there_o be_v a_o real_a hazard_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o in_o hasty_a attempt_n of_o change_n thing_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o beyond_o the_o commendable_a end_n design_v even_o to_o its_o utter_a ruin_n for_o common_o man_n be_v not_o master_n of_o what_o they_o get_v in_o such_o precipitate_a way_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n a_o unhappy_a kind_n of_o controversy_n about_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n have_v be_v the_o calamity_n of_o our_o time_n the_o difference_n in_o these_o point_n have_v make_v a_o sad_a breach_n upon_o church_n unity_n and_o divide_v brethren_n of_o the_o same_o reform_a profession_n both_o in_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o misery_n in_o regard_v whereof_o some_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o a_o amicable_a condescension_n among_o brethren_n and_o for_o humble_a submission_n to_o superior_n be_v here_o propound_v for_o consideration_n but_o not_o as_o peremptory_a resolve_n though_o many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n yet_o it_o become_v one_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o human_a weakness_n and_o of_o his_o own_o meaness_n to_o write_v modest_o in_o these_o point_n about_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o particular_a christian_n and_o church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o restrain_v our_o fellowship_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n so_o as_o to_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v as_o well_o in_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n as_o there_o be_v one_o faith_n so_o one_o baptism_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n though_o we_o can_v at_o once_o local_o communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o external_a worship_n because_o it_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n yet_o according_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n we_o be_v so_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o and_o not_o unwarrantable_o withdraw_v from_o any_o and_o this_o be_v a_o virtual_a communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a form_n thereof_o have_v much_o more_o obscurity_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v much_o more_o controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o in_o more_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a point_n humility_z charity_n and_o good_a discretion_n teach_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n all_o church_n member_n be_v not_o so_o concern_v as_o church_n guide_v and_o pastor_n be_v christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o so_o loose_a a_o posture_n as_o to_o give_v a_o liberty_n of_o leave_v or_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n according_a to_o our_o own_o affection_n without_o regard_n to_o order_n a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a can_v subsist_v without_o rule_n of_o stable_a policy_n her_o censure_n and_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_a certain_a and_o uniform_a or_o of_o the_o same_o tenor_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o proceed_v upon_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o at_o the_o most_o be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o of_o variable_a apprehension_n our_o arbitrary_a conjecture_n of_o a_o other_o regeneration_n be_v but_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o admission_n to_o sacred_a privilege_n wherein_o no_o uniform_a judgement_n can_v be_v hold_v between_o several_a church_n nor_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n nor_o by_o the_o same_o person_n with_o himself_o at_o several_a time_n for_o man_n apprehension_n about_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o other_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o inconstant_a but_o whether_o a_o person_n make_v a_o credible_a profession_n or_o be_v competent_o know_v or_o gross_o ignorant_a whether_o he_o be_v scandalous_a or_o walk_v orderly_o be_v capable_a of_o certain_a evidence_n and_o of_o constant_a regular_a proceed_n thereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o either_o to_o proceed_v with_o man_n according_a to_o our_o private_a hope_n and_o fear_n about_o their_o internal_a state_n or_o according_a to_o state_v rule_n and_o certain_a evidence_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o to_o propagate_v true_a piety_n also_o whether_o person_n passable_a by_o such_o public_a rule_n can_v in_o ecclesiastical_a trial_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v ungodly_a or_o to_o make_v a_o false_a profession_n whatsoever_o our_o private_a fear_n be_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o their_o profession_n be_v not_o prove_v false_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o credible_a in_o that_o trial_n human_a law_n and_o public_a judgement_n presume_v they_o to_o be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o evict_v to_o be_v bad_a private_a familiarity_n be_v at_o every_o one_o choice_n but_o our_o church-communion_n be_v a_o public_a matter_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o public_a and_o common_a rule_n and_o not_o by_o private_a will_n if_o a_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o abstain_v from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o those_o unlawful_a term_n extend_v church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o manner_n yet_o the_o godly_a do_v not_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o those_o corruption_n nor_o be_v command_v so_o to_o do_v indeed_o they_o be_v command_v to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o separate_v from_o idolatrous_a heretical_a antichristian_a society_n yet_o in_o suggest_v this_o i_o do_v not_o encourage_v to_o a_o state_v communion_n in_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o other_o minister_n place_v in_o they_o than_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o that_o be_v who_o be_v unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a for_o the_o scripture_n bid_v we_o beware_v of_o blind_a guide_n and_o false_a prophet_n by_o continue_v in_o church-communion_n we_o partake_v not_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o redress_v nor_o be_v we_o make_v guilty_a by_o their_o leaven_n if_o it_o do_v not_o infect_v we_o and_o profane_a person_n be_v no_o more_o countenance_v by_o our_o presence_n than_o those_o lewd_a priest_n the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v by_o the_o people_n come_v to_o sacrifice_n in_o communicate_v in_o holy_a thing_n we_o have_v internal_a communion_n only_o with_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o for_o the_o mere_a external_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o outward_a stand_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o due_a order_n of_o discipline_n when_o a_o minister_n have_v do_v his_o part_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o unworthy_a in_o the_o dspense_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o he_o be_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n mere_o passive_a so_o that_o their_o unworthy_a participation_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o nor_o in_o such_o a_o administration_n be_v a_o practical_a lie_n or_o any_o falsehood_n utter_v for_o the_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o irrespective_o but_o conditional_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o application_n must_v be_v so_o understand_v if_o we_o have_v not_o power_n to_o separate_v a_o obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o withdraw_a of_o ourselves_o from_o he_o be_v a_o excommunication_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v hereby_o in_o part_n obtain_v when_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n without_o usurpation_n of_o further_a power_n than_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o than_o all_o will_v be_v though_o not_o so_o well_o as_o it_o may_v yet_o as_o it_o can_v be_v at_o present_a of_o several_a mode_n and_o method_n of_o public_a action_n prudence_n make_v choice_n not_o always_o of_o what_o be_v simple_o best_a but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o passable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o disorderly_a as_o to_o mar_v the_o substance_n or_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o a_o administration_n in_o sacred_a adminstration_n we_o may_v yield_v without_o sin_n to_o other_o sinful_a weakness_n
her_o own_o estate_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o a_o rational_a conscientious_a and_o true_o pious_a concord_n among_o such_o christian_n as_o know_v and_o care_n what_o they_o believe_v can_v never_o be_v procure_v without_o avoid_v the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unwritten_a and_o unnecessary_a in_o which_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o man_n of_o sound_a faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n general_o to_o agree_v but_o when_o necessary_a thing_n only_o be_v enjoin_v their_o weight_n and_o truth_n will_v soon_o be_v know_v and_o own_a of_o all_o honest_a mind_n or_o at_o least_o be_v most_o likely_a so_o to_o be_v and_o much_o soon_o and_o easy_a than_o the_o weight_n and_o truth_n of_o little_a and_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v more_o easy_o move_v with_o joint_a consent_n in_o one_o godly_a order_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o difference_n be_v before_o hand_n take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n this_o moderate_a course_n be_v hold_v the_o union_n of_o unseigned_a faith_n and_o love_n will_v become_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o true_a christian_a concord_n with_o sound_a judgement_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o do_v that_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o right_a state_n of_o christianity_n which_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n do_v in_o false_a corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a state_n here_o it_o be_v main_o requisite_a that_o those_o thing_n that_o most_o promote_v or_o hinder_v the_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a life_n be_v by_o pastor_n and_o people_n universal_o most_v regard_v and_o those_o that_o make_v little_a for_o or_o against_o the_o same_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o of_o little_a moment_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n be_v due_o prize_v and_o most_o contend_v for_o contention_n about_o little_a thing_n will_v soon_o expire_v and_o if_o this_o course_n be_v take_v hypocrite_n will_v lose_v their_o advantage_n of_o seem_v religious_a by_o zeal_n for_o those_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o carnal_a design_n and_o interest_n that_o now_o rend_v the_o church_n and_o trouble_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v defeat_v and_o abandon_v moreover_o to_o maintain_v peace_n they_o that_o rule_n have_v need_n consider_v what_o mistake_v and_o weakness_n be_v compatible_a to_o true_a believer_n and_o sometime_o to_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v rule_v must_v consider_v that_o the_o best_a polity_n or_o constitution_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v of_o man_n regulate_v have_v defect_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o affair_n will_v be_v complicate_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v too_o unyield_a but_o bear_v with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a and_o not_o easy_o remediable_a though_o they_o may_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a do_v a_o sinful_a act_n or_o omit_v a_o duty_n in_o the_o season_n of_o it_o for_o by_o want_n of_o such_o forbearance_n they_o may_v soon_o destroy_v the_o good_a part_n than_o mend_v what_o be_v amiss_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o in_o such_o case_n that_o man_n seek_v remedy_n that_o prove_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n if_o the_o heal_n of_o breach_n require_v a_o yield_a or_o recede_v from_o what_o have_v be_v stand_v upon_o it_o shall_v be_v on_o that_o part_n where_o equity_n and_o necessity_n declare_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o every_o christian_n to_o resolve_v what_o be_v right_a in_o many_o opinion_n and_o usage_n as_o for_o those_o in_o power_n to_o omit_v the_o enforce_a of_o they_o unnecessary_a injunction_n may_v easy_o be_v part_v with_o than_o man_n judgement_n can_v be_v alter_v or_o their_o doubt_a conscience_n well_o settle_v this_o tenderness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v no_o lesson_n