subscription_n that_o be_v require_v to_o the_o 39_o article_n it_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o our_o church_n give_v all_o man_n liberty_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o not_o exercise_v authority_n as_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v over_o our_o faith_n for_o she_o require_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v those_o article_n but_o at_o worst_o only_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o none_o shall_v receive_v order_n or_o be_v admit_v to_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o all_o as_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o many_o as_o inferior_a truth_n and_o require_v subscription_n to_o they_o as_o a_o test_n whereby_o to_o judge_v who_o do_v so_o believe_v they_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v all_o her_o long_a beadroll_n of_o doctrine_n which_o have_v only_o the_o stamp_n of_o her_o authority_n and_o to_o believe_v they_o too_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o believe_v they_o with_o the_o same_o divine_a faith_n that_o we_o do_v the_o indisputable_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o a_o proof_n hereof_o the_o reader_n may_v consult_v the_o bull_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o four_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n herein_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o profession_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o swear_v by_o all_o dignitary_n prebendary_n and_o such_o as_o have_v benefice_n with_o cure_n military_a officer_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o form_n follow_v in._n do_v believe_v with_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o do_v profess_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v use_v by_o the_o holy_a roman_a church_n viz._n i_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_a and_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o nicene_n creed_n i_o most_o firm_o admit_v and_o embrace_v the_o apostolical_a and_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n and_o the_o other_o observance_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o say_a church_n also_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n have_v hold_v and_o do_v hold_v etc._n etc._n i_o profess_v also_o that_o there_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o seven_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a law_n institute_v by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n although_o all_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o every_o individual_a person_n etc._n etc._n i_o also_o admit_v and_o receive_v the_o receive_v and_o approve_a rite_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o all_o the_o foresay_a sacrament_n of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o taste_n i_o embrace_v and_o receive_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o define_v concern_v original_a sin_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o holy_a synod_n of_o trent_n i_o likewise_o profess_v that_o in_o the_o mass_n a_o true_a proper_a and_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o real_o and_o substantial_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a eucharist_n etc._n etc._n i_o also_o confess_v that_o whole_a and_o entire_a christ_n and_o the_o true_a sacrament_n be_v receive_v under_o one_o of_o the_o kind_n only_o i_o constant_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n there_o detain_v be_v relieve_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o saint_n reign_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o invoke_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o their_o relic_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v i_o most_o firm_o assert_v that_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mother_n of_o god_n always_o a_o virgin_n and_o of_o the_o other_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o keep_v and_o that_o due_a honour_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o i_o affirm_v also_o that_o the_o power_n of_o indulgence_n be_v leave_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v very_o salutiferous_a to_o christian_a people_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a roman_a church_n the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o i_o profess_v and_o swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o vicar_n of_o jesus_n christ_n also_o all_o the_o other_o thing_n deliver_v decree_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o especial_o by_o the_o holy_a synod_n of_o trent_n i_o undoubted_o receive_v and_o profess_v as_o also_o all_o thing_n contrary_a to_o these_o and_o all_o heresy_n condemn_v reject_v and_o anathematise_v by_o the_o church_n i_o in_o like_a manner_n condemn_v reject_v and_o anathematise_v this_o true_a catholic_n faith_n viz._n all_o this_o stuff_n of_o their_o own_o together_o with_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v which_o at_o this_o present_a i_o true_o profess_v and_o sincere_o hold_v i_o will_v god_n assist_v i_o most_o constant_o retain_v and_o confess_v entire_a and_o inviolate_a and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v will_v take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v hold_v teach_v and_o declare_v by_o those_o that_o be_v under_o i_o or_o the_o care_n of_o who_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o i_o i_o the_o same_o n._n do_v profess_v vow_v and_o swear_v so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a gospel_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o read_v this_o can_v forbear_v pronounce_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o most_o glorious_a reformation_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o motive_n our_o church_n propose_v for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n the_o excellency_n thereof_o which_o consist_v in_o its_o be_v whole_o adapt_v to_o the_o reform_v of_o man_n life_n and_o renew_v their_o nature_n after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o have_v reveal_v god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o moses_n our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o these_o person_n deliver_v such_o doctrine_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o such_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v i_o say_v as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n our_o church_n place_v it_o not_o in_o she_o own_o testimony_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o much_o less_o that_o of_o rome_n but_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n down_o to_o we_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o universal_a tradition_n take_v in_o that_o of_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n of_o jew_n and_o pagan_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n second_o we_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o thing_n either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a or_o make_v so_o by_o a_o divine_a precept_n none_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n can_v ever_o imagine_v not_o to_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n agreement_n with_o she_o in_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a or_o make_v so_o by_o a_o divine_a prohibition_n none_o of_o we_o be_v so_o forsake_v of_o all_o modesty_n as_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inexcusable_a sin_n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o to_o agree_v with_o this_o apostate_n church_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o just_a ground_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v but_o by_o the_o way_n if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o a_o church_n agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v sinful_a i_o can_v think_v that_o any_o of_o the_o more_o sober_a sort_n of_o dissenter_n and_o i_o despair_v of_o success_n in_o argue_v with_o any_o but_o such_o will_v thence_o infer_v that_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v be_v otherwise_o warrantable_a than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v impose_v as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v
