Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n church_n faith_n point_n 4,685 5 7.0514 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A80550 The second part of the interest of England, in the matter of religion, unfolded in a deliberative discourse, proving that it is not agreeable to sound reason to prefer the contracted and dividing interest of one party, before the general interest of Protestantism, and of the whole kingdom of England, in which the Episcopal and Presbyterian parties may be happily united. /; Interest of England in the matter of religion. Part 2 Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1660 (1660) Wing C6264; Thomason E1857_2; ESTC R210384 40,874 132

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

irruption_n upon_o the_o presbyterian_n even_o as_o vehement_o as_o now_o i_o pursue_v the_o design_n of_o peace_n and_o i_o very_o think_v my_o reason_n however_o it_o take_v with_o they_o will_v convince_v they_o of_o my_o good_a intention_n if_o they_o decline_v moderate_a counsel_n and_o resolve_v to_o run_v high_a they_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o lofty_a stand_n howbeit_o they_o will_v always_o stand_v on_o a_o pinnacle_n in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o have_v great_o enlarge_v their_o border_n and_o lengthen_v their_o cord_n it_o be_v good_a that_o now_o they_o shall_v strengthen_v their_o stake_n and_o make_v good_a their_o ground_n by_o moderation_n only_o can_v they_o be_v establish_v some_o may_v say_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o brick_n be_v fall_v down_o but_o we_o will_v build_v with_o hew_a stone_n the_o sycomore_n be_v cut_v down_o but_o we_o will_v change_v they_o into_o cedar_n indeed_o their_o advantage_n be_v well_o know_v nevertheless_o let_v they_o consider_v their_o constant_a strength_n and_o according_o limit_v their_o hope_n for_o this_o be_v a_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n let_v they_o that_o have_v get_v a_o victory_n use_v it_o wise_o and_o take_v care_n that_o they_o lose_v it_o not_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o great_a the_o issue_n of_o thing_n oft_o time_n have_v prove_v unfortunate_a to_o those_o that_o have_v wax_v insolent_a and_o unreasonable_a upon_o unexpected_a success_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a error_n then_o to_o refuse_v term_n of_o agreement_n that_o be_v proffer_v by_o a_o party_n which_o can_v be_v root_v out_o but_o will_v be_v always_o considerable_a either_o as_o friend_n or_o enemy_n especial_o when_o those_o term_n do_v comprise_v some_o part_n of_o their_o victory_n that_o shall_v accept_v they_o let_v the_o episcopal_a clergy_n observe_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n that_o they_o may_v right_o comprehend_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o own_o hope_n the_o english_a be_v a_o generous_a nation_n and_o as_o they_o delight_v in_o the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o king_n so_o also_o in_o the_o splendid_a condition_n of_o subordinate_a governor_n that_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n conformable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o opulency_n of_o the_o nation_n according_o they_o seem_v to_o take_v pleasure_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n be_v uphold_v by_o a_o fair_a revenue_n and_o competent_a dignity_n yet_o with_o moderation_n for_o if_o the_o clergy_n do_v rise_v to_o princely_a or_o lordly_a wealth_n and_o power_n they_o may_v become_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n let_v they_o remember_v they_o stand_v by_o grace_n not_o by_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o their_o prince_n his_o favour_n the_o nation_n in_o general_n may_v be_v take_v with_o a_o grave_n and_o masculine_a decency_n in_o all_o sacred_a thing_n suitable_a to_o their_o spiritual_a majesty_n but_o i_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o in_o this_o noontide_a of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o excessive_a gaudiness_n pompous_a show_n and_o various_a affect_a gesture_n in_o sacred_a administration_n and_o not_o rather_o esteem_v they_o vanity_n too_o much_o detract_n from_o the_o dignity_n and_o purity_n of_o gospel_n worship_n in_o this_o noontide_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o bishop_n can_v magnify_v their_o office_n but_o by_o other_o course_n than_o what_o be_v take_v in_o former_a and_o dark_a time_n mere_a formality_n will_v no_o long_o dazzle_v our_o eye_n we_o shall_v think_v they_o have_v work_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n then_o to_o look_v only_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a form_n and_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n they_o must_v make_v a_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a practice_n in_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o keep_v