church_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n 2._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o to_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o it_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n for_o we_o can_v actual_o join_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o with_o some_o particular_a church_n yet_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v and_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o with_o any_o other_o true_a and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o church_n though_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o exercise_n of_o true_a christian_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o catholic_n communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o affair_n require_v since_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o these_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o do_v more_o peculiarly_a unite_v we_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n than_o to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n when_o we_o pray_v together_o to_o god_n we_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o the_o common_a father_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o do_v not_o challenge_v any_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o member_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n who_o powerful_o intercee_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o for_o we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o and_o those_o who_o be_v present_a but_o for_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o our_o fellow-member_n and_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o communion_n of_o prayer_n for_o pray_v with_o one_o another_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o our_o prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n when_o we_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o common_a father_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o the_o same_o common_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n thus_o when_o we_o meet_v together_o to_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v as_o at_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o as_o at_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church_n fellowship_n but_o of_o catholic_n communion_n the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o confederation_n between_o those_o neighbour_n christian_n who_o receive_v together_o in_o the_o same_o church_n than_o with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o sacramental_a bread_n signify_v and_o represent_v all_o those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o one_o mystical_a body_n for_o which_o he_o offer_v his_o natural_a body_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n and_o our_o eat_n of_o this_o bread_n signify_v our_o union_n to_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o act_n of_o true_a catholic_n not_o of_o a_o particular_a church-communion_n and_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o represent_v our_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o with_o all_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o particular_a in_o this_o feast_n to_o make_v it_o a_o private_a feast_n or_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v as_o particular_a but_o it_o be_v the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_n communion_n which_o by_o the_o way_n plain_o show_v how_o groundless_a that_o scruple_n be_v against_o mix_a communion_n that_o man_n think_v themselves_o defile_v by_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n with_o man_n who_o be_v vicious_a for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian_a profession_n when_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o censure_v and_o remove_v from_o christian_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o their_o communion_n be_v defile_v by_o bad_a man_n who_o communicate_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o congregation_n as_o in_o that_o in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o communicate_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n signify_v no_o other_o communion_n between_o they_o who_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o company_n than_o it_o do_v with_o all_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o communion_n with_o any_o person_n consider_v as_o present_v but_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o desire_v yet_o be_v schismatic_n in_o it_o because_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o select_a company_n and_o exclude_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o out_o of_o it_o their_o communion_n be_v no_o large_a than_o their_o gather_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o must_v still_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v corrupt_a member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v unless_o we_o will_v except_v independent_o because_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o except_v themselves_o and_o then_o their_o separation_n do_v not_o answer_v its_o end_n which_o be_v to_o avoid_v such_o corrupt_a communion_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o gather_a church_n they_o be_v schismatic_n in_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n be_v not_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o a_o schismatical_a combination_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v indeed_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o preserve_v their_o own_o communion_n pure_a from_o corrupt_a member_n unless_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v do_v so_o too_o because_o every_o particular_a church_n whether_o diocesan_n or_o national_a have_v power_n to_o reform_v its_o own_o member_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o such_o neglect_v of_o discipline_n but_o it_o do_v prove_v that_o no_o church_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n can_v renounce_v communion_n with_o other_o christian_a church_n or_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n of_o its_o own_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o corrupt_a member_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o novatian_a and_o donatist_n schism_n of_o old_a and_o be_v so_o of_o the_o independent_a schism_n at_o this_o day_n 3._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o our_o obligation_n to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n whole_o result_v from_o our_o obligation_n to_o catholic_n communion_n the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o when_o i_o be_o in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a christian_a church_n as_o no_o member_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n without_o its_o be_v unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o all_o its_o part_n to_o each_o other_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church-communion_n but_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v
in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a obligation_n i_o know_v of_o to_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n and_o therefore_o be_o bind_v to_o maintain_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n wherever_o i_o find_v it_o and_o by_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n wherein_o i_o live_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o choice_n what_o church_n we_o will_v communicate_v with_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o with_o which_o we_o must_v communicate_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o judge_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n that_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 4._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v plain_o learn_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o separate_a communion_n and_o separate_a church_n for_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v great_o sensible_a of_o the_o sin_n and_o mischief_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o then_o they_o use_v great_a art_n so_o to_o confound_v the_o notion_n of_o separation_n as_o that_o neither_o they_o themselves_o nor_o any_o one_o else_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v whereas_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v or_o ever_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o separation_n be_v as_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o member_n to_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o body_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o christian_a church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n than_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o indeed_o to_o prove_v a_o separation_n that_o two_o congregation_n meet_v in_o several_a place_n for_o worship_n for_o this_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o parish-church_n of_o england_n who_o be_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o yet_o hold_v distinct_a and_o separate_a assembly_n as_o to_o local_a separation_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n because_o these_o differ_a church_n agree_v in_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n for_o thus_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n do_v who_o yet_o be_v schismatic_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o where_o there_o be_v