such_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o city_n of_o crect_n in_o his_o time_n 1._o and_o if_o we_o look_v over_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o thing_n very_o plain_a in_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o a_o diocese_n 16._o or_o such_o a_o number_n of_o christian_n as_o be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o a_o bishop_n 6._o 2._o that_o those_o presbyter_n who_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o bishop_n 26._o or_o affect_v separate_v meeting_n where_o no_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n 2._o be_v condemn_v of_o schism_n eccl._n so_o the_o follower_n of_o eustathius_n sebastenus_n 55._o who_o withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a congregation_n on_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n in_o paphlagonia_n council_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o council_n at_o gangrae_n 6._o so_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o their_o bishop_n 6._o though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o orthodox_n by_o the_o council_n at_o constantinople_n 11._o and_o the_o council_n at_o carthage_n wherein_o before_o st._n cyprian_n have_v so_o just_o complain_v of_o the_o schism_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o his_o brethren_n 42._o who_o on_o pretence_n of_o some_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n have_v withdraw_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o there_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o novatian_a schism_n but_o when_o false_a doctrine_n be_v impose_v on_o church_n 17._o as_o by_o the_o arian_n bishop_n at_o antioch_n than_o the_o people_n be_v excuse_v in_o their_o separation_n so_o at_o rome_n when_o felix_n be_v make_v bishop_n and_o at_o sirmium_n when_o photinus_n publish_v his_o heresy_n 16._o but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v one_o instance_n in_o antiquity_n wherein_o separation_n from_o orthodox_n bishop_n and_o set_v up_o meeting_n without_o their_o authority_n and_o against_o their_o consent_n be_v acquit_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n indeed_o some_o bishop_n have_v sometime_o refuse_v communion_n with_o other_o upon_o great_a misdemeanour_n as_o theognostus_n and_o st._n martin_n with_o the_o ithacian_a party_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o death_n of_o priscillian_n but_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reach_n to_o the_o case_n of_o presbyter_n separate_v from_o bishop_n with_o who_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o follower_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n do_v i_o confess_v continue_v their_o separate_a meeting_n after_o his_o banishment_n and_o the_o come_n in_o of_o arsacius_n but_o although_o they_o withdraw_v in_o his_o time_n be_v unsatisfied_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o choice_n yet_o when_o atticus_n restore_v the_o name_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n to_o the_o diptych_n of_o the_o church_n they_o return_v to_o communion_n with_o their_o bishop_n 47._o as_o st._n chrysostom_n himself_o advise_v they_o as_o appear_v by_o palladius_n which_o be_v far_o from_o justify_v the_o wilful_a separation_n of_o presbyter_n and_o people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o bishop_n when_o they_o do_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n 2._o but_o suppose_v the_o first_o church_n be_v bare_o congregational_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o to_o reduce_v church_n to_o their_o infant-state_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o reduce_v the_o first_o community_n of_o good_n which_o be_v far_o more_o certain_o practise_v than_o congregational_a church_n 14._o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n although_o christ_n do_v it_o and_o bad_a his_o disciple_n do_v as_o he_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o first_o civil_a government_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o over_o family_n do_v they_o therefore_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o overthrow_v kingdom_n to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o their_o first_o institution_n if_o not_o why_o shall_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o so_o much_o worse_a a_o condition_n than_o that_o of_o the_o civil-state_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o the_o primitive_a form_n be_v such_o as_o they_o fancy_v if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v more_o uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n than_o from_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o our_o duty_n to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o do_v if_o man_n break_v all_o order_n in_o piece_n for_o the_o fancy_n they_o have_v take_v up_o of_o a_o primitive_a platform_n it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n among_o some_o who_o pretend_v to_o great_a niceness_n in_o some_o positive_a duty_n that_o they_o have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o comparative_a duty_n for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v a_o duty_n in_o one_o case_n when_o it_o come_v to_o thwart_v a_o great_a duty_n may_v be_v none_o this_o doctrine_n we_o learn_v from_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n 7._o which_o he_o make_v to_o yield_v to_o duty_n of_o mercy_n and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o we_o which_o in_o our_o circumstance_n make_v a_o far_o great_a duty_n impracticable_a be_v there_o any_o thing_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v charge_v more_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n than_o study_v to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n 19_o this_o be_v that_o we_o must_v follow_v after_o 11._o even_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o fly_v from_o we_o this_o be_v that_o we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n to_o 3._o and_o think_v it_o our_o honour_n to_o promote_v this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a christian_n be_v the_o most_o zealous_a for_o 3._o this_o be_v that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o practice_v meekness_n humility_n patience_n self-denial_n and_o submission_n to_o governor_n 17._o and_o after_o all_o this_o can_v we_o imagine_v the_o attain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n shall_v depend_v upon_o man_n conjecture_n whether_o five_o thousand_o christian_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n can_v make_v one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n or_o whether_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o