lord_n jesus_n christ_n whereunto_o you_o be_v now_o call_v through_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n amen_n i_o receive_v yesternight_o from_o you_o dear_a brother_n s._n and_o fellow-prisoner_n for_o the_o truth_n for_o christ_n gospel_n a_o letter_n wherein_o you_o gentle_o require_v my_o judgement_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n thereof_o and_o before_o i_o do_v show_v you_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o of_o his_o true_a infallible_a church_n touch_v the_o same_o i_o think_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o matter_n first_o to_o declare_v what_o vision_n i_o have_v the_o same_o night_n whilst_o muse_v on_o your_o letter_n i_o fall_v asleep_a know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o without_o cause_n reveal_v to_o his_o people_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n fix_v on_o he_o special_a and_o spiritual_a revelation_n to_o their_o comfort_n as_o a_o taste_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o kingdom_n to_o come_v which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v comprehend_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o sweet_a rest_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o see_v a_o great_a beautiful_a city_n all_o of_o the_o colour_n of_o azure_a and_o white_a four_o square_n in_o a_o marvellous_a beautiful_a composition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sky_n the_o sight_n whereof_o so_o inward_o comfort_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v the_o consolation_n i_o have_v thereof_o yea_o the_o remembrance_n thereof_o cause_v my_o heart_n as_o yet_o to_o leap_v for_o joy_n and_o as_o charity_n be_v no_o churl_n but_o will_v have_v other_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o delight_n some_o thought_n i_o call_v to_o other_o i_o can_v tell_v who_o and_o whilst_o they_o come_v and_o we_o together_o behold_v the_o same_o by_z and_z by_z to_o my_o great_a grief_n it_o vade_v away_o this_o dream_n i_o think_v not_o to_o have_v come_v of_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o sense_n because_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o so_o much_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o the_o contentation_n of_o your_o request_n as_o he_o wrought_v in_o peter_n to_o satisfy_v cornelius_n therefore_o i_o interpret_v this_o beautiful_a city_n to_o be_v the_o glorious_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sky_n signify_v the_o heavenly_a state_n thereof_o who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n man_n ought_v to_o measure_n and_o judge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o in_o earth_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a hill_n and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o the_o marvellous_a quadrature_n of_o the_o same_o i_o take_v to_o signify_v the_o universal_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n here_o militant_a aught_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n throughout_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o prophet_n affirm_v say_v god_n make_v we_o to_o dwell_v after_o one_o manner_n in_o one_o house_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v so_o wonderful_a joy_n at_o the_o contemplation_n thereof_o i_o understand_v the_o unspeakable_a joy_n which_o they_o have_v that_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o christ_n primitive_a church_n for_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o psalm_n as_o of_o joyful_a person_n be_v the_o dwell_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o that_o i_o call_v other_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o to_o behold_v this_o wonderful_a city_n i_o construe_v it_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o vision_n to_o have_v come_v upon_o i_o muse_v on_o your_o letter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o under_o this_o figure_n i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o move_v you_o with_o many_o other_o to_o behold_v the_o primitive_a church_n in_o all_o your_o opinion_n concern_v faith_n and_o to_o conform_v yourself_o in_o all_o point_n to_o the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o teach_v the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o have_v with_o a_o great_a fullness_n than_o we_o have_v now_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v declare_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o all_o verity_n even_o as_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v they_o another_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o truth_n and_o since_o all_o truth_n be_v teach_v and_o reveal_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v our_o mother_n let_v we_o all_o that_o be_v obedient_a child_n of_o god_n submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o doubtful_a sentence_n of_o the_o scripture_n let_v we_o not_o go_v about_o to_o show_v in_o we_o by_o follow_v any_o private_a man_n interpretation_n upon_o the_o word_n another_o spirit_n than_o they_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v lest_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o himself_o neither_o otherwise_o now_o teach_v we_o than_o he_o do_v they_o therefore_o let_v we_o believe_v as_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o they_o according_a as_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n assure_o will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o all_o our_o worldly_a trouble_n and_o misery_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o bliss_n through_o our_o obedience_n to_o faith_n with_o they_o therefore_o god_n command_v we_o in_o job_n to_o ask_v of_o the_o elder_a generation_n and_o to_o search_v diligent_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o father_n for_o we_o be_v but_o yesterday_n children_n and_o be_v 8._o job_n 8._o ignorant_a and_o our_o day_n be_v like_o a_o shadow_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o speak_v to_o thou_o and_o shall_v utter_v word_n from_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o solomon_n we_o be_v 6._o prov._n 6._o command_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o mother_n the_o lord_n grant_v you_o to_o direct_v your_o step_n in_o all_o thing_n after_o she_o and_o to_o abhor_v contention_n with_o she_o for_o as_o st._n paul_n write_v if_o any_o man_n be_v contentious_a neither_o we_o neither_o the_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 11._o church_n of_o god_n have_v any_o such_o custom_n hitherto_o i_o have_v show_v you_o good_a brother_n s._n my_o judgement_n general_o of_o that_o you_o stand_v in_o doubt_n and_o dissent_v from_o other_o to_o the_o which_o i_o wish_v you_o as_o i_o own_o heart_n to_o be_v comformable_a and_o then_o doubtless_o you_o can_v err_v but_o bold_o may_v be_v glad_a in_o your_o trouble_n and_o triumph_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o your_o death_n that_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o faithful_a martyr_n and_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o thus_o much_o have_v i_o write_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o vision_n before_o god_n unfeigned_a but_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v that_o i_o go_v about_o to_o satisfy_v you_o with_o uncertain_a vision_n only_o and_o not_o after_o god_n word_n i_o will_v take_v the_o ground_n of_o your_o letter_n and_o special_o answer_v to_o the_o same_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o infallible_a reason_n deduce_v out_o of_o the_o same_o and_o prove_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n to_o be_v lawful_a commendable_a and_o necessary_a whereof_o you_o seem_v to_o stand_v in_o doubt_n indeed_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o papistical_a synagogue_n only_o which_o have_v corrupt_v god_n word_n by_o false_a interpretation_n and_o have_v pervert_v the_o true_a use_n of_o christ_n sacrament_n you_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v good_a handfast_a of_o your_o opinion_n against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v of_o more_o antiquity_n and_o have_v his_o beginning_n from_o god_n word_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o must_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o abuse_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v neglect_v or_o think_v not_o expedient_a to_o be_v use_v in_o christ_n church_n auxentius_n one_o of_o the_o arrian_n sect_n with_o his_o adherent_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o child_n and_o next_o after_o he_o pelagius_n the_o heretic_n and_o some_o other_o there_o be_v in_o st._n bernard_n time_n as_o it_o do_v appear_v by_o his_o write_n and_o in_o our_o day_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o inordinate_a kind_n of_o man_n stir_v up_o
