positive_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o none_o that_o be_v not_o wilful_o so_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o never_o want_v some_o within_o it_o of_o such_o restless_a and_o peevish_a spirit_n as_o to_o disturb_v its_o peace_n and_o quiet_n by_o make_v division_n and_o schism_n in_o it_o which_o st._n paul_n foresee_v when_o he_o tell_v the_o elder_n act_n 20._o 30._o also_o of_o yourselves_o shall_v man_n arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o but_o though_o there_o have_v be_v always_o some_o division_n in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o plant_v of_o it_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v much_o few_o than_o what_o have_v be_v since_o and_o those_o that_o be_v be_v much_o more_o discountenance_a and_o oppose_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n than_o they_o be_v afterward_o in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n a_o little_a before_o st._n augustine_n day_n there_o arise_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n that_o the_o bishopric_n be_v too_o large_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n too_o great_a and_o because_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o so_o able_a and_o holy_a man_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o because_o they_o dislike_v the_o liturgy_n and_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o suchlike_a reason_n and_o a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o three_o century_n begin_v the_o novatian_a schism_n at_o rome_n for_o that_o novatus_n think_v the_o bishopric_n too_o large_a will_v needs_o be_v choose_v bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v before_o but_o both_o these_o schism_n be_v condemn_v this_o by_o the_o council_n of_o carth._n and_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o by_o st._n cyprian_n ep._n 52._o n._n 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o of_o the_o donatist_n by_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n at_o the_o conference_n at_o carth._n see_v conference_n of_o the_o third_z day_n chap._n 4._o and_o by_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n against_o permenian_a petilian_a and_o the_o other_o donatist_n bishop_n but_o not_o long_o after_o about_o the_o five_o and_o six_o century_n the_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o increase_v more_o abundant_o and_o appear_v more_o barefaced_a and_o open_o than_o former_o they_o have_v do_v for_o that_o as_o the_o roman_a empire_n begin_v to_o decline_v there_o follow_v a_o general_a decay_n of_o learning_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n have_v overspread_v the_o earth_n insomuch_o that_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n themselves_o can_v not_o read_v latin_a and_o than_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o bring_v in_o what_o heresy_n and_o schism_n man_n will_v and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n that_o most_o of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o
testimony_n of_o the_o person_n choose_v and_o to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o nomination_n of_o a_o new_a bishop_n for_o since_o they_o be_v to_o be_v man_n blameless_a and_o of_o good_a report_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o the_o people_n that_o best_o know_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n shall_v be_v present_a to_o testify_v the_o same_o and_o herewith_o agree_v st._n cyprian_n ep._n 68_o who_o mr._n baxter_n vouch_v for_o the_o contrary_a say_v he_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v choose_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n that_o by_o their_o presence_n their_o fault_n may_v be_v publish_v or_o their_o good_a action_n commend_v but_o say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o people_n power_n of_o elect_v he_o prayer_n all_o our_o ordination_n must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v demand_v of_o the_o bishop_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o can_v or_o will_v except_v against_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v see_v the_o form_n of_o ordination_n in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o no_o church_n power_n which_o they_o have_v but_o they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o common_a stock_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a the_o community_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o st._n chrysostom_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr sacerdotio_fw-la complain_v much_o of_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o people_n to_o judge_v in_o such_o matter_n so_o do_v st._n augustine_n ep._n 110._o and_o indeed_o be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n against_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o own_o minister_n but_o the_o mischief_n that_o will_v necessary_o attend_v it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o when_o ever_o the_o people_n assume_v this_o power_n of_o choose_v it_o cause_v so_o great_a disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n that_o at_o antioch_n the_o division_n of_o the_o people_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n have_v kindle_v such_o a_o flame_n as_o have_v almost_o destroy_v both_o church_n and_o city_n the_o like_a at_o rome_n upon_o the_o choice_n of_o damascus_n and_o if_o the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o presbyterian_a independent_a anabaptist_n quaker_n and_o papist_n teacher_n all_o in_o one_o parish_n and_o so_o this_o will_v set_v open_a a_o door_n to_o infinite_a division_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o popular_a election_n the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n by_o several_a council_n as_o 12._o and_o 13._o can._n conc._n laodicea_n conc._n antioch_n c._n 18._o etc._n etc._n conc._n 2d_o of_o nice_a c._n 3._o the_o reason_n that_o first_o give_v layman_n a_o title_n to_o the_o nomination_n of_o minister_n be_v when_o christian_a prince_n and_o other_o have_v give_v large_a endowment_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v