two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o there_o be_v a_o schism_n though_o they_o agree_v in_o every_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o one_o communion_n and_o where_o church_n own_o each_o other_o communion_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n there_o be_v no_o schism_n though_o they_o be_v as_o distant_a from_o each_o other_o in_o place_n as_o east_n and_o west_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v for_o two_o church_n to_o be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o to_o make_v this_o as_o plain_a as_o i_o can_v and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v all_o evasion_n and_o subterfuges_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v separate_a and_o schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n according_a to_o that_o ancient_a rule_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n and_o this_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o populous_a city_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o convert_v yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n such_o as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o independent_o themselves_o who_o endeavour_n hence_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o any_o of_o those_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a groundless_a surmise_n and_o not_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o have_v be_v often_o show_v by_o learned_a man_n both_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a divine_n and_o there_o be_v a_o evident_a reason_n why_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o catholic_n communion_n for_o private_a christian_n but_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o to_o renounce_v the_o ordinary_a communion_n of_o any_o christian_n or_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n for_o worship_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n so_o that_o distinct_a and_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o must_v have_v their_o distinct_a bound_n and_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n have_v its_o natural_a and_o proper_a place_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o a_o new_a church_n gather_v out_o of_o a_o church_n already_o constitute_v and_o form_v into_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n this_o divide_v christian_a communion_n and_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n these_o church_n can_v be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o because_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o form_v and_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v and_o separate_a the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n from_o each_o other_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a church_n and_o those_o other_o conventicle_n of_o sectary_n which_o be_v among_o we_o they_o be_v church_n in_o a_o church_n church_n form_v out_o of_o the_o national_a church_n by_o which_o mean_v christian_n who_o live_v together_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o contention_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o purity_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o distinction_n of_o christian_n into_o several_a church_n but_o only_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o place_n as_o make_v it_o necessary_a and_o expedient_a to_o put_v they_o under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o several_a bishop_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o regular_a administration_n of_o discipline_n and_o all_o holy_a office_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o divide_v neighbour_n christian_n into_o distinct_a communion_n church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v distinct_a church_n under_o their_o distinct_a bishop_n but_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v and_o cement_v into_o one_o there_o must_v either_o be_v antibishop_n or_o schismatical_a presbyter_n set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o their_o bishop_n under_z different_z and_o opposite_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n which_o make_v they_o rival_n and_o opposite_a church_n not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o from_o hence_o i_o think_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n and_o we_o can_v justify_v such_o distinct_a church_n within_o one_o another_o from_o the_o example_n of_o other_o distinct_a church_n who_o bound_n and_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n also_o be_v distinct_a and_o separate_a 2._o it_o be_v plain_a those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o
form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o institute_n which_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v circumcision_n i_o be_v discourse_v of_o god_n visible_a way_n of_o form_v a_o church_n which_o i_o assert_v to_o be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v that_o divine_a charter_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v found_v but_o than_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v question_v how_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o this_o covenant_n i_o add_v that_o god_n have_v invest_v some_o person_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n and_o by_o receive_v they_o into_o covenant_n they_o make_v they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o this_o covenant_n now_o what_o of_o all_o this_o will_v any_o sober_a dissenter_n deny_v here_o be_v no_o dispute_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o this_o power_n what_o form_n of_o church-government_n christ_n institute_v whether_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a here_o be_v no_o dispute_n about_o the_o validity_n of_o order_n or_o succession_n or_o in_o what_o case_n baptism_n may_v be_v valid_a which_o be_v not_o administer_v by_o a_o valid_a authority_n this_o do_v not_o concern_v my_o present_a argument_n which_o proceed_v upon_o a_o quite_o different_a hypothesis_n viz._n the_o necessity_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o one_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o those_o who_o be_v or_o will_v be_v own_v to_o be_v christian_n or_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n i_o make_v no_o inquiry_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v baptise_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v right_o baptise_a or_o not_o but_o take_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o grant_v i_o inquire_v whether_o baptism_n do_v not_o make_v we_o church-member_n whether_o it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a or_o universal_a church_n whether_o a_o church-member_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n whether_o he_o that_o separate_v from_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o whole_a church_n whether_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v and_o with_o which_o we_o can_v when_o we_o please_v communicate_v occasional_o whether_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n to_o communicate_v with_o two_o church_n which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o each_o other_o if_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o these_o matter_n you_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a hear_n but_o all_o your_o query_n which_o proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_a hypothesis_n of_o your_o own_o do_v not_o concern_v i_o and_o yet_o to_o oblige_v you_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v they_o 1._o your_o first_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o pious_a dissenter_n suppose_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o such_o as_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v full_o invest_v with_o sufficient_a power_n be_v in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o a_o moral_a heathen_a or_o in_o a_o worse_o than_o a_o papist_n ans_fw-fr the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v so_o indulgent_a to_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n as_o to_o determine_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o rebaptization_n if_o they_o have_v be_v once_o though_o irregular_o baptize_v this_o you_o may_v find_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o p._n 22._o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o if_o they_o continue_v schismatic_n whatever_o their_o other_o pretence_n to_o piety_n be_v their_o condition_n be_v not_o as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o moral_a heathen_n and_o papist_n 2._o whether_o the_o submission_n to_o the_o power_n and_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n which_o all_o must_v own_v to_o be_v a_o sound_a church_n be_v part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n which_o unite_v the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o captious_a question_n which_o must_v be_v distinct_o answer_v a_o general_a submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o that_o divine_a covenant_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v which_o primary_o respect_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a church-duty_n and_o essential_a to_o church-communion_n and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o by_o the_o covenant_n we_o understand_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o baptize_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n as_o