ephesus_n or_o corinth_n make_v but_o one_o congregation_n on_o what_o term_n can_v we_o ever_o hope_v for_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n if_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o be_v ground_n enough_o to_o disturb_v it_o what_o stop_n can_v be_v put_v to_o schism_n and_o separation_n if_o such_o pretence_n as_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v they_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o in_o talk_v of_o preserve_a peace_n and_o love_n under_o separate_a communion_n but_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n show_v the_o contrary_a for_o as_o nothing_o tend_v more_o to_o unite_v man_n heart_n than_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n so_o nothing_o do_v more_o alienate_v man_n affection_n than_o withdraw_v from_o each_o other_o into_o separate_a congregation_n which_o tempt_v some_o to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o of_o a_o more_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a church_n than_o themselves_o and_o provoke_v other_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n and_o indiscretion_n and_o immorality_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n above_o their_o brethren_n 2._o other_o confess_v 40._o that_o to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n as_o many_o at_o least_o of_o we_o be_v be_v a_o sin_n for_o they_o say_v that_o causeless_o renounce_v communion_n with_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v join_v with_o set_v up_o anti-churche_n unwarrantable_o against_o they_o but_o this_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o do_v although_o they_o preach_v when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o law_n and_o worship_n god_n and_o administer_v sacrament_n by_o other_o rule_n and_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o what_o our_o church_n require_v this_o be_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o with_o that_o fairness_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o our_o former_a brethren_n use_v for_o they_o avow_v the_o fact_n of_o separation_n but_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a these_o own_n it_o to_o be_v sinful_a have_v no_o other_o refuge_n leave_v but_o to_o deny_v the_o fact_n which_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o person_n for_o do_v they_o not_o do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o the_o other_o do_v how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o be_v separation_n in_o some_o and_o not_o in_o other_o they_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o confess_v a_o separation_n because_o they_o have_v former_o condemn_v it_o with_o great_a severity_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o charge_v other_o as_o guilty_a of_o a_o
such_o case_n and_o bind_v christian_n to_o observe_v they_o as_o we_o find_v in_o that_o famous_a decree_n make_v upon_o great_a deliberation_n 28_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n wherein_o they_o determine_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v be_v then_o scruple_v and_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v afterward_o wherever_o the_o judaize_v christian_n prevail_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o dissatisfaction_n the_o apostle_n continue_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o s._n paul_n here_o require_v the_o most_o forward_a christian_n to_o mind_v their_o rule_n and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o but_o do_v not_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n lie_v down_o quite_o another_o rule_n viz._n only_o of_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n where_o man_n be_v unsatisfied_a in_o conscience_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n like_o a_o prudent_a governor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o think_v do_v most_o tend_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a of_o particular_a church_n in_o some_o church_n that_o consist_v most_o of_o jew_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o time_n do_v and_o where_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o do_v at_o rome_n the_o apostle_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v the_o law_n bury_v as_o decent_o and_o with_o as_o little_a noise_n as_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n he_o persuade_v both_o party_n to_o forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o avoid_v the_o judge_n and_o censure_v one_o another_o 10._o since_o they_o have_v a_o equal_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o in_o those_o church_n where_o the_o false_a apostle_n make_v use_v of_o this_o pretence_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n be_v still_o in_o force_n to_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_n there_o the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o their_o practice_n as_o be_v of_o a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n so_o that_o the_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o prevent_a separation_n be_v the_o great_a measure_n according_a to_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v his_o direction_n and_o that_o make_v he_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o this_o advice_n to_o the_o philippian_n that_o whatever_o their_o attainment_n in_o christianity_n be_v they_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n ii_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o best_a christian_n to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n from_o whence_o arise_v two_o very_a considerable_a inquiry_n 1._o how_o far_o the_o obligation_n do_v extend_v to_o comply_v with_o a_o establish_a rule_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o 2._o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v if_o man_n can_v come_v up_o to_o that_o rule_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v only_o of_o such_o as_o have_v attain_v so_o far_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n 1._o how_o far_o the_o obligation_n do_v extend_v to_o comply_v with_o a_o establish_a rule_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o this_o i_o think_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o because_o i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o so_o many_o scrupulous_a and_o conscientious_a man_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o will_v live_v so_o many_o year_n in_o a_o know_a sin_n i._n e._n in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o in_o conscience_n they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o must_v be_v certain_o some_o great_a mistake_n in_o their_o judgement_n must_v lead_v they_o to_o