in_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v i_o can_v therefore_o see_v how_o they_o can_v avoid_v be_v self-condemned_n if_o they_o shall_v forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o if_o they_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a they_o sin_v wilful_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o if_o they_o think_v it_o lawful_a they_o will_v then_o sin_n in_o withdraw_v from_o it_o since_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o that_o power_n which_o they_o confess_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o lawful_a thing_n if_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o once_o think_v it_o unlawful_a after_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o now_o conceive_v it_o unlawful_a again_o this_o strange_a unsteadiness_n in_o opinion_n will_v look_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o like_a humour_n than_o judgement_n and_o it_o may_v occasion_v vehement_a suspicion_n in_o some_o not_o otherwise_o very_o censorious_a that_o this_o uncertainty_n proceed_v not_o from_o conscience_n but_o design_n and_o that_o all_o their_o compliance_n be_v only_o to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n to_o decline_v a_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n to_o keep_v a_o beneficial_a place_n or_o to_o be_v qualify_v for_o a_o office_n in_o some_o great_a corporation_n thus_o man_n may_v be_v apt_a enough_o to_o suspect_v but_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o they_o that_o have_v always_o make_v show_v of_o so_o great_a a_o tenderness_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o much_o hypocrisy_n and_o profaneness_n together_o as_o to_o dare_v even_o to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n under_o great_a dissatisfaction_n of_o mind_n it_o may_v be_v mere_o to_o advance_v some_o secular_a end_n but_o i_o hope_v their_o behaviour_n for_o the_o future_a will_v sufficient_o clear_v they_o from_o such_o a_o imputation_n i_o shall_v therefore_o apply_v myself_o only_o to_o those_o that_o do_v still_o forbear_v our_o communion_n and_o offer_v something_o very_o brief_o which_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o satisfy_a their_o most_o know_a and_o ordinary_a doubt_n that_o as_o we_o do_v all_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n we_o may_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n and_o all_o become_v peaceable_a and_o orderly_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_v this_o most_o excellent_a end_n first_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o impartial_o to_o consider_v of_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v incline_v they_o to_o be_v peaceable_o mind_v and_o tend_v to_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o general_n prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v unhappy_o conceive_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n then_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v what_o satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o the_o chief_a objection_n against_o we_o which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o urge_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v exhort_v they_o to_o a_o brotherly_a union_n upon_o such_o motive_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o gospel_n suggest_v and_o make_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v commend_v to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o dispose_v they_o to_o peace_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v take_v up_o be_v such_o as_o these_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o sinister_a end_n or_o corrupt_a passion_n that_o do_v either_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o separation_n at_o the_o beginning_n or_o provoke_v they_o now_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o mention_v this_o because_o i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o man_n mind_n be_v too_o often_o influence_v by_o their_o carnal_a interest_n and_o affection_n these_o will_v be_v always_o mix_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o consultation_n these_o do_v common_o blind_a and_o pervert_v their_o judgement_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o ten_o thousand_o error_n these_o be_v the_o occasion_n that_o fancy_n sometime_o pass_v for_o conscience_n that_o melancholy_a fume_n be_v admire_v for_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o the_o overflow_a of_o our_o gall_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o pure_a zeal_n these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o usual_a mistake_v that_o do_v frequent_o proceed_v from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o our_o passion_n if_o therefore_o we_o do_v divide_v from_o a_o church_n it_o will_v most_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a that_o we_o be_v not_o act_v by_o any_o such_o principle_n for_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o gain_v and_o grow_v rich_a by_o our_o departure_n if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a or_o scorn_v to_o retract_v the_o opinion_n we_o have_v once_o profess_v if_o we_o imagine_v we_o have_v more_o light_n than_o the_o first_o reformer_n when_o indeed_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a if_o we_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v oppose_v in_o any_o thing_n if_o we_o murmur_v and_o repine_v at_o our_o governor_n when_o they_o require_v our_o obedience_n where_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o pay_v it_o these_o be_v sign_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v turbulent_a and_o unruly_a and_o while_o we_o be_v thus_o dispose_v we_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v but_o that_o covetousness_n pride_n and_o impatience_n may_v be_v the_o great_a motive_n that_o induce_v we_o to_o make_v a_o separation_n and_o the_o strong_a argument_n that_o we_o have_v to_o maintain_v it_o but_o i_o can_v charge_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o these_o thing_n i_o believe_v that_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v upright_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o intention_n but_o because_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o estate_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n which_o other_o be_v i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o be_v never_o lead_v away_o by_o these_o or_o the_o like_a temptation_n but_o that_o they_o will_v always_o labour_v to_o preserve_v those_o holy_a disposition_n of_o integrity_n meekness_n humility_n and_o condescension_n which_o be_v the_o best_a preparative_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o after_o they_o have_v thus_o free_v their_o mind_n from_o all_o irregular_a passion_n and_o design_n it_o will_v conduce_v exceed_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o express_v their_o great_a care_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a thing_n of_o religion_n this_o will_v prevent_v many_o of_o the_o quarrel_n that_o do_v often_o arise_v in_o matter_n but_o of_o small_a importance_n if_o real_a holiness_n and_o piety_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o aim_v at_o then_o when_o we_o may_v be_v secure_v of_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o very_o forward_o to_o enter_v upon_o fierce_a and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o the_o external_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n if_o i_o may_v serve_v god_n there_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n why_o shall_v a_o gown_n or_o a_o cloak_n or_o a_o surplice_n fright_v i_o from_o the_o church_n when_o either_o of_o these_o be_v enjoin_v by_o my_o superior_n if_o i_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n why_o shall_v i_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n because_o i_o be_o not_o allow_v to_o join_v myself_o to_o what_o congregation_n i_o please_v and_o have_v not_o a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o my_o pastor_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v bend_v upon_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v see_v but_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v contentious_a about_o matter_n of_o lesser_a consequence_n a_o few_o indifferent_a rite_n will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o tempt_v we_o to_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o we_o be_v at_o perfect_a agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a point_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o promote_a our_o union_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o heinous_a nature_n and_o gild_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o separate_n ourselves_o from_o a_o true_a church_n without_o any_o just_a occasion_n give_v the_o want_n of_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o present_a division_n man_n be_v not_o general_o sufficient_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o do_v oppose_v that_o spirit_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_a love_n which_o shall_v diffuse_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a people_n when_o they_o suppose_v every_o slender_a pretence_n enough_o to_o justify_v their_o depart_n from_o we_o and_o set_v up_o a_o church_n against_o a_o church_n they_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n almost_o indifferent_a and_o that_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v with_o what_o society_n of_o christian_n they_o please_v