think_v but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o nomination_n of_o the_o minister_n for_o those_o church_n that_o they_o have_v build_v and_o endow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n in_o the_o king_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n here_o and_o long_o before_o any_o freedom_n of_o election_n be_v pretend_v to_o see_v stat._n 25._o edw._n 3._o and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o king_n be_v ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o lord_n cook_n be_v 8_o rep._n and_o the_o case_n of_o praemunire_n in_o sir_n john_n davenant_n report_n case_n ult_n and_o this_o title_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v confirm_v to_o layman_n by_o several_a council_n as_o one_a coun._n of_o orange_n anno_fw-la dom._n 441._o 2d_o counc_fw-la of_o arles_n anno_fw-la 452._o 9th_o counc_fw-la of_o toledo_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o right_n of_o presentation_n be_v not_o only_o use_v in_o england_n but_o in_o other_o reform_a church_n in_o denmark_n the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o king_n so_o they_o be_v in_o swedeland_n so_o in_o other_o lutheran_n church_n the_o superintendant_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o several_a prince_n and_o the_o patron_n present_v before_o ordination_n the_o synod_n of_o dort_n have_v a_o salvo_n for_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n in_o france_n the_o minister_n be_v choose_v by_o minister_n at_o geneva_n by_o the_o council_n of_o state_n who_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o depose_v they_o and_o beza_n in_o his_o ep._n 83._o declare_v against_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n as_o a_o thing_n without_o any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n grotius_n ep._n ad_fw-la boatslaer_n ep._n 62._o p._n 21._o agree_v herein_o how_o come_v then_o our_o english_a dissenter_n to_o make_v this_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n to_o wit_n the_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o never_o have_v any_o such_o right_n but_o when_o they_o get_v it_o by_o usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o even_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n but_o beside_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o attend_v it_o by_o make_v the_o people_n run_v into_o division_n and_o faction_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o that_o such_o a_o ignorant_a proud_a unpeaceable_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o confess_v in_o his_o sacrilegiae_fw-la dissert_n p._n 102._o etc._n etc._n the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v make_v judge_n of_o their_o minister_n ability_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n who_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o revile_v the_o best_a and_o grave_a minister_n as_o the_o same_o mr._n baxter_n say_v himself_o in_o his_o cure_n of_o divis_n p._n 393._o sure_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v provide_v able_a and_o fit_a minister_n for_o we_o than_o such_o sort_n of_o people_n as_o these_o unless_o any_o will_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o magistrate_n and_o clergy_n be_v all_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o ignorant_a common_a people_n the_o only_a incourager_n of_o virtue_n they_o may_v say_v it_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o a_o parish_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v a_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o cure_n by_o some_o young_a raw_a extravagant_a heir_n that_o have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o be_v bear_v to_o a_o estate_n to_o which_o the_o advowson_n do_v belong_v but_o perhaps_o be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o unfit_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o minister_n as_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o parish_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o such_o ignorant_a person_n may_v sometime_o have_v the_o right_n of_o presentation_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o put_v into_o the_o cure_n any_o minister_n they_o please_v for_o the_o patron_n have_v only_o the_o right_n of_o present_v his_o clerk_n who_o must_v be_v admit_v and_o institute_v by_o the_o bishop_n before_o the_o cure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a and_o if_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o clergy_n after_o examination_n have_v etc._n etc._n do_v think_v he_o any_o way_n unqualify_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n he_o may_v reject_v he_o and_o put_v the_o patron_n to_o present_v another_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n which_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o do_v within_o six_o month_n from_o the_o time_n the_o church_n become_v void_a he_o shall_v lose_v his_o presentation_n for_o that_o turn_n and_o the_o bishop_n shall_v present_v so_o that_o the_o patron_n it_o seem_v can_v put_v who_o he_o will_v on_o the_o people_n for_o their_o pastor_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o find_v personam_fw-la idoneam_fw-la a_o fit_a person_n and_o now_o before_o we_o pass_v from_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o silence_n minister_n or_o not_o doubtless_o he_o have_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v safe_a for_o since_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o take_v their_o notion_n of_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n from_o they_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v that_o minister_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o preach_v up_o sedition_n heresy_n or_o what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o silence_v they_o but_o say_v our_o dissenter_n we_o be_v