this_o for_o i_o be_o by_o no_o mean_n willing_a to_o impute_v it_o to_o passion_n and_o evil_a design_n and_o out_o of_o the_o hearty_a desire_n i_o have_v if_o possible_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o search_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o which_o we_o owe_v so_o much_o of_o our_o present_a distraction_n and_o fear_n but_o for_o the_o better_a prevent_v all_o misunderstanding_n the_o design_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o separation_n or_o distinct_a communion_n of_o whole_a church_n from_o each_o other_o which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o reason_n have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o by_o whole_a church_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o such_o nation_n which_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 and_o upon_o their_o own_n christianity_n incorporate_v into_o one_o christian_a society_n under_o the_o same_o common_a tie_n and_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o government_n such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n will_v have_v be_v if_o from_o be_v a_o roman_a province_n it_o have_v become_v a_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thessalonica_n philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v unite_v together_o and_o so_o the_o several_a church_n of_o the_o lydian_a or_o proconsular_a asia_n if_o they_o have_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o kingdom_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n under_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v have_v be_v true_o call_v the_o lydian_a church_n just_o as_o several_a family_n unite_n make_v one_o kingdom_n which_o at_o first_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o independent_a power_n but_o it_o will_v make_v strange_a confusion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reduce_v kingdom_n back_o again_o to_o family_n because_o at_o first_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o they_o thus_o national_a church_n be_v national_a society_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v no_o more_o than_o of_o a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n bare_o to_o relate_v to_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o particular_a congregation_n whereas_o if_o this_o hold_v true_a the_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v assoon_o as_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o but_o if_o they_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o worship_n than_o there_o be_v some_o other_o bond_n that_o unite_v they_o and_o whatever_o that_o be_v it_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n consist_v of_o multitude_n of_o particular_a church_n consent_v in_o one_o faith_n then_o why_o may_v there_o not_o be_v one_o national_a church_n from_o the_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v mutual_a consent_n and_o agreement_n which_o make_v a_o church_n then_o why_o may_v not_o national_a society_n agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o same_o government_n and_o discipline_n be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o church_n as_o any_o particular_a congregation_n for_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n as_o true_o a_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o province_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o ivetot_n once_o be_v in_o normandy_n 126._o which_o consist_v of_o a_o very_a small_a territory_n among_o the_o athenian_n from_o who_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v take_v for_o such_o a_o assembly_n which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n for_o the_o senate_n of_o 500_o be_v distribute_v into_o fifty_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o tribe_n which_o succeed_v by_o course_n through_o the_o year_n 1._o and_o be_v then_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v 4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d regular_a assembly_n in_o the_o last_o of_o which_o a_o account_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v take_v and_o of_o other_o matter_n which_o concern_v religion_n as_o in_o the_o comitia_fw-la calata_n at_o rome_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meeting_n of_o one_o of_o
the_o single_a tribe_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o general_n meet_v of_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o whole_a city_n and_o the_o people_n together_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o comprehend_v the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n and_o the_o people_n of_o whole_a city_n and_o why_o many_o of_o these_o city_n be_v unite_v under_o one_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o religion_n shall_v not_o be_v call_v one_o national_a church_n i_o can_v understand_v 35._o which_o make_v i_o wonder_v at_o those_o who_o say_v they_o can_v tell_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 59_o in_o short_a we_o mean_v that_o society_n of_o christian_a people_n which_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v unite_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o faith_n the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o every_o church_n thus_o constitute_v we_o do_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o just_a right_n of_o govern_v itself_o and_o of_o reform_v error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o corruption_n in_o worship_n on_o which_o ground_n we_o be_v acquit_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o we_o only_o resume_v our_o just_a right_n as_o the_o british_a nation_n do_v as_o to_o civil_a government_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v among_o we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o of_o the_o term_n of_o lay-communion_n i._n e._n those_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o person_n to_o join_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n i_o will_v not_o say_v there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n use_v to_o confound_v these_o two_o and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v to_o what_o purpose_n it_o be_v but_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o people_n not_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o case_n have_v be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n for_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o impartial_a man_n of_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n although_o they_o think_v the_o case_n of_o the_o minister_n very_o hard_o on_o the_o account_n of_o subscription_n and_o declaration_n require_v of_o they_o yet_o they_o confess_v very_o little_o be_v