a_o true_a watch_n over_o the_o flock_n and_o in_o correct_v the_o real_a scandal_n that_o break_v forth_o in_o man_n conversation_n and_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o these_o path_n the_o prelatist_n and_o presbyterian_o will_v not_o be_v far_o asunder_o perhaps_o the_o friend_n of_o prelacy_n may_v imagine_v that_o in_o this_o coalition_n presbytery_n may_v at_o length_n undermine_v episcopacy_n but_o reason_n show_v that_o episcopacy_n will_v stand_v more_o firm_a in_o conjunction_n with_o presbytery_n then_o by_o itself_o alone_o in_o the_o body_n natural_a there_o be_v some_o predominant_a humour_n as_o sanguine_a choleric_a melancholy_a or_o phlegmatic_a yet_o none_o of_o these_o do_v subsist_v alone_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o due_a temperament_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o body_n ecclesiastical_a may_v be_v of_o several_a complexion_n or_o constitution_n as_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterial_a according_a to_o the_o predominant_a quality_n now_o if_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n will_v become_v more_o firm_a and_o stable_a by_o the_o superintendency_n of_o one_o grave_a precedent_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o all_o presbytery_n there_o appear_v some_o episcopacy_n either_o formal_a or_o virtual_a so_o a_o episcopal_a church_n may_v be_v judge_v more_o firm_a and_o stable_a by_o a_o bishop_n superintendency_n in_o consociation_n with_o assistant_n presbyter_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o encroachment_n of_o presbytery_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v that_o episcopacy_n if_o it_o contain_v its_o self_n within_o moderate_a bound_n will_v be_v always_o in_o this_o national_a church_n the_o predominant_a quality_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n let_v i_o offer_v these_o few_o essay_n concern_v the_o path_n of_o peace_n the_o glorify_v and_o please_v of_o the_o high_a potentate_n and_o universal_a monarch_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o immortal_a precious_a soul_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o bless_a end_n of_o government_n let_v his_o majesty_n reign_n be_v happy_a and_o glorious_a in_o attain_v these_o end_n a_o christian_a king_n esteem_v it_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n to_o hold_v and_o manage_v it_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v a_o protector_n of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n for_o who_o redemption_n christ_n die_v and_o for_o who_o gather_v and_o perfect_v the_o world_n be_v continue_v it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o this_o true_a church_n to_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o life_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n to_o the_o world_n to_o study_v holiness_n in_o sincerity_n to_o strive_v to_o advance_v it_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o to_o have_v influence_n upon_o other_o unto_o sound_a knowledge_n faith_n humility_n godliness_n justice_n temperance_n charity_n the_o true_a church_n lie_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o two_o extreme_n formalist_n and_o fanatic_n they_o be_v of_o circumspect_a and_o regular_a walk_n no_o way_n forward_o in_o attempt_v or_o desire_v alteration_n in_o a_o civil_a state_n a_o prince_n do_v hold_v they_o in_o obedience_n under_o a_o double_a bond_n for_o they_o know_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n indeed_o we_o will_v not_o conceal_v that_o in_o lawful_a way_n they_o assert_v that_o liberty_n which_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o know_a law_n and_o fundamental_a constitution_n the_o maintain_v whereof_o be_v the_o prince_n as_o much_o as_o the_o people_n safety_n that_o be_v the_o happy_a polity_n that_o be_v found_v in_o true_a religion_n and_o most_o full_o suit_v to_o man_n everlasting_a concernment_n it_o great_o behove_v governor_n to_o mark_v and_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o bring_v religion_n into_o contempt_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n the_o many_o various_a sect_n and_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n and_o pretend_a revelation_n of_o these_o latter_a time_n have_v much_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n this_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o much_o observe_v and_o decry_v by_o the_o present_a time_n there_o be_v a_o other_o evil_a no_o less_o injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o estimation_n of_o christian_a piety_n to_o wit_n ceremonial_a strictness_n with_o real_a profaneness_n or_o at_o the_o most_o but_o lukewarmness_n in_o the_o real_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o papacy_n by_o occasion_n whereof_o atheist_n have_v so_o abound_v in_o italy_n machiavelli_n observe_v in_o his_o time_n that_o christianity_n be_v no_o where_n less_o honour_v then_o in_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o pretend_a head_n thereof_o let_v this_o evil_n be_v see_v prevent_v and_o remedy_v that_o the_o