of_o the_o church_n '_o be_v honour_n and_o power_n and_o a_o little_a diversity_n iâ—_n little_a thing_n can_v rational_o move_v derisiâ—…_n in_o the_o irreligious_a nor_o just_o give_v scandal_n to_o any_o but_o there_o be_v thing_n of_o that_o slightness_n that_o a_o over-precise_a and_o importunate_a unifoâ—_n mity_n in_o they_o may_v occasion_v contempt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n or_o superstitious_a folly_n unity_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o trâ—…_n church_n and_o uniformity_n in_o external_a order_n be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v endeavour_v with_o sobriety_n and_o be_v best_a effecteâ—_n by_o cut_v off_o superfluous_a institution_n and_o lay_v ing_z no_o great_a burden_n on_o the_o faithful_a thaâ—_n thing_n necessary_a and_o this_o pacific_a state_n may_v bâ—_n as_o well_o hope_v as_o wish_v for_o if_o the_o guide_n oâ—_n the_o church_n will_v seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n morâ—_n than_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o alas_o the_o usurpation_n and_o imposition_n oâ—_n proud_a and_o selfish_a man_n even_o in_o pretence_n oâ—_n suppress_v schism_n have_v hinder_v christiaâ—_n people_n from_o unite_n in_o the_o true_a centre_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n as_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o in_o deed_n they_o that_o prevail_v by_o power_n to_o advance_v their_o own_o devise_a way_n and_o crush_v disenter_n may_v make_v a_o desolation_n and_o then_o call_v it_o peace_n anâ—_n union_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n kingdoâ—…_n division_n be_v cause_v by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o apprehen_fw-ge zion_n and_o inclination_n and_o not_o consider_v thâ—_n condition_n of_o other_o as_o their_o own_o nor_o mind_v the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o lawful_a compliance_n or_o of_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o dissension_n chap._n xi_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n the_o promote_a of_o true_a christianity_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n before_o name_v pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n undoubted_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v spiritual_a officer_n to_o guide_v and_o rule_v his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o government_n thereof_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o divine_a right_n and_o unalterable_a by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o due_a managment_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o humane_a determination_n as_o to_o the_o particular_n both_o kind_n be_v liable_a to_o depravation_n and_o great_a abuse_n thing_n of_o divine_a right_n may_v be_v corrupt_o manage_v and_o pervert_v to_o wrong_a end_n and_o thing_n of_o man_n appointment_n be_v sometime_o not_o only_o ill_o manage_v but_o ill_o ordain_v as_o be_v whole_o incongruous_a and_o perhaps_o pernicious_a to_o the_o right_a end_n of_o government_n now_o a_o good_a polity_n be_v the_o whole_a compage_n of_o thing_n lay_v together_o in_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o church_n fit_v and_o direct_v to_o promote_v the_o christian_a life_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o to_o prevent_v or_o remedy_v the_o decay_n thereof_o and_o the_o more_o notable_o and_o powerful_o conducible_a it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o excellent_a according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o have_v most_o regard_n for_o sincere_a christian_n and_o insist_o most_o upon_o their_o encouragement_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o number_n and_o it_o make_v all_o its_o external_a order_n and_o interest_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n regenerate_v the_o order_n wherein_o it_o excel_v be_v a_o orderly_a management_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a command_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o their_o end_n by_o such_o necessary_a rule_n of_o prudence_n as_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o human_a action_n it_o prefer_v purity_n and_o spirituality_n before_o external_a pomp_n though_o it_o neglect_v not_o those_o necessary_a decency_n and_o ornament_n that_o shall_v attend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o awful_a regard_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v thereto_o and_o the_o reverend_a demeanour_n to_o be_v use_v therein_o it_o provide_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v resident_a with_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o that_o he_o due_o feed_v they_o and_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mercenary_a procure_v at_o the_o cheap_a rate_n it_o provide_v by_o a_o liberal_a maintenance_n worthy_a endowment_n and_o privilege_n for_o that_o meet_a support_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v the_o
time_n as_o the_o present_a case_n require_v as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o housholder_n will_v direct_v he_o how_o far_o to_o bear_v with_o fault_n and_o weakness_n in_o his_o family_n so_o the_o magistrate_n by_o wisdom_n will_v discern_v what_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o his_o commonwealth_n so_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o true_a and_o just_a end_n of_o government_n chap._n xxxiii_o the_o church_n true_a interest_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a and_o among_o christian_n nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o value_v than_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o god_n great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o the_o church_n name_n be_v abuse_v and_o its_o interest_n mistake_v most_o perverse_o for_o none_o have_v more_o pretend_v for_o the_o church_n than_o they_o who_o business_n be_v to_o get_v and_o keep_v worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n with_o carnal_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o rule_n serviceable_a to_o these_o end_n and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n and_o debauch_v the_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o blind_a obedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o maintain_v their_o worldly_a dominion_n over_o christ_n heritage_n and_o who_o value_n all_o man_n howsoever_o qualify_v as_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o their_o estate_n and_o according_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o eminent_o good_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o notorious_o bad_a in_o the_o romish_a church_n all_o this_o be_v palpable_a now_o let_v these_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o they_o that_o list_v to_o give_v that_o name_n to_o a_o state_n of_o pride_n and_o luxury_n of_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n of_o carnal_a and_o devilish_a policy_n under_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v betray_v to_o everlasting_a perdition_n wherefore_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v solicitous_a of_o the_o church_n welfare_n shall_v state_n the_o interest_n thereof_o aright_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o carnal_a mind_n but_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o man_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o mystical_a society_n of_o regenerate_v person_n unite_v in_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o person_n external_o own_v such_o a_o internal_a state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o their_o charge_n real_o good_a and_o to_o advance_v they_o what_o they_o can_v in_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o meekness_n and_o love_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o they_o as_o example_n of_o all_o purity_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v more_o sensible_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o corruption_n and_o sinful_a disorder_n than_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v more_o zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n than_o for_o their_o own_o honour_n wealth_n or_o power_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o their_o own_o thing_n the_o minister_n that_o discharge_v their_o office_n well_o be_v in_o scripture_n declare_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o that_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o honourable_a settle_a maintenance_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o for_o its_o excellency_n require_v to_o be_v support_v by_o the_o help_n of_o excellent_a gift_n as_o learning_n eloquence_n and_o prudence_n not_o now_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o miracle_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o mean_n with_o much_o cost_n and_o labour_n and_o questionless_a the_o withdraw_n of_o these_o support_v tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n nevertheless_o a_o inordinate_a and_o licentious_a collation_n and_o accumulation_n of_o preferment_n make_v for_o the_o service_n of_o covetousness_n ambition_n and_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o sobriety_n vigilancy_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pastor_n be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a this_o exorbitancy_n after_o the_o roman_a empire_n become_v christian_n allure_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o give_v they_o advantage_n by_o carnal_a art_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a seat_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v religion_n degenerate_v into_o externalness_n and_o carnality_n and_o that_o which_o be_v then_o name_v the_o church_n be_v at_o length_n turn_v into_o a_o worldly_a state_n which_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o corrupt_a till_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v fulfil_v in_o it_o where_o christianity_n have_v recover_v itself_o out_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o late_a time_n and_o knowledge_n be_v general_o diffuse_v among_o the_o people_n the_o sufficiency_n industry_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n will_v be_v inquire_v after_o negligence_n in_o their_o administration_n and_o irregularity_n in_o their_o life_n will_v not_o pass_v without_o note_v the_o ignorant_a idle_a and_o scandalous_a will_v fall_v into_o contempt_n outward_a formality_n will_v be_v no_o cover_n as_o in_o dark_a time_n they_o be_v distinctive_a habit_n and_o reverend_a title_n alone_o will_v not_o procure_v veneration_n the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n will_v sink_v and_o fall_v without_o remedy_n if_o real_a worth_n do_v not_o uphold_v it_o in_o such_o time_n man_n will_v not_o be_v to_o learn_v that_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v one_o party_n to_o be_v orthodox_n and_o the_o rest_n heretical_a or_o schismatical_a external_n violence_n which_o be_v the_o common_a support_n of_o false_a religion_n will_v in_o this_o case_n do_v little_a good_a but_o it_o will_v render_v they_o that_o call_v for_o it_o the_o more_o odious_a and_o more_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o clergy_n must_v resolve_v to_o do_v worthy_o and_o fulfil_v their_o ministry_n or_o they_o must_v extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v extinguish_v they_o but_o if_o as_o faithful_a shepherd_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n and_o tender_a the_o state_n thereof_o if_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n if_o they_o pity_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a and_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n if_o they_o use_v the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n with_o judgement_n and_o paternal_a affection_n if_o they_o discard_v and_o lay_v by_o man_n unprofitable_a institute_n and_o maintain_v all_o divine_a ordinance_n in_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o chief_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o the_o indispensable_a command_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v man_n from_o externalness_n and_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a aim_n that_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n may_v reign_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o profess_a christian_n then_o shall_v they_o magnify_v their_o office_n and_o establish_v their_o authority_n and_o hold_v their_o flock_n in_o a_o unfeigned_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o feel_v the_o force_n of_o the_o ministerial_a warfare_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o inferior_a difference_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o cause_v disgust_n or_o aversation_n or_o break_v those_o strong_a bond_n of_o the_o people_n sincere_a regard_n towards_o their_o pastor_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n the_o conclusion_n no_o great_a thing_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n among_o man_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o politic_a administration_n all_o secular_a affair_n and_o philosophical_a speculation_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o sound_a state_n and_o true_a interest_n thereof_o be_v a_o contemplation_n worthy_a of_o the_o great_a mind_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a honour_n of_o the_o high_a power_n it_o be_v the_o royal_a interest_n of_o that_o potentate_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o of_o that_o bless_a society_n which_o be_v incorporate_v under_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o head_n and_o who_o that_o in_o any_o degree_n have_v true_o know_v the_o felicity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o hope_n for_o a_o