to_o be_v say_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n from_o who_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n be_v require_v so_o that_o the_o people_n be_v condemn_v in_o their_o separation_n by_o their_o own_o teacher_n but_o how_o they_o can_v preach_v lawful_o to_o a_o people_n who_o commit_v a_o fault_n in_o hear_v they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v 3._o i_o do_v not_o confound_v bare_a suspending_a communion_n in_o some_o particular_a rite_n which_o person_n do_v modest_o scruple_n and_o use_v it_o in_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a with_o either_o total_a or_o at_o least_o ordinary_a forbearance_n of_o communion_n in_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o proceed_v to_o the_o form_n of_o separate_a congregation_n i._n e._n under_o other_o teacher_n and_o by_o other_o rule_n than_o what_o the_o establish_a religion_n allow_v and_o this_o be_v the_o present_a case_n of_o separation_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o make_v the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o appear_v but_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o more_o convince_o i_o will_v not_o make_v the_o difference_n wide_o than_o it_o be_v but_o lay_v down_o impartial_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n between_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n about_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n 1._o they_o unanimous_o confess_v they_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n 11._o and_o can_v free_o subscribe_v to_o all_o the_o doctrinal_a article_n nay_o they_o profess_v great_a zeal_n for_o many_o of_o they_o than_o say_v they_o some_o of_o our_o own_o preacher_n do_v well_o then_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a as_o to_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o 64._o and_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o we_o declare_v if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o amiss_o among_o they_o 60._o their_o doctrine_n be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v never_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o 2._o 86._o they_o general_o yield_v that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n and_o it_o be_v with_o these_o their_o communion_n be_v require_v they_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o true_a church_n true_a doctrine_n true_a sacrament_n and_o a_o implicit_a covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v declare_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unjust_a calumny_n cast_v upon_o they_o 41._o that_o they_o look_v on_o our_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n 3._o many_o of_o they_o declare_v 38._o that_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a yea_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o print_n by_o one_o then_o present_a that_o a._n d._n 1663._o divers_a of_o their_o preacher_n in_o london_n meet_v to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o their_o duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o parish-church_n where_o they_o live_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o sacrament_n and_o that_o the_o relator_n bring_v in_o twenty_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o some_o to_o join_v with_o some_o parish-church_n three_o time_n a_o year_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n after_o he_o have_v not_o only_o prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liturgy_n but_o in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n with_o we_o and_o no_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n he_o add_v seem_v to_o dissent_v but_o to_o take_v the_o reason_n to_o be_v valid_a such_o another_o meeting_n 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v tell_v they_o have_v after_o the_o plague_n and_o fire_n at_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o good_a who_o can_v have_v imagine_v otherwise_o than_o that_o after_o the_o weight_n of_o so_o many_o reason_n and_o such_o a_o general_a consent_n among_o they_o they_o shall_v have_v all_o join_v with_o we_o in_o what_o themselves_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o many_o case_n a_o duty_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o have_v rather_o since_o that_o time_n find_v they_o more_o inclinable_a to_o course_n of_o separation_n fill_v the_o people_n with_o great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o our_o communion_n and_o gather_v they_o into_o fix_v and_o separate_a congregation_n which_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o new_a pastor_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o old_a one_o and_o except_o some_o very_o few_o scarce_o any_o either_o of_o their_o preacher_n or_o people_n here_o come_v ordinary_o to_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o at_o present_a we_o lament_v as_o a_o thing_n which_o unavoidable_o tend_v to_o our_o common_a ruin_n if_o not_o in_o time_n prevent_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n be_v alienate_v from_o each_o other_o who_o apprehend_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o their_o teacher_n will_v allow_v when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o declare_v their_o mind_n and_o our_o common_a enemy_n take_v as_o much_o advantage_n from_o our_o difference_n as_o if_o they_o be_v real_o far_a great_a than_o they_o be_v but_o you_o may_v ask_v what_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n for_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v discernible_a by_o all_o but_o what_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v be_v hard_o to_o understand_v after_o these_o concession_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a that_o conscientious_a man_n can_v in_o such_o a_o juncture_n of_o affair_n persist_v in_o so_o obstinate_a and_o destructive_a a_o course_n of_o separation_n unless_o they_o have_v something_o at_o last_o fit_a to_o answer_v the_o twenty_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o brethren_n against_o it_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v myself_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n among_o we_o which_o i_o never_o expect_v to_o see_v survive_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o utmost_a i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o best_a writer_n of_o the_o several_a party_n amount_n to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o although_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n yet_o this_o separation_n