obedience_n to_o church-governor_n be_v but_o then_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o a_o universal_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o on_o those_o which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o this_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o church-authoritie_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v confine_v within_o certain_a limit_n as_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v and_o though_o all_o orthodox_n church_n must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o yet_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v pretend_v to_o any_o original_a authority_n over_o another_o church_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o perceive_v sir_n you_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o you_o add_v if_o it_o be_v then_o as_o he_o who_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o this_o church_n be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o benefit_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n so_o be_v it_o with_o every_o one_o who_o be_v exclude_v by_o church-censure_n though_o excommunicate_v for_o a_o slight_a contempt_n or_o neglect_n nay_o for_o a_o wrongful_a cause_n true_o sir_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o england_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n viz_o by_o baptism_n which_o do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o whoever_o live_v in_o england_n and_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o cathelick_n church_n and_o whoever_o be_v excommunicate_v from_o one_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v excommunicate_v from_o the_o whole_a but_o then_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o excommunication_n and_o schism_n the_o first_o be_v a_o judicial_a sentence_n the_o second_o be_v a_o man_n be_v own_o choice_n the_o first_o be_v not_o valid_a unless_o it_o be_v inflict_v for_o a_o just_a cause_n the_o second_o be_v always_o valid_a and_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n cut_v man_n off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o christ_n body_n i_o say_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o determine_v the_o final_a state_n of_o man_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o gracious_a allowance_n god_n will_v make_v for_o some_o schismatic_n no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v what_o favour_n he_o may_v allow_v to_o other_o sinner_n but_o you_o proceed_v if_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n than_o a_o man_n that_o live_v here_o may_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o this_o sound_a church_n this_o be_v another_o horn_n of_o your_o formidable_a dilemma_n if_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a national_a church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n than_o those_o baptise_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o may_v be_v catholic_n christian_n for_o all_o that_o as_o if_o because_o the_o subject_n of_o spain_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o king_n of_o england_n therefore_o english_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o neither_o but_o may_v be_v very_o good_a subject_n for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o all_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o therefore_o though_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o a_o law_n to_o all_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o all_o english_a christian_n inhabit_v in_o this_o church_n but_o
and_o though_o the_o church_n may_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o divine_a covenant_n this_o will_v not_o justify_v a_o separation_n if_o she_o command_v nothing_o which_o be_v forbid_v for_o the_o very_a authority_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o minister_n require_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o if_o man_n will_v adhere_v to_o their_o own_o private_a fancy_n in_o opposition_n to_o church-authority_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o have_v best_a consider_v whether_o such_o pride_n and_o opinionativeness_n will_v be_v allow_v for_o excuse_v 3._o whether_o if_o the_o promise_v you_o mention_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o church-governor_n it_o will_v not_o exclude_v the_o civil_a power_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v peculiar_a promise_n make_v to_o church-governor_n and_o to_o civil_a magistrate_n their_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v very_o distinct_a but_o very_o consistent_a 4._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o whole_a church_n that_o its_o governor_n shall_v never_o impose_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o defection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v some_o true_a member_n ans_fw-fr the_o promise_n be_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o know_v of_o the_o matter_n our_o saviour_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v to_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o church_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v all_o i_o cite_v it_o for_o and_o so_o much_o it_o certain_o prove_v the_o second_o proposition_n you_o raise_v query_n on_o be_v this_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n this_o i_o do_v indeed_o assert_v that_o since_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n therefore_o baptism_n whereby_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o church_n also_o and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o absurd_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n which_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o church_n before_o instead_o of_o consider_v the_o reason_n whereon_o this_o be_v found_v as_o every_o honest_a writer_n shall_v do_v you_o only_o put_v a_o perverse_a comment_n on_o it_o by_o which_o say_v you_o i_o suppose_v you_o mean_v that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o separate_a from_o such_o and_o live_v in_o a_o distinct_a church-communion_n from_o any_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n which_o i_o conceive_v needs_o explain_v but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v plain_a enough_o but_o the_o fault_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o we_o may_v separate_a from_o any_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n if_o their_o communion_n be_v sinful_a which_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o answer_v your_o two_o first_o query_n but_o indeed_o the_o proposition_n as_o assert_v by_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v what_o it_o will_v just_a or_o unjust_a for_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v the_o man_n for_o gather_v church_n do_v not_o own_o that_o they_o separate_a from_o any_o church_n but_o that_o they_o form_n themselves_o into_o a_o church-state_n which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o and_o which_o no_o christian_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n have_v who_o be_v not_o member_n of_o independent_a church_n baptism_n they_o acknowledge_v make_v man_n christian_n at_o large_a but_o not_o church-member_n which_o i_o show_v must_v needs_o be_v very_o absurd_a if_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o man_n found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n for_o then_o baptism_n which_o admit_v we_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o rebaptize_v christian_n as_o form_v they_o into_o new_a church-society_n this_o i_o suppose_v may_v satisfy_v you_o how_o impertinent_a all_o your_o query_n be_v under_o this_o head_n your_o two_o first_o concern_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o make_v upon_o independent_a principle_n because_o they_o be_v no_o church_n but_o because_o they_o be_v a_o corrupt_a church_n 3._o whether_o every_o bishopric_n in_o england_n be_v not_o so_o many_o church_n within_o the_o national_a ans_fw-fr every_o bishopric_n be_v a_o distinct_a episcopal_a church_n and_o the_o union_n of_o they_o in_o one_o national_a communion_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n within_o a_o national_a but_o one_o national_a church_n which_o you_o may_v see_v explain_v at_o large_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o vnr_n of_o separation_n 4._o and_o therefore_o independent_a and_o presbyterian_a church_n be_v indeed_o within_o the_o national_a church_n within_o a_o church_n which_o be_v schismatical_a but_o not_o one_o national_a church_n as_o bishopric_n be_v 5._o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o to_o have_v the_o external_n form_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o very_a liberal_a grant_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o catholic_n communion_n because_o they_o be_v schismatic_n 6._o and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o be_o to_o account_v for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o visible_a communion_n with_o that_o one_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o what_o allowance_n christ_n will_v make_v for_o the_o mistake_v of_o honest_a well-meaning_a man_n who_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n i_o can_v determine_v i_o can_v hope_v as_o charitable_o as_o any_o man_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o make_v church-communion_n a_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n 3_o you_o