of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n can_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o narrow_a interest_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o adverse_a kingdom_n to_o wit_n the_o papacy_n be_v ample_a and_o powerful_a shall_v not_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n aim_n at_o enlargement_n and_o lengthen_v their_o cord_n to_o take_v within_o their_o line_n all_o those_o that_o be_v entire_o affect_v to_o they_o then_o may_v they_o send_v forth_o much_o more_o numerous_a force_n of_o able_a champion_n against_o the_o army_n of_o antichrist_n so_o shall_v this_o national_a church_n become_v terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n beside_o those_o reason_n for_o unity_n which_o concern_v all_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o like_a case_n there_o be_v one_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o kingdom_n or_o rather_o to_o this_o island_n of_o 〈◊〉_d br●ttain_n which_o be_v a_o little_a world_n apart_o it_o be_v a_o ●●●able_a say_n which_o have_v be_v take_v up_o that_o england_n be_v a_o mighty_a arrival_n that_o can_v die_v except_o it_o destroy_v itself_o god_n have_v so_o sea●ed_v and_o place_v 〈◊〉_d island_n that_o nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d within_o itself_o can_v hurt_v it_o 〈…〉_o section_n do_v not_o make_v 〈…〉_o country_n and_o destroy_v 〈…〉_o the_o hope_v of_o foreign_a enemy_n 〈…〉_o for_o ever_o cut_v off_o wherefore_o 〈…〉_o s_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o 〈…〉_o ●●ther_n all_o divide_v 〈…〉_o ●●lish_a all_o partial_a interest_n 〈…〉_o ●●●mon_a interest_n of_o england_n may_v 〈…〉_o exalt_a i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o design_n of_o pacification_n between_o disagree_a party_n be_v liable_a to_o much_o suspicion_n misconstruction_n and_o hard_a censure_n that_o the_o attempt_n of_o reconciler_n have_v common_o prove_v fruitless_a and_o sometime_o matter_n of_o disreputation_n to_o themselves_o and_o no_o marvel_n that_o such_o cross_a effect_n shall_v common_o follow_v such_o attempt_n for_o sometime_o they_o be_v make_v to_o reconcile_v light_n and_o darkness_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o idol_n this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o a_o great_a one_o even_o a_o prince_n in_o learning_n empire_n who_o will_v make_v a_o accord_n between_o the_o augustane_n confession_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o also_o of_o a_o certain_a romish_a ecclesiastic_a who_o will_v make_v the_o like_a accord_n between_o the_o say_a council_n and_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o vain_a for_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o violent_a wrest_n of_o those_o decree_n and_o article_n to_o a_o force_a sense_n against_o the_o propriety_n of_o language_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o the_o apparent_a judgement_n of_o both_o party_n and_o so_o it_o can_v never_o heal_v the_o breach_n for_o if_o both_o party_n be_v draw_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o form_n of_o confession_n but_o with_o meaning_n so_o far_o distant_a from_o each_o other_o as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o roman_a church_n they_o will_v not_o real_o advance_v one_o step_n the_o near_a to_o peace_n and_o concord_n such_o design_n as_o these_o sometime_o proceed_v from_o lukewarmness_n or_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o a_o undervalue_v of_o main_a truth_n together_o with_o a_o contempt_n of_o godly_a zeal_n as_o a_o thing_n superfluous_a and_o impertinent_a and_o sometime_o they_o proceed_v from_o vastness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o some_o through_o too_o great_a a_o sense_n of_o their_o vast_a ability_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o dictatorship_n in_o religion_n to_o approve_v or_o condemn_v admit_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o their_o own_o estimation_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o dangerous_a kind_n of_o ambition_n and_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n speak_v be_v to_o take_v up_o the_o office_n of_o a_o umpire_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o many_o time_n such_o a_o design_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n with_o much_o craftiness_n for_o the_o undo_n of_o one_o of_o the_o party_n as_o it_o have_v be_v undertake_v by_o some_o romish_a spirit_n for_o the_o undermine_a of_o the_o protestant_a church_n a_o divine_a of_o chief_a rank_n observe_v the_o art_n and_o stratagem_n of_o some_o popish_a preacher_n even_o of_o those_o order_n that_o have_v be_v hold_v most_o implacable_a whereby_o far_o otherwise_o