call_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n by_o god_n almighty_a and_o have_v receive_v our_o commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o he_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o neglect_v to_o discharge_v our_o duty_n in_o obedience_n to_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n for_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n but_o first_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v grant_v that_o when_o god_n almighty_n give_v they_o this_o commission_n he_o do_v not_o limit_v it_o to_o any_o certain_a place_n but_o it_o be_v general_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o all_o nation_n so_o that_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n doubtless_o they_o ought_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v in_o those_o country_n where_o their_o preach_a be_v most_o want_v and_o will_v do_v god_n most_o service_n there_o be_v many_o country_n in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n and_o many_o that_o do_v have_v not_o able_a minister_n enough_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n sure_o these_o man_n that_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o preach_v will_v much_o better_o discharge_v their_o conscience_n by_o go_v into_o those_o country_n and_o preach_v to_o those_o poor_a people_n that_o be_v in_o so_o great_a want_n of_o it_o christ_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n the_o apostle_n who_o doubtless_o have_v as_o universal_a a_o commission_n to_o preach_v they_o never_o go_v to_o abide_v in_o those_o city_n or_o place_n where_o sound_a teacher_n be_v settle_v before_o but_o they_o choose_v to_o go_v into_o those_o part_n where_o christianity_n be_v least_o know_v and_o their_o preach_v will_v do_v most_o good_a why_o will_v not_o our_o nonconformist_a minister_n follow_v their_o example_n several_a of_o our_o foreign_a plantation_n want_v able_a minister_n among_o they_o they_o want_v university_n and_o famous_a school_n to_o breed_v they_o in_o and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v but_o poor_o supply_v if_o they_o will_v leave_v this_o nation_n and_o go_v and_o preach_v there_o it_o will_v convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o design_v nothing_o but_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o desire_v to_o preach_v but_o since_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v evident_a whatever_o their_o pretence_n may_v be_v that_o it_o be_v self-interest_n and_o their_o own_o conveniency_n that_o make_v they_o desire_v the_o liberty_n of_o preach_v in_o these_o nation_n what_o have_v they_o to_o say_v to_o this_o indeed_o the_o best_a of_o they_o give_v but_o a_o very_a unsatisfactory_a answer_n hereto_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n say_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o go_v to_o preach_v among_o the_o indian_n be_v because_o they_o can_v speak_v their_o language_n and_o because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v wife_n and_o family_n which_o they_o can_v leave_v but_o for_o his_o own_o part_n he_o say_v if_o he_o be_v but_o young_a enough_o he_o will_v not_o trouble_v this_o censorious_a persecute_v part_n of_o the_o world_n any_o long_o mr._n baxter_n have_v not_o be_v always_o old_a he_o be_v young_a enough_o when_o first_o he_o begin_v to_o write_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o do_v he_o not_o go_v when_o first_o he_o be_v prohibit_v to_o preach_v here_o if_o he_o have_v perhaps_o our_o division_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v much_o narrow_a than_o now_o they_o be_v and_o a_o reconciliation_n much_o more_o easy_a between_o we_o as_o for_o their_o not_o speak_v the_o language_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o new_a plantation_n in_o america_n etc._n etc._n that_o understand_v english_a and_o latin_a and_o want_v able_a diligent_a pastor_n among_o they_o and_o as_o to_o all_o their_o other_o reason_n for_o not_o go_v the_o leave_v their_o family_n etc._n etc._n they_o may_v carry_v they_o with_o they_o but_o sure_o no_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o three_o kingdom_n but_o again_o they_o say_v god_n have_v command_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o they_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n so_o god_n have_v also_o command_v they_o to_o obey_v their_o governor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o live_v now_o since_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n break_v one_o of_o these_o command_n by_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o preach_v in_o separate_a meeting_n and_o may_v perform_v both_o by_o go_v to_o preach_v beyond_o sea_n certain_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a way_n must_v be_v to_o do_v the_o latter_a and_o if_o god_n almighty_n have_v give_v they_o commission_n to_o preach_v as_o they_o say_v i_o be_o sure_a he_o have_v give_v they_o commission_n no_o where_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o state_n especial_o a_o true_a church_n he_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n but_o we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v then_o unconvert_v and_o have_v no_o christian_a teacher_n and_o minister_n orderly_o settle_v among_o they_o so_o that_o those_o who_o christ_n then_o send_v can_v have_v come_v no_o where_o amiss_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v to_o make_v as_o many_o convert_v as_o he_o can_v there_o be_v no_o limit_n put_v how_o far_o their_o particular_a charge_n shall_v extend_v and_o no_o far_o but_o soon_o after_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o particular_a distinct_a church_n be_v gather_v and_o commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o particular_a person_n i_o suppose_v none_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v say_v that_o any_o minister_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o general_a commission_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n may_v have_v come_v into_o another_o pastor_n congregation_n or_o parish_n and_o preach_v in_o a_o separate_a meeting_n without_o licence_n and_o draw_v as_o many_o people_n from_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n to_o who_o care_n they_o be_v particular_o commit_v as_o they_o can_v no_o they_o who_o do_v so_o be_v often_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o appear_v in_o