own_o sphere_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v entrust_v of_o god_n with_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o eclesiastical_a affair_n and_o a_o great_a concern_v in_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v authorize_v of_o god_n to_o oversee_v the_o determination_n and_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o may_v assume_v to_o himself_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a circumstantial_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o church_n edification_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o church-unity_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o what_o their_o governor_n have_v determine_v so_o far_o as_o their_o submission_n be_v allowable_a by_o the_o say_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o governor_n to_o consider_v well_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o their_o determination_n more_o especial_o their_o wisdom_n and_o care_n be_v much_o require_v in_o settle_v the_o right_a bound_n of_o unity_n in_o this_o regard_n the_o term_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o term_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o which_o will_v shut_v out_o none_o who_o god_n have_v qualify_v for_o and_o call_v to_o the_o same_o the_o set_n of_o other_o boundary_n beside_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o will_v inevitable_o cause_v division_n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 28._o writing_n to_o the_o blieve_a gentile_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_o infer_v that_o the_o burden_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o that_o assembly_n be_v antecedent_o to_o their_o decree_n either_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o strict_a injunction_n especial_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o privilege_n aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n in_o it_o antecedent_n to_o its_o imposition_n symbolical_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n institute_v by_o man_n to_o signify_v grace_n or_o duty_n be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n for_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n thereof_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o divine_a worship_n without_o which_o the_o service_n will_v be_v undecent_a and_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v institute_v or_o rigid_o urge_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o be_v and_o well_o be_v of_o any_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n may_v stand_v without_o they_o st._n paul_n resolve_v upon_o the_o case_n of_o use_v or_o refuse_v of_o meat_n and_o the_o observance_n or_o nonobservance_n of_o day_n which_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o of_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n rom._n 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n the_o command_n here_o give_v extend_v to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o act_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o act_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o high_a authority_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o use_v his_o own_o liberty_n in_o eat_v flesh_n much_o less_o will_v he_o impose_v in_o thing_n unnecessary_a to_o make_v his_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o case_n aforemention_v there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o despise_v censure_v or_o offend_v other_o than_o there_o can_v be_v for_o some_o imposition_n now_o in_o question_n among_o we_o viz._n on_o the_o one_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o partake_v in_o idolatry_n or_o of_o eat_v meat_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o of_o neglect_v day_n that_o god_n have_v command_v as_o they_o think_v on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o christian_a liberty_n and_o of_o restore_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o severe_a charge_n against_o censure_v despise_v or_o offend_v other_o of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o those_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o censure_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o matter_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o church-unity_n evident_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n must_v always_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o may_v be_v require_v no_o further_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n the_o church_n true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n who_o be_v her_o true_a and_o live_a member_n and_o in_o their_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o concord_n in_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o those_o term_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o follow_a unity_n one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o one_o ritual_a or_o set_a form_n of_o sacred_a office_n one_o policy_n or_o model_n of_o rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v but_o circumstantial_a and_o accidental_a in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o very_o various_a and_o alterable_a while_o the_o church_n abide_v the_o same_o chap._n iii_o of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v here_o i_o lay_v down_o general_a position_n about_o schism_n without_o make_v application_n thereof_o whether_o these_o position_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_a god_n word_n will_v show_v and_o who_o be_v or_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o they_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v show_v schism_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o that_o church-unity_n which_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o approve_v this_o definition_n i_o ground_n on_o the_o aforecited_a text_n mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v separation_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n or_o secession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o duty_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n moreover_o there_o may_v be_v schism_n where_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n the_o violation_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o cause_v of_o division_n may_v be_v not_o only_o by_o withdraw_v but_o by_o any_o cause_v of_o other_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o undue_a cast_n or_o keep_v of_o other_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o make_v of_o any_o breach_n in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o look_v back_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_v and_o requisite_n of_o true_a church-unity_n we_o shall_v understand_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o church-unity_n so_o that_o aversation_n and_o opposition_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o love_v be_v that_o which_o animate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n root_n of_o it_o whosoever_o maintain_v love_n and_o make_v no_o breach_n therein_o and_o who_o dissent_v or_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o may_v stand_v with_o love_n in_o its_o extent_n be_v no_o schismatic_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_o the_o breach_n thereof_o lie_v primary_o in_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n spiritual_n much_o more_o in_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o under_o the_o show_n of_o christianity_n also_o in_o the_o languish_a or_o lessen_v of_o spiritual_a life_n especial_o of_o the_o act_n of_o holy_a love_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v secondary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a in_o its_o external_a state_n and_o the_o first_o and_o
as_o studious_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o concord_n as_o any_o other_o and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o latitude_n of_o judgement_n with_o other_o in_o some_o point_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o right_a catholic_n spirit_n to_o promote_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o protestant_n reformation_n and_o dread_v the_o weaken_n and_o shatter_v of_o it_o by_o needless_a division_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o conscience_n will_v allow_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o injunction_n of_o ruler_n but_o they_o be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n by_o the_o injunction_n of_o some_o term_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o present_a judgement_n they_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o but_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n touch_v church-government_n they_o admit_v the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v of_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a custom_n in_o the_o time_n of_o ignatius_n yea_o or_o of_o cyprian_a bishop_n usher_n model_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n with_o their_o presbyter_n be_v by_o some_o of_o they_o present_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o a_o groundwork_n of_o accommodation_n they_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n according_a to_o the_o oath_n in_o that_o case_n require_v his_o majesty_n in_o his_o gracious_a declaration_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n give_v a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o minister_n that_o attend_v he_o in_o holland_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n to_o our_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n we_o find_v they_o person_n full_a of_o affection_n to_o we_o and_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o neither_o enemy_n as_o they_o have_v be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v to_o episcopacy_n or_o liturgy_n but_o modest_o to_o desire_v such_o alteration_n in_o either_o as_o without_o shake_a foundation_n may_v best_o allay_v the_o present_a distemper_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o engage_v that_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o endeavour_v any_o point_n of_o alteration_n in_o its_o government_n by_o rebellious_a sedition_n or_o any_o unlawful_a way_n those_o point_n of_o conformity_n wherein_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v be_v but_o some_o accidental_n of_o religion_n and_o external_a mode_n and_o the_o declaration_n and_o subscription_n import_v a_o allowance_n of_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o they_o think_v that_o these_o point_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n but_o they_o be_v very_o dispensable_a as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n shall_v see_v cause_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v yield_v to_o they_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o crave_n that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v be_v that_o reasonable_a man_n will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o reasonable_a concession_n and_o if_o subject_n know_v not_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o ask_v governor_n know_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o give_v by_o grant_v the_o desire_a relaxation_n the_o church_n will_v not_o as_o some_o allege_v be_v self-condemned_n as_o confess_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o her_o injunction_n or_o as_o justify_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n for_o it_o can_v signify_v from_o she_o no_o more_o than_o either_o her_o indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a or_o her_o moderation_n in_o thing_n less_o necessary_a and_o more_o controvert_v which_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o