they_o may_v not_o lawful_o join_v together_o with_o who_o shall_v the_o faithful_a join_v at_o all_o be_v not_o this_o to_o fill_v the_o conscience_n with_o scruple_n and_o the_o church_n with_o rent_n such_o as_o these_o must_v if_o they_o will_v be_v true_a 95._o sacriâ—eg_fw-mi defer_v p._n 95._o to_o their_o own_o principle_n renounce_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o world_n and_o be_v like_o those_o that_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o he_o 47._o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 47._o know_v that_o never_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n nor_o ever_o public_o hear_v or_o pray_v or_o worship_n god_n at_o all_o because_o they_o think_v all_o your_o way_n which_o he_o direct_v to_o mr._n bagshaw_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v bad_a with_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o continuance_n in_o any_o communion_n so_o much_o mr._n burrough_n do_v maintain_v there_o will_v be_v no_o continuance_n in_o church-fellowship_n 163._o irenic_n c._n 23._o p._n 163._o if_o this_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n for_o corruption_n in_o it_o be_v admit_v for_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a and_o have_v all_o thing_n so_o comfortable_a but_o within_o a_o while_n another_o church_n will_v be_v more_o pure_a and_o some_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o comfortable_a there_o upon_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o this_o do_v mr._n r._n allein_a ground_n his_o last_o advice_n to_o his_o parishioner_n destroy_v 127._o godly_a man_n portion_n p._n 127._o not_o say_v he_o all_o communion_n by_o seek_v after_o a_o pure_a church_n than_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v according_a to_o this_o principle_n no_v communion_n at_o all_o if_o not_o in_o all_o where_n shall_v we_o rest_v in_o all_o society_n something_o will_v offend_v with_o this_o last_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n union_n or_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n so_o mr._n baines_n a_o person_n of_o 297._o comment_fw-fr on_o â—phes_n c._n 2._o 15._o p._n 297._o great_a experience_n this_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n reprove_v such_o as_o make_v a_o secession_n or_o departure_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n our_o visible_a assembly_n either_o upon_o dislike_n of_o some_o disorder_n in_o administration_n ecclesiastical_a or_o disallow_v form_n and_o manner_n of_o procure_v thing_n which_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o full_a compliment_n and_o perfection_n require_v this_o be_v not_o in_o my_o conceit_n so_o much_o to_o reform_v as_o to_o deform_v to_o massacre_v the_o body_n and_o divide_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n and_o will_v end_v in_o the_o dissolution_n 171._o morton_n memorial_n p._n 78_o etc._n etc._n mr._n baxter_n def._n of_o cure_n part_v 2._o p._n 171._o of_o all_o church-communion_n if_o it_o be_v follow_v as_o be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n r._n williams_n of_o new-england_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o great_a purity_n separate_v so_o long_o that_o he_o own_v no_o church_n nor_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o his_o motion_n the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o he_o dissolve_a themselves_o as_o we_o have_v the_o account_n from_o thence_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o avoid_v according_a to_o the_o prudent_a advice_n in_o a_o book_n above-cited_n doctrine_n cry_v up_o purity_n to_o the_o 371._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 14._o p._n 371._o ruin_n of_o unity_n reject_v for_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o unity_n as_o well_o as_o purity_n five_o they_o argue_v that_o to_o separate_v upon_o such_o arg._n 5_o a_o account_n be_v not_o at_o all_o warrant_v in_o scripture_n thus_o mr._n cawdrey_n it_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o christ_n impose_v no_o 192._o independ_v a._n schism_n p._n 192._o privilege_n of_o his_o purchase_n either_o to_o deprive_v a_o man_n self_n of_o his_o ordinance_n for_o other_o man_n sin_n or_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n right_o constitute_v for_o want_v of_o some_o reformation_n in_o light_a matter_n say_v mr._n blake_n 228._o vindiciae_fw-la foed_n c._n 31._o p._n 228._o we_o read_v not_o of_o separation_n in_o his_o way_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n approve_v nor_o any_o precedent_n to_o go_v before_o we_o in_o it_o we_o read_v a_o heavy_a brand_n lay_v upon_o it_o judas_n 19_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n so_o the_o congregation_n in_o new-england_n declare_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o 8._o platform_n of_o discipline_n in_o new-england_n c._n 14._o §_o 8._o corinth_n wherein_o be_v many_o unworthy_a person_n and_o practice_n be_v never_o command_v to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o of_o the_o same_o therefore_o the_o godly_a in_o like_a case_n be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v it_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v infer_v be_v not_o to_o separate_v for_o so_o much_o must_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o premise_n if_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o this_o be_v according_o infer_v by_o mr._n noyes_n for_o brethren_n to_o separate_v from_o 78._o temple_n measure_v p._n 78._o church_n and_o church-ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_o defective_a neither_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n in_o heresy_n or_o profaneness_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n unto_o who_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n tomb_n separation_n 48._o theodulia_n answ_n to_o pref._n §_o 25._o p._n 48._o from_o a_o church_n somewhat_o erroneous_a or_o corrupt_a in_o worship_n or_o conversation_n etc._n etc._n be_v utter_o dissonant_n from_o any_o of_o the_o rule_n or_o example_n which_o either_o of_o old_a the_o prophet_n or_o holy_a man_n or_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v prescribe_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o fault_n of_o pride_n or_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o tend_v to_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n sixthly_a they_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n arg._n 6_o for_o separation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o corruption_n because_o a_o person_n may_v communicate_v in_o the_o worship_n without_o partake_v in_o those_o corruption_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n at_o the_o savoy-conference_n 35._o confer_v savoy_n p._n 12_o 13._o mr._n baxter_n defence_n of_o the_o cure_n p._n 34_o 35._o that_o not_o only_o the_o hear_n but_o the_o read_v a_o defective_a liturgy_n be_v lawful_a to_o he_o that_o by_o violence_n be_v necessitate_v to_o offer_v up_o that_o or_o none_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o thus_o separate_v the_o substance_n from_o the_o circumstantial_a defect_n in_o the_o ministerial_a use_n of_o such_o worship_n much_o more_o may_v this_o be_v suppose_v to_o to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o that_o only_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o to_o give_v a_o explicit_a consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n use_v in_o it_o 1._o this_o separation_n of_o the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a in_o divine_a worship_n they_o grant_v possible_a so_o mr._n ball_n if_o 308._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n p._n 308._o some_o thing_n human_a be_v mix_v with_o divine_a a_o sound_n christian_n must_v separate_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o not_o cast_v away_o what_o be_v of_o god_n as_o a_o nullity_n fruitless_a unprofitable_a defile_v because_o somewhat_o of_o man_n be_v annex_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o body_n we_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o substance_n and_o the_o sickness_n which_o cleave_v unto_o it_o betwixt_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o part_n or_o member_n and_o some_o bunch_n or_o swelling_n which_o be_v a_o deformity_n but_o destroy_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o part_n or_o member_n etc._n etc._n so_o mr._n calamy_n it_o be_v 7._o door_n of_o truth_n open_v p._n 7._o one_o thing_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a from_o pollution_n another_o to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n 2._o they_o grant_v that_o what_o be_v faulty_a and_o a_o sin_n in_o worship_n be_v no_o sin_n to_o we_o when_o we_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o it_o so_o mr._n corbet_n my_o 6._o nonconformist_n plea_n &c_n &c_n p._n 6._o partake_n in_o any_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a for_o the_o matter_n and_o allowable_a or_o passable_a in_o the_o mode_n for_o the_o main_a do_v not_o involve_v i_o in_o the_o blame_n of_o some_o sinful_a defect_n therein_o to_o which_o i_o consent_v not_o and_o which_o i_o can_v redress_v so_o another_o in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n while_o all_o necessary_a fundamental_a truth_n be_v 94._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94._o public_o profess_v and_o maintain_v in_o a_o church_n be_v teach_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o public_a