before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o eminent_a nonconformist_n of_o several_a persuasion_n publish_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o suffering_n which_o such_o needless_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o edition_n correct_v by_o the_o author_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxiv_o to_o the_o dissenter_n from_z the_o church_n of_o england_n dear_a brethren_n you_o be_v at_o this_o time_n call_v upon_o by_o authority_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n order_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o such_o as_o refuse_v it_o it_o be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o you_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o expose_v our_o religion_n to_o danger_n and_o yourselves_o to_o suffer_v in_o which_o unless_o the_o cause_n be_v good_a the_o call_v clear_a and_o 3._o mr._n mede_n be_v farewell_o serm._n on_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 3._o the_o end_v right_a it_o can_v bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o or_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n not_o bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o for_o we_o can_v suffer_v joyful_o the_o 4._o mr._n read_v his_o case_n p._n 4._o spoil_n of_o our_o good_n the_o confinement_n of_o our_o person_n the_o ruin_n of_o our_o family_n unless_o conscience_n be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v i_o will_v have_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o sin_n against_o god_n that_o i_o may_v have_v avoid_v those_o suffering_n from_o men._n not_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o who_o all_o be_v accountable_a 92._o continuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exer._n ser._n 4._o p._n 92._o for_o what_o portion_n he_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v not_o to_o throw_v away_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o who_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v without_o sin_n in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o as_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o ibid._n read_v ibid._n in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o yourselves_o to_o assist_v person_n in_o this_o enquiry_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o of_o late_a several_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v undertake_v the_o most_o material_a point_n that_o you_o do_v question_n and_o have_v handle_v they_o with_o that_o candour_n and_o calmness_n which_o become_v their_o profession_n and_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o which_o may_v the_o better_o invite_v those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v they_o but_o because_o truth_n and_o reason_n do_v too_o often_o suffer_v by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la we_o have_v against_o particular_a person_n to_o remove_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v that_o obstruction_n i_o have_v in_o this_o treatise_n show_v that_o these_o author_n be_v not_o alone_o but_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a nonconformist_n for_o they_o who_o do_v general_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o the_o parochial_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o many_o of_o these_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v and_o for_o one_o hundred_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v produce_v two_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o go_v by_o the_o poll_n so_o that_o if_o reason_n or_o authority_n will_v prevail_v i_o hope_v that_o yet_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o recovery_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despair_v of_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o your_o own_o and_o the_o church_n sake_n amen_n the_o content_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o ministerial_a and_o lay-communion_n pag._n 1_o the_o dissenter_n grant_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n p._n 4_o that_o they_o be_v not_o total_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o p._n 12_o that_o they_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o as_o far_o as_o lawful_o they_o can_v p._n 16_o that_o defect_n in_o worship_n if_o not_o essential_a be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n p._n 23_o that_o the_o expectation_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o withhold_v communion_n p._n 39_o the_o badness_n of_o minister_n will_v not_o justify_v separation_n p._n 48_o the_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o discipline_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v p._n 59_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v of_o the_o several_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o its_o lay-member_n be_v concern_v in_o p._n 64_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a and_o do_v not_o stint_v the_o spirit_n ibid._n that_o public_a prescribe_a form_n may_v lawful_o be_v join_v with_o p._n 66_o that_o the_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n be_v for_o its_o matter_n sound_n and_o good_a and_o for_o its_o form_n tolerable_a if_o not_o useful_a p._n 69_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o idolatrous_a nor_o unlawful_a and_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o ordinance_n p._n 71_o 72_o that_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n and_o gospel_n be_v lawful_a p._n 73_o the_o conclusion_n ibid._n the_o non-conformists'_a plea_n for_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o christian_a world_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o rank_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n minister_n and_o people_n the_o clergy_n beside_o the_o thing_n essential_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o all_o well-ordered_a church_n in_o the_o world_n strict_o oblige_v by_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n or_o both_o to_o own_o and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v thus_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o do_v subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n more_o especial_o contain_v in_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v use_v the_o form_n and_o rite_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o promise_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n in_o its_o order_n the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n which_o do_v much_o depend_v upon_o that_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o laity_n be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n require_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o attend_v upon_o and_o join_v with_o the_o worship_n practise_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o mr._n baxter_n to_o who_o when_o it_o 29._o defence_n of_o the_o cure_n part_v 2._o pag._n 29._o be_v object_v that_o many_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o life_n be_v impose_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n he_o reply_v what_o be_v impose_v on_o you_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o your_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o parish-church_n but_o your_o actual_a communion_n itself_o in_o discourse_v therefore_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o must_v be_v careful_o observe_v lest_o the_o thing_n require_v only_o of_o one_o order_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o all_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o one_o that_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o mischief_n cranford_n a_o book_n license_v by_o mr._n cranford_n spring_v from_o man_n confound_v the_o term_n of_o ministerial_a conformity_n with_o those_o of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n there_o be_v much_o more_o require_v of_o the_o minister_n than_o of_o the_o people_n private_a person_n have_v much_o less_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o in_o absent_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n than_o the_o pastor_n have_v for_o not_o take_v oath_n etc._n etc._n certain_o if_o this_o difference_n be_v but_o observe_v and_o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n true_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v far_o more_o