her_o reproach_n but_o to_o her_o great_a justification_n i_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o say_v to_o they_o that_o object_n against_o any_o relaxation_n after_o that_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o desire_v not_o our_o conformity_n but_o our_o perpetual_a exclusion_n such_o may_v be_v answer_v in_o due_a season_n and_o i_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o those_o that_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o politic_a consideration_n respect_v a_o particular_a interest_n too_o narrow_a for_o a_o adequate_a foundation_n of_o church-peace_n and_o christian-concord_n but_o my_o scope_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o high_a power_n and_o church_n guide_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o breach_n according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n i_o have_v make_v particular_a observation_n of_o those_o too_o most_o remarkable_a party_n which_o have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n the_o other_o schism_n that_o i_o find_v of_o any_o remark_n in_o those_o time_n be_v raise_v sometime_o by_o person_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o crime_n and_o thereupon_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o as_o be_v that_o of_o meletius_n a_o bishop_n in_o egypt_n who_o be_v dispose_v for_o have_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n sometime_o by_o offence_n unjust_o take_v at_o some_o suppose_a faultiness_n in_o a_o bishop_n as_o be_v that_o of_o a_o orthodox_n party_n in_o antioch_n against_o another_o meletius_n a_o orthodox_n and_o right_n worthy_a bishop_n of_o that_o city_n only_o because_o he_o be_v at_o first_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o arrian_n sometime_o by_o the_o exasperation_n of_o the_o people_n for_o injury_n do_v to_o they_o or_o their_o pastor_n and_o outrage_n commit_v by_o their_o opposite_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o johannites_n at_o constantinople_n upon_o the_o banishment_n of_o chrysostom_n and_o sometime_o by_o mere_a animosity_n and_o humour_n of_o discontentment_n as_o be_v that_o of_o lucifer_n a_o bishop_n in_o sardinia_n who_o separate_v from_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o vertellis_fw-la and_o other_o because_o they_o dislike_v his_o rash_a act_n of_o ordain_v paulinus_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n as_o tend_v to_o perpetuate_v the_o schism_n there_o begin_v touch_v all_o the_o say_a party_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o plead_v that_o any_o opinion_n or_o form_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v reluctate_v nor_o do_v they_o desire_v other_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o they_o but_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o other_o in_o that_o which_o they_o suppose_v faulty_a but_o do_v nither_o choose_v whole_o to_o abandon_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o care_n for_o accommodation_n with_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o dissenter_n of_o these_o time_n for_o they_o importune_v a_o accommodation_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o establish_v order_n and_o for_o peace_n sake_n be_v willing_a to_o bear_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o in_o that_o which_o themselves_o dislike_v or_o doubt_v of_o but_o they_o can_v obtain_v a_o dispensation_n from_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o dispensable_a point_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n but_o be_v force_v to_o abide_v in_o a_o sever_a state_n unless_o they_o will_v profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o or_o practice_n what_o they_o allow_v not_o now_o because_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n be_v much_o insist_v on_o i_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o ancient_a time_n of_o christianity_n man_n yea_o many_o hundred_o of_o man_n due_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n by_o sound_a faith_n and_o good_a life_n as_o also_o by_o their_o learning_n and_o industry_n and_o offer_v all_o reasonable_a security_n for_o their_o submissive_a and_o peaceable_a demeanour_n be_v or_o will_v have_v be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n to_o some_o opinion_n form_n and_o ceremony_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o lawfulness_n whereof_o the_o dissenter_n be_v whole_o dissatisfy_v and_o which_o the_o imposer_n judge_v to_o be_v but_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o i_o further_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v self-condemned_n in_o conform_v to_o some_o injunction_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o in_o desert_v the_o ministry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v dedicate_v than_o for_o superior_n either_o by_o some_o relaxation_n to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o conform_v or_o to_o bear_v with_o their_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o a_o state_n of_o nonconformity_n while_o some_o of_o their_o injunction_n confine_v they_o to_o that_o state_n chap._n v._n of_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o something_o more_o of_o take_v the_o right_a way_n to_o
unity_n the_o confuse_a noise_n about_o schism_n and_o the_o unjust_a imputation_n thereof_o that_o be_v common_o make_v have_v great_o disorder_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o some_o have_v be_v thereby_o sway_v to_o a_o absolute_a compliance_n with_o the_o most_o numerous_a or_o the_o most_o prevail_a party_n other_o discern_v the_o abuse_n of_o this_o name_n but_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v something_o true_o so_o call_v have_v make_v light_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n i_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o this_o disquisition_n by_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o a_o earnest_a care_n of_o keep_v myself_o from_o the_o real_a guilt_n thereof_o and_o what_o be_v here_o write_v i_o willing_o submit_v to_o a_o grave_n and_o just_a examination_n errare_fw-la possum_fw-la haereticus_fw-la schismaticus_fw-la esse_fw-la nolo_fw-la i_o be_o liable_a to_o error_n as_o other_o be_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o be_o no_o wilful_a schismatic_a it_o be_v common_o give_v to_o man_n to_o pass_v a_o severe_a judgement_n upon_o every_o dissent_n from_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o order_n whereupon_o as_o that_o have_v have_v the_o character_n of_o schism_n stamp_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v not_o such_o indeed_o so_o that_o which_o be_v schism_n in_o a_o low_a and_o tolerable_a degree_n have_v be_v aggravate_v to_o the_o high_a and_o prosecute_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n to_o make_v a_o equal_a judgement_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o person_n or_o party_n the_o degree_n of_o the_o schism_n be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v our_o saviour_n teach_v that_o revile_v language_n contemptuous_a word_n and_o rash_a anger_n be_v breach_n of_o the_o six_o commandment_n yet_o in_o degree_n of_o guilt_n they_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o act_n of_o wilful_a murder_n and_o indeed_o in_o the_o kind_n of_o delinquency_n here_o treat_v of_o there_o be_v as_o great_a difference_n of_o degree_n as_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v necessitate_v to_o a_o noncompliance_n in_o some_o lawful_a thing_n by_o they_o hold_v unlawful_a yet_o seek_v union_n will_v glad_o embrace_v a_o reasonable_a accommodation_n be_v much_o different_a from_o they_o who_o upon_o choice_n and_o wilful_o sever_v themselves_o because_o they_o love_v to_o be_v sever_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o desire_n and_o seek_v the_o conformity_n of_o other_o and_o will_v glad_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o yet_o through_o misguide_a zeal_n be_v approver_n of_o such_o unnecessary_a imposition_n as_o hinder_v the_o conform_v of_o many_o be_v much_o different_a from_o they_o who_o design_v the_o extrusion_n of_o other_o contrive_v the_o intangle_a of_o they_o by_o needless_a rigour_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o express_v the_o great_a disparity_n of_o case_n in_o point_n of_o schism_n all_o which_o may_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o estimate_n that_o we_o be_v to_o make_v thereof_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o honest_a mind_n that_o by_o mistake_n be_v draw_v into_o division_n and_o those_o that_o out_o of_o their_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o evil_a design_n do_v wilful_o cause_v division_n in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o consider_v one_o another_o as_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a error_n and_o passion_n we_o shall_v not_o judge_v too_o severe_o as_o we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o judge_v there_o be_v many_o example_n of_o schismatical_a animosity_n and_o perversness_n into_o which_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n such_o person_n have_v fall_v as_o be_v otherwise_o worthy_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n cyril_n with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o ephesine_fw-la council_n too_o rash_o depose_v john_n of_o antioch_n and_o his_o party_n of_o bishop_n upon_o a_o quarrel_n that_o arise_v between_o they_o and_o john_n with_o his_o adherent_n return_v to_o antioch_n do_v more_o rash_o depose_v cyril_n and_o his_o party_n and_o yet_o both_o party_n be_v orthodox_n and_o in_o the_o issue_n join_v in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o nestorius_n but_o the_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o disorderly_a and_o injurious_a proceed_n of_o so_o venerable_a a_o person_n as_o epiphanius_n against_o so_o worthy_a a_o person_n as_o chrysostom_n to_o which_o he_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o that_o incendiary_n theophilus_n of_o alexandria_n the_o say_v epiphanius_n go_v to_o constantinople_n and_o in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o city_n hold_v a_o sacred_a communion_n and_o ordain_v a_o deacon_n and_o when_o he_o have_v enter_v the_o city_n in_o a_o public_a church_n he_o read_v the_o decree_n make_v by_o himself_o and_o some_o other_o in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o origen_n book_n and_o excommunicate_v dioscurus_n and_o his_o brethren_n call_v the_o long_a monk_n worthy_a and_o orthodox_n man_n persecute_v by_o the_o anthromorphites_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o chrysostom_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o he_o i_o may_v further_a instance_n in_o the_o long_o continue_a division_n between_o paulinus_n and_o meletius_n with_o their_o party_n at_o antioch_n though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n likewise_o in_o the_o long_o continue_a separation_n make_v from_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n by_o the_o follower_n of_o chrysostom_n after_o his_o banishment_n because_o they_o be_v exasperate_v by_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o their_o worthy_a patriarch_n these_o weakness_n in_o good_a man_n of_o old_a time_n i_o observe_v not_o to_o dishonour_v they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o warn_v to_o be_v more_o charitable_a and_o less_o censorious_a towards_o one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o the_o like_a weakness_n and_o disorder_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v discord_n among_o all_o those_o that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o avoid_v unreasonable_a opposition_n unwarrantable_a imposition_n and_o all_o causeless_a exasperation_n true_a holiness_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o true_a unity_n for_o by_o it_o the_o faithful_a cleave_v to_o god_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o be_v incline_v to_o receive_v one_o another_o on_o those_o term_n on_o which_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o all_o and_o by_o it_o they_o be_v turn_v from_o that_o divide_v selfishness_n which_o draw_v man_n into_o several_a or_o opposite_a way_n according_a to_o their_o several_a or_o opposite_a end_n let_v not_o a_o carnal_a worldly_a interest_n in_o a_o church_n state_n be_v set_v up_o against_o holiness_n and_o unity_n let_v the_o increase_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v seek_v in_o order_n to_o the_o increase_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o mystical_a let_v no_o one_o party_n be_v lift_v up_o against_o the_o common_a peace_n of_o sound_a believer_n and_o let_v not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o legitimate_a child_n of_o christ_n family_n be_v eject_v or_o harass_v upon_o the_o instigation_n of_o other_o but_o let_v the_o steward_n in_o the_o family_n carry_v it_o equal_o and_o so_o gratify_v one_o part_n in_o their_o desire_a order_n that_o the_o other_o part_n be_v not_o oppress_v let_v not_o they_o be_v still_o vex_v who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o tolerable_a term_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o church-governor_n let_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a be_v enlarge_v and_o the_o power_n of_o do_v hurt_v restrain_v as_o much_o as_o will_v stand_v with_o the_o necessary_a end_n of_o government_n let_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n commend_v itself_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n let_v the_o edge_n of_o it_o be_v turn_v the_o right_a way_n and_o its_o vigour_n be_v put_v forth_o not_o about_o little_a formality_n but_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n zeal_n in_o substantial_o and_o charitable_a forbearance_n in_o circumstantial_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o understand_v the_o true_a end_n of_o church-government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v religious_a indeed_o let_v the_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o snare_n of_o division_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o let_v controvert_v unnecessary_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n discord_n will_v be_v inevitable_a where_o the_o term_n of_o concord_n remain_v a_o difficulty_n insuperable_a the_o conscientious_a that_o be_v willing_a to_o bid_v high_a for_o peace_n can_v resign_v their_o conscience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o humility_n and_o soberness_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o their_o superior_n they_o can_v help_v themselves_o