that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o last_o age_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o more_o good_a have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o usher_n potter_n abbot_n jewel_n and_o some_o other_o bishop_n by_o preston_n sibbs_n taylor_n whately_n hildersham_n ball_n perkins_n dod_n stock_n and_o many_o thousand_o adversary_n to_o the_o separate_a church_n than_o ever_o be_v do_v by_o ainsworth_n johnson_n robinson_n rigid_a separatist_n or_o cotton_n thomas_n hooker_n and_o other_o though_o man_n of_o precious_a memory_n promoter_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n congregational_a and_o therefore_o if_o the_o bishop_n and_o conform_v preacher_n now_o apply_v themselves_o as_o we_o hope_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n be_v more_o allay_v they_o will_v to_o the_o profitable_a way_n of_o preach_v against_o popery_n and_o profaneness_n exciting_a their_o auditor_n to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v be_v as_o good_a ground_n if_o not_o better_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o spirit_n of_o separatist_n be_v for_o their_o party_n and_o the_o speak_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o edify_v in_o love_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n ephes_n 4._o 16._o to_o expect_v by_o they_o a_o blessing_n in_o promote_a the_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o from_o the_o separatist_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o worship_n or_o doctrine_n or_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o their_o apprehension_n do_v not_o want_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o soul_n and_o consequent_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o edification_n in_o justification_n of_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v inclusive_a and_o of_o no_o force_n but_o this_o branch_n of_o it_o will_v be_v further_o confirm_v under_o the_o three_o general_n but_o however_o this_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o quit_v for_o suppose_v the_o doctrine_n good_a and_o those_o that_o teach_v it_o capable_a as_o far_o as_o learning_n and_o part_n be_v requisite_a to_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o other_o yet_o if_o they_o themselves_o be_v loose_a and_o scandalous_a it_o may_v give_v just_a offence_n and_o be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o worship_n in_o which_o such_o do_v officiate_v p._n 3._o therefore_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o worship_n administer_v in_o it_o what_o holy_a mr._n rogers_n say_v be_v a_o great_a truth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v 223._o seven_o treatise_n tract_n 3._o c._n 4_o p._n 223._o but_o that_o the_o example_n of_o ignorant_a and_o unreformed_a especial_o notorious_a person_n in_o the_o ministry_n have_v do_v and_o do_v much_o harm_n and_o if_o either_o they_o can_v be_v convict_v or_o if_o their_o crime_n be_v such_o as_o can_v remove_v they_o out_o of_o their_o place_n there_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o grief_n that_o such_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v so_o weighty_a and_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o in_o high_a reverence_n but_o yet_o before_o the_o objection_n be_v admit_v it_o be_v to_o be_v premise_v 1._o that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o in_o the_o church_n it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o their_o conformity_n to_o it_o for_o good_a and_o pious_a man_n of_o this_o sort_n always_o be_v and_o still_o be_v in_o the_o church_n what_o there_o be_v former_o 57_o defence_n part_v 1._o p._n 57_o may_v be_v read_v in_o mr._n baxter_n who_o thus_o deliver_v himself_o when_o i_o think_v what_o learned_a holy_a incomparable_a man_n abundance_n of_o the_o old_a conformist_n be_v my_o heart_n rise_v against_o the_o thought_n of_o separate_n from_o they_o such_o as_o mr._n bolton_n mr._n whately_n mr._n fenner_n etc._n etc._n and_o abundance_n other_o such_o yea_o such_o as_o bishop_n jewel_n bishop_n grindal_n bishop_n hall_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o the_o martyr_n too_o as_o cranmer_z ridley_n hooper_n himself_o etc._n etc._n what_o there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n he_o also_o tell_v we_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o hundred_o godly_a minister_n 12._o ibid._n p._n 12._o in_o the_o parish-church_n of_o england_n and_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n say_v i_o profess_v to_o know_v those_o of_o 11._o ibid._n p._n 11._o they_o who_o i_o take_v to_o be_v much_o better_a than_o myself_o i_o will_v say_v a_o great_a word_n that_o i_o know_v those_o of_o they_o who_o i_o think_v as_o godly_a and_o humble_a minister_n as_o most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o i_o know_v so_o say_v dr._n bryan_n in_o some_o country_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v 313._o dwelling_v with_o god_n serm._n 6._o p._n 313._o many_o sober_a godly_a orthodox_n able_a preacher_n yet_o in_o possession_n of_o the_o public_a place_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v premise_v that_o this_o argument_n if_o of_o any_o yet_o be_v of_o no_o far_a force_n than_o against_o the_o congregation_n where_o such_o be_v and_o so_o be_v of_o none_o against_o the_o church_n itself_o where_o be_v good_a as_o well_o as_o bad_a nor_o against_o parochial_a communion_n where_o such_o be_v not_o so_o mr._n baxter_n argue_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o 11._o defence_n part_n 1._o p._n 11._o hundred_o parish_n minister_n who_o preach_v holy_o and_o live_v holy_o though_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o they_o be_v more_o and_o what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o charge_v any_o other_o man_n sin_n on_o they_o etc._n etc._n or_o to_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o the_o good_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o bad_a this_o be_v to_o condemn_v the_o sound_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o infect_v have_v premise_v this_o we_o shall_v reassume_a the_o case_n and_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v state_v and_o resolve_v by_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o bad_a minister_n in_o some_o case_n where_o they_o may_v have_v better_o so_o mr._n rogers_n as_o it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o be_v a_o 223._o tract_n 3._o p._n 223._o patron_n of_o such_o or_o to_o justify_v they_o so_o yet_o while_o we_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ministry_n of_o better_a i_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o a_o duty_n to_o hear_v and_o join_v with_o such_o where_o a_o better_a can_v be_v have_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a so_o mr._n rogers_n who_o can_v blame_v he_o ibid._n ibid._n who_o desire_v to_o pray_v with_o better_a than_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o better_a to_o join_v with_o they_o sometime_o than_o to_o leave_v the_o public_a assembly_n altogether_o so_o mr._n baxter_n no_o 114._o cure_n dir_fw-mi 17._o p._n 114._o people_n shall_v choose_v and_o prefer_v a_o ungodly_a minister_n before_o a_o better_a but_o they_o shall_v rather_o submit_v to_o such_o than_o have_v none_o when_o a_o better_a by_o they_o can_v be_v have_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n the_o scripture_n teach_v evident_o that_o 11._o letter_n of_o minister_n in_o old-england_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o new-england_n p._n 11._o the_o people_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o join_v with_o they_o unworthy_a minister_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o separate_n from_o the_o ordinance_n they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n for_o the_o worship_n be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o god_n the_o person_n unworthy_o execute_v his_o place_n be_v neither_o set_v up_o by_o some_o few_o private_a christian_n nor_o can_v by_o they_o be_v remove_v and_o warrant_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o such_o as_o ought_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o intermeddle_v with_o holy_a thing_n they_o have_v none_o from_o god_n so_o mr._n ball_n to_o communicate_v with_o minister_n no_o better_o 17._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n c._n 13._o p._n 311._o v._o tomb_n theodulia_n p._n 17._o than_o pharisee_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o worship_n god_n aright_o to_o reverence_v his_o ordinance_n to_o rely_v upon_o his_o grace_n to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n and_o submit_v unto_o his_o good_a pleasure_n this_o they_o maintain_v by_o several_a argument_n as_o first_o such_o be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n arg._n 1_o must_v never_o have_v be_v hold_v with_o the_o church_n if_o no_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v where_o such_o be_v so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n argue_v if_o the_o minister_n make_v 10._o letter_n of_o the_o minist_n in_o old-engl_n etc._n etc._n