than_o the_o accustom_a manner_n they_o extenuate_v the_o controversy_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o too_o much_o rigour_n have_v be_v use_v in_o some_o point_n and_o in_o other_o too_o little_a sincerity_n yea_o some_o jesuit_n go_v about_o make_v fair_a promise_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n abate_v no_o point_n of_o the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o papal_a authority_n which_o stand_v firm_a they_o know_v that_o the_o other_o concession_n grant_v for_o a_o time_n may_v easy_o be_v draw_v back_o and_o the_o opposite_a rigour_n impose_v on_o those_o that_o have_v be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n by_o a_o pretend_a yield_v to_o some_o reformation_n philip_n melancthon_n as_o the_o same_o author_n observe_v be_v a_o most_o pious_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o zealous_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n at_o first_o whilst_o he_o conceive_v that_o some_o reformation_n may_v be_v hope_v for_o from_o a_o general_n council_n be_v free_a and_o forward_o in_o some_o point_n of_o yield_v to_o the_o papist_n but_o when_o he_o find_v that_o such_o a_o benefit_n be_v neither_o hopeful_a nor_o possible_a he_o testify_v by_o his_o writing_n how_o far_o distant_a he_o be_v from_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o conciliator_n but_o the_o pacification_n here_o propound_v be_v not_o by_o aggregate_a thing_n inconsistent_a nor_o by_o devise_v mongrel_n way_n and_o opinion_n make_v up_o out_o of_o both_o extreme_n which_o can_v satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o neither_o party_n but_o by_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n such_o extreme_n on_o both_o side_n as_o both_o may_v well_o spare_v and_o part_v with_o be_v such_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v no_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n nor_o yet_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o mutable_a according_a to_o time_n and_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v of_o that_o importance_n as_o to_o break_v unity_n among_o brethren_n that_o agree_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n this_o desire_a union_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o apostle_n commandment_n and_o the_o pursue_v thereof_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o urge_n of_o st_n paul_n doctrine_n throughout_o the_o whole_a fourteen_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n that_o none_o judge_v or_o despise_v another_o about_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o ceremonious_a observance_n wherein_o as_o several_a man_n will_v abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n so_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o every_o one_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v his_o particular_a practice_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n his_o majesty_n wisdom_n have_v right_o comprehend_v this_o matter_n in_o his_o declaration_n touch_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n wherein_o he_o say_v we_o be_v the_o rather_o induce_v to_o take_v this_o upon_o we_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o determination_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n by_o find_v upon_o a_o full_a conference_n that_o we_o have_v have_v with_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o several_a persuasion_n that_o the_o mischief_n under_o which_o both_o church_n and_o state_n do_v at_o present_a suffer_v do_v not_o result_v from_o any_o form_a doctrine_n or_o conclusion_n which_o either_o party_n maintain_v or_o avow_v but_o from_o the_o passion_n and_o appetite_n and_o interest_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o contract_v great_a prejudice_n to_o each_o other_o by_o those_o affection_n than_o will_v natural_o arise_v from_o their_o opinion_n in_o old_a time_n there_o be_v a_o partition_n wall_n of_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o ordinance_n raise_v up_o between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v wherein_o god_n will_v make_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o in_o christ_n he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v down_o that_o partition_n wall_n which_o himself_o have_v rear_v up_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n there_o have_v be_v a_o partition_n wall_n of_o man_n building_n namely_o controvert_v mutable_a rite_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v keep_v asunder_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n and_o of_o the_o same_o reform_a protestant_a profession_n both_o reason_n and_o charity_n plead_v for_o the_o remove_n of_o these_o offence_n that_o brethren_n may_v dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n and_o to_o transgress_v this_o rule_n of_o charity_n be_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o christian_n but_o also_o to_o lay_v snare_n for_o their_o conscience_n nor_o will_v any_o defect_n in_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a ensue_v upon_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o controversy_n for_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n