be_v no_o sin_n 2._o that_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n will_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o meeting_n in_o different_a place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o several_a plea_n at_o this_o day_n make_v use_v of_o to_o justify_v the_o separate_a congregation_n both_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v 1._o some_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n from_o we_o but_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n or_o culpable_a separation_n so_o to_o have_v for_o say_v they_o our_o lord_n christ_n institute_v only_o congregational_a church_n 68_o or_o particular_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n which_o have_v the_o sole_a church_n power_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n but_o only_o to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o charity_n with_o they_o and_o to_o this_o doctrine_n 111._o other_o of_o late_a approach_n so_o near_o that_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o devise_v new_a species_n of_o church_n beyond_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a without_o god_n authority_n and_o to_o impose_v they_o on_o the_o world_n yea_o in_o his_o name_n and_o call_v all_o dissenter_n schismatic_n be_v a_o far_o worse_a usurpation_n than_o to_o make_v or_o impose_v new_a ceremony_n or_o liturgy_n which_o must_v suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n that_o any_o other_o constitution_n above_o these_o be_v both_o unlawful_a and_o insupportable_a which_o be_v more_o than_o the_o independent_a brethren_n themselves_o do_v assert_v but_o to_o clear_v the_o practice_n of_o separation_n from_o be_v a_o sin_n on_o this_o account_n two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v 1._o to_o prove_v that_o a_o christian_n have_v no_o obligation_n to_o external_a communion_n beyond_o a_o congregational_a church_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n to_o set_v up_o a_o particular_a independent_a church_n 1._o that_o a_o christian_a have_v no_o obligation_n to_o external_a communion_n beyond_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n they_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o man_n by_o baptism_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o member_n of_o it_o 52._o and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o communion_n by_o mutual_a love_n among_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o this_o body_n and_o to_o do_v they_o right_o 54._o they_o declare_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n profess_v christianity_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 but_o then_o they_o say_v communion_n in_o ordinance_n must_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n himself_o institute_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n 59_o which_o be_v only_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a how_o do_v it_o hence_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o according_a to_o their_o own_o concession_n have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o true_a church_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v they_o have_v to_o separate_v and_o divide_v those_o church_n which_o for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v see_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n philippi_n or_o thessalonica_n but_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v further_o i_o have_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v limit_v to_o congregation_n it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v credible_a to_o any_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o 5000_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n not_o if_o we_o make_v all_o the_o allowance_n for_o stranger_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v but_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v where_o be_v the_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o assoon_o as_o the_o company_n become_v too_o great_a for_o one_o particular_a assembly_n they_o must_v become_v a_o new_a church_n under_o peculiar_a officer_n and_o a_o independent_a authority_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o who_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o worship_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v nothing_o in_o so_o necessary_a a_o point_n if_o that_o of_o which_o we_o read_v the_o clear_a instance_n in_o scripture_n must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o future_a age_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v for_o limit_v church_n to_o private_a family_n than_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n at_o rome_n 5._o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n at_o colosse_n 2._o and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o philemon_n at_o laodicea_n why_o then_o shall_v not_o church_n be_v reduce_v to_o particular_a family_n when_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o may_v full_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o break_v the_o law_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o such_o plain_a example_n man_n will_v extend_v church_n to_o congregation_n of_o many_o family_n why_o may_v not_o other_o extend_v church_n to_o those_o society_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o institute_v church_n do_v appoint_v such_o officer_n in_o they_o as_o have_v not_o bare_o a_o respect_n to_o those_o already_o convert_v but_o to_o as_o many_o as_o by_o their_o mean_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n as_o clemens_n affirm_v in_o his_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o go_v about_o in_o city_n and_o country_n preach_v the_o gospel_n 55._o and_o appoint_v their_o first-fruit_n have_v make_v a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o for_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o believe_v from_o hence_o the_o number_n of_o convert_v be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o accession_n to_o the_o original_a church_n and_o be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v first_o settle_v there_o for_o although_o when_o the_o church_n increase_v the_o occasional_a meeting_n be_v frequent_a in_o several_a place_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o altar_n and_o one_o baptistry_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o many_o presbyter_n assist_v he_o and_o this_o be_v so_o very_o plain_a in_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o several_a part_n that_o none_o but_o a_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n can_v ever_o call_v it_o in_o question_n 2._o i_o be_o sure_a calvin_n a_o person_n of_o great_a and_o deserve_a reputation_n among_o our_o brethren_n look_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o matter_n out_o of_o dispute_n among_o