take_v occasion_n for_o your_o next_o query_n from_o what_o i_o say_v of_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n you_o say_v i_o suppose_v that_o the_o independent_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o catholic_n communion_n by_o require_v of_o their_o member_n a_o new_a contract_n no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n i_o prove_v indeed_o from_o their_o place_v a_o church-state_n in_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n that_o they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n for_o no_o other_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o they_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n and_o i_o prove_v that_o those_o be_v separate_a church_n 32._o resol_n of_o case_n p._n 10._o 32._o which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o and_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n for_o their_o own_o for_o the_o notion_n of_o church-communion_n consist_v in_o church-membership_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n and_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o by_o such_o a_o explicit_a independent_a covenant_n than_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o no_o church_n but_o that_o with_o which_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o no_o church_n but_o that_o particular_a independent_a congregation_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n and_o if_o those_o be_v schismatic_n and_o schismatical_a church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o than_o all_o independent_o must_v be_v schismatic_n for_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o none_o but_o their_o own_o independent_a congregation_n let_v we_o now_o hear_v your_o query_n q._n 1._o whether_o any_o obstacle_n to_o catholic_n communion_n bring_v in_o by_o man_n may_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o deprive_v man_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o covenant_n or_o contract_n ans_fw-fr yes_o it_o may_v but_o with_o this_o material_a difference_n other_o thing_n hinder_v communion_n as_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n this_o independent_a covenant_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n shut_v up_o enclose_v and_o break_v christian_a communion_n into_o as_o many_o separate_a church_n and_o communion_n as_o there_o be_v independent_a congregation_n sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n a_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v restore_v by_o remove_v those_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o
the_o word_n be_v these_o i_o believe_v our_o saviour_n ever_o since_o his_o ascension_n have_v have_v in_o some_o place_n or_o other_o a_o visible_a true_a church_n on_o earth_n i_o mean_v a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o profess_v at_o least_o so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o will_v be_v some_o where_o or_o other_o such_o a_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n this_o be_v his_o answer_n to_o that_o popish_a question_n about_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o company_n of_o man_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o single_a and_o scatter_a individual_n which_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o he_o mean_v a_o form_v and_o visible_a church-society_n and_o his_o answer_n be_v true_a though_o there_o be_v never_o a_o sound_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o corrupt_a church_n which_o retain_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o mr._n chillingworth_n answer_n but_o how_o this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o visible_a church_n at_o all_o or_o that_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n wherein_o they_o live_v be_v past_o my_o understanding_n at_o the_o same_o rate_n you_o defend_v yourself_o against_o i_o in_o your_o preface_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o two_o excellent_a person_n the_o dean_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o dean_n of_o saint_n paul_n dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v assert_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n to_o all_o that_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v they_o hence_o s._n c._n infer_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o teach_v truth_n or_o to_o condemn_v error_n and_o all_o the_o people_n be_v become_v prophet_n and_o all_o their_o article_n etc._n answer_v to_o several_a treatise_n p._n 272._o etc._n etc._n constitution_n and_o ordinance_n have_v be_v compose_v and_o enjoin_v by_o a_o usurp_a authority_n and_o if_o he_o have_v add_v as_o he_o may_v have_v do_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o all_o church-communion_n be_v needless_a it_o have_v be_v exact_o what_o you_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o citation_n the_o dr._n vindicate_v his_o doctrine_n from_o such_o a_o wild_a fanatical_a inference_n 1._o by_o show_v the_o intention_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a faith_n live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o design_n as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v certain_o he_o can_v neither_o before_o nor_o after_o say_v any_o thing_n which_o shall_v overthrow_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-communion_n and_o then_o he_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o i_o nor_o for_o you_o 2._o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n and_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o christian_a consider_v in_o 275._o p._n 275._o a_o private_a capacity_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o salvation_n and_o what_o care_v the_o church_n must_v take_v to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_n to_o direct_v the_o unskilful_a and_o to_o help_v the_o weak_a and_o not_o bare_o to_o provide_v for_o necessity_n but_o safety_n and_o not_o bare_o the_o safety_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o of_o itself_o which_o can_v 276._o p._n 276._o be_v do_v without_o prudent_a order_n set_v the_o bound_n of_o man_n employment_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o private_a christian_a who_o live_v alone_o and_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o a_o language_n which_o he_o understand_v by_o diligent_a and_o honest_a inquiry_n to_o find_v out_o so_o much_o truth_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o settle_a ministry_n and_o a_o regular_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n all_o this_o i_o firm_o assent_v to_o and_o yet_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v upon_o lawful_a term_n and_o so_o do_v this_o reverend_a person_n also_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v look_v upon_o your_o allege_v his_o authority_n against_o i_o to_o have_v any_o other_o design_n than_o to_o affront_v the_o dean_n for_o his_o excellent_a pain_n in_o vindicate_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o show_v people_n the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o separation_n he_o have_v sufficient_o declare_v what_o his_o judgement_n be_v about_o separation_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o concern_v myself_o any_o far_a to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o my_o adversary_n in_o this_o cause_n at_o the_o same_o rate_n you_o deal_v with_o that_o great_a man_n as_o you_o deserve_o call_v he_o dr._n tillotson_n who_o say_v i_o have_v much_o rather_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n than_o preface_n preface_n to_o be_v of_o any_o party_n and_o denomination_n of_o christian_n whatsoever_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n provide_v we_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o together_o with_o a_o good_a life_n will_v certain_o save_v a_o man_n and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v have_v reasonable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n no_o not_o in_o a_o infallible_a church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n how_o do_v this_o oppose_v i_o who_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-communion_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n then_o and_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n no_o part_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o be_v not_o schism_n destructive_a to_o these_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o be_v schism_n which_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o christian_a charity_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o be_v the_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n aught_o to_o have_v for_o each_o other_o and_o consist_v in_o unity_n and_o communion_n consistent_a with_o a_o good_a life_n if_o by_o that_o we_o understand_v a_o universal_a goodness_n of_o which_o charity_n be_v the_o most_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n but_o do_v you_o indeed_o think_v sir_n that_o the_o dean_n believe_v a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o sin_n when_o in_o the_o very_a next_o paragraph_n he_o so_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o can_v easy_o forgive_v your_o usage_n of_o i_o since_o i_o find_v you_o can_v read_v the_o best_a book_n without_o pervert_v they_o and_o that_o you_o never_o spare_v any_o man_n reputation_n to_o serve_v your_o design_n for_o your_o reproach_n and_o your_o commendation_n be_v but_o different_a way_n