of_o word_n you_o have_v hear_v brethren_n as_o well_o in_o your_o private_a examination_n and_o in_o the_o exhortation_n and_o holy_a lesson_n take_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o what_o dignity_n and_o how_o great_a importance_n this_o office_n be_v whereto_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o messenger_n the_o watchmen_z the_o pastor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o teach_v to_o premonish_v to_o feed_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o lord_n family_n i_o mention_v my_o ordination_n according_a to_o the_o episcopal_a form_n because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n with_o they_o to_o who_o this_o representation_n be_v more_o especial_o tender_v nevertheless_o i_o own_o the_o validity_n of_o presbyterial_a ordination_n and_o judge_v that_o minister_n so_o ordain_v may_v make_v the_o same_o defence_n for_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n in_o the_o same_o case_n that_o be_v here_o represent_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o the_o only_a proper_a giver_n of_o this_o office_n and_o though_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o man_n yet_o not_o by_o they_o as_o give_v the_o office_n but_o as_o instrument_n of_o the_o designation_n or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o as_o the_o king_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n in_o a_o town_n corporate_a when_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o elector_n and_o certain_a officer_n only_o as_o instrument_n of_o the_o designation_n or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o not_o conscious_a of_o disable_n myself_o to_o the_o sacred_a ministration_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n by_o any_o opinion_n or_o practice_n that_o may_v render_v i_o unfit_a for_o the_o same_o touch_v which_o matter_n i_o humble_o offer_v myself_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o my_o superior_n to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o god_n word_n nothing_o necessary_a to_o authorise_v i_o to_o those_o ministration_n be_v want_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o be_o christ_n commissioned_n officer_z and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v revoke_v the_o authority_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o his_o law_n no_o man_n can_v take_v it_o from_o i_o nor_o do_v i_o find_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o office_n or_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o christ_n require_v that_o it_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o disocesan_n bishop_n that_o i_o do_v not_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o in_o other_o circumstance_n according_a to_o the_o present_a establish_a order_n the_o cause_n be_v not_o in_o i_o who_o be_o ready_a to_o submit_v thereunto_o but_o a_o bar_n be_v lay_v against_o i_o by_o the_o injunction_n of_o some_o term_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v whereof_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n when_o it_o be_v require_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o i_o be_o under_o any_o oath_n or_o promise_n to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o the_o ordinary_a of_o the_o place_n the_o promise_n make_v at_o my_o ordination_n to_o obey_v my_o ordinary_a and_o other_o chief_a minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o charge_n over_o i_o be_v commit_v concern_v i_o only_o as_o a_o presbyter_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o ordinary_a as_o one_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o other_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n in_o which_o relation_n i_o do_v not_o now_o stand_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o make_v uncapable_a thereof_o moreover_o in_o whatsoever_o capacity_n i_o now_o stand_v the_o say_a promise_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o limited_o or_o without_o limitation_n if_o limited_o as_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a as_o i_o conceive_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v than_o i_o be_o not_o bind_v by_o it_o in_o the_o present_a case_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o honest_a for_o i_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o now_o enjoin_v conformity_n against_o my_o conscience_n or_o in_o case_n of_o such_o necessitate_a noncompliance_n to_o desist_v from_o the_o ministry_n that_o i_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v without_o limitation_n it_o be_v a_o sinful_a promise_n in_o the_o matter_n thereof_o and_o thereupon_o void_a absolute_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n to_o man_n may_v not_o be_v promise_v let_v it_o be_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o object_v promise_n can_v not_o bind_v i_o to_o more_o than_o the_o conformity_n then_o require_v but_o since_o my_o ordination_n and_o promise_n then_o make_v the_o state_n of_o conformity_n have_v be_v much_o alter_v by_o the_o injunction_n of_o more_o and_o to_o i_o hard_a term_n than_o former_o be_v enjoin_v when_o i_o be_v ordain_v i_o think_v that_o the_o term_n then_o require_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v lawful_o submit_v to_o but_o young_a man_n such_o as_o i_o then_o be_v may_v be_v easy_o draw_v to_o subscribe_v to_o thing_n public_o enjoin_v and_o so_o become_v engage_v before_o they_o have_v well_o consider_v the_o ordainer_n or_o ordainer_n who_o design_v i_o to_o this_o office_n of_o christ_n donation_n and_o not_o they_o can_v not_o by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n nor_o can_v they_o derogate_v from_o christ_n authority_n over_o i_o and_o the_o obligation_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o to_o discharge_v the_o office_n with_o which_o he_o have_v entrust_v i_o that_o a_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o in_o my_o present_a state_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o soul_n which_o cry_v aloud_o for_o all_o the_o help_n that_o can_v posible_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n minister_n whether_o conformist_n or_o nonconformist_n the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o mere_a external_a order_n or_o uniformity_n in_o thing_n accidental_a i_o receive_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o i_o have_v join_v and_o still_o be_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o the_o legal_o establish_a church_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n the_o matter_n of_o my_o sacred_a ministration_n have_v be_v always_o consonant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o meddle_v not_o with_o our_o present_a difference_n but_o insist_v on_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o design_v not_o the_o promote_a of_o a_o sever_a party_n but_o of_o mere_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o will_n of_o my_o superior_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o to_o return_v to_o my_o ministerial_a station_n in_o the_o establish_v church_n may_v i_o be_v but_o dispense_v with_o in_o the_o injunction_n with_o which_o my_o conscience_n till_o i_o be_v otherwise_o inform_v forbid_v i_o to_o comply_v in_o the_o whole_a of_o my_o dissent_n from_o the_o say_a injunction_n i_o can_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o deny_v any_o thing_n essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n or_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n or_o with_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o good_a order_n and_o government_n my_o case_n as_o i_o have_v sincere_o set_v it_o forth_o i_o humble_o represent_v to_o the_o clemency_n of_o my_o governor_n and_o to_o the_o charity_n equity_n and_o â—â—â—â—â—r_n of_o all_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d e_o i_o design_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o i._o c._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n one_o hundred_o of_o select_a sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o tho._n horton_n d._n d._n sermon_n on_o the_o four_o psal._n 42._o psal._n 51._o and_o 63._o psal._n by_o tho._n horton_n d._n d._n a_o complete_a martyrology_n both_o of_o foreign_a and_o english_a martyr_n with_o the_o life_n of_o 26_o modern_a divine_n by_o sam._n clark_n a_o discourse_n of_o actual_a providence_n by_o john_n collings_n d._n d._n a_o exposition_n on_o the_o 5_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o charles_n phelpes_n a_o discourse_n of_o grace_n and_o temptation_n by_o tho._n froysall_n the_o revival_n of_o grace_n sacramental_a reflection_n on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o testator_n a_o sacrifice_n and_o curse_n by_o john_n hurst_n a_o glimpse_n of_o eternity_n to_o awake_v sinner_n and_o comfort_n saint_n by_o ab._n coley_n which_o be_v the_o church_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n by_o rich._n baxter_n the_o husbandman_n companion_n or_o meditation_n suitable_a for_o farmer_n in_o order_n to_o spiritualise_v their_o employment_n by_o edward_n bury_n mr._n adam_n exposition_n of_o the_o assemb_v catechism_n show_v its_o harmony_n with_o the_o article_n and_o homily_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o present_a state_n of_o new-england_n with_o the_o history_n of_o their_o war_n with_o the_o indies_n popery_n a_o enemy_n to_o truth_n and_o civil_a government_n by_o jo._n sheldeck_n spell_a book_n for_o child_n by_o tho._n lye_n principal_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o practical_a application_n to_o each_o head_n by_o tho._n gouge_n almost_o christian_n by_o matth._n mead._n godly_a man_n ark_n by_o edmund_n calamy_n heaven_n and_o hell_n on_o earth_n in_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a conscience_n by_o nath._n vincent_n little_a catechism_n for_o child_n with_o short_a history_n which_o may_v both_o please_v and_o profit_v they_o by_o nath._n vincent_n ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o a_o epistle_n prefix_v by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n this_o author_n have_v late_o publish_v this_o book_n entitle_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n a_o tract_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o christianity_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o in_o the_o world_n design_v its_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n among_o profess_a christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o its_o sure_a propagation_n to_o future_a age_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n