p._n 10._o it_o unlawful_a than_o all_o communion_n in_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n with_o such_o minister_n be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o 310._o v._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 310._o faithful_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n sin_v in_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o when_o the_o priest_n be_v dumb_a dog_n that_o can_v not_o bark_v and_o greedy_a dog_n that_o can_v never_o have_v enough_o when_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v lie_n when_o the_o priest_n buy_v and_o sell_v dove_n in_o the_o temple_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v such_o and_o do_v such_o thing_n they_o be_v ungodly_a minister_n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v either_o forbear_v themselves_o or_o warn_v the_o faithful_a not_o to_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n so_o much_o mr._n nye_n do_v grant_v more_o can_v be_v object_v against_o our_o minister_n 14._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 14._o that_o conform_v than_o may_v against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o christ_n time_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o be_v load_v with_o tradition_n their_o stand_v which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o law_n their_o life_n which_o be_v vicious_a yet_o christ_n not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v we_o to_o attend_v the_o truth_n they_o deliver_v second_o they_o plead_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v arg._n 2_o communicate_v where_o such_o do_v officiate_v so_o dr._n bryan_n in_o some_o country_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v many_o sober_a 313._o dwelling_v with_o god_n p._n 313._o godly_a orthodox_n able_a preacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o know_v any_o country_n where_o it_o be_v worse_o this_o be_v attest_v by_o another_o in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n our_o saviour_n 94._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94._o christ_n use_v to_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o his_o time_n notwithstanding_o such_o formalist_n and_o superstitious_a one_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v officiate_v in_o it_o three_o they_o say_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v arg._n 3_o not_o they_o nor_o do_v bring_v any_o detriment_n to_o they_o though_o they_o communicate_v with_o he_o so_o mr._n baxter_n a_o minister_n personal_a fault_n may_v damn_v himself_o 114._o câ—ristian_n directory_n p._n 747._o &_o cure_n p._n 113_o 114._o and_o must_v be_v matter_n of_o lamentation_n to_o the_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o do_v their_o best_a to_o reform_v they_o or_o get_v better_o by_o any_o lawful_a mean_n but_o in_o case_n they_o can_v his_o sin_n be_v none_o of_o they_o nor_o do_v it_o make_v his_o administration_n null_n or_o ineffectual_a nor_o will_v it_o allow_v you_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o worship_n which_o he_o administer_v so_o the_o minister_n send_v to_o oxford_n do_v assert_v some_o evil_a man_n may_v and_o always_o have_v de_fw-fr 27._o account_v give_v to_o the_o parliament_n p._n 27._o facto_fw-la be_v officer_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o such_o man_n do_v not_o null_a or_o evacuate_v their_o ministerial_a act_n for_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hear_v while_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o ministration_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v not_o invalid_a and_o that_o the_o people_n suffer_v not_o by_o it_o they_o further_o prove_v 1._o because_o they_o officiate_v not_o in_o their_o own_o name_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n it_o have_v evermore_o be_v hold_v for_o a_o truth_n 11._o letter_n of_o the_o minister_n p._n 11._o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o although_o sometime_o the_o evil_n have_v chief_a authority_n in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o do_v not_o the_o same_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o christ_n and_o minister_v by_o his_o commission_n and_o authority_n we_o may_v use_v their_o ministry_n both_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n neither_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n take_v away_o by_o their_o wickedness_n 2._o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o goodness_n but_o god_n promise_n so_o mr._n rogers_n say_v of_o prayer_n if_o this_o burden_n of_n bad_a minister_n 223._o tract_n 3._o p._n 223._o must_v be_v bear_v i_o ask_v if_o among_o many_o sweet_a liberty_n we_o enjoy_v we_o may_v not_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o if_o we_o can_v pray_v in_o faith_n see_v their_o unworthiness_n can_v withhold_v the_o fruit_n of_o god_n promise_n from_o we_o which_o be_v to_o one_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o another_o so_o say_v mr._n cradacot_n of_o the_o word_n take_v heed_n say_v he_o of_o be_v leaven_v with_o prejudice_n 23._o farewell_o sermon_n vol._n 3._o p._n 22_o 23._o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n because_o of_o the_o misdemeanour_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o minister_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o convert_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o dispenser_n or_o speaker_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o long_o as_o they_o fail_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n for_o unconverted_a minister_n to_o convert_v and_o yet_o we_o must_v remember_v not_o to_o tie_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n to_o the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o a_o minister_n person_n so_o when_o it_o be_v 14._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 14._o object_v how_o can_v we_o expect_v a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o labour_n of_o such_o though_o they_o preach_v truth_n mr._n nye_n reply_v answ_n 1._o the_o mixture_n in_o sermon_n be_v near_a the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o call_v next_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o conversation_n further_a from_o their_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o have_v less_o efficacy_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n to_o prejudice_v it_o answ_n 2._o it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o not_o their_o own_o they_o preach_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o if_o person_n themselves_o do_v believe_v and_o be_v sincere_a they_o be_v notwithstanding_o such_o a_o ministry_n accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o faithful_a elkanah_n say_v one_o 94._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94._o be_v please_v to_o god_n even_o when_o hophni_n and_o phineas_n be_v priest_n from_o all_o which_o we_o find_v some_o declare_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o will_v communicate_v so_o a_o learned_a person_n the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la 133._o bonasus_n vapulans_fw-la p._n 133._o against_o the_o liturgy_n be_v ground_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o constant_a reader_n and_o frequenter_n of_o it_o doubtless_o the_o author_n if_o he_o have_v consider_v this_o will_v rather_o have_v say_v that_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o some_o of_o those_o that_o read_v and_o frequent_v it_o i_o shall_v never_o upon_o that_o account_n cease_v to_o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o to_o hear_v sermon_n other_o we_o find_v exhort_v their_o auditor_n to_o attend_v even_o upon_o such_o so_o mr._n fairclough_n in_o his_o farewel-sermon_n get_v all_o 125._o pastor_n legacy_n p._n 125._o good_a from_o show_v all_o duty_n to_o he_o that_o follow_v if_o he_o shall_v be_v weak_a or_o evil_a yet_o while_o he_o preach_v truth_n while_o he_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n hear_v he_o serious_o and_o carry_v yourselves_o towards_o he_o as_o become_v a_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o scandalous_a minister_n because_o many_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n as_o well_o those_o that_o be_v not_o concern_v as_o those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o england_n be_v never_o better_o provide_v with_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a ministry_n than_o at_o present_a who_o have_v as_o good_a understanding_n 23._o nonconformist_n plea_n for_o conformist_n p._n 12_o &_o 23._o preach_v as_o good_a doctrine_n do_v as_o much_o good_a by_o their_o preach_v as_o any_o other_o as_o a_o late_a writer_n do_v confess_v but_o though_o many_o congregation_n be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o pious_a able_a and_o industrious_a ministry_n yet_o there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o but_o what_o have_v some_o more_o or_o less_o among_o the_o laity_n that_o be_v as_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n or_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n in_o worship_n which_o