learned_a man_n that_o a_o church_n do_v not_o only_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o whole_a city_n but_o of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n too_o and_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n be_v a_o very_a novel_a and_o late_a fancy_n of_o some_o among_o we_o and_o have_v not_o age_n enough_o to_o plead_v a_o prescription_n it_o be_v true_a after_o some_o time_n in_o the_o great_a city_n they_o have_v distinct_a place_n allot_v and_o presbyter_n fix_v among_o they_o and_o such_o allotment_n be_v call_v title_n at_o rome_n and_o laurae_n at_o alexandria_n and_o parish_n in_o other_o place_n but_o these_o be_v never_o think_v then_o to_o be_v new_a church_n or_o to_o have_v any_o independent_a government_n in_o themselves_o but_o be_v all_o in_o subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o college_n of_o presbyter_n of_o which_o multitude_n of_o example_n may_v be_v bring_v from_o most_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o antiquity_n if_o a_o thing_n so_o evident_a need_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o and_o yet_o this_o distribution_n even_o in_o city_n be_v so_o uncommon_a in_o those_o elder_a time_n that_o epiphanius_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a thing_n at_o alexandria_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o
and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v they_o i_o do_v not_o hence_o infer_v that_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v to_o so_o ill_a purpose_n for_o no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o conscience_n will_v speak_v against_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o declare_v against_o it_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v regard_v in_o what_o he_o say_v but_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o present_n dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n for_o notwithstanding_o they_o they_o may_v commit_v very_o great_a sin_n i_o be_o afraid_a the_o common_a mistate_v the_o case_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n to_o conscientious_a man_n and_o betray_v they_o into_o great_a security_n while_o they_o be_v assure_v they_o do_v act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n for_o the_o question_n be_v general_o put_v how_o far_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n do_v oblige_v and_o when_o man_n hear_v that_o they_o must_v not_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n though_o they_o be_v mistake_v they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a enough_o and_o inquire_v no_o further_o but_o if_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o no_o man_n conscience_n alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o thing_n that_o what_o god_n have_v make_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n remain_v so_o whatever_o a_o man_n conscience_n do_v judge_n concern_v they_o that_o no_o man_n conscience_n can_v strict_o oblige_v he_o either_o to_o omit_v a_o duty_n or_o to_o commit_v a_o sin_n the_o utmost_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n come_v to_o this_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o perplex_v and_o entangle_v by_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n that_o he_o may_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o act_v either_o with_o or_o against_o it_o not_o that_o god_n ever_o put_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v for_o then_o it_o will_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o he_o if_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a but_o that_o by_o their_o own_o neglect_n and_o carelessness_n without_o look_v after_o due_a information_n and_o run_v on_o with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o of_o many_o christian_n they_o may_v make_v false_a and_o rash_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o sin_n either_o in_o do_v or_o not_o do_v what_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o most_o material_a question_n then_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v what_o error_n of_o conscience_n do_v excuse_v a_o man_n from_o sin_n in_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o error_n be_v whole_o involuntary_a i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v cause_v by_o invincible_a ignorance_n or_o after_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o due_a information_n of_o his_o conscience_n though_o the_o act_n may_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o itself_o yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o sin_n because_o it_o want_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o which_o the_o will_n be_v determine_v but_o if_o man_n fall_v into_o wilful_a error_n of_o conscience_n i._n e._n if_o they_o form_v their_o judgement_n rather_o by_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n and_o interest_n than_o from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o just_a rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v thing_n fair_o on_o both_o side_n pray_v for_o divine_a direction_n if_o they_o have_v not_o patience_n to_o hear_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o opinion_n but_o run_v on_o blind_o and_o furious_o they_o may_v in_o so_o do_v act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v in_o as_o great_a danger_n of_o commit_v heinous_a sin_n as_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o jew_n be_v thus_o if_o man_n through_o the_o power_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n may_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o make_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n to_o disobey_v law_n and_o to_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n of_o they_o may_v satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o pursue_v their_o conscience_n and_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o due_a care_n of_o inform_v themselves_o and_o judge_v aright_o those_o very_a action_n may_v be_v wilful_a and_o damnable_a sin_n nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o to_o make_v application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o our_o own_o case_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v to_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n 2._o to_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o it_o i._o to_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n let_v we_o study_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n and_o thereby_o the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o it_o while_o we_o keep_v to_o one_o rule_n all_o people_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v of_o our_o church_n if_o