of_o abuse_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v reproach_v by_o you_o your_o last_o consideration_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o convert_v schismatic_n to_o prove_v that_o schism_n be_v as_o 29._o letter_n 3._o p._n 29._o damn_v a_o sin_n as_o murder_n or_o adultery_n true_o sir_n st._n cyprian_n and_o st._n austin_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n think_v this_o a_o very_a good_a way_n for_o they_o insist_v very_o much_o upon_o this_o argument_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o forsake_v their_o schism_n though_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v endanger_v by_o it_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o no_o other_o argument_n will_v persuade_v they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v and_o shall_v believe_v so_o till_o i_o see_v the_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o fair_o answer_v i_o think_v it_o the_o great_a charity_n in_o the_o world_n to_o warn_v man_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v by_o their_o perverseness_n no_o charity_n to_o they_o it_o be_v charity_n to_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o deliver_v i_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o blood_n whether_o such_o doctrine_n preach_v man_n into_o or_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o now_o for_o your_o part_a blow_n certain_o if_o our_o church_n require_v conformity_n to_o its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o can_v not_o blame_v man_n for_o divide_v from_o it_o yes_o certain_o upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n the_o church_n can_v and_o will_v blame_v man_n for_o their_o separation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o no_o doubt_n the_o more_o necessary_a the_o church_n judge_v her_o constitution_n the_o more_o she_o will_v blame_v dissenter_n but_o he_o who_o tell_v we_o or_o he_o
jewish_a church_n or_o if_o in_o a_o short_a history_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o undertake_v we_o shall_v have_v read_v that_o they_o circumcise_a and_o baptise_a as_o many_o proselyte_n as_o glad_o receive_v their_o word_n will_v this_o have_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o do_v not_o also_o circumcise_v and_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o those_o believe_a proselyte_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o usage_n of_o their_o mother-church_n no_o certain_o such_o a_o commission_n to_o proselyte_n stranger_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n can_v not_o in_o reason_n have_v be_v strain_v to_o prejudice_v the_o customary_a right_n of_o infant_n to_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o in_o parity_n of_o reason_n neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n so_o understand_v their_o commission_n without_o other_o notice_n as_o to_o exclude_v infant_n from_o sacramental_a initiation_n into_o the_o church_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v their_o commission_n be_v a_o direction_n how_o they_o shall_v proselyte_n stranger_n to_o christianity_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o propagate_a a_o new_a religion_n in_o strange_a country_n as_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 20._o 14._o how_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v according_o they_o be_v send_v out_o to_o preach_v or_o to_o disciple_n man_n and_o woman_n by_o preach_v and_o to_o baptise_v as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o shall_v upon_o their_o preach_a believe_v and_o repent_v but_o though_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n with_o grow_v person_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v with_o proselyte_n to_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v that_o they_o who_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v jew_n shall_v initiate_v the_o infant_n of_o such_o proselyted_a person_n according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n what_o need_n christ_n have_v say_v more_o unto_o they_o when_o he_o send_v they_o out_o than_o to_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o that_o will_v believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o then_o the_o respective_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n can_v only_o concern_v adult_a person_n and_o their_o qualification_n for_o baptism_n but_o can_v in_o no_o reason_n be_v construe_v by_o they_o to_o exclude_v infant_n but_o only_o unbelieving_a man_n and_o woman_n whereof_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n before_o they_o be_v teach_v christianity_n and_o have_v confess_v their_o faith_n and_o sin_n shall_v god_n as_o i_o say_v before_o call_v twelve_o man_n of_o any_o church_n where_o infant-baptism_n have_v be_v the_o constant_a and_o undoubted_a practice_n and_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o indies_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o to_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o preach_v and_o be_v baptise_a with_o the_o baptism_n which_o we_o administer_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o dissenter_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o infant-baptism_n whether_o he_o think_v that_o these_o man_n breed_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n can_v in_o probability_n so_o interpret_v this_o commission_n as_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o they_o shall_v exclude_v the_o infant_n of_o believe_a proselyte_n from_o baptismal_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n the_o professor_n against_o infant-baptism_n put_v the_o great_a stress_n upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o they_o will_v well_o consider_v the_o next_o word_n they_o will_v find_v that_o infant_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o they_o because_o it_o follow_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o same_o want_n of_o faith_n which_o here_o exclude_v from_o baptism_n exclude_v also_o from_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o infant_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v with_o the_o anabaptistas_n the_o the_o the_o the_o petrobusian_o vid._n cassandri_n praefat_fw-la ad_fw-la duc._n jul._n cli._n &_o praefat_fw-la advers._fw-la anabaptistas_n original_a anabaptist_n that_o the_o same_o incapacity_n of_o believe_v which_o exclude_v they_o from_o baptism_n exclude_v they_o from_o salvation_n too_o wherefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o believe_v and_o not_o believe_v in_o that_o text_n be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o capacity_n of_o hear_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o grow_v person_n just_a as_o the_o word_n in_o joh._n 3._o 36._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o thus_o far_o have_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o inconclusive_o and_o absurd_o the_o anabaptist_n go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o infant_n ought_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n from_o the_o forementioned_a text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o proselyte_v grow_v person_n and_o their_o qualification_n for_o baptism_n and_o as_o little_a success_n have_v they_o with_o some_o other_o which_o they_o bring_v to_o show_v how_o unprofitable_a baptism_n be_v for_o infant_n as_o that_o in_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o external_a baptism_n of_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v only_o capable_a signify_v nothing_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n of_o which_o say_v they_o infant_n be_v altogether_o uncapable_a to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v very_o easy_a that_o another_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o external_a circumcision_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v only_o capable_a profit_v nothing_o without_o keep_v the_o law_n which_o infant_n can_v not_o keep_v nay_o that_o the_o outward_a circumcision_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v only_o capable_a be_v nothing_o but_o that_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o yet_o infant_n remain_v infant_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o that_o so_o that_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o this_o and_o such_o like_a text_n prove_v nothing_o because_o it_o prove_v too_o much_o and_o stretch_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o undue_a consequence_n beyond_o their_o just_a mean_v which_o be_v only_o to_o let_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o rest_v in_o external_a circumcision_n or_o baptism_n but_o not_o that_o their_o infant_n be_v unprofitable_o circumcise_a and_o baptise_a so_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a be_v all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o anabaptist_n endeavour_v from_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v limit_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n unto_o grow_v person_n put_v they_o all_o together_o they_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o probability_n much_o less_o unto_o a_o presumption_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o early_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v not_o the_o church_n be_v always_o in_o possession_n of_o this_o practice_n or_o can_v any_o time_n be_v show_v on_o this_o side_n the_o apostle_n when_o it_o begin_v nay_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o one_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n or_o that_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n otherwise_o orthodox_n do_v decline_v the_o baptise_v of_o they_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o these_o man_n do_v now_o than_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o their_o argument_n be_v better_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o that_o infant-baptism_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o ancient_a a_o practice_n that_o no_o body_n know_v when_o or_o where_o it_o begin_v or_o how_o from_o not_o be_v it_o come_v to_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n since_o there_o be_v never_o any_o church_n ancient_a or_o modern_a which_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o it_o must_v argue_v a_o strange_a partiality_n to_o think_v that_o it_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o tradition_n or_o the_o original_a use_n of_o baptism_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o it_o have_v under_o the_o law_n have_v the_o 28._o the_o the_o the_o ecquid_fw-la verisimise_n est_fw-la tot_fw-la