not_o fear_v any_o thing_n of_o humane_a weakness_n but_o trust_v in_o god_n consecrate_a the_o child_n to_o the_o priesthood_n almost_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v the_o light_n thou_o will_v have_v no_o need_n of_o superstitious_a charm_n and_o annulet_n for_o he_o in_o which_o the_o devil_n steal_v to_o himself_o from_o silly_a soul_n the_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n but_o call_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o safe_a and_o excellent_a of_o charm_n and_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d afterward_o afterward_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o far_o the_o baptism_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v baptism_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o infant_n who_o be_v sensible_a neither_o of_o the_o gain_n nor_o loss_n of_o it_o shall_v we_o baptise_v they_o most_o certain_o if_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n for_o it_o be_v better_a that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v without_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o than_o that_o they_o die_v uninitiate_v and_o unconsign_v and_o my_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o circumcision_n which_o be_v administer_v on_o the_o eight_o day_n unto_o infant_n that_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v the_o save_n of_o the_o first-born_a in_o goshen_n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o blood_n on_o the_o lintel_n of_o the_o door_n and_o the_o two_o side-post_n the_o brevity_n which_o i_o design_n in_o this_o treatise_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o recite_v many_o more_o authority_n which_o be_v very_o baptismo_fw-la very_o very_o very_o vid._n testim_fw-la veter_fw-la script_n de_fw-fr baptism_n apud_fw-la cassand_n &_o gerhard_n joh._n voss_n disp_n 14._o de_fw-la baptismo_fw-la numerous_a out_o of_o chrysostom_n ambrose_n jerom_n augustin_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o shall_v rather_o superadd_a some_o consideration_n which_o confirm_v this_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v any_o considerate_a and_o impartial_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o so_o ancient_a and_o universal_a a_o practice_n be_v as_o old_a as_o the_o plant_v of_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o original_o derive_v its_o authority_n from_o they_o for_o first_o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o innovation_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o dangerous_a practice_n which_o will_v in_o time_n un-church_n it_o while_o miracle_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o the_o church_n the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n be_v the_o author_n of_o miracle_n too_o but_o the_o first_o four_o witness_n which_o i_o have_v produce_v for_o infant-baptism_n to_o wit_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o cyprian_a do_v all_o likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o miracle_n be_v then_o not_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n 7._o church_n church_n church_n adversus_fw-la haereses_fw-la l._n 2._o cap._n 56_o 57_o &_o euseb_n hist_o eccles_n l._n 5._o cap._n 7._o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v then_o dispossess_v devil_n and_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o prescience_n and_o predication_n and_o of_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n meet_v together_o do_v by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n often_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o that_o many_o so_o raise_v be_v then_o alive_a in_o the_o church_n nay_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o number_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v innumerable_a which_o the_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o then_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o i_o true_o confess_v it_o can_v enter_v into_o my_o heart_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v the_o church_n to_o embrace_v such_o a_o pernicious_a error_n as_o infant-baptism_n be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o fill_v the_o christian_a world_n with_o mock-christians_a while_o he_o bear_v they_o witness_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tertullian_n in_o his_o 2._o his_o his_o his_o et_fw-la ad_fw-la scapulam_fw-la c._n 2._o apologetic_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o christian_n have_v then_o power_n to_o make_v the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_a confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v devil_n nay_o he_o challenge_n the_o heathen_n to_o bring_v any_o one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v act_v and_o inspire_v with_o any_o one_o of_o their_o god_n and_o goddess_n who_o they_o worship_v and_o if_o that_o daemon_n god_n or_o goddess_n not_o dare_v to_o tell_v a_o lie_n before_o any_o christian_a shall_v not_o confess_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o devil_n than_o they_o shall_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o that_o christian_a upon_o the_o place_n origen_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o celsus_n frequent_o appeal_v to_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o christian_n wrought_v in_o his_o day_n particular_o in_o the_o first_o 34._o first_o first_o first_o cambridge_n edition_n p._n 34._o book_n he_o say_v that_o they_o exorcise_v daemon_n heal_v the_o sick_a and_o foresee_v future_a event_n and_o in_o the_o 376._o the_o the_o the_o p._n 334._o see_v also_o p._n 62_o 80_o 124_o 127_o 376._o seven_o book_n he_o prove_v that_o christian_n do_v not_o their_o miracle_n by_o any_o curious_a magical_a art_n because_o idiot_n or_o illiterate_a man_n among_o they_o do_v by_o nothing_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o adjuration_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n banish_v devil_n from_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o men._n rigalt_n men._n men._n men._n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la donatum_fw-la vid._n &_o epist_n ad_fw-la magnum_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la demetrianum_n p._n 202._o ed._n rigalt_n st._n cyprian_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o christian_n in_o his_o day_n have_v power_n to_o hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o deadly_a poison_n to_o restore_v madman_n to_o their_o sense_n to_o force_v devil_n to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o and_o with_o invisible_a stroke_n and_o torment_n to_o make_v they_o cry_v and_o howl_v and_o forsake_v the_o body_n which_o they_o possess_v these_o be_v the_o first_o four_o witness_n which_o i_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o the_o church_n can_v yet_o run_v into_o a_o church-destroying_a practice_n within_o such_o a_o holy_a and_o miraculous_a period_n as_o this_o but_o second_o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o be_v derivable_a from_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o apostolical_a practice_n how_o come_v the_o 687._o the_o the_o the_o vid._n vossii_n hist_o pelag._n l._n 2._o pars_fw-la 2_o thes_n 4._o &_o 13._o disp_n de_fw-fr bapt._n thes_n 18._o &_o disp_a 14._o thes_n 4._o cassand_n praefat_fw-la ad_fw-la duc._n jul._n p._n 670._o &_o testim_fw-la veteru_fw-fr de_fw-fr bapt._n parvulorum_fw-la p._n 687._o pelagian_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o a_o innovation_n see_v the_o orthodox_n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o that_o infant_n be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o they_o have_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n for_o it_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o innovation_n creep_v into_o practice_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o it_o be_v bring_v up_o by_o false-apostle_n and_o false-teacher_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o then_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o which_o they_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o do_v upon_o any_o colourable_a pretence_n that_o they_o practise_v it_o themselves_o and_o own_v it_o for_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o as_o necessary_a for_o child_n obtain_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n but_o three_o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o in_o practice_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o christian_a church_n or_o be_v derivable_a from_o any_o other_o cause_n than_o apostolical_a tradition_n let_v the_o opposer_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o any_o other_o probable_a way_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o all_o church_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v colony_n of_o the_o same_o mother-church_n or_o have_v correspondence_n with_o one_o another_o by_o their_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o of_o such_o as_o be_v original_a plantation_n and_o betwixt_o which_o there_o be_v likely_a none_o or_o but_o very_o little_a communication_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a distance_n and_o want_v of_o intercourse_n betwixt_o the_o country_n where_o 692._o where_o where_o where_o brerewoods_n inquiry_n c._n 23_o cassand_n exposit_n de_fw-fr auctor_fw-la consult_v bapt._n infant_n p._n 692._o they_o live_v among_o these_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n be_v the_o abassin-church_n in_o the_o further_a ethiopia_n and_o the_o 20._o the_o the_o the_o osor_n l._n 3._o de_fw-la rebus_fw-la gest_n eman_n cit_fw-la à _fw-fr vossio_n in_o disp_n 14._o de_fw-la baptismo_fw-la brerewood_n inquiry_n c._n 20._o