many_o of_o his_o epistle_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o relation_n to_o our_o present_a dissenter_n allow_v their_o commission_n to_o preach_v be_v as_o full_a as_o they_o pretend_v to_o yet_o it_o give_v they_o no_o authority_n to_o invade_v other_o man_n right_n or_o to_o draw_v away_o the_o people_n from_o their_o lawful_a minister_n and_o especial_o since_o if_o they_o please_v they_o may_v exercise_v their_o office_n in_o other_o place_n and_o do_v no_o man_n wrong_v the_o apostle_n have_v as_o full_a a_o commission_n to_o preach_v as_o any_o of_o our_o dissenter_n can_v pretend_v to_o and_o something_o more_o extraordinary_a and_o yet_o we_o do_v find_v that_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o preach_v direct_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n though_o a_o heathen_a it_o be_v true_a for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n christianity_n have_v not_o general_o the_o law_n to_o countenance_n and_o defend_v it_o as_o now_o it_o have_v so_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o father_n of_o the_o church_n can_v not_o have_v the_o command_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o have_v his_o connivance_n and_o never_o preach_v direct_o in_o opposition_n to_o his_o positive_a command_n st._n paul_n say_v act_n 14._o 12._o they_o neither_o find_v i_o in_o the_o temple_n dispute_v with_o any_o man_n neither_o raise_v up_o the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n and_o again_o act_v 15._o 8._o neither_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n neither_o against_o the_o temple_n nor_o yet_o against_o caesar_n have_v i_o offend_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o so_o it_o seem_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n where_o they_o come_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v tolerate_v or_o connive_v at_o by_o the_o government_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v prohibit_v by_o the_o magistrate_n they_o leave_v that_o city_n or_o place_n and_o go_v to_o the_o next_o but_o think_v it_o no_o way_n their_o duty_n to_o oppose_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lawful_a prince_n though_o a_o heathen_a and_o will_v not_o our_o dissenter_n show_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o a_o christian_a prince_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o heathen_a magistrate_n but_o whether_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o silence_v some_o minister_n such_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n questionless_a that_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o they_o in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o the_o
therefore_o they_o who_o differ_v in_o these_o circumstance_n do_v not_o differ_v in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n see_v the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n where_o you_o will_v find_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o ceremony_n the_o latter_a helvetian_a confession_n say_v that_o there_o be_v different_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n find_v in_o the_o church_n let_v no_o man_n judge_v hereby_o that_o the_o church_n dissent_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o bohemia_n have_v wherefore_o those_o rite_n and_o those_o good_a ceremony_n ought_v only_o to_o be_v keep_v which_o among_o the_o people_n of_o christ_n do_v edify_v therefore_o whether_o they_o be_v extent_n or_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o the_o council_n ecclesiastical_a or_o by_o other_o author_n whatsoever_o the_o simple_a sort_n be_v not_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o that_o but_o must_v use_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o a_o little_a after_o although_o our_o man_n do_v not_o equal_o observe_v all_o ceremony_n with_o other_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o mind_v as_o to_o move_v any_o dissension_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o ceremony_n although_o they_o be_v not_o judge_v to_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o the_o augustine_n confession_n have_v some_o man_n than_o may_v ask_v whether_o we_o will_v have_v this_o life_n of_o man_n to_o be_v without_o order_n without_o ceremony_n in_o no_o wise_a but_o we_o teach_v that_o the_o true_a pastor_n in_o their_o church_n may_v ordain_v public_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o beza_n in_o his_o 24_o epist_n agree_v herein_o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o calvin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o reformation_n ch._n 16._o say_v he_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o ceremony_n not_o only_o those_o which_o be_v for_o decency_n but_o those_o which_o be_v symbolical_a let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n say_v the_o scripture_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o to_o come_v home_o to_o our_o dissenter_n mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 337._o speak_v of_o our_o public_a worship_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n say_v in_o all_o the_o lawful_a order_n gesture_n and_o manner_n of_o behaviour_n in_o god_n worship_n affect_v not_o to_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n but_o conform_v yourself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o the_o church_n singularity_n be_v a_o discord_n etc._n etc._n see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n p._n 39_o and_o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v give_v but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o such_o ceremony_n as_o serve_v for_o order_n or_o edification_n and_o be_v not_o direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n be_v to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o most_o eminent_a man_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o now_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o ceremony_n be_v lawful_a and_o what_o not_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o ceremony_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o doctrine_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o