we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o just_a prejudice_n to_o their_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v with_o man_n modest_a and_o peaceable_a that_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o this_o be_v i_o mind_v may_v afford_v a_o large_a field_n for_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o and_o that_o very_o brief_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n and_o first_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o settle_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v without_o episcopal_a government_n till_o the_o time_n of_o calvin_n it_o be_v then_o as_o hard_o to_o find_v any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n without_o a_o church_n as_o to_o find_v a_o church_n without_o a_o bishop_n this_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o most_o early_a antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o i_o believe_v our_o dissenter_n begin_v to_o grow_v sick_a of_o the_o controversy_n and_o if_o blondell_n salmasius_n and_o daille_n who_o great_a part_n learning_n and_o indefatigable_a industry_n can_v if_o any_o thing_n have_v make_v out_o the_o contrary_a have_v be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o episcopacy_n obtain_v in_o the_o church_n within_o a_o few_o year_n after_o the_o apostolic_a age_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v carry_v it_o high_o even_o up_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o there_o be_v but_o two_o passage_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o all_o antiquity_n of_o any_o note_n and_o both_o of_o they_o not_o till_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o question_v episcopal_a authority_n the_o one_o that_o famous_a and_o well_o know_v passage_n of_o st._n jerom_n which_o yet_o when_o improve_v to_o the_o 1._o idem_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinctu_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fierent_fw-la etc._n etc._n hier._n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la tit._n c._n 1._o utmost_a that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o only_o intimate_v episcopacy_n not_o to_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o very_o clear_v it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o st._n jeroms_n write_n that_o he_o often_o write_v in_o haste_n and_o do_v not_o always_o weigh_v thing_n at_o the_o beam_n and_o forget_v at_o one_o time_n what_o he_o have_v say_v at_o another_o that_o many_o expression_n fall_v from_o he_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n according_a to_o the_o warmth_n and_o the_o eagerness_n of_o his_o temper_n &_o that_o he_o be_v particular_o chase_v into_o this_o assertion_n by_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n of_o the_o deacon_n at_o rome_n who_o begin_v to_o usurp_v upon_o and_o overtop_n the_o presbyter_n which_o tempt_v he_o to_o magnify_v and_o extol_v their_o place_n and_o dignity_n as_o ancient_o equal_a to_o the_o episcopal_a office_n and_o as_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o common_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o priesthood_n for_o at_o other_o time_n when_o he_o write_v with_o cool_a thought_n about_o he_o he_o do_v plain_o and_o frequent_o enough_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n and_o do_v himself_o constant_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o bishop_n the_o other_o passage_n be_v that_o of_o aerius_n who_o hold_v indeed_o that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n differ_v nothing_o in_o order_n dignity_n or_o power_n but_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o this_o error_n mere_o through_o envy_n and_o emulation_n be_v vex_v to_o see_v that_o his_o companion_n eustathius_n have_v get_v the_o bishopric_n of_o sebastia_n which_o himself_o have_v aim_v at_o this_o make_v he_o start_v aside_o and_o talk_v extravagant_o but_o the_o church_n immediate_o brand_v he_o for_o a_o heretic_n and_o drive_v he_o and_o his_o follower_n out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o from_o all_o city_n and_o village_n and_o epiphanius_n 75._o cont._n aer_fw-la haeret_fw-la 75._o who_o be_v his_o contemporary_a represent_v he_o as_o very_o little_o better_o than_o a_o madman_n and_o add_v that_o all_o heresy_n that_o ever_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hatch_v either_o by_o pride_n or_o vain_a glory_n or_o covetousness_n or_o emulation_n or_o some_o such_o evil_a inclination_n but_o his_o heresy_n it_o seem_v be_v not_o long-lived_a for_o we_o hear_v no_o more_o concern_v this_o matter_n till_o the_o reformation_n at_o geneva_n second_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o show_v any_o christian_a church_n that_o do_v not_o constant_o use_v liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o their_o public_a office_n and_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v form_n of_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n be_v together_o with_o many_o other_o synagogue-rite_n and_o usage_n transfer_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o do_v actual_o obtain_v in_o the_o most_o early_a age_n in_o all_o church_n where_o there_o be_v not_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o every_o where_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n cease_v it_o be_v very_o fit_a and_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o the_o people_n devotion_n shall_v be_v thus_o conduct_v and_o govern_v in_o their_o public_a ministration_n not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o carman_n or_o hymn_n which_o even_o the_o proconsul_n pliny_n say_v the_o christian_n upon_o a_o set_a day_n be_v wont_a one_o among_o another_o to_o say_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o their_o god_n apparent_a footstep_n of_o some_o passage_n of_o their_o ancient_a liturgy_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o origen_n and_o st._n cyprian_a and_o when_o eusebius_n give_v we_o a_o account_n how_o religious_o constantine_n 17._o devit_n constant_n lib._n 4._o c._n 17._o the_o great_a order_v his_o court_n that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v the_o holy_a bible_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o careful_o to_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o afterward_o to_o offer_v up_o set_v or_o compose_v prayer_n together_o with_o his_o whole_a royal_a family_n he_o add_v he_o do_v this_o after_o the_o manner_n or_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nazianzen_n tell_v we_o of_o st._n basil_n that_o he_o compose_v order_n and_o form_n of_o 63._o in_o sanctum_fw-la basilium_fw-la orat_fw-la 20._o bas_n ep._n 63._o prayer_n and_o appoint_v decent_a ornament_n for_o the_o altar_n and_o st._n basil_n himself_o recite_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o public_a service_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o monastical_a oratory_n of_o his_o institution_n say_v that_o nothing_o be_v do_v therein_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n hold_v much_o about_o the_o year_n 365_o express_o provide_v that_o the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n 23._o can._n 18._o conf_n conc._n milev_n can_v 12._o conc._n carth._n 3._o c._n 23._o shall_v be_v always_o use_v both_o morning_n and_o evening_n that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o one_o that_o will_v to_o compose_v prayer_n of_o his_o own_o head_n and_o to_o repeat_v they_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n as_o both_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n give_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o canon_n further_o than_o this_o we_o need_v not_o go_v the_o case_n be_v henceforward_o evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n three_o let_v they_o show_v we_o any_o church_n that_o do_v not_o always_o set_v apart_o and_o observe_v festival_n commemoration_n of_o the_o saint_n beside_o the_o more_o solemn_a time_n for_o celebrate_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o our_o redeemer_n his_o birthday_n and_o epiphany_n easter_n in_o memory_n of_o his_o resurrection_n pentecost_n or_o witsuntide_n for_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o have_v annual_a day_n for_o solemnize_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n they_o have_v their_o memoriae_fw-la and_o natalitia_fw-la martyrum_fw-la whereon_o they_o assemble_v every_o year_n to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n their_o praise_n and_o common_a devotion_n and_o by_o public_a panegyric_n to_o do_v honour_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o saint_n and_o martyr_n who_o have_v suffer_v for_o or_o seal_v religion_n with_o their_o blood_n not_o to_o mention_v their_o lent_n fast_o and_o their_o stationary_a fast_n on_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n which_o epiphanius_n more_o than_o once_o express_o 75._o sâ—rm_a compend_n de_fw-fr expos_fw-fr fid_fw-we p._n 466._o â—dv_n aer_fw-la haeres_fw-la 75._o say_v be_v a_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o less_o need_n be_v say_v on_o this_o head_n because_o few_o that_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o antiquity_n will_v have_v the_o hardiness_n to_o oppose_v it_o four_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o