strong_o enforce_v upon_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o prayer_n which_o among_o they_o be_v better_o compose_v and_o more_o fervent_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o there_o be_v better_o frame_v and_o order_v to_o affect_v his_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o true_o christian_n man_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v explain_v and_o premise_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n will_v be_v find_v true_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o question_n stand_v be_v false_a viz._n there_o be_v not_o better_a edification_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o apt_a and_o fit_a the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n 2._o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o use_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n for_o edification_n the_o first_o will_v be_v manifest_a by_o induction_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o her_o constitution_n reducible_a to_o these_o follow_a head_n 1._o her_o creed_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o which_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o allow_v which_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a contain_v all_o necessary_n and_o fundamental_o in_o religion_n nothing_o defective_a in_o vital_n or_o integral_n to_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a church_n christ_n that_o found_v his_o church_n best_o know_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o her_o be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v contain_v in_o her_o creed_n whatever_o be_v fundamental_a for_o we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o by_o easy_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o will_v we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o office_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n upon_o earth_n the_o constitution_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o government_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o law_n the_o time_n of_o account_n and_o retribution_n the_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o providence_n to_o confirm_v these_o we_o may_v read_v they_o at_o large_a in_o holy_a writ_n and_o find_v wise_o sum_v up_o in_o our_o creed_n who_o article_n to_o help_v the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v short_a and_o few_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o dulness_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v manifest_a and_o plain_a they_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o suppose_v before_o or_o include_v in_o or_o follow_v from_o that_o brief_a creed_n the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n 5._o 1_o john_n 4._o 15._o 5._o 5._o whatever_o be_v any_o way_n reveal_v by_o god_n as_o necessary_a be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n nothing_o that_o be_v nice_a and_o obscure_a fit_a only_a for_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_a be_v bring_v into_o our_o creed_n all_o who_o article_n be_v primitive_a and_o of_o divine_a right_n none_o of_o they_o pure_o speculative_a or_o curious_a but_o plain_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n natural_o lead_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o love_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o a_o eternal_a truth_n which_o be_v but_o yesterday_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o truth_n but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o the_o highpriest_n which_o be_v but_o the_o fringe_n of_o his_o garment_n we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n think_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o they_o be_v very_o secure_a that_o this_o will_v save_v they_o and_o if_o any_o truth_n be_v disguise_v or_o deface_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o descend_a age_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o former_a shape_n and_o complexion_n we_o cast_v out_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n out_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o niceness_n out_o of_o our_o creed_n that_o creed_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a day_n of_o christianity_n believe_v and_o be_v secure_a of_o heaven_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v no_o more_o that_o faith_n this_o church_n maintain_v which_o will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n she_o lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n for_o this_o be_v the_o solemn_a intention_n of_o all_o religion_n our_o creed_n our_o prayer_n our_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o devotion_n her_o creed_n be_v such_o that_o all_o its_o article_n so_o direct_o or_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lead_v unto_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n that_o no_o man_n can_v firm_o believe_v they_o but_o they_o must_v ordinary_o influence_n his_o manner_n and_o better_a his_o conversation_n and_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o creed_n his_o life_n be_v not_o mend_v he_o either_o ignorant_o and_o gross_o mistake_v their_o consequence_n or_o be_v wilful_o desperate_a our_o church_n public_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n no_o act_n of_o devotion_n however_o set_v off_o with_o zeal_n and_o passion_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n and_o if_o obedience_n be_v want_v afterward_o be_v but_o scene_n and_o show_n such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n which_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o brain_n and_o story_n in_o magnify_v and_o praise_v in_o sigh_v and_o repeat_v but_o in_o the_o production_n of_o mercy_n charity_n and_o justice_n and_o such_o excellent_a virtue_n she_o make_v no_o debate_n between_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o argue_v nice_o about_o the_o preference_n nor_o dispute_v critical_o the_o mode_n how_o joint_o they_o become_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o plain_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n she_o not_o only_o keep_v to_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o to_o a_o conversation_n of_o equal_a firmness_n and_o solidity_n her_o festival_n be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o virtue_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o as_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n her_o ceremony_n which_o be_v principal_o design_v for_o decency_n may_v also_o remind_v we_o of_o those_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n her_o collect_v and_o petition_n be_v for_o grace_n to_o subdue_v our_o folly_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o lash_v the_o sturdy_a into_o sobriety_n and_o goodness_n and_o her_o homily_n be_v plain_o and_o smart_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o impiety_n and_o to_o persuade_v a_o true_a christian_a deportment_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a she_o flatter_v and_o lull_v no_o man_n asleep_o in_o vice_n but_o tell_v all_o secure_a sinner_n plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v nor_o receive_v aright_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolve_v that_o their_o person_n be_v not_o justify_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o true_a hope_n of_o heaven_n except_o they_o purify_v themselves_o and_o be_v real_o just_a and_o good_a she_o neither_o use_v nor_o allow_v any_o nice_a distinction_n in_o plain_a duty_n to_o baffle_v our_o obedience_n nor_o suffer_v a_o cunning_a head_n to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o teach_v man_n learned_o to_o sin_n but_o urge_v plain_a virtue_n lay_v down_o distinct_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o teach_v by_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n without_o call_v they_o mean_a duty_n or_o ordinary_a morality_n to_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n she_o set_v no_o abstruse_a and_o fantastic_a character_n nor_o any_o mark_n who_o truth_n must_v be_v fetch_v in_o by_o long_a deduction_n and_o consequence_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o but_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o mean_a christian_a can_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n press_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n not_o only_o thereby_o enforce_v peace_n and_o justice_n pity_n and_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o kindness_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o she_o make_v king_n safe_a and_o subject_n more_o secure_a condemn_v both_o tyranny_n and_o disobedience_n parent_n more_o obey_v and_o