not_o lawful_a as_o that_o be_v if_o a_o ceremony_n be_v make_v a_o substantial_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o unalterable_a or_o be_v suppose_v so_o necessary_a as_o that_o the_o do_v of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n meritorious_a or_o please_a to_o god_n and_o the_o not_o do_v of_o it_o sinful_a though_o there_o be_v no_o human_a law_n which_o require_v the_o do_v of_o it_o then_o it_o become_v sinful_a because_o it_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v the_o jewish_a ceremony_n of_o wash_v before_o meat_n sinful_a and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o many_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o when_o ceremony_n be_v enjoin_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o god_n worship_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a mischief_n which_o we_o shall_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o if_o every_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v suffer_v to_o follow_v their_o several_a different_a judgement_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_n than_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o good_a but_o say_v they_o if_o these_o ceremony_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n why_o do_v the_o discipline_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n force_n man_n to_o use_v they_o i_o answer_v the_o church_n do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o ceremony_n as_o thing_n that_o bound_v the_o conscience_n or_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v in_o themselves_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n be_v force_v to_o observe_v they_o and_o punish_v if_o they_o refuse_v be_v because_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o church_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o church_n or_o state_n make_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v sinful_a rom._n 13._o 5._o and_o 2._o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v punish_v and_o also_o for_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o thus_o we_o justify_v our_o bow_n at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n at_o seasonable_a time_n and_o all_o our_o ceremony_n since_o the_o church_n have_v appoint_v they_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v unless_o we_o can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v so_o long_o as_o the_o worship_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o true_a object_n to_o wit_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o the_o ceremony_n of_o bow_v towards_o the_o altar_n note_v the_o canon_n that_o appoint_v it_o do_v not_o oblige_v any_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o it_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n as_o to_o the_o posture_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o wit_n kneel_v it_o be_v a_o circumstance_n which_o may_v be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v always_o take_v in_o the_o posture_n of_o adoration_n which_o posture_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o country_n now_o kneel_v be_v the_o posture_n of_o adoration_n in_o these_o kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v therefore_o appoint_v that_o it_o be_v take_v kneel_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o very_o reasonable_a that_o so_o sacred_a a_o ordinance_n and_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n shall_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o most_o thankful_a and_o humble_a posture_n that_o may_v be_v and_o that_o sure_o be_v on_o our_o knee_n which_o be_v also_o the_o fit_a posture_n for_o those_o high_a strain_n of_o devotion_n with_o which_o so_o sacred_a a_o work_n ought_v to_o be_v attend_v at_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o take_v it_o the_o only_a objection_n that_o i_o know_v be_v make_v against_o this_o posture_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v because_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n own_o practice_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o will_v make_v we_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n all_o idolater_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o do_v not_o our_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o communion_n service_n tell_v they_o as_o plain_a as_o word_n can_v express_v it_o that_o we_o pay_v no_o adoration_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o sacrament_n but_o christ_n himself_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o yet_o will_v they_o make_v we_o idolater_n for_o all_o this_o have_v any_o of_o they_o ever_o write_v so_o strong_a against_o idolize_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o our_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o will_v they_o persuade_v we_o we_o be_v idolater_n they_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o stone_n in_o the_o church-wall_n when_o we_o kneel_v down_o to_o pray_v in_o they_o and_o true_o i_o fear_v many_o of_o they_o do_v so_o which_o make_v they_o use_v that_o posture_n so_o seldom_o in_o their_o public_a meeting_n for_o you_o shall_v seldom_o see_v in_o any_o of_o their_o meeting_n scarce_o one_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n on_o their_o knee_n not_o even_o at_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n if_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v say_v which_o be_v not_o often_o their_o usual_a posture_n of_o pray_v in_o their_o public_a congregation_n be_v either_o