themselves_o which_o giddy_a principle_n if_o it_o shall_v prevail_v will_v certain_o throw_v we_o into_o a_o absolute_a confusion_n and_o introduce_v all_o the_o error_n and_o mischief_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o our_o bless_a lord_n found_v but_o one_o universal_a church_n and_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v crucify_a for_o we_o and_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o for_o they_o also_o that_o 21._o john_n 17._o 20_o 21._o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o through_o their_o word_n one_o of_o the_o last_o petition_n which_o he_o then_o put_v up_o among_o divers_a other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o this_o it_o be_v plain_o be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a unity_n that_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o become_v a_o inducement_n to_o move_v man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n therefore_o as_o we_o will_v avoid_v the_o harden_v of_o man_n in_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o make_v the_o prayer_n of_o our_o die_a saviour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v whole_o ineffectual_a we_o shall_v be_v exceed_o cautious_a that_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o divide_v his_o holy_a catholic_n church_n we_o be_v often_o warn_v of_o this_o and_o how_o many_o argument_n do_v st._n paul_n heap_v together_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n 6._o eph._n 4._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o of_o peace_n one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o how_o pathetical_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o again_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o all_o the_o mutual_a endearment_n that_o christianity_n afford_v if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n 2._o phil._n 2._o 1_o 2._o if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n these_o vehement_a exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o concord_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o require_v nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a of_o we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o admit_v we_o unless_o we_o profess_v a_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o purgatory_n and_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o infallibility_n no_o body_n know_v where_n unless_o we_o will_v worship_v the_o host_n and_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o do_v many_o other_o thing_n direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v therefore_o communicate_v with_o she_o unless_o we_o shall_v partake_v of_o her_o gross_a and_o superstitious_a error_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o exact_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v therefore_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o may_v it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v it_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o every_o causeless_a separation_n be_v a_o very_a great_a one_o so_o great_a that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v think_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o i_o know_v no_o cause_n sufficient_a to_o defend_v our_o leave_v a_o communion_n but_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n if_o we_o shall_v remain_v in_o it_o now_o since_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a grievous_a sin_n we_o have_v need_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v just_a occasion_n for_o it_o before_o we_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o if_o we_o have_v rash_o withdraw_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o return_v without_o delay_n then_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o avoid_v all_o difference_n of_o opinion_n that_o may_v occasion_v quarrel_n and_o contest_v among_o they_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o that_o passionate_a entreaty_n and_o admonition_n which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n give_v the_o corinthian_n when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v rend_v into_o several_a faction_n upon_o misunderstanding_n and_o emulation_n not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o we_o now_o 10._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o church_n be_v very_o desirable_a and_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v it_o and_o the_o first_o step_n that_o can_v be_v make_v towards_o this_o happy_a concord_n in_o opinion_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o calm_a and_o teachable_a temper_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n though_o it_o contradict_v our_o former_a persuasion_n never_o so_o much_o to_o be_v grieve_v at_o the_o animosity_n and_o uncharitable_a contention_n which_o a_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o produce_v to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n 19_o rom._n 14._o 19_o to_o be_v desirous_a to_o see_v a_o end_n of_o these_o unchristian_a division_n and_o glad_a of_o every_o opportunity_n that_o may_v bring_v we_o near_o to_o one_o another_o and_o think_v we_o have_v gain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n when_o we_o have_v overcome_v any_o mistake_n that_o keep_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o generous_a and_o true_o christian_a disposition_n and_o that_o which_o have_v a_o immediate_a tendency_n towards_o the_o reconcile_n all_o manner_n of_o difference_n on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o can_v be_v little_a hope_n that_o man_n shall_v ever_o agree_v when_o they_o seem_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n whatever_o it_o be_v when_o they_o do_v not_o study_v to_o be_v satisfy_v but_o to_o cherish_v their_o scruple_n and_o hunt_v about_o for_o new_a one_o when_o their_o old_a objection_n be_v full_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o most_o perverse_a and_o untractable_a humour_n which_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o good_a accord_n for_o while_n either_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n be_v thus_o unwilling_a to_o be_v convince_v and_o search_v after_o exception_n there_o will_v never_o be_v want_v some_o cavil_v or_o other_o that_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o serve_v they_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n we_o esteem_v our_o cause_n little_o better_o than_o desperate_a when_o after_o the_o weapon_n we_o begin_v the_o fight_n with_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o we_o snatch_v up_o any_o thing_n that_o come_v next_o to_o hand_n to_o throw_v at_o our_o adversary_n this_o obstinacy_n do_v not_o well_o become_v we_o in_o all_o our_o debate_n our_o aim_n shall_v be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o triumph_v over_o our_o antagonist_n all_o sober_a christian_n especial_o where_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v shall_v always_o strive_v to_o bring_v the_o controversy_n to_o a_o happy_a issue_n and_o composure_n and_o not_o seek_v for_o pretence_n to_o widen_v the_o breach_n and_o then_o we_o may_v all_o join_v in_o praise_v and_o glorify_v of_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v again_o to_o that_o bless_a estate_n they_o be_v in_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o multitude_n of_o 42._o act_n 4._o 32._o ch._n 2._o 42._o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n these_o few_o consideration_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v may_v be_v something_o useful_a to_o the_o procurement_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a peace_n in_o all_o christian_a society_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o be_v but_o careful_a never_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o passion_n or_o interest_n if_o our_o great_a zeal_n and_o concern_v be_v place_v upon_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a matter_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o shall_v serious_o consider_v how_o grievous_a a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n and_o if_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o peace_n and_o willing_a to_o have_v our_o doubt_n and_o