we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o not_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o case_n either_o first_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o a_o sin_n or_o second_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o induce_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o comply_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v give_v offence_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n than_o i_o here_o profess_v i_o will_v myself_o immediate_o turn_v their_o proselyte_n and_o renounce_v conformity_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o for_o ever_o 1._o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v essential_o evil_a none_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o charge_v her_o doctrine_n with_o falsehood_n or_o her_o discipline_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a and_o when_o any_o shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v find_v enough_o to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n have_v dare_v to_o charge_v we_o no_o further_o in_o either_o of_o these_o but_o only_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o both_o and_o reject_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o it_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n than_o heretic_n or_o to_o prove_v we_o heretic_n not_o because_o we_o believe_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a but_o rather_o because_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v or_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v christian_a and_o true_a neither_o do_v they_o charge_v our_o liturgy_n and_o service_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_o evil_a no_o nor_o redundant_fw-la but_o only_o deficient_a in_o many_o usage_n and_o rite_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o if_o our_o own_o brethren_n must_v be_v more_o spiteful_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o our_o worst_a adversary_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o even_o they_o become_v not_o their_o accuser_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o yet_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o have_v not_o adventure_v to_o do_v this_o and_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a enough_o when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o themselves_o free_v we_o from_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o our_o conformity_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v offence_n i._n e._n do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v formal_o a_o sin_n ourselves_o and_o thereby_o induce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o evil_n by_o join_v with_o we_o 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o see_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o conformity_n be_v direct_o introductive_a of_o or_o a_o temptation_n unto_o and_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o duty_n i_o thank_v god_n yet_o leave_v in_o i_o as_o to_o dare_v to_o justify_v she_o from_o this_o imputation_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o intend_v no_o sin_n in_o what_o she_o do_v nor_o know_v of_o any_o evil_n that_o her_o communion_n will_v betray_v any_o man_n into_o all_o that_o she_o design_n in_o her_o doctrine_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o symbol_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o she_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o the_o one_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o innovate_a and_o corrupt_v that_o faith_n or_o debauch_v it_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a religion_n and_o thereby_o conciliate_v that_o grace_n that_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n require_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v in_o one_o thing_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n our_o brethren_n to_o have_v it_o grant_v as_o it_o will_v be_v any_o disparagement_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o in_o and_o guilt_n that_o all_o those_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o that_o rail_v and_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o separate_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o studious_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o downright_a schism_n against_o it_o but_o certain_o all_o man_n will_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o offence_n only_o take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o church_n than_o murder_n and_o adultery_n theft_n and_o robbery_n ought_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v sin_n be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o unjust_a separation_n from_o it_o but_o so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o will_v be_v no_o transgression_n and_o adulterer_n may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o law_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o one_o case_n as_o schismatic_n can_v accuse_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v both_o in_o this_o case_n equal_o culpable_a i._n e._n indeed_o not_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o period_n if_o piety_n and_o become_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n if_o gravity_n decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o engage_v man_n to_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sin_n or_o evil_n to_o be_v eschew_v and_o dread_v by_o man_n then_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v possible_o give_v offence_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v of_o it_o but_o if_o not_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v or_o fear_v any_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o it_o by_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v free_a from_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o first_o sense_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n 2._o i_o proceed_v therefore_o now_o to_o inquire_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o sufficient_o from_o it_o in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n also_o and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v best_a and_o most_o plain_o be_v determine_v by_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v think_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o reasonable_a discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o mean_v still_o cause_n of_o these_o give_v to_o he_o by_o another_o now_o these_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reduce_v pretty_a safe_o to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o some_o dishonour_n offer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n 2._o the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o man_n 3._o the_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a and_o difficult_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v these_o be_v great_a and_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n it_o can_v but_o great_o afflict_v a_o good_a man_n to_o behold_v his_o god_n who_o he_o adore_v and_o honour_n and_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n affront_v and_o dishonour_v his_o law_n violate_v his_o authority_n contemn_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o dare_v and_o foolish_a man_n river_n of_o water_n say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n psal_n 119._o 136._o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o like_a sorrow_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o see_v other_o man_n for_o who_o he_o have_v a_o great_a and_o concern_v charity_n and_o who_o he_o love_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n
can_v charge_v the_o church_n with_o any_o plain_a degeneracy_n or_o open_a apostasy_n from_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o any_o particular_a church_n degenerate_v plain_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n there_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o determine_v how_o far_o she_o forfeit_v all_o that_o respect_n that_o she_o may_v otherwise_o claim_v from_o man_n nor_o how_o much_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o single_a person_n may_v vie_v with_o she_o perhaps_o when_o the_o church_n be_v degenerate_v into_o arrianism_n the_o judgement_n of_o athanasius_n and_o some_o few_o other_o bishop_n be_v more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o that_o of_o a_o whole_a synod_n and_o in_o the_o horrid_a apostasy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n perhaps_o the_o single_a doctrine_n of_o john_n huss_n be_v preferable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o constance_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n or_o any_o other_o parallel_a one_o that_o respect_v derive_v itself_o not_o from_o their_o person_n but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o stand_v with_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n our_o church_n do_v challenge_v and_o triumph_v over_o all_o charge_n of_o any_o such_o apostasy_n and_o all_o the_o dispute_v and_o contest_v with_o she_o by_o any_o of_o these_o man_n be_v about_o thing_n