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
stranger_n i_o mean_v who_o have_v see_v the_o world_n and_o have_v learn_v our_o language_n and_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o sermon_n that_o be_v common_o preach_v and_o print_v in_o this_o great_a city_n affirm_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o god_n grant_v we_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o such_o singular_a help_n by_o our_o contempt_n of_o they_o and_o that_o our_o candlestick_n be_v not_o remove_v out_o of_o its_o place_n because_o we_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o light_n which_o it_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n if_o not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o profit_v by_o sermon_n we_o make_v no_o progress_n at_o all_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n but_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v little_a or_o no_o effect_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o do_v not_o pronounce_v this_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o object_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o unprofitable_a ministry_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v general_o preach_v by_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o city_n to_o who_o inhabitant_n i_o principal_o write_v be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v profit_v by_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o then_o leave_v they_o to_o judge_n of_o themselves_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n i_o suppose_v we_o be_v all_o agree_v or_o may_v easy_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v to_o profit_v by_o sermon_n for_o we_o agree_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v right_o open_v and_o due_o apply_v in_o a_o sermon_n so_o that_o the_o hearer_n improve_v either_o in_o christian_a knowledge_n or_o in_o faith_n or_o in_o well-doing_n than_o they_o profit_v by_o that_o sermon_n now_o if_o any_o man_n do_v not_o improve_v in_o these_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o sermon_n which_o he_o may_v hear_v in_o our_o church_n and_o the_o fault_n lie_v in_o the_o sermon_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n for_o none_o i_o presume_v will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o accompany_v a_o sermon_n which_o want_v nothing_o belong_v to_o either_o of_o these_o the_o preacher_n also_o be_v due_o qualify_v and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v none_o that_o dare_v now_o complain_v of_o a_o idle_a scandalous_a insufficient_a ministry_n about_o this_o city_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o they_o that_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v those_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n have_v take_v up_o the_o complaint_n of_o a_o unedifying_a whereby_o we_o have_v gain_v this_o great_a point_n that_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n to_o pretend_v the_o person_n who_o preach_v be_v unsanctified_a and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o bless_v his_o ministry_n but_o the_o fault_n must_v lie_v if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o sermon_n itself_o and_o that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o delivery_n i._o and_o as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v that_o any_o dissenter_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v will_v except_v against_o our_o sermon_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o such_o care_n to_o find_v out_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o proper_a meaning_n that_o perhaps_o they_o be_v never_o more_o clear_o open_v and_o right_o apply_v than_o they_o be_v now_o adays_o in_o our_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o that_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n when_o they_o be_v about_o to_o be_v expel_v out_o of_o paradise_n which_o god_n repeat_v in_o his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n which_o he_o shadow_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n illustrate_v by_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o final_o fulfil_v in_o the_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o diffuse_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o over_o the_o world_n be_v there_o so_o full_o and_o distinct_o teach_v that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n will_n be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o faithful_o declare_v among_o we_o and_o as_o that_o be_v declare_v complete_o so_o little_a else_o be_v meddle_v withal_o matter_n of_o controversy_n be_v as_o rare_o handle_v in_o our_o pulpit_n i_o believe_v as_o in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o which_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n sometime_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o fortify_v the_o people_n against_o popery_n and_o against_o separation_n yet_o even_o these_o be_v not_o so_o often_o treat_v of_o as_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n to_o all_o party_n of_o christian_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o great_a drift_n of_o our_o preacher_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v they_o good_a particular_o to_o give_v they_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n know_v that_o error_n and_o superstition_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o without_o a_o particular_a confutation_n for_o they_o be_v support_v by_o nothing_o but_o ignorance_n and_o naughty_a affection_n which_o will_v uphold_v they_o against_o all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v assault_v unless_o man_n mind_n be_v inform_v and_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o thing_n as_o alter_v their_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v general_o preach_v by_o our_o minister_n and_o which_o be_v so_o well_o perform_v that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a either_o to_o make_v man_n true_o know_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o to_o work_v belief_n in_o they_o or_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n or_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o follow_v those_o direction_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o satisfy_v material_a scruple_n to_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o comfort_v disconsolate_a penitent_n and_o awaken_v drowsy_a sinner_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n but_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o in_o our_o church_n so_o full_o solid_o and_o judicious_o handle_v that_o man_n need_v go_v no_o whither_o else_o for_o edification_n if_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o true_o desire_v and_o sincere_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v for_o what_o truth_n can_v they_o learn_v any_o where_o else_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v if_o they_o will_v attend_v upon_o god_n service_n there_o in_o our_o church_n what_o motive_n to_o believe_v or_o what_o argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o there_o represent_v and_o press_v what_o vice_n be_v there_o which_o do_v not_o there_o receive_v just_a correction_n what_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o there_o most_o strong_o recommend_v which_o of_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o there_o apply_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o where_o can_v man_n have_v better_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v against_o all_o the_o impenitent_a and_o disobedient_a and_o if_o man_n can_v profit_v where_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v constant_o manage_v to_o as_o much_o advantage_n as_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o preacher_n will_v enable_v he_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o fault_n must_v lie_v somewhere_o else_o than_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sermon_n ii_o yes_o will_v some_o say_v we_o allow_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o to_o be_v good_a enough_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v reap_v the_o like_a benefit_n by_o they_o that_o we_o do_v by_o other_o man_n preach_v who_o can_v conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n the_o fault_n must_v lie_v either_o in_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o or_o in_o their_o delivery_n after_o they_o be_v compose_v 1._o now_o if_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o be_v faulty_a it_o be_v because_o their_o method_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a or_o the_o language_n not_o plain_a enough_o to_o convey_v the_o
serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n 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 a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n etc._n etc._n recommend_v to_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o offering_n friendly_a advice_n and_o counsel_n especial_o in_o great_a and_o important_a case_n be_v though_o often_o a_o thankless_a yet_o a_o very_a charitable_a office_n a_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o high_o conducive_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o need_v no_o apology_n to_o introduce_v it_o we_o live_v it_o be_v true_a in_o a_o illnatured_n and_o censorious_a age_n wherein_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v any_o one_o who_o will_v not_o take_v with_o the_o lefthand_n what_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o with_o the_o right_n but_o i_o be_o not_o discourage_v from_o this_o attempt_n by_o the_o peevishness_n and_o frowardness_n of_o many_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o remember_v that_o all_o honest_a undertake_n and_o such_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v be_v under_o the_o more_o peculiar_a conduct_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o can_v and_o will_v succeed_v and_o prosper_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a issue_n if_o man_n own_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n do_v not_o put_v a_o bar_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o i_o do_v therefore_o beseech_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n that_o they_o will_v suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o request_n and_o advice_n that_o be_v here_o plain_o lay_v before_o they_o which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v find_v such_o as_o carry_v their_o own_o light_n and_o evidence_n along_o with_o they_o i._o and_o first_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v about_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v allege_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n this_o one_o will_v think_v be_v as_o needless_a as_o it_o be_v a_o modest_a and_o reasonable_a request_n for_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n except_v lie_v claim_v to_o infallibility_n do_v not_o the_o woeful_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o weakness_n and_o short-sightedness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o daily_a experience_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o lamentable_a failures_n we_o observe_v in_o other_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o error_n and_o mistake_v but_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o own_v on_o all_o hand_n yet_o in_o practice_n we_o frequent_o find_v man_n act_v by_o other_o measure_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o in_o the_o most_o controvert_v case_n bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o as_o much_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n censure_v other_o with_o as_o magisterial_a a_o boldness_n condemn_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n with_o as_o positive_a and_o peremptory_a a_o determination_n as_o if_o they_o be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o all_o other_o in_o the_o wrong_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o the_o early_a prepossession_n of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o powerful_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n a_o implicit_a and_o unexamined_a belief_n of_o what_o their_o guide_n and_o leader_n teach_v they_o have_v a_o strange_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o than_o they_o question_v the_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n wherefore_o i_o do_v once_o and_o again_o entreat_v they_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o pride_n partiality_n and_o self-conceit_n they_o will_v not_o think_v more_o high_o of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o own_o way_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v especial_o remember_v that_o the_o matter_n contend_v about_o be_v confess_o disputable_a and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o case_n seem_v otherwise_o to_o other_o who_o may_v at_o least_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v as_o wise_a man_n and_o as_o competent_a judge_n as_o themselves_o truth_n make_v the_o easy_a entrance_n into_o modest_a and_o humble_a mind_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o rest_v upon_o a_o proud_a man._n ii_o second_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v serious_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o consider_v as_o well_o what_o be_v say_v on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o justice_n that_o every_o one_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o which_o indeed_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o himself_o that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v to_o take_v up_o with_o prejudices_fw-la which_o education_n or_o long_a custom_n have_v instill_v into_o he_o or_o wherein_o any_o other_o art_n or_o method_n have_v engage_v he_o without_o strict_o inquire_v whether_o those_o prejudices_fw-la stand_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n be_v to_o see_v only_o on_o one_o side_n to_o bind_v up_o one_o self_n in_o the_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o divinely-inspired_n and_o infallible_a or_o pertinacious_o to_o adhere_v to_o any_o party_n of_o man_n how_o plausible_a and_o specious_a soever_o their_o pretence_n may_v be_v without_o examine_v their_o ground_n and_o endeavour_v to_o know_v what_o be_v say_v against_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v a_o persuasion_n at_o a_o peradventure_o and_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o whether_o such_o a_o one_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n we_o ought_v to_o keep_v a_o ear_n open_a for_o one_o side_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o not_o to_o think_v we_o have_v do_v enough_o till_o without_o favour_n or_o prejudice_n and_o to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o understanding_n we_o have_v hear_v try_v and_o judge_v the_o reason_n bring_v as_o well_o for_o as_o against_o it_o and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v i_o see_v not_o with_o what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n man_n can_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o their_o scruple_n or_o plead_v for_o favour_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o dissatisfaction_n conscience_n true_o tender_a be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o resolution_n &_o be_v ready_a to_o kiss_v the_o hand_n that_o will_v bring_v they_o better_o information_n and_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o neglect_v much_o less_o thrust_v from_o they_o the_o mean_n that_o may_v ease_v they_o of_o their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n we_o just_o blame_v it_o in_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o in_o a_o manner_n they_o resign_v up_o their_o understanding_n to_o their_o guide_n and_o confessor_n and_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v true_o acquain_v with_o the_o protestant_a principle_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o reformation_n nor_o to_o read_v any_o of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v write_v for_o their_o conviction_n without_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a licence_n whether_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n be_v under_o any_o such_o spiritual_a discipline_n i_o know_v not_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o look_v very_o odd_o that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o her_o constitution_n that_o so_o few_o of_o they_o care_n to_o confer_v with_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v they_o but_o cry_v out_o they_o be_v satisfy_v already_o nay_o some_o of_o they_o to_o my_o knowledge_n when_o desire_a to_o propose_v their_o scruple_n in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n have_v plain_o and_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o person_n have_v ever_o read_v and_o examine_v what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v to_o say_v for_o herself_o be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o not_o only_a scruple_n but_o rail_v at_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n that_o yet_o never_o hear_v it_o nor_o perhaps_o ever_o read_v it_o in_o all_o their_o life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o what_o they_o know_v not_o i_o can_v tell_v what_o be_v how_o many_o incomparable_a book_n