which_o be_v here_o commend_v as_o so_o great_a a_o bond_n of_o loyalty_n and_o which_o prince_n use_v to_o take_v for_o their_o best_a security_n the_o wise_a way_n be_v not_o to_o reject_v and_o slight_v a_o party_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o hand_n and_o make_v for_o a_o prince_n interest_n upon_o a_o suspicion_n that_o they_o may_v prove_v inconstant_a but_o to_o use_v the_o know_a mean_n of_o prevent_v such_o inconstancy_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o to_o manifest_v that_o regard_n to_o their_o encouragement_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o that_o they_o may_v rest_v assure_v that_o their_o own_o and_o the_o public_a peace_n do_v run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n from_o the_o reason_n aforego_v i_o conclude_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v sit_v and_o worthy_a to_o be_v embody_a with_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o good_a people_n of_o england_n i_o proceed_v to_o persuade_v this_o union_n by_o several_a argument_n england_n have_v endure_v conflict_n of_o almost_o twenty_o year_n by_o war_n division_n commotion_n and_o manifold_a change_n it_o be_v abase_v enfeeble_v and_o bring_v very_o low_a all_o which_o do_v show_v that_o some_o great_a distemper_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o this_o body_n politic_n before_o these_o thing_n can_v break_v forth_o there_o be_v at_o length_n by_o the_o late_a revolution_n a_o providential_a offer_n of_o rest_n and_o peace_n after_o those_o sad_a conflict_n and_o this_o happy_a offer_n of_o providence_n shall_v the_o seed_n of_o discord_n lodge_v perpetual_o in_o this_o land_n i_o fear_v passion_n of_o bitterness_n be_v too_o ready_a to_o stir_v and_o provoke_v take_v away_o this_o fuel_n of_o strife_n the_o urge_n of_o thing_n to_o uphold_v distinction_n of_o party_n while_o thing_n be_v at_o such_o a_o pass_n animosity_n will_v arise_v upon_o every_o occasion_n discontent_n and_o quarrel_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o break_v forth_o in_o every_o town_n and_o parish_n and_o almost_o in_o all_o mix_a company_n and_o occasional_a meeting_n but_o let_v the_o propound_a accommodation_n be_v accept_v and_o establish_v and_o the_o former_a mutual_a injury_n will_v pass_v into_o forgetfulness_n and_o person_n former_o engage_v against_o each_o other_o will_v be_v able_a to_o look_v one_o another_o in_o the_o face_n without_o provocation_n and_o new_a quarrel_n where_o be_v our_o charity_n and_o regard_n to_o public_a tranquillity_n if_o we_o reject_v the_o sure_a and_o only_o mean_v of_o concord_n uniformity_n in_o religion_n be_v beautiful_a and_o amiable_a but_o we_o ought_v to_o consider_v not_o only_o what_o be_v desirable_a but_o what_o be_v attainable_a there_o have_v be_v be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v such_o point_n as_o the_o apostle_n term_n doubtful_a disputation_n when_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n and_o canon_n enforce_v external_a uniformity_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o exercise_v a_o tyranny_n over_o man_n judgement_n and_o hold_v they_o in_o a_o servile_a condition_n that_o they_o be_v not_o free_a but_o captivate_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n or_o suppress_v from_o make_v a_o due_a search_n into_o matter_n of_o religion_n yea_o this_o thraldom_n will_v inevitable_o reach_v to_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n even_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o christianity_n that_o servile_a principle_n which_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o popery_n in_o it_o must_v be_v introduce_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o laity_n shall_v not_o search_v the_o scripture_n nor_o try_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v but_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o their_o teacher_n say_v without_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n or_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n hereupon_o will_v follow_v gross_a ignorance_n and_o supine_n carelessness_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o those_o that_o any_o whit_n mind_n religion_n which_o be_v the_o best_a of_o the_o matter_n a_o blind_a devotion_n and_o a_o people_n rude_a and_o servile_a in_o religion_n will_v be_v rude_a and_o dissolute_a in_o conversation_n as_o we_o see_v in_o popish_a country_n and_o in_o all_o place_n where_o spiritual_a tyranny_n prevail_v this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a that_o it_o can_v be_v countervail_v by_o