confess_o doubtful_a and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a thing_n about_o which_o to_o say_v the_o least_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a that_o single_a person_n may_v err_v and_o mistake_v as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n unless_o in_o this_o also_o as_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n man_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o gross_a tenet_n in_o popery_n that_o single_a person_n may_v more_o reasonable_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o man_n deride_v and_o think_v he_o can_v baffle_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n and_o therefore_o shall_v blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o own_o either_o arrogate_a it_o to_o himself_o or_o ascribe_v it_o to_o another_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o his_o pretence_n be_v as_o just_a as_o another_o man_n i_o e._n indeed_o they_o be_v both_o monstrous_o unreasonable_a and_o yet_o alas_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o source_n of_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o this_o age_n nor_o need_v i_o be_v condemn_v for_o stay_v a_o little_a while_n to_o drop_v a_o tear_n upon_o it_o man_n turn_v dictator_n in_o religion_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o dream_n as_o magisterial_o upon_o their_o follower_n as_o if_o they_o be_v oracular_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v their_o disciple_n hang_v as_o much_o upon_o their_o single_a authority_n and_o confidence_n and_o yield_v as_o absolute_a and_o implicit_a faith_n to_o all_o their_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o any_o poor_a papist_n against_o who_o they_o exclaim_v so_o tragical_o for_o blind_a obedience_n and_o faith_n they_o be_v keep_v in_o as_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o their_o placit_n and_o dare_v no_o more_o read_v and_o consult_v book_n that_o be_v write_v to_o inform_v they_o than_o a_o poor_a papist_n dare_n let_v a_o prohibit_v book_n be_v see_v in_o his_o house_n by_o a_o father_n of_o the_o inquisition_n if_o ever_o people_n follow_v their_o leader_n blindfold_a these_o man_n do_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o they_o have_v their_o person_n in_o admiration_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v not_o say_v of_o some_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n or_o at_o least_o some_o mean_a reason_n equivalent_a thereto_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o submit_v to_o mean_n of_o information_n they_o common_o say_v they_o be_v satisfy_v already_o and_o the_o single_a bluster_a of_o one_o of_o their_o own_o rabbi_n shall_v signify_v more_o with_o they_o than_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o sober_a man_n live_v beside_o but_o i_o be_o insensible_o draw_v aside_o from_o my_o chief_a subject_n which_o be_v not_o to_o treat_v so_o much_o of_o a_o respect_n of_o credit_n and_o faith_n as_o of_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v certain_o as_o just_o due_a from_o we_o to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o any_o private_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o fail_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o unjust_a for_o man_n to_o be_v more_o regardless_o of_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o set_v up_o one_o single_a man_n opinion_n against_o that_o of_o many_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o way_n both_o as_o know_v and_o as_o upright_o as_o himself_o whatever_o consideration_n there_o be_v to_o determine_v our_o charity_n to_o single_a person_n there_o be_v the_o same_o at_o least_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a towards_o the_o church_n and_o as_o strong_a reason_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o offend_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o whatever_o become_v a_o argument_n in_o one_o case_n be_v equal_o so_o also_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o effectual_a with_o we_o we_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n and_o distinguish_v without_o any_o reason_n but_o those_o of_o our_o own_o partial_a and_o unjust_a respect_n let_v man_n be_v please_v to_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o consult_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o and_o their_o thought_n will_v soon_o be_v resolve_v in_o this_o matter_n they_o will_v find_v the_o one_o call_v for_o as_o much_o deference_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o private_a person_n and_o the_o other_o upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o careful_a to_o pay_v it_o and_o in_o all_o case_n extreme_o careful_a not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v in_o instance_n enough_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o that_o read_v and_o can_v scarce_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o any_o this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n and_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a easy_a postulatum_fw-la a_o very_a modest_a and_o reasonable_a intimation_n and_o yet_o i_o assure_v you_o it_o be_v a_o good_a point_n gain_v and_o a_o very_a good_a step_n towards_o our_o peace_n be_v man_n hearty_a in_o their_o concession_n of_o it_o will_v man_n pay_v but_o the_o same_o deference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o her_o constitution_n as_o they_o ready_o do_v to_o their_o own_o single_a opinion_n or_o the_o confident_a suggestion_n of_o some_o admire_a leader_n we_o may_v quick_o hope_v to_o see_v some_o end_n of_o our_o question_n and_o dispute_n and_o will_v they_o be_v but_o as_o tender_v of_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o public_a as_o they_o be_v of_o do_v so_o to_o every_o little_a person_n of_o their_o own_o party_n we_o may_v begin_v to_o hope_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n may_v gain_v some_o respect_n and_o some_o measure_n of_o peaceableness_n and_o modesty_n bless_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n once_o more_o 2._o but_o this_o be_v too_o little_a to_o suggest_v and_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o what_o i_o will_v propose_v to_o consideration_n upon_o this_o subject_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o to_o any_o single_a or_o private_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o true_o i_o think_v this_o be_v as_o reasonable_a a_o postulatum_fw-la as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o which_o will_v be_v as_o soon_o grant_v true_a by_o all_o that_o due_o consider_v thing_n in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o the_o public_a require_v more_o respect_n from_o we_o than_o any_o private_a person_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o we_o before_o that_o of_o the_o other_o if_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o any_o private_a party_n of_o man_n come_v in_o competition_n and_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o we_o probable_o may_v give_v offence_n to_o one_o we_o ought_v to_o let_v our_o regard_n to_o the_o church_n sway_n and_o determine_v we_o and_o think_v it_o a_o less_o evil_a that_o some_o particular_a person_n be_v offend_v than_o that_o trouble_n or_o offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o say_v of_o caiaphas_n record_v joh._n 11._o 50._o tho_o speak_v with_o a_o unjust_a and_o barbarous_a design_n yet_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o rational_a truth_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o one_o man_n suffer_v and_o not_o the_o whole_a nation_n perish_v and_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o less_o evil_a