the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n a_o tract_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o christianity_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o in_o the_o world_n design_v its_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n among_o profess_a christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o its_o sure_a propagation_n to_o future_a age_n with_o the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v by_o john_n corbet_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1679._o the_o preface_n a_o disquisition_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a wherein_o several_a party_n be_v vehement_o carry_v divers_a way_n whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n according_a to_o their_o different_a interest_n or_o apprehension_n be_v apt_a to_o stir_v up_o jealousy_n and_o to_o meet_v with_o prejudice_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n be_v manage_v as_o advise_o as_o sincere_o it_o be_v humble_o crave_v that_o the_o present_a management_n thereof_o may_v find_v a_o favourable_a reception_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o sincerity_n and_o sobriety_n this_o treatise_n be_v not_o frame_v for_o a_o present_a occasion_n or_o any_o temporary_a design_n but_o insist_o upon_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n universal_o and_o perpetual_o it_o aim_v at_o the_o advancement_n of_o mere_a christianity_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a concernment_n thereof_o it_o leave_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o appropriate_a to_o the_o several_a party_n and_o persuasion_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v it_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o these_o time_n touch_v form_n of_o church_n government_n but_o in_o any_o form_n such_o depravation_n or_o deficiency_n be_v blame_v as_o hinder_v the_o power_n purity_n unity_n stability_n or_o amplitude_n of_o religion_n nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o government_n to_o the_o right_n of_o superior_n and_o civil_a pre-eminences_a or_o to_o decency_n unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v here_o suggest_v sedition_n and_o faction_n be_v evict_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o this_o interest_n which_o can_v hold_v its_o own_o only_a in_o those_o way_n that_o make_v for_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o ruler_n and_o subject_n our_o design_n carry_v no_o other_o danger_n than_o the_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o true_a christianity_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n among_o man_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o the_o sure_a propagation_n thereof_o to_o future_a age_n here_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o vital_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v and_o here_o be_v other_o thing_n of_o conscientious_a or_o prudent_a consideration_n and_o let_v these_o so_o far_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v find_v clear_a and_o cogent_a i_o have_v rather_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o defect_n or_o weakness_n than_o with_o uncharitableness_n and_o therefore_o be_o ready_a to_o renounce_v every_o line_n and_o every_o expression_n in_o this_o book_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o true_a christian_a charity_n in_o the_o utmost_a extent_n thereof_o let_v it_o not_o be_v take_v amiss_o that_o to_o obviate_v suspicion_n or_o prejudice_n i_o declare_v myself_o in_o the_o thing_n here_o follow_v i_o be_o one_o age_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o experience_n be_o not_o eager_a for_o any_o party_n but_o mellow_v with_o charity_n towards_o real_a christian_n of_o all_o party_n i_o have_v vehement_o desire_v the_o union_n of_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n with_o the_o establish_v order_n by_o reasonable_a accommodation_n as_o for_o other_o that_o remain_v dissatisfy_v about_o such_o union_n yet_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n i_o do_v as_o earnest_o desire_v a_o indulgence_n for_o they_o within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n though_o i_o be_o cast_v into_o the_o state_n of_o nonconformity_n yet_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n if_o i_o be_v make_v capable_a thereof_o by_o the_o relaxation_n of_o some_o injunction_n my_o principle_n be_v for_o a_o close_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o laudable_a in_o any_o establish_v government_n and_o for_o a_o bear_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v tolerable_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v direct_v they_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o principle_n order_n or_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n or_o the_o great_a endanger_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o retain_v they_o while_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v maintain_v the_o content_n chap._n i._n the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o character_n of_o true_a christian_n chap._n ii_o of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o christian_a religion_n viz._n holy_a doctrine_n chap._n iii_o the_o order_n of_o divine_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n chap._n iu._n the_o due_a dispensation_n of_o god_n word_n or_o public_a preach_v chap._n v._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o public_a prayer_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n chap._n viii_o private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a discourse_n and_o edify_v conversation_n chap._n ix_o the_o prevalence_n of_o true_a religion_n or_o real_a godliness_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n x._o christian_a unity_n and_o concord_n chap._n xi_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n chap._n xiii_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatical_a degeneration_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o real_a godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v chap._n xvi_o religion_n main_a strength_n next_o under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n lie_v in_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n chap._n xvii_o religion_n may_v be_v advance_v by_o human_a prudence_n what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o can_v admit_v in_o order_n to_o its_o advancement_n chap._n xviii_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n lie_v much_o in_o its_o venerable_a estimation_n among_o man_n chap._n xix_o the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o sure_a mean_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n chap._n xxi_o the_o general_a civility_n or_o common_a honesty_n of_o a_o nation_n make_v it_o more_o general_o receptive_a of_o real_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n chap._n xxii_o the_o increase_n of_o religion_n be_v promote_v by_o be_v make_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v passable_a among_o man_n chap._n xxiii_o the_o observe_v of_o a_o due_a latitude_n in_o religion_n make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o chap._n xxiv_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v and_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n xxvi_o of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o seek_v reformation_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n chap._n xxix_o whether_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v lessen_v by_o amplitude_n and_o comprehensiveness_n chap._n xxx_o factious_a usurpation_n be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n interest_n chap._n xxxi_o of_o lead_v and_o follow_v and_o of_o combination_n chap._n xxxii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o promote_a the_o religionsness_n of_o their_o people_n chap._n xxxiii_o the_o church_n true_a interest_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n the_o conclusion_n a_o book_n entitle_v the_o interest_n of_o england_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o two_o part_n former_o publish_v by_o the_o same_o author_n pag._n 7._o lin_v 3._o read_v service_n pag._n 19_o l._n 11._o read_v whereas_o pag._n 27._o l._n 24._o read_v so_o pag._n 28._o l._n 14._o read_v be_v pag._n 29._o l._n 14._o read_v regardable_a pag._n 31._o l._n 16._o read_v this_o ib._n l._n 18._o read_v apposite_a pag._n 39_o l._n 14._o read_v be_v able_a to_o make_v pag._n 41._o l._n 31._o read_v affect_v pag._n 53._o l._n 19_o read_v for_o the_o pag._n 59_o l._n 5._o read_v face_n of_o pag._n 60._o l._n 12._o read_v exercise_n pag._n 67._o l._n 3._o read_v religion_n pag._n 71._o l._n
rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n and_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n that_o be_v unmeet_a they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o error_n moreover_o heighten_v affection_n enlarge_v the_o heart_n and_o open_v the_o mouth_n and_o do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n at_o a_o stand_n for_o want_v of_o word_n indeed_o astonish_a affection_n or_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o spirit_n may_v put_v one_o to_o such_o a_o stand_n but_o that_o rare_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o in_o a_o pubick_a performance_n but_o a_o calm_a admiration_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o seriousness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o address_n to_o he_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_a apâ—expressions_n for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o constant_a form_n it_o have_v be_v plead_v that_o a_o stranger_n may_v thereby_o the_o better_a know_v how_o we_o worship_n god_n and_o that_o the_o people_n better_o understand_v and_o remember_v that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v continual_o use_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n variety_n and_o newness_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o quicken_v the_o affection_n and_o perfect_a the_o understanding_n also_o especial_o of_o the_o attentive_a whenas_o under_o the_o constant_a rehearsal_n of_o one_o thing_n the_o faculty_n grow_v flat_a and_o dull_a beside_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n and_o variety_n the_o prayer_n be_v ordinary_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n in_o the_o main_a the_o vulgar_a apprehension_n and_o memory_n be_v help_v by_o the_o sameness_n of_o the_o main_a substance_n and_o scope_n and_o the_o affection_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o understanding_n further_o edify_v by_o that_o which_o be_v new_a in_o the_o frame_n and_o method_n and_o particular_a matter_n and_o the_o people_n more_o particular_a variable_a concernment_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a accommodation_n and_o respect_n thereto_o as_o occasion_n vary_v and_o by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n a_o stranger_n may_v be_v sufficient_o ascertain_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o worship_n to_o be_v celebrate_v for_o a_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n govern_v its_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o &_o the_o same_o tenor_n thereof_o will_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o stint_a form_n yet_o combine_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n and_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o management_n and_o performance_n of_o this_o service_n be_v the_o best_a that_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o more_o perfect_a in_o knowledge_n more_o devout_a and_o zealous_a towards_o god_n more_o pious_a and_o blameless_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o every_o way_n more_o perfect_a in_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o that_o be_v discern_v and_o serious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n diverse_o affect_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o good_a of_o either_o way_n a_o prescribe_a form_n and_o a_o free_a prayer_n will_v do_v best_a together_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pastoral_a authority_n include_v both_o teach_n and_o rule_v and_o imply_v the_o people_n subjection_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o discipline_n be_v to_o leave_v it_o unfurnished_v of_o that_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o orderly_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o garden_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o pluck_v up_o the_o fence_n thereof_o into_o a_o common_a or_o wilderness_n the_o power_n intrinsical_v to_o this_o office_n be_v not_o secular_a and_o coercive_a by_o temporal_a penalty_n but_o pure_o spiritual_a which_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o authority_n from_o he_o the_o chief_a pastor_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n to_o encourage_v they_o that_o live_v conformable_o to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o