the_o reformation_n put_v our_o church_n under_o that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v put_v you_o under_o that_o of_o the_o episcopacy_n and_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o you_o do_v not_o despise_v our_o simplicity_n so_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o your_o pre-eminence_n see_v both_o these_o letter_n and_o a_o three_o from_o mounseur_fw-fr l'angle_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n at_o large_a in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n misch_n of_o separ_fw-la thus_o much_o for_o the_o foreign_a divine_n now_o we_o will_v come_v near_a home_n and_o see_v what_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o have_v think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v first_o then_o several_a of_o the_o dissenter_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o brownism_n do_v sincere_o profess_v before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o which_o they_o do_v and_o will_v hold_v communion_n notwithstanding_o any_o defilement_n or_o unwarrant_v power_n of_o church_n government_n exercise_v therein_o see_v the_o apologetical_a narrative_n p._n 5_o 6._o again_o they_o own_o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o 56._o and_o if_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a constant_a be_v a_o duty_n see_v paper_n for_o accomm_n p._n 47_o 51_o 56._o sometime_o a_o duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o baxter_n defence_n of_o his_o cure_n p._n 38._o and_o 64._o corbet_n of_o schism_n p._n 41._o peace-offering_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o congreg_n party_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1667._o p._n 10._o true_a way_n of_o conc._n part_n 3._o c._n 1._o sect_n 40._o and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o last_o answer_n to_o bagshaw_n p._n 30_o 31._o have_v these_o word_n you_o little_o know_v what_o pernicious_a design_n the_o devil_n have_v upon_o you_o in_o persuade_v you_o to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v uphold_v in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o this_o land_n and_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o bring_v they_o as_o low_a in_o reality_n and_o reputation_n as_o you_o can_v and_o contract_v the_o religious_a interest_n all_o into_o private_a meeting_n and_o see_v also_o mr._n baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 240._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o last_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o book_n of_o evangelical_n love_n p._n 54._o acknowledge_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n measure_v it_o by_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v since_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v now_o prove_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v sinful_a and_o schismatical_a i_o have_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o all_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o their_o own_o write_n how_o will_v they_o now_o justify_v their_o separation_n or_o clear_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n what_o will_v they_o say_v to_o this_o be_v schism_n not_o a_o sin_n or_o be_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o not_o schism_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o schism_n why_o then_o our_o nonconformist_a minister_n know_v better_a what_o be_v schism_n than_o all_o the_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n do_v for_o i_o have_v show_v from_o their_o own_o word_n that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v as_o true_a and_o sound_a a_o part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o condemn_v all_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o she_o as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n doubtless_o these_o man_n be_v as_o competent_a judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v minister_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v flatter_v we_o for_o they_o be_v stranger_n who_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o we_o and_o man_n of_o more_o piety_n and_o honesty_n than_o to_o indulge_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a but_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o these_o learned_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n who_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o she_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o they_o may_v have_v a_o little_a more_o civility_n than_o to_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o godly_a upright_a man_n will_v rash_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o those_o be_v which_o relate_v to_o religion_n before_o they_o be_v true_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o beside_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o other_o man_n by_o themselves_o because_o the_o most_o of_o their_o own_o divine_n be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o constitution_n of_o other_o church_n as_o appear_v sufficient_o by_o their_o principle_n of_o separation_n must_v they_o believe_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o no_o thorough_o accomplish_v divine_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o any_o reform_a national_a church_n much_o less_o of_o so_o great_a and_o considerable_a a_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o dispute_n it_o appear_v before_o that_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n beforementioned_a be_v in_o england_n for_o some_o year_n and_o frequent_v both_o the_o church_n and_o meeting_n on_o purpose_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o both_o in_o order_n to_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o they_o since_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v sound_a and_o the_o worship_n true_a and_o government_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o as_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n lay_v aside_o all_o those_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n that_o have_v possess_v the_o mind_n of_o too_o many_o of_o we_o concern_v it_o and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o not_o only_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o our_o union_n but_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n all_o over_o the_o world_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v not_o the_o business_n of_o private_a man_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n or_o dispute_v the_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n of_o every_o little_a imposition_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o 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