man_n set_v up_o their_o own_o fancy_n above_o the_o rule_n they_o charge_v it_o with_o imperfection_n if_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o rule_n they_o make_v themselves_o wise_a than_o those_o that_o make_v it_o it_o have_v not_o be_v either_o the_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n which_o have_v ever_o give_v advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o but_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o some_o in_o go_v beyond_o they_o and_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o other_o in_o not_o hold_v to_o they_o such_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n such_o the_o loyalty_n of_o its_o principle_n such_o the_o wisdom_n and_o order_n and_o piety_n of_o its_o devotion_n that_o none_o who_o be_v true_a friend_n to_o any_o of_o these_o can_v be_v enemy_n to_o it_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o give_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o our_o enemy_n to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o our_o church_n for_o our_o sake_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o most_o quarrel_n relate_v to_o constitution_n and_o frame_v of_o government_n be_v more_o against_o person_n than_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v unsatisfy_v with_o their_o management_n than_o they_o blame_v the_o government_n but_o if_o themselves_o be_v in_o place_n or_o those_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_v than_o the_o government_n be_v a_o good_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v in_o good_a man_n hand_n thus_o do_v man_n judgement_n vary_v as_o their_o interest_n do_v and_o so_o as_o to_o church_n we_o find_v uniformity_n and_o order_n condemn_v as_o tyrannical_a till_o man_n come_v into_o power_n themselves_o and_o then_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n and_o argument_n be_v use_v and_o think_v very_o good_a and_o substantial_a which_o before_o be_v weak_a and_o sophistical_a those_o who_o speak_v now_o most_o against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v ten_o substantial_a reason_n for_o it_o 9_o when_o they_o think_v the_o magistrate_n on_o their_o own_o side_n those_o who_o now_o plead_v for_o toleration_n do_v once_o think_v it_o the_o mother_n of_o confusion_n the_o nurse_n of_o atheism_n the_o inlet_n of_o popery_n the_o common_a sink_v of_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v say_v against_o the_o church_n constitution_n than_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v load_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o the_o governor_n and_o member_n of_o it_o and_o thence_o pretend_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n for_o a_o pure_a communion_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v this_o objection_n not_o by_o recrimination_n which_o be_v too_o easy_a in_o such_o case_n but_o by_o live_v suitable_o to_o our_o holy_a religion_n by_o reform_v our_o own_o life_n and_o redress_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o scandal_n and_o disorder_n of_o other_o let_v we_o by_o the_o innocency_n and_o unblameableness_n of_o our_o life_n the_o life_n and_o constancy_n of_o our_o devotion_n the_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o our_o behaviour_n in_o our_o own_o cause_n our_o zeal_n and_o courage_n in_o god_n add_v a_o lustre_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o bring_v other_o to_o a_o love_n of_o our_o church_n ii_o to_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o our_o communion_n whether_o they_o hear_v or_o whether_o they_o will_v forbear_v i_o can_v dismiss_v this_o subject_n without_o offer_v some_o thing_n to_o they_o 1._o by_o way_n of_o consideration_n 1679._o 2._o by_o way_n of_o advice_n 1._o i_o shall_v offer_v these_o thing_n to_o their_o consideration_n 1._o let_v they_o consider_v how_o many_o thing_n must_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v without_o spot_n or_o
wrinkle_n and_o if_o man_n will_v set_v themselves_o only_o to_o find_v fault_n it_o be_v impossible_a in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n they_o shall_v ever_o be_v please_v and_o if_o they_o separate_v where_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n amiss_o 13._o they_o must_v follow_v his_o example_n who_o pursue_v this_o principle_n so_o far_o till_o he_o withdraw_v from_o all_o society_n lest_o he_o shall_v communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n in_o which_o condition_n he_o continue_v till_o his_o child_n lay_v dead_a in_o the_o house_n and_o he_o become_v utter_o unable_a to_o help_v himself_o and_o because_o no_o humane_a invention_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o have_v cut_v out_o of_o his_o bible_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o title_n of_o the_o leave_n and_o so_o leave_v the_o bare_a text_n without_o bind_v or_o cover_v this_o be_v the_o case_n the_o rigid_a and_o impracticable_a principle_n of_o some_o will_v bring_v our_o church_n to_o by_o cut_v off_o all_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n as_o encroachment_n on_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n 2._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o and_o how_o many_o thing_n must_v be_v allow_v a_o favourable_a interpretation_n in_o public_a constitution_n and_o general_a law_n which_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a so_o to_o frame_v but_o there_o will_v be_v room_n leave_v for_o cavil_n and_o exception_n yea_o when_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n have_v do_v their_o utmost_a some_o of_o themselves_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v dissatisfaction_n still_o and_o if_o christian_a humility_n charity_n and_o discretion_n will_v then_o advise_v person_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o private_a security_n and_o freedom_n 19_o and_o not_o to_o unsettle_v the_o public_a order_n for_o their_o private_a satisfaction_n why_o shall_v not_o man_n practice_v the_o same_o virtue_n themselves_o which_o they_o do_v confess_v will_v be_v necessary_a for_o some_o at_o last_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v consider_v the_o difficulty_n that_o always_o attend_v public_a establishment_n and_o have_v that_o esteem_n for_o peace_n and_o order_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v with_o anything_o tolerable_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o 1667._o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n with_o a_o church_n when_o man_n shall_v set_v their_o wit_n to_o strain_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o worst_a sense_n to_o stretch_v law_n beyond_o the_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o