consolation_n thereof_o and_o to_o warn_v they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o if_o any_o continue_v obstinate_a therein_o to_o declare_v they_o unworthy_a of_o church-communion_n and_o christian_a converse_n and_o to_o require_v the_o faithful_a to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o reform_v as_o the_o discipline_n of_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o and_o chief_a scope_n so_o be_v this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o the_o christian_a church_n look_v main_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o he_o and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n for_o which_o end_v it_o be_v ordain_v and_o consequent_o its_o true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o conservation_n and_o augmentation_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o church_n interest_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o fix_v and_o level_v to_o a_o other_o mark_n appertain_v to_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a state_n set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n and_o pretence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a society_n the_o church_n true_a and_o proper_a excellency_n lie_v not_o in_o worldly_a splendour_n opulency_n and_o power_n nor_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o formal_a unity_n nor_o in_o the_o stability_n and_o amplitude_n of_o a_o mere_a external_a state_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o life_n in_o the_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o the_o security_n and_o advancement_n of_o this_o internal_a state_n and_o of_o the_o external_a state_n in_o order_n to_o the_o internal_a wherefore_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o promote_v temporal_a glory_n and_o opinion_n and_o formality_n thereunto_o subservient_fw-fr but_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o professor_n thereof_o and_o their_o sincere_a devotion_n godly_a unity_n sobriety_n righteousness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o common_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o keep_v and_o cast_v out_o heresy_n superstition_n profaneness_n unrighteousness_n and_o all_o wicked_a error_n and_o practice_n that_o tend_v to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n gospel_n as_o also_o to_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v the_o causeless_a tear_v and_o rent_v of_o church_n and_o those_o alienation_n and_o animosity_n among_o christian_n that_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o will_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o management_n hereof_o to_o this_o right_a end_n be_v of_o far_o great_a consequence_n than_o any_o scrupulosity_n or_o preciseness_n about_o its_o external_a form_n and_o order_n nay_o if_o a_o external_a order_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v primitive_a and_o apostolical_a and_o be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o enforce_v corrupt_a doctrine_n scandalous_a and_o ensnare_a invention_n and_o imposition_n and_o in_o a_o ceremonial_a strictness_n to_o indulge_v real_a profaneness_n and_o discourage_v true_a godliness_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o carnal_a state_n under_o a_o spiritual_a name_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v and_o suppress_v the_o power_n thereof_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o follow_v that_o its_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o encourage_v godliness_n and_o to_o disgrace_v open_a sin_n according_o be_v right_o manage_v it_o admonish_v the_o unruly_a cast_v out_o the_o obstinate_a and_o restore_v the_o penitent_a about_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v active_a watchful_a and_o vigorous_a what_o severity_n it_o have_v it_o exercise_v in_o correct_v real_a scandal_n and_o gross_a breach_n of_o god_n law_n and_o in_o maintain_v the_o church_n peace_n against_o those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o care_v little_a for_o those_o matter_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n be_v unconcern_v much_o less_o do_v it_o seek_v to_o quench_v godly_a zeal_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n or_o to_o afflict_v peaceable_a and_o pious_a christian_n by_o any_o needless_a rigour_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o house_n be_v in_o use_n the_o solemnity_n express_v that_o holy_a exercise_n shall_v be_v perform_v in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o household_n shall_v be_v
doctrine_n deprave_v the_o mind_n and_o beget_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o godliness_n or_o christianity_n when_o regeneration_n or_o true_a conversion_n be_v prevent_v by_o be_v make_v in_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o civility_n join_v with_o a_o dead_a conformity_n to_o the_o exterior_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n when_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o outside_n pharisaical_a holiness_n in_o some_o bodily_a severity_n and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o mere_a form_n and_o empty_a show_n without_o internal_a and_o real_a mortification_n and_o devotion_n when_o the_o exterior_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v but_o use_v after_o another_o manner_n than_o what_o become_v the_o gospel-church_n or_o suit_n the_o end_n of_o gospel-worship_n when_o a_o sapless_a and_o fruitless_a generation_n of_o man_n be_v nourish_v in_o holy_a order_n who_o cherish_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n profaneness_n or_o lukewarmness_n who_o show_v they_o a_o way_n to_o heaven_n that_o be_v smooth_a broad_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o flesh_n who_o serve_v or_o at_o least_o spare_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o humour_n the_o vulgar_a sort_n in_o rude_a folly_n who_o give_v absolution_n upon_o formal_a and_o loose_a term_n and_o therewith_o a_o false_a repose_n to_o poor_a delude_a soul_n when_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o churchman_n be_v to_o promote_v superstition_n blind_a devotion_n and_o implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o hold_v people_n in_o the_o chain_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n and_o in_o the_o please_a bondage_n of_o carnal_a liberty_n their_o conscience_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n secure_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a tenant_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o devout_a observance_n of_o certain_a external_a ordinance_n when_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v contrive_v to_o maintain_v fleshly_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n and_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n lie_v in_o outward_a order_n without_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n in_o sacred_a administration_n when_o the_o weapon_n of_o its_o warfare_n be_v not_o spiritual_a but_o carnal_a suitable_a to_o a_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a state_n when_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o master_n upon_o earth_n be_v call_v obedience_n and_o their_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n when_o concord_n in_o the_o unprofitable_a or_o hurtful_a dictate_v of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o the_o constitution_n itself_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v consider_v be_v find_v defective_a for_o the_o true_a end_n of_o government_n and_o le_fw-fr we_o loose_v the_o rain_v of_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o by_o carnal_a allurement_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v it_o after_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o serve_v the_o voluptuosness_n covetousness_n and_o pride_n of_o its_o adherent_n for_o which_o cause_n its_o yoke_n be_v easy_a to_o the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v scandalous_a to_o they_o that_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o become_v a_o stepmother_n to_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a when_o these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n prevail_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v turn_v into_o another_o thing_n than_o what_o it_o be_v indeed_o by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o serve_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o by_o the_o wisdom_n that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a square_a out_o to_o themselves_o and_o those_o that_o live_v under_o their_o influence_n a_o loose_a form_n of_o christianity_n not_o after_o christ_n but_o after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o corruption_n be_v more_o or_o less_o enormous_a in_o different_a age_n and_o country_n according_a to_o its_o great_a or_o near_a distance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o mean_n of_o pure_a knowledge_n and_o a_o less_o corrupt_a state_n may_v be_v sever_v from_o that_o which_o be_v more_o gross_o vicious_a and_o impure_a and_o yet_o remain_v a_o degeneration_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o let_v this_o be_v note_v that_o in_o a_o degenerate_a state_n the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v so_o far_o retain_v as_o to_o contain_v thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n which_o may_v beget_v and_o preserve_v the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n in_o they_o that_o do_v not_o mingle_v with_o the_o other_o poisonous_a ingredient_n or_o at_o least_o not_o in_o their_o full_a extent_n yea_o the_o degeneration_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o less_o pernicious_a and_o perhaps_o only_o as_o a_o scab_n upon_o some_o part_n and_o not_o overspread_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o great_a multitude_n therein_o may_v profess_v and_o practise_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n thus_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o its_o corrupt_a state_n retain_v the_o vital_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o those_o time_n and_o be_v not_o season_v with_o the_o leaven_n of_o false_a teacher_n chap._n xiii_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatical_a degeneration_n the_o other_o deviation_n lie_v more_o out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o carnal_a gospeler_n and_o this_o be_v usual_o style_v sectarian_n whereof_o the_o particular_a by_o path_n be_v numberless_a but_o let_v this_o be_v note_v that_o whatsoever_o way_n swerve_v from_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o faction_n yea_o though_o it_o spread_v so_o far_o and_o wide_a as_o that_o they_o who_o walk_v therein_o do_v for_o their_o huge_a multitude_n presume_v to_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o title_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherever_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n bear_v sway_n to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o godliness_n where_o invention_n false_a or_o useless_a be_v make_v the_o necessary_a symbol_n of_o religion_n there_o a_o sectarian_n interest_n bear_v sway_v and_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n will_v not_o wipe_v off_o the_o blot_n of_o such_o a_o party_n the_o name_n of_o sectary_n may_v fit_v proud_a usurper_n as_o well_o as_o blind_a zealot_n this_o necessary_a proviso_n be_v make_v it_o remain_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o more_o incoherent_a unstable_a and_o ungovernable_a sort_n of_o sect_n the_o root_n of_o the_o evil_a in_o this_o kind_n be_v common_o a_o heighten_a fancy_n and_o complexional_a zeal_n bear_v rule_n instead_o of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o a_o more_o intellectual_a spiritual_a and_o pure_a love_n it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o set_v down_o some_o notable_a instance_n for_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o recount_v they_o all_o some_o have_v be_v so_o far_o transport_v with_o the_o hatred_n of_o church_n tyranny_n and_o persecute_v pride_n and_o cruelty_n that_o they_o mind_v not_o the_o good_a of_o church_n unity_n order_n and_o government_n and_o they_o run_v so_o far_o from_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o dictate_v of_o proud_a man_n that_o themselves_o have_v proud_o slight_v the_o church_n directive_n judgement_n and_o all_o pastoral_a authority_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n and_o have_v fierce_o impugn_a it_o as_o opposite_a to_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o like_a strain_n be_v they_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o high_a attainment_n and_o great_a spirituality_n have_v reject_v external_a ordinance_n as_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o low_a and_o beggarly_a rudiment_n while_o they_o declare_v themselves_o hereby_o to_o be_v carnal_a and_o vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n some_o through_o abuse_n and_o mistake_v of_o divine_a promise_n concern_v the_o spirit_n teach_v have_v forsake_v the_o sure_a guidance_n of_o god_n law_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o uncertain_a intimation_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o dangerous_a impulse_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o pretend_v immediate_a inspiration_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o delusion_n of_o a_o exalt_a fancy_n and_o sometime_o they_o have_v real_o fall_v under_o satanical_a impression_n because_o there_o be_v the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n that_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n some_o have_v disclaim_v reason_n itself_o as_o corrupt_v and_o carnal_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n follow_v their_o own_o wilful_a imagination_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o thing_n irrational_a and_o unintelligible_a and_o render_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o sound_a instruction_n a_o fanatic_a fury_n