all_o the_o imaginable_a benefit_n of_o uniformity_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o profitable_a uniformity_n be_v mingle_v with_o sobriety_n and_o stand_v not_o in_o a_o indivisible_a point_n but_o admit_v a_o latitude_n and_o by_o a_o little_a variety_n in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n become_v more_o graceful_a because_o it_o be_v more_o unstrain_a and_o unaffected_a it_o be_v a_o chief_a point_n of_o knowledge_n in_o those_o who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o mould_n and_o manage_v a_o nation_n according_a to_o any_o order_n of_o thing_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n what_o principle_n possess_v and_o govern_v they_o or_o considerable_a party_n of_o they_o and_o to_o what_o pass_v thing_n be_v already_o bring_v among_o they_o those_o who_o due_o observe_v and_o regard_v the_o disposition_n and_o present_a state_n of_o england_n and_o the_o principle_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o several_a considerable_a party_n will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o best_a advice_n for_o a_o happy_a settlement_n for_o such_o a_o course_n as_o be_v wise_o and_o successful_o take_v in_o one_o nation_n may_v in_o the_o like_a business_n prove_v unfortunate_a in_o another_o nation_n or_o in_o the_o same_o at_o another_o time_n a_o state_n may_v probable_o root_v out_o such_o opinion_n as_o it_o conceive_v to_o be_v heterodox_n and_o inconvenient_a by_o use_v great_a severity_n in_o the_o beginning_n when_o the_o opinion_n be_v but_o new_o sow_v in_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o people_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o to_o abhor_v danger_n and_o aim_v to_o live_v secure_o and_o when_o the_o nation_n in_o general_n be_v devote_v to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o their_o forefather_n but_o the_o same_o course_n may_v not_o be_v take_v when_o the_o opinion_n have_v be_v deep_o root_v and_o far_o spread_v by_o long_a continuance_n in_o a_o nation_n of_o a_o free_a spirit_n and_o zealous_a and_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o in_o a_o law-sence_n be_v call_v cives_fw-la do_v not_o detest_v they_o at_o this_o day_n england_n afford_v a_o multitude_n of_o episcopal_a zealot_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o presbyterian_a zealot_n balance_v the_o former_a and_o between_o these_o two_o there_o lie_v a_o more_o indifferent_a sort_n of_o people_n whereof_o a_o great_a number_n care_n for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o other_o be_v more_o intelligent_a and_o considerate_a and_o these_o seem_v to_o approve_v some_o thing_n and_o again_o to_o disapprove_v some_o thing_n on_o either_o side_n as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v the_o indifferent_a sort_n of_o man_n do_v accord_n with_o the_o episcopal_a way_n in_o affect_v the_o common_a prayer_n book_n and_o those_o among_o they_o that_o be_v of_o any_o reckon_n for_o worth_n or_o honesty_n do_v also_o according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n affect_v the_o constant_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o residency_n of_o minister_n in_o their_o parochial_a charge_n and_o disaffect_v plurality_n of_o benefice_n knowledge_n have_v so_o increase_v that_o the_o people_n in_o general_n will_v more_o observe_v their_o teacher_n doctrine_n and_o conversation_n and_o the_o impertinency_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o irregularity_n of_o the_o other_o shall_v not_o pass_v without_o note_v the_o insufficient_a idle_a and_o scandalous_a will_v fall_v into_o contempt_n and_o be_v slight_v by_o the_o common_a people_n the_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o open_a sport_n and_o pastime_n be_v by_o the_o civil_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n account_v scandalous_a furthermore_o the_o present_a age_n be_v more_o discern_v all_o sort_n affect_v a_o great_a liberty_n of_o judgement_n and_o discourse_n than_o have_v be_v use_v in_o former_a time_n whereupon_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n require_v a_o temper_n or_o medium_n between_o two_o extreme_n to_o wit_n medium_n abnegationis_fw-la in_o those_o unnecessary_a thing_n wherein_o no_o accord_n can_v be_v expect_v between_o the_o party_n by_o abolish_n or_o not_o enjoin_v they_o and_o medium_n participationis_fw-la in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o order_n and_o government_n wherein_o the_o moderate_a of_o both_o party_n do_v easy_o comply_v with_o each_o other_o when_o the_o state_n like_o a_o prudent_a mother_n not_o lead_v by_o the_o passion_n of_o her_o angry_a child_n shall_v not_o engage_v in_o their_o quarrel_n on_o this_o or_o that_o side_n but_o settle_v such_o a_o temperament_n for_o their_o common_a good_a love_n and_o peace_n may_v ensue_v between_o the_o party_n though_o difference_n of_o judgement_n still_o remain_v when_o the_o nation_n shall_v not_o espouse_v to_o itself_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n but_o entire_o reserve_v itself_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o universality_n those_o hot_a dispute_n and_o contest_v will_n