they_o to_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a passage_n in_o calendar_n translation_n etc._n etc._n and_o will_v not_o distinguish_v between_o their_o approbation_n of_o the_o use_n and_o of_o the_o choice_n of_o thing_n for_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o man_n think_v to_o justify_v the_o present_a division_n i_o much_o question_n whether_o if_o they_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n they_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n 264._o if_o man_n be_v dispose_v to_o find_v fault_n no_o church_n can_v be_v pure_a enough_o for_o something_o will_v be_v amiss_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n or_o ceremony_n or_o manner_n but_o if_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o peace_n and_o union_n than_o charity_n will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o fail_v and_o then_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n 3._o advice_n with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n they_o will_v be_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o former_a virtue_n no_o metaphysical_a discourse_n of_o unity_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n 3._o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o separation_n of_o the_o people_n from_o our_o church_n come_v to_o be_v more_o lawful_a now_o than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n it_o have_v be_v often_o and_o evident_o prove_v that_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o learned_a nonconformist_n of_o former_a time_n notwithstanding_o their_o scruple_n in_o some_o point_n 52._o yet_o utter_o condemn_v separation_n from_o our_o church_n as_o unlawful_a and_o they_o look_v upon_o this_o not_o as_o a_o mere_a common_a sin_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n but_o as_o a_o wilful_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n in_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o antichrist_n 2._o that_o it_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v he_o call_v it_o a_o rent_v the_o church_n the_o disgrace_n of_o religion_n the_o advancement_n of_o pride_n schism_n and_o contention_n the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a the_o grief_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v better_a settle_v the_o harden_v of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o recovery_n or_o rise_v again_o of_o antichristianism_n nay_o even_o persecute_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o host_n which_o they_o revile_v in_o his_o ordinance_n which_o they_o dishonour_v and_o in_o his_o servant_n who_o footstep_n they_o slander_v who_o grace_n they_o despise_v who_o office_n they_o trample_v upon_o with_o disdain_n these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a nonconformist_n before_o the_o war_n and_o sure_o the_o mischief_n that_o follow_v after_o can_v not_o make_v separation_n to_o appear_v less_o odious_a be_v it_o a_o sin_n be_v it_o such_o a_o sin_n then_o and_o be_v it_o none_o now_o either_o our_o brethren_n at_o this_o day_n do_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o the_o people_n to_o separate_v or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o not_o it_o must_v either_o be_v that_o there_o be_v new_a and_o hard_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o be_v not_o then_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o they_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v rather_o easy_a for_o the_o people_n or_o it_o must_v be_v that_o they_o be_v go_v off_o from_o the_o peaceable_a principle_n of_o their_o predecessor_n which_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n why_o do_v they_o suffer_v the_o people_n to_o live_v in_o a_o know_a sin_n why_o do_v they_o encourage_v they_o by_o preach_v in_o separate_a congregation_n 91._o for_o their_o predecessor_n do_v not_o think_v it_o lawful_a much_o less_o a_o duty_n to_o preach_v when_o forbid_a by_o a_o law_n neither_o do_v they_o understand_v what_o warrant_v any_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v in_o such_o a_o case_n by_o god_n word_n 570._o so_o to_o draw_v any_o church_n or_o people_n to_o his_o private_a ministry_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n he_o live_v under_o they_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o apostle_n case_n and_o they_o and_o never_o think_v the_o apostle_n woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o they_o but_o think_v that_o silence_a minister_n ought_v to_o live_v as_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o they_o be_v restore_v and_o the_o people_n bind_v to_o learn_v of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v far_o less_o ground_n to_o dispute_v when_o themselves_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n by_o law_n establish_v to_o be_v true_a and_o find_v 4._o last_o let_v i_o beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o common_a danger_n that_o threaten_v we_o all_o by_o mean_n of_o our_o division_n 30._o we_o have_v adversary_n subtle_a and_o industrious_a enough_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o advantage_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o they_o promise_v themselves_o more_o from_o 25._o than_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o breach_n among_o ourselves_o this_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o have_v be_v aware_a of_o and_o on_o that_o account_n have_v tell_v the_o people_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o separation_n as_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o particular_a among_o we_o certain_o nothing_o will_v tend_v more_o to_o our_o common_a security_n than_o for_o all_o true_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n to_o lay_v aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_n and_o to_o join_v hearty_o in_o communion_n with_o we_o which_o many_o of_o their_o teacher_n at_o this_o day_n allow_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o how_o can_v they_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o hazard_v our_o religion_n by_o not_o do_v that_o which_o themselves_o confess_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v 2._o but_o if_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o ripe_a for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n as_o a_o perfect_a union_n yet_o i_o will_v entreat_v our_o brethren_n to_o make_v way_n for_o it_o by_o harken_v to_o these_o follow_a advice_n 1._o not_o to_o give_v encouragement_n to_o rash_a and_o intemperate_a zeal_n which_o rend_v all_o in_o piece_n and_o make_v reconciliation_n impossible_a those_o who_o see_v least_o into_o thing_n be_v usual_o the_o