of_o time_n come_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n dethrone_v his_o kingdom_n overthrow_v and_o the_o last_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n be_v use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o man_n out_o of_o his_o snare_n and_o power_n when_o therefore_o he_o perceive_v that_o by_o all_o the_o grievous_a persecution_n he_o raise_v against_o the_o church_n it_o spread_v only_o so_o much_o the_o fast_o that_o at_o last_o the_o whole_a heathen_a idolatry_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v shameful_o expel_v out_o of_o his_o temple_n and_o from_o his_o altar_n his_o oracle_n silence_v and_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n prevail_v every_o where_o he_o than_o betake_v himself_o to_o his_o old_a serpentine_a art_n of_o dissimulation_n since_o he_o can_v no_o long_o oppose_v christ_n kingdom_n by_o open_a war_n he_o resolve_v to_o turn_v christian_a and_o to_o set_v up_o for_o christ_n deputy_n and_o substitute_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o fight_v against_o christian_n under_o christ_n banner_n and_o by_o adulterate_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o spoil_v it_o of_o all_o its_o efficacy_n to_o introduce_v his_o old_a heathen_a rite_n and_o idolatrous_a ceremony_n as_o unwritten_a tradition_n from_o christ_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o under_o his_o name_n and_o pretend_a authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o that_o cruelty_n oppression_n and_o fraud_n which_o be_v so_o please_v to_o his_o own_o infernal_a nature_n hope_v to_o burn_v destroy_v root_n out_o all_o true_a christian_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n under_o colour_n of_o propagate_a the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o enlarge_a christ_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n when_o christendom_n have_v long_o groan_v under_o this_o miserable_a tyranny_n it_o please_v god_n in_o many_o place_n of_o europe_n but_o especial_o here_o in_o england_n to_o set_v on_o foot_n a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v happy_o and_o peaceable_o accomplish_v among_o we_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o countenance_n of_o public_a authority_n and_o the_o wise_a counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o our_o reverend_a bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n to_o nip_v this_o in_o the_o bud_n the_o devil_n raise_v that_o sharp_a persecution_n in_o qu._n mary_n day_n in_o which_o our_o first_o reformer_n glorious_o seal_v what_o they_o have_v do_v with_o their_o blood_n but_o this_o prove_v ineffectual_a that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o our_o reformation_n himself_o will_v turn_v reformer_n too_o a_o great_a cry_n be_v soon_o raise_v against_o our_o church_n as_o not_o sufficient_o purge_v from_o popery_n our_o bishop_n our_o prayer_n our_o ceremony_n be_v all_o antichristian_a and_o it_o be_v not_o long_o before_o all_o minister_n tithe_n temple_n and_o the_o university_n too_o be_v condemn_v as_o such_o and_o god_n know_v they_o have_v well_o nigh_o reform_v away_o all_o learning_n true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o pare_n off_o all_o superfluity_n have_v grievous_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o insomuch_o that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o some_o of_o those_o who_o now_o dissent_v from_o we_o do_v then_o complain_v that_o professor_n of_o religion_n do_v open_o oppose_v and_o deride_v almost_o all_o that_o service_n of_o god_n out_o of_o conscience_n which_o other_o man_n use_v to_o do_v out_o of_o profaneness_n and_o what_o infinite_a mischief_n this_o rash_a and_o intemperate_a zeal_n for_o reform_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n have_v do_v to_o our_o church_n and_o nation_n if_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o last_o age_n will_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v man_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o any_o discourse_n shall_v we_o little_o consider_v who_o interest_n we_o thus_o serve_v and_o promote_v we_o do_v his_o work_n who_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o one_o can_v tell_v who_o that_o be_v and_o where_o he_o reign_v to_o be_v sure_a by_o these_o uncharitable_a separation_n we_o high_o gratify_v the_o common_a enemy_n who_o great_a design_n and_o policy_n it_o have_v all_o along_o be_v by_o the_o folly_n and_o invincible_a scruple_n of_o protestant_a dissenter_n to_o weaken_v and_o by_o degree_n pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o then_o we_o all_o become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o rome_n if_o any_o now_o tell_v i_o that_o to_o prevent_v this_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n that_o arise_v from_o our_o division_n it_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o scruple_n which_o they_o can_v well_o do_v since_o no_o one_o can_v at_o any_o time_n think_v or_o believe_v as_o he_o will_v as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o imposition_n themselves_o the_o matter_n scruple_v at_o shall_v be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o and_o then_o peace_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v better_o secure_v to_o this_o i_o only_o answer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o now_o consider_v thing_n as_o they_o at_o present_a stand_n among_o we_o we_o have_v a_o church_n settle_a and_o establish_v by_o law_n in_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a be_v enjoin_v what_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o governor_n and_o superior_n be_v how_o far_o they_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n or_o scruple_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v that_o be_v another_o question_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o but_o i_o consider_v now_o only_o what_o private_a member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o do_v and_o then_o i_o say_v scruple_v the_o use_n of_o some_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n will_v not_o justify_v our_o leave_v it_o nay_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o it_o be_v our_o best_a and_o safe_a course_n to_o submit_v and_o comply_v with_o such_o order_n notwithstanding_o our_o scruple_n but_o i_o add_v 2._o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o constitution_n of_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v alter_v because_o some_o thing_n be_v scruple_v in_o it_o there_o never_o can_v be_v a_o settle_a church_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n stand_v for_o since_o there_o will_v be_v always_o a_o difference_n in_o man_n understanding_n and_o temper_n some_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a other_o peevish_a and_o proud_a there_o will_v consequent_o be_v many_o that_o shall_v scruple_n and_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o best_a and_o most_o innocnt_a constitution_n and_o if_o the_o ceremony_n now_o in_o use_n among_o we_o have_v not_o be_v retain_v at_o our_o first_o reformation_n those_o very_a person_n who_o be_v now_o so_o much_o dissatisfy_v with_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o will_v perhaps_o have_v be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v have_v then_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o of_o which_o we_o have_v this_o notorious_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n in_o the_o late_a time_n when_o our_o church_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n when_o none_o of_o those_o ceremony_n or_o form_n which_o be_v now_o object_v against_o be_v impose_v or_o common_o use_v yet_o even_o then_o be_v man_n gather_v congregation_n out_o of_o congregation_n purify_n and_o reform_v still_o further_o scruple_n increase_v sect_n and_o division_n upon_o they_o multiply_v and_o never_o such_o distraction_n and_o confusion_n in_o religion_n as_o in_o those_o day_n and_o without_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n one_o may_v foretell_v that_o if_o what_o be_v principal_o find_v fault_n with_o in_o our_o church_n be_v now_o abolish_v yet_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o scruple_n will_v at_o least_o in_o time_n find_v cavil_v objection_n against_o any_o constitution_n that_o can_v be_v make_v they_o be_v like_o man_n give_v to_o sue_v and_o go_v to_o law_n they_o never_o want_v some_o pretence_n to_o disturb_v themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n man_n may_v talk_v of_o reconcile_a our_o difference_n and_o make_v up_o our_o breach_n to_o their_o life_n end_v and_o propound_v their_o several_a project_n and_o frame_v their_o model_n and_o conceive_v fine_a design_n of_o union_n and_o accommodation_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o will_v have_v any_o effect_n or_o do_v any_o good_a till_o man_n learn_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o other_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a till_o self-conceit_n and_o pride_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n root_v out_o and_o when_o this_o be_v effectual_o do_v there_o will_v then_o be_v find_v but_o little_a need_n of_o any_o alteration_n in_o the_o present_a constitution_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o agreement_n must_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o temper_n the_o way_n to_o unite_v we_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o amend_v the_o present_a establishment_n government_n liturgy_n endeavour_v to_o add_v to_o it_o