very_a deed_n this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o endless_a dissension_n among_o a_o people_n that_o be_v not_o bottom_v on_o this_o principle_n of_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v this_o kind_n of_o impose_v have_v discompose_v all_o christendom_n and_o rend_v the_o several_a church_n from_o each_o other_o and_o make_v the_o rent_n incurable_a it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o foul_a schism_n that_o be_v ever_o make_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a say_n of_o chillingworth_n not_o protestant_n for_o reject_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o impose_v on_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n unwritten_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o for_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o divide_v unity_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n presumptuous_a and_o schismatical_a god_n be_v jealous_a for_o his_o worship_n and_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o due_o tender_a be_v likewise_o jealous_a concern_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v provoke_v god_n to_o jealousy_n mind_n true_o religious_a do_v set_v a_o high_a price_n on_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o will_v expose_v all_o to_o sail_v rather_o than_o cross_v their_o principle_n wherefore_o if_o in_o matter_n of_o perpetual_a controversy_n between_o godly_a wise_a person_n the_o church_n shall_v make_v peremptory_a decree_n and_o severe_a injunction_n it_o must_v needs_o dissolve_v the_o band_n of_o unity_n but_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a mean_n of_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v schism_n be_v to_o prevent_v corrupt_a administration_n and_o real_a scandal_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o seasonable_o to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o not_o to_o interpose_v in_o lesser_a difference_n furthermore_o a_o great_a prejudice_n be_v take_v up_o against_o bishop_n rule_v in_o consociation_n with_o presbyter_n and_o against_o classical_a or_o presbyterian_a meeting_n as_o incline_v to_o faction_n and_o likely_a to_o produce_v alteration_n which_o evil_n be_v suppose_v to_o follow_v the_o distribute_v of_o the_o power_n among_o many_o whereupon_o the_o government_n of_o a_o single_a person_n or_o a_o bishop_n have_v sole_a jurisdiction_n be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o keep_v church_n affair_n in_o a_o fix_a state_n this_o prejudice_n have_v a_o great_a show_n of_o truth_n we_o must_v stoop_v to_o pry_v into_o it_o more_o narrow_o and_o first_o we_o have_v this_o political_a maxim_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o this_o inquiry_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o discern_v the_o apt_a form_n of_o government_n and_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n we_o resolve_v that_o absolute_a prelacy_n be_v the_o only_a government_n to_o hold_v a_o people_n that_o content_n themselves_o with_o a_o customary_a service_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o of_o their_o forefather_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v all_o discourse_n debate_n disputation_n and_o all_o occasion_n of_o aonte_v touch_v religion_n and_o particular_o that_o exercise_n which_o be_v call_v prophesy_v must_v be_v avoid_v but_o this_o government_n be_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o a_o people_n that_o be_v give_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v doctrine_n in_o england_n where_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o parochial_a ministry_n be_v not_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a but_o in_o a_o great_a part_n learned_a &_o conscientious_a where_o the_o common_a people_n in_o a_o great_a part_n try_v all_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n can_v not_o convenient_o reside_v in_o a_o prelate_n alone_o govern_v by_o severe_a canon_n and_o denounce_v excommunication_n against_o all_o those_o that_o express_v any_o dissent_n from_o any_o particular_n of_o the_o receive_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n for_o among_o such_o a_o people_n this_o be_v a_o likely_a way_n to_o beget_v some_o great_a distemper_n then_o to_o keep_v all_o in_o quietness_n and_o deep_a silence_n but_o a_o form_n of_o government_n more_o free_a by_o distribute_v the_o power_n among_o many_o and_o regular_a meeting_n for_o free_a debate_n within_o certain_a limit_n will_v be_v much_o more_o peaceable_a and_o successful_a it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o such_o a_o order_n