into_o its_o own_o law_n after_o this_o great_a example_n i_o proceed_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o that_o we_o find_v register_v in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n i_o instance_n only_o in_o two_o which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a the_o first_o be_v his_o circumcise_n timothy_n of_o which_o you_o have_v the_o story_n act_v 16._o 1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v certain_a timothy_n may_v have_v object_v against_o circumcision_n and_o plead_v his_o freedom_n from_o any_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o grecian_a father_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o it_o must_v be_v irksome_a and_o troublesome_a to_o he_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v great_a respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o part_n which_o may_v be_v offend_v have_v he_o not_o be_v circumcise_v his_o mother_n be_v a_o jew_n the_o other_o be_v that_o famous_a story_n of_o st._n paul_n shave_v his_o head_n and_o purify_n himself_o in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o man_n that_o have_v a_o vow_n upon_o they_o just_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n prescribe_v in_o the_o levitical_a law_n you_o have_v the_o account_n of_o it_o act_v 21._o from_o 23_o to_o 27._o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o question_n but_o this_o action_n of_o st._n paul_n must_v be_v strange_o look_v upon_o at_o first_o by_o trophimus_n and_o those_o other_o heathen_a convert_v that_o come_v with_o he_o to_o jerusalem_n who_o know_v his_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n of_o conversation_n abroad_o can_v scarce_o choose_v but_o reflect_v with_o some_o trouble_n upon_o this_o action_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a temptation_n to_o they_o to_o have_v some_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o st._n paul_n prefer_v his_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o incur_v this_o censure_n of_o they_o than_o to_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v there_o from_o which_o example_n a_o great_a advantage_n may_v be_v draw_v not_o only_o to_o direct_v we_o what_o regard_n to_o have_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n above_o any_o private_a person_n but_o even_o to_o a_o national_a or_o local_a church_n which_o be_v but_o a_o member_n and_o part_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o from_o which_o the_o constitution_n of_o other_o church_n as_o to_o custom_n and_o usage_n may_v be_v different_a st._n paul_n may_v have_v plead_v strong_o against_o this_o thing_n to_o which_o st._n james_n advise_v he_o especial_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o offence_n to_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o and_o to_o other_o from_o who_o he_o come_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o his_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a church_n where_o he_o be_v and_o his_o care_n not_o to_o offend_v it_o overcome_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o cause_v he_o ready_o to_o do_v that_o which_o neither_o they_o be_v great_o please_v with_o nor_o himself_o in_o all_o probability_n neither_o which_o have_v often_o bring_v to_o my_o mind_n the_o apostolical_a temper_n of_o st._n ambrose_n in_o that_o famous_a answer_n of_o he_o to_o st._n augustine_n mother_n which_o he_o magnify_v so_o high_o for_o oracular_a and_o divine_a that_o at_o milan_n he_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o sabbath-fast_a because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o usage_n of_o his_o church_n but_o at_o rome_n he_o do_v because_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n there_o advise_v she_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n to_o make_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a church_n her_o precedent_n and_o rule_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o it_o by_o both_o which_o notable_a example_n we_o may_v learn_v by_o what_o measure_n to_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o these_o thing_n namely_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o usage_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o present_a church_n we_o be_v in_o provide_v they_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o plain_o contrary_a to_o any_o law_n of_o god_n for_o of_o such_o thing_n i_o be_o speak_v all_o this_o while_n and_o about_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o our_o present_a dispute_n about_o give_v offence_n be_v by_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v i_o only_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o precedent_n that_o if_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v this_o great_a and_o overrule_a respect_n to_o any_o national_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o chance_v to_o come_v and_o in_o which_o we_o sojourn_v we_o certain_o ought_v much_o more_o to_o have_v the_o same_o to_o our_o own_o national_a church_n in_o which_o we_o not_o only_o live_v but_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a member_n of_o and_o therefore_o suffer_v our_o regard_n to_o it_o to_o over-rule_v all_o other_o respect_n to_o private_a person_n that_o may_v interfere_v with_o it_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o assure_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o present_a consideration_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o can_v well_o be_v object_v against_o they_o 2._o and_o yet_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o some_o popular_a consideration_n here_o also_o which_o be_v own_v for_o sound_n and_o good_a rule_n to_o act_v by_o in_o all_o other_o like_o case_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o which_o when_o apply_v in_o our_o case_n will_v present_o determine_v it_o our_o concern_n and_o duty_n to_o have_v great_a care_v not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o to_o any_o private_a person_n four_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v just_a mention_n and_o leave_v to_o take_v effect_n by_o our_o leisurely_o consideration_n of_o they_o 1._o that_o offend_v the_o church_n be_v offend_v the_o great_a party_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v not_o only_o great_a than_o any_o other_o single_a denomination_n of_o man_n but_o than_o all_o of_o they_o together_o i_o know_v how_o forward_o each_o party_n have_v be_v to_o boast_v its_o number_n and_o some_o to_o threaten_v authority_n with_o their_o strength_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o make_v false_a muster_n and_o great_a show_n to_o crowd_v together_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o piacular_a for_o one_o to_o be_v absent_a when_o either_o the_o party_n or_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o we_o have_v public_a evidence_n now_o and_o of_o late_a that_o the_o church-party_n be_v not_o so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v it_o think_v to_o be_v it_o be_v true_a honest_a man_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v noisy_a and_o tumultuous_a the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o integrity_n satisfi_v they_o and_o the_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n be_v to_o they_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o witness_n they_o do_v not_o use_v to_o boast_v of_o themselves_o nor_o court_v great_o man_n observance_n they_o keep_v their_o station_n and_o use_v not_o to_o run_v from_o place_n to_o place_n a_o art_n by_o which_o the_o same_o man_n may_v appear_v ten_o or_o twenty_o and_o this_o perhaps_o have_v make_v some_o good_a man_n fearful_a and_o some_o other_o confident_a but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o know_v one_o another_o better_a now_o and_o have_v signalise_v their_o number_n to_o material_a purpose_n now_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o sway_a consideration_n with_o all_o scrupulous_a person_n in_o this_o case_n in_o all_o other_o it_o be_v think_v safe_a to_o offend_v the_o lesser_a party_n suppose_v they_o but_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n with_o other_o and_o when_o a_o dissenter_n consider_v that_o by_o conform_v he_o can_v but_o offend_v some_o few_o of_o his_o own_o small_a party_n or_o at_o most_o but_o some_o few_o of_o other_o but_o by_o his_o separation_n shall_v certain_o offend_v the_o whole_a church_n methinks_v it_o shall_v soon_o teach_v he_o which_o side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o choose_v unless_o those_o few_o must_v be_v count_v the_o only_a wise_a and_o the_o only_a good_a the_o sober_a and_o the_o godly_a party_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v disparage_v as_o consist_v only_o of_o ignorant_a and_o loose_a silly_a and_o dissolute_a person_n when_o bless_a be_v god_n plain_a experience_n contradict_v both_o and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v equal_a at_o least_o to_o their_o supercilious_a accuser_n both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o make_v they_o appear_v otherwise_o but_o only_o the_o pride_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v they_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v in_o her_o child_n 2._o offend_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o offend_v any_o private_a party_n of_o man_n i_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o remark_n each_o single_a instance_n in_o which_o this_o be_v evident_a every_o man_n reason_n
man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n or_o whatever_o the_o import_n of_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o faith_n or_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n who_o constitution_n be_v apt_a and_o fit_a to_o do_v all_o this_o and_o st._n judas_n seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a build_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o 19_o verse_n 19_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o honest_a christian_a with_o great_a assurance_n may_v expect_v the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o they_o who_o divide_v from_o the_o body_n and_o have_v great_a hope_n of_o edification_n from_o their_o teacher_n than_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n from_o apollo_n that_o water_n than_o from_o christ_n the_o chief_a husbandman_n who_o give_v the_o increase_n 2._o this_o constitution_n be_v use_v and_o manage_v in_o the_o best_a way_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v strict_a command_n under_o great_a penalty_n lay_v upon_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o do_v this_o who_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o private_a judgement_n or_o the_o force_n only_o of_o common_a christianity_n upon_o they_o thus_o to_o improve_v man_n soul_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n but_o have_v temporal_a mulct_n and_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n hold_v over_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n that_o when_o they_o do_v inform_v or_o direct_v their_o flock_n about_o their_o belief_n they_o shall_v keep_v to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n or_o when_o they_o persuade_v to_o practice_n their_o rule_n and_o proposition_n must_v be_v according_a to_o godliness_n that_o whenever_o they_o exhort_v or_o rebuke_v preach_v or_o pray_v whenever_o they_o direct_v or_o answer_v the_o scruple_n of_o man_n mind_n in_o the_o whole_a exercise_n and_o compass_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o creed_n to_o regard_v mercy_n and_o justice_n the_o standard_n of_o good_a manner_n in_o short_a to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n and_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o to_o edification_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a man_n and_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n to_o confess_v this_o truth_n and_o with_o gratitude_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n cure_v their_o ignorance_n and_o reform_v their_o life_n and_o upon_o good_a ground_n give_v they_o a_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n to_o say_v such_o as_o these_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v what_o we_o just_o suspect_v that_o they_o want_v true_a edification_n among_o themselves_o and_o shall_v be_v better_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o charity_n our_o protestant_a neighbour_n impartial_a judge_n will_v give_v their_o testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n who_o have_v own_a and_o commend_v the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v the_o prudence_n piety_n and_o work_v of_o her_o governor_n and_o pastor_n and_o wish_v that_o they_o and_o their_o charge_n be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o their_o pious_a and_o learned_a work_n to_o edify_v and_o save_v their_o people_n our_o 117._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 117._o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o at_o least_o in_o the_o good_a mood_n and_o out_o of_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n give_v their_o consent_n to_o this_o that_o the_o instruction_n and_o discourse_n of_o our_o pastor_n from_o their_o pulpit_n be_v solid_a learned_a affectionate_a and_o pious_a and_o their_o only_a crime_n be_v that_o sometime_o they_o be_v too_o well_o study_v and_o too_o good_a if_o in_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o english_a clergy_n some_o few_o may_v be_v lazy_a one_o particular_a person_n may_v clothe_v his_o doctrine_n in_o too_o gay_a a_o dress_n another_o talk_v scholastical_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o hearer_n a_o three_o too_o dull_o a_o four_o too_o nice_o and_o opinionative_o and_o here_o and_o there_o a_o pastor_n answer_v not_o the_o true_a design_n of_o preach_v to_o inform_v man_n mind_n to_o guide_v their_o conscience_n and_o move_v their_o affection_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o general_a charge_n that_o no_o edification_n so_o good_a be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n the_o pretend_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a cause_n than_o want_v of_o accommodation_n or_o room_n in_o church_n for_o some_o to_o separate_v where_o good_a edification_n and_o conveniency_n too_o may_v be_v easy_o have_v and_o since_o they_o compel_v our_o pastor_n to_o speak_v well_o of_o themselves_o by_o their_o detraction_n and_o speak_v ill_o of_o they_o they_o must_v glad_o suffer_v they_o as_o fool_n bold_o to_o say_v 19_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 19_o that_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o clergy_n so_o learned_a and_o pious_a so_o prudent_a and_o painful_a and_o every_o way_n industrious_a to_o edify_v and_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o now_o be_v in_o the_o english_a church_n the_o second_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o those_o that_o usual_o make_v this_o pretence_n for_o separation_n do_v common_o mistake_v better_a edification_n we_o have_v prove_v already_o that_o good_a and_o sufficient_a edification_n to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o english_a church_n for_o if_o teach_v plain_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o lay_v down_o clear_o rule_v of_o manner_n use_v well-composed_a prayer_n and_o proper_a administration_n of_o sacrament_n be_v not_o good_a and_o sufficient_a edification_n i_o know_v not_o what_o edification_n mean_v it_o may_v be_v heat_n of_o fancy_n stir_v up_o of_o humour_n this_o or_o that_o and_o man_n may_v as_o well_o define_v the_o thing_n they_o call_v wit_n as_o what_o edification_n mean_v and_o therefore_o to_o desert_n the_o plain_a and_o great_a duty_n of_o our_o church-communion_n for_o disputable_a doubtful_a or_o true_o mistake_v edification_n be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n in_o most_o case_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v better_o or_o best_a be_v very_o hard_a and_o require_v a_o sincere_a and_o consider_a head_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o better_a edification_n which_o be_v so_o easy_o mistake_v especial_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v usual_o ignorant_a of_o such_o nice_a thing_n and_o prejudice_v by_o their_o party_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v mutable_a and_o various_a according_a to_o their_o fancy_n for_o better_a edification_n pure_a administration_n and_o church_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a absolute_a perfection_n and_o a_o less_o defective_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v hard_a to_o understand_v perplex_v man_n mind_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o innumerable_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o refine_n and_o purge_v so_o long_o till_o they_o weaken_v and_o destroy_v the_o spirit_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o they_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o know_a sin_n for_o dark_a and_o dispâ—â—able_a advantage_n which_o indeed_o be_v only_o mistake_v and_o principal_o be_v these_o three_o that_o follow_v 1._o in_o take_v nice_a and_o speculative_a notion_n for_o great_a and_o edify_v truth_n when_o doctrine_n have_v be_v raise_v only_o to_o please_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a yet_o have_v make_v many_o think_v their_o heart_n be_v warm_v when_o their_o head_n and_o fancy_n be_v gratify_v and_o dark_a and_o obscure_a discourse_n about_o angel_n the_o state_n of_o separate_a soul_n and_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n have_v make_v 18_o colos_n 2._o 18_o some_o call_v the_o preacher_n high_a and_o mysterious_a while_o other_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n plain_o by_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conversation_n