of_o thing_n dissension_n may_v arise_v and_o cause_v some_o interruption_n nevertheless_o no_o great_a inconvenience_n but_o sometime_o much_o advantage_n may_v follow_v the_o stir_n of_o warm_a contest_v may_v be_v unadvised_o condemn_v for_o as_o thunder_n purge_v the_o air_n so_o these_o stir_n may_v purge_v the_o church_n from_o corruption_n engender_v in_o it_o let_v the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o establish_v that_o both_o party_n may_v be_v make_v hopeless_a concern_v factious_a attempt_n of_o promote_a this_o or_o that_o extreme_a that_o the_o contest_v may_v not_o be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n for_o dominion_n nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o inordinate_a liberty_n but_o on_o both_o side_n for_o truth_n due_a freedom_n and_o then_o they_o will_v end_v in_o peace_n if_o great_a mistake_n shall_v arise_v in_o such_o meeting_n and_o seem_v for_o a_o while_n to_o pass_v current_o there_o may_v be_v find_v some_o person_n of_o that_o wisdom_n integrity_n and_o reputation_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o show_v the_o fallacy_n and_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o both_o side_n that_o intend_v upright_o in_o which_o case_n if_o they_o perceive_v a_o evil_a spirit_n on_o work_n and_o a_o evil_a design_n hatch_n among_o some_o they_o will_v turn_v away_o with_o indignation_n from_o the_o contriver_n of_o such_o mischief_n wherefore_o let_v the_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n lean_a neither_o towards_o tyranny_n nor_o anarchy_n but_o be_v set_v upright_o for_o just_a liberty_n let_v good_a order_n be_v keep_v and_o privilege_n not_o violate_v and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o who_o mean_v honest_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o faction_n and_o selfish_a ambitious_a pragmatic_n spirit_n that_o trouble_v they_o will_v easy_o be_v detect_v and_o abandon_v unto_o this_o reason_n let_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o eminent_a pacific_a bishop_n be_v superad_v concern_v the_o way_n of_o order_n and_o stability_n in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n bishop_n hall_n in_o his_o discourse_n entitle_v a_o modest_a offer_n of_o some_o meet_a consideration_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n commend_v the_o method_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o prevention_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n by_o a_o gradual_a proceed_n from_o the_o parochial_a meer_n to_o the_o presbytery_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o provincial_a synod_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o general_a assembly_n for_o determine_v any_o controversy_n say_v this_o bear_v the_o face_n of_o a_o very_a fair_a and_o laudable_a course_n and_o such_o as_o deserve_v the_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o well-willer_n to_o that_o discipline_n but_o let_v i_o add_v that_o either_o we_o have_v or_o may_v have_v in_o this_o very_a state_n of_o thing_n with_o some_o small_a variation_n in_o effect_v the_o very_a same_o government_n with_o we_o instead_o of_o presbytery_n consist_v of_o several_a pastor_n we_o have_v our_o combination_n of_o minister_n in_o our_o several_a deanery_n over_o who_o the_o rural_a dean_n be_v choose_v every_o year_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o division_n as_o their_o moderator_n this_o deanery_n or_o presbytery_n may_v be_v enjoin_v to_o meet_v every_o month_n or_o often_o in_o some_o city_n or_o town_n next_o to_o they_o and_o there_o they_o may_v have_v their_o exercise_n of_o prophesy_v as_o i_o have_v know_v it_o practise_v in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v earnest_o wish_v and_o recommend_v by_o that_o excellent_o learned_a lord_n verulam_n in_o his_o prudent_a consideration_n where_o if_o any_o question_n fail_v of_o determination_n it_o may_v be_v refer_v gradual_o from_o the_o lesser_a to_o the_o great_a assembly_n till_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o national_a synod_n in_o the_o same_o discourse_n the_o say_a bishop_n commend_v one_o constant_a prudent_a vigilant_a overseer_n superad_v to_o a_o grave_a judicious_a presbytery_n without_o concurrence_n of_o which_o presbytery_n the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n shall_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o inflict_v excommunication_n or_o any_o other_o important_a censure_n have_v discover_v certain_a general_a impediment_n i_o proceed_v to_o argue_v upon_o the_o particular_a concernment_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n his_o majesty_n concernment_n in_o this_o grand_a affair_n transcend_v the_o particular_a concernment_n of_o all_o other_o whether_o party_n or_o person_n and_o that_o beyond_o all_o comparison_n other_o may_v advance_v themselves_o and_o family_n by_o the_o present_a occasion_n