have_v be_v lessen_v with_o the_o character_n of_o dull_a honest_a and_o moral_a man_n fit_a only_o for_o catechist_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o low_a form_n tickle_v but_o their_o imagination_n with_o conjectural_a discourse_n about_o the_o situation_n of_o paradise_n of_o old_a or_o hell_n now_o and_o you_o be_v a_o sound_a divine_a than_o he_o that_o only_o draw_v wholesome_a conclusion_n from_o adam_n prevarication_n to_o caution_n you_o against_o sin_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n or_o how_o to_o avoid_v those_o dismal_a flame_n where_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o other_o have_v be_v silly_a and_o fantastic_a in_o admire_v those_o who_o have_v prattle_v about_o the_o length_n of_o the_o sword_n that_o guard_v paradise_n or_o how_o the_o spirit_n above_o pass_n eternity_n away_o and_o scorn_v he_o who_o in_o plain_a method_n chalk_v they_o out_o the_o way_n that_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o heaven_n the_o ancient_a gnostic_n because_o they_o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o make_v a_o mixture_n of_o the_o jewish_a fable_n and_o genealogy_n of_o their_o lilith_a and_o behemoth_n and_o fetch_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o god_n out_o of_o orpheus_n and_o philistion_n two_o great_a divine_n in_o the_o pagan_a religion_n into_o plain_a christianity_n think_v themselves_o the_o most_o know_a man_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o wonder_v how_o only_a faith_n upon_o jesus_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o command_n can_v be_v know_v of_o god_n or_o wisdom_n from_o above_o the_o wrangling_n of_o the_o school_n with_o their_o fine_a distinction_n and_o barbarous_a term_n fit_a for_o magic_n than_o christianity_n by_o their_o disciple_n have_v be_v prize_v for_o great_a and_o precious_a truth_n and_o enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o slight_n make_v once_o the_o brain_n to_o swim_v have_v snatch_v the_o hearer_n beyond_o themselves_o and_o then_o think_v they_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o dark_a and_o obscure_a the_o doctrine_n have_v be_v the_o great_a illumination_n it_o be_v esteem_v and_o call_v a_o noonday_n think_v which_o be_v a_o midnight_n dream_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o pass_n with_o too_o many_o for_o save_v truth_n a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v ignorant_a in_o their_o head_n and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o practice_n espouse_v to_o party_n and_o interest_n have_v constitution_n and_o passion_n fit_a for_o these_o they_o ready_o swallow_v they_o down_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o tell_v 3._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 3._o we_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n cause_v by_o some_o disease_n of_o vice_n within_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o good_a physic_n but_o only_o scratch_v and_o gratify_v and_o if_o the_o food_n though_o wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v not_o to_o their_o palate_n and_o fancy_n they_o complain_v of_o hunger_n and_o starve_v these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o sickly_a nature_n crave_v only_o nice_a and_o curious_a thing_n for_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o keck_v at_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n plain_a and_o substantial_a truth_n that_o it_o may_v grow_v thereby_o to_o give_v therefore_o a_o liberty_n to_o every_o man_n to_o run_v from_o a_o establish_a church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o better_a edification_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o easy_o mistake_v be_v to_o direct_v man_n into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o be_v dangerous_a and_o sinful_a and_o when_o once_o the_o gap_n be_v open_a where_o will_n especial_o the_o vulgar_a stop_n may_v we_o not_o add_v that_o this_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v very_o fit_a to_o disguise_v and_o colour_v other_o vice_n when_o controversy_n have_v unhappy_o rise_v from_o a_o unjust_a denial_n of_o the_o minister_n right_n and_o due_n or_o the_o accident_n of_o civil_a conversation_n they_o make_v the_o ministry_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o good_a before_o to_o be_v call_v dull_a and_o mean_a and_o better_a must_v be_v seek_v elsewhere_o while_o only_a revenge_n or_o covetousness_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n wander_v report_n or_o their_o own_o lavish_a tongue_n and_o censorious_a temper_n have_v call_v some_o pastor_n covetous_a or_o intemperate_a or_o brand_v they_o with_o other_o vice_n and_o then_o cry_v out_o they_o can_v edify_v in_o such_o a_o church_n and_o so_o make_v one_o fault_n help_v out_o another_o and_o defamation_n must_v excuse_v their_o schism_n 2._o in_o take_v the_o opinion_n of_o party_n for_o undoubted_a truth_n essential_a to_o salvation_n when_o man_n have_v once_o wed_v a_o party_n and_o the_o opinion_n peculiar_a to_o it_o they_o magnify_v and_o propagate_v they_o grow_v furious_a for_o their_o defence_n and_o call_v they_o the_o best_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o abet_v and_o cry_v up_o by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n or_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o explication_n and_o distinction_n of_o they_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o teach_v they_o do_v not_o improve_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n because_o the_o notion_n or_o explication_n of_o faith_n and_o spirit_n church_n and_o grace_n justification_n regeneration_n conversion_n adoption_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v general_o different_a in_o our_o church_n from_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n they_o therefore_o cry_v we_o destroy_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v edify_v they_o find_v themselves_o weaken_v in_o their_o christian_n faith_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o their_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lessen_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o give_v security_n to_o lazy_a sinner_n a_o strange_a sort_n of_o edification_n for_o though_o our_o charity_n be_v not_o so_o narrow_a as_o to_o think_v every_o man_n a_o vicious_a person_n who_o be_v thus_o mistake_v in_o his_o conclusion_n yet_o however_o this_o alter_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o opinion_n and_o their_o consequence_n and_o who_o know_v how_o far_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n do_v improve_v they_o such_o be_v the_o perverse_a and_o angry_a temper_n of_o many_o about_o their_o own_o opinion_n no_o way_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n wherein_o wise_a man_n and_o good_a man_n may_v differ_v which_o be_v not_o state_v by_o authority_n and_o may_v not_o be_v determine_v till_o elias_n come_v yet_o if_o these_o be_v not_o insist_v on_o and_o press_v with_o vehemency_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v omit_v and_o truth_n be_v want_v to_o their_o perfection_n and_o if_o once_o the_o people_n be_v possess_v with_o opinion_n and_o notion_n they_o grow_v fierce_a about_o they_o and_o call_v they_o salvation-truth_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o a_o sea_n of_o disorder_n and_o tumult_n for_o their_o defence_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o five_o monarchy_n the_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n the_o enemy_n of_o child_n baptism_n think_v themselves_o wrong_v and_o the_o gospel_n hide_v if_o casual_o they_o hear_v you_o make_v interpretation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o divine_a institution_n different_a from_o their_o lewd_a sense_n and_o many_o question_n when_o determine_v after_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o labour_n and_o passion_n and_o expense_n of_o time_n may_v improve_v our_o knowledge_n but_o not_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n the_o only_a edification_n the_o early_a and_o best_a christian_n think_v themselves_o mighty_a saint_n and_o secure_a of_o heaven_n if_o they_o only_o know_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o the_o world_n be_v such_o ill_a judge_n about_o any_o other_o edification_n it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o they_o return_v to_o this_o good_a old_a way_n and_o rest_v satisfy_v there_o lest_o they_o take_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n rhetoric_n or_o subtlety_n secular_a interest_n or_o conjecture_n for_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o support_v their_o faith_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o edification_n break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n 3._o in_o take_v sudden_a heat_n and_o warmth_n for_o true_a edification_n when_o melt_v tone_n affectionate_a expression_n solemn_a look_n and_o behaviour_n passion_n and_o vehemency_n and_o other_o art_n have_v play_v upon_o the_o fancy_n and_o put_v their_o constitution_n into_o different_a motion_n some_o have_v though_o themselves_o so_o strange_o edify_v as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o impulse_n and_o powerful_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o