have_v hurry_v some_o under_o pretence_n of_o erect_v the_o five_o monarchy_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n to_o attempt_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o subvert_v god_n kingdom_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o christian_a magistracy_n and_o ministry_n and_o to_o dispossess_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o territory_n it_o have_v gain_v some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o in_o the_o pretend_a reign_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o abrogate_v the_o external_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o gospel_n history_n into_o mystical_a allegory_n yet_o such_o as_o may_v be_v conceive_v and_o shape_v in_o a_o vulgar_a fancy_n and_o be_v low_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n according_a to_o the_o historical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o some_o have_v be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o turn_v into_o a_o allegory_n the_o great_a hope_n of_o our_o christian_a calling_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o so_o pervert_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o mysterious_a infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n from_o jesus_n christ._n yea_o some_o pervert_n the_o high_a expression_n of_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o like_a have_v impious_o talk_v of_o their_o begod_v condition_n and_o blasphemous_o entitle_v the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o to_o their_o abominable_a extravagancy_n and_o impurity_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o some_o be_v perpetual_a seeker_n have_v no_o fix_v belief_n in_o the_o most_o important_a point_n person_n so_o far_o enlighten_v as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o high_a way_n than_o the_o common_a dead_a formality_n and_o have_v some_o taste_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o thereby_o raise_v above_o the_o general_a indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n unto_o a_o kind_n of_o strictness_n seriousness_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n in_o religion_n yet_o fall_v short_a of_o true_a conversion_n and_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o seem_a grace_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o full_a gale_n of_o fancy_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o these_o delusion_n and_o a_o tincture_n of_o this_o contagion_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n may_v seize_v on_o some_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v deceive_v by_o a_o show_n of_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n and_o peradventure_o lie_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o some_o ensnare_a occasion_n which_o work_n upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o pride_n levity_n curiosity_n and_o other_o corruption_n which_o the_o present_a imperfect_a state_n leave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o real_a christian_n and_o some_o of_o these_o may_v soon_o fall_v into_o absurd_a opinion_n than_o many_o that_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n who_o may_v easy_o abide_v among_o the_o orthodox_n either_o because_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o in_o religious_a inquiry_n or_o because_o they_o be_v hold_v by_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o stand_v on_o truth_n side_n the_o fancy_n be_v soon_o fill_v with_o notion_n and_o the_o affection_n thereby_o raise_v than_o the_o judgement_n be_v well_o inform_v and_o the_o heart_n establish_v in_o grace_n hence_o proceed_v a_o sickliness_n in_o the_o soul_n appetite_n a_o satiety_n of_o plain_a save_v truth_n and_o of_o sound_a wholesome_a preach_v a_o desire_n of_o novelty_n selfconceitedness_a pragmatical_a confidence_n rash_a censure_n partiality_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n a_o lessen_v of_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n encroachment_n upon_o the_o pastor_n office_n divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n and_o innumerable_a inconvenience_n moreover_o well_o mean_v people_n associate_v in_o a_o strict_a profession_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v sequacious_a of_o some_o lead_a person_n among_o they_o and_o some_o will_v follow_v the_o rest_n for_o company_n and_o the_o high_a pretension_n and_o heighten_a confidence_n of_o enthusiast_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o enchantment_n to_o bewitch_v those_o that_o unwarrantable_o approach_v to_o near_o they_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v predispose_v by_o temper_n or_o complexion_n towards_o enthusiasm_n in_o these_o thing_n man_n forsake_v the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o walk_v by_o false_a light_n and_o to_o follow_v blind_a guide_n the_o holy_a ghost_n bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o trial_n and_o leave_v we_o not_o to_o any_o unaccountable_a impulse_n or_o impression_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n show_v that_o the_o christian_a spirit_n be_v both_o pure_a and_o peaceable_a that_o it_o do_v not_o divide_v break_v and_o scatter_v a_o christian_a people_n but_o unite_v heal_v and_o settle_v they_o that_o it_o do_v not_o overturn_v church_n and_o civil_a state_n nor_o inflame_v ruler_n against_o subject_n nor_o subject_n against_o ruler_n nor_o dissolve_v magistracy_n and_o ministry_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n and_o the_o disobedient_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a and_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o all_o degree_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o right_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o erect_v god_n kingdom_n it_o do_v not_o cancel_v reason_n but_o maintain_v its_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a prop_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o soberness_n and_o suppress_v the_o wild_a dominion_n of_o the_o unruly_a imagination_n it_o do_v not_o turn_v man_n from_o humanity_n and_o civil_a behaviour_n unto_o a_o surly_a and_o cynical_a pride_n and_o fanatic_a melancholy_n and_o austerity_n but_o it_o dispose_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o human_a life_n and_o civil_a converse_n but_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n shall_v come_v where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v break_v forth_o sectarianism_n and_o fanaticism_n be_v the_o devil_n aftergame_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o germany_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o protestantism_n so_o it_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n upon_o the_o birth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o gnostic_n and_o such_o like_a sectary_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v in_o our_o time_n these_o irregularity_n and_o extravagancy_n be_v a_o great_a damage_n and_o reproach_n to_o a_o serious_a zealous_a and_o strict_a profession_n and_o it_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v before_o many_o nevertheless_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a degeneration_n from_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n lie_v not_o this_o way_n the_o conception_n and_o motion_n of_o fanaticism_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a strain_n though_o in_o a_o delusion_n take_v not_o with_o the_o great_a number_n whether_o of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a sort_n and_o in_o case_n it_o seize_v on_o a_o great_a multitude_n it_o may_v trouble_v and_o unsettle_v a_o state_n but_o it_o can_v never_o settle_v itself_o and_o if_o it_o domineer_v a_o while_n its_o tyranny_n can_v hold_v because_o it_o have_v no_o foundation_n and_o it_o can_v never_o obtain_v to_o be_v a_o national_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o stability_n of_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v great_a mischief_n to_o a_o state_n be_v that_o it_o may_v serve_v the_o design_n of_o other_o to_o work_v out_o a_o more_o last_a misery_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o romish_a emissary_n under_o a_o vizor_n have_v overact_a this_o wild_a spirit_n that_o by_o its_o confusion_n and_o anarchy_n they_o may_v make_v way_n to_o introduce_v their_o own_o tyranny_n but_o the_o more_o extensive_a dangerous_a and_o last_a depravation_n of_o christianity_n lie_v on_o the_o same_o side_n with_o popery_n which_o be_v formidable_a indeed_o be_v found_v in_o power_n and_o policy_n and_o suit_v to_o worldly_a interest_n and_o to_o which_o man_n innate_a propension_n do_v general_o more_o incline_v they_o for_o that_o their_o fancy_n and_o affection_n be_v inveagle_v with_o its_o outward_a wealth_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o conscience_n lay_v a_o sleep_n by_o its_o loose_a principle_n and_o lifeless_a form_n of_o devotion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n which_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_n or_o law_n and_o its_o deviation_n from_o it_o be_v its_o depravation_n from_o this_o rule_n man_n be_v easy_o draw_v aside_o be_v entice_v by_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n perverse_a inclination_n
as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o rational_a discourse_n whatsoever_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n testimony_n be_v much_o more_o effectual_a than_o the_o argument_n of_o human_a reason_n to_o command_v assent_n and_o quiet_a man_n mind_n and_o appease_v their_o contest_v and_o if_o we_o yield_v not_o our_o controversy_n to_o be_v final_o decide_v by_o this_o sacred_a rule_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v or_o wherein_o shall_v we_o all_o be_v bind_v up_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o man_n seek_v out_o vain_a invention_n to_o please_v their_o own_o fancy_n or_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o find_v their_o devise_a way_n condemn_v by_o god_n word_n then_o they_o fall_v to_o derogate_v from_o its_o authority_n and_o sufficiciency_n and_o talk_n much_o of_o the_o impertinency_n and_o folly_n of_o those_o that_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o cry_v up_o tradition_n and_o reason_n and_o that_o wisdom_n of_o man_n that_o be_v but_o foolishness_n with_o god_n when_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v as_o well_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o must_v be_v as_o they_o may_v there_o be_v some_o useful_a truth_n and_o practice_n that_o may_v be_v too_o dear_o buy_v if_o purchase_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o its_o whole_a estate_n howbeit_o then_o be_v the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n when_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o standardmeasure_n of_o all_o and_o nothing_o be_v retain_v but_o what_o be_v plain_o agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o the_o safety_n of_o pure_a religion_n lie_v in_o as_o through_o a_o reformation_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n as_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v let_v the_o severe_a reason_n that_o be_v impartial_a weigh_v the_o follow_a word_n write_v by_o one_o of_o a_o catholic_n spirit_n and_o true_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o reform_a christianity_n touch_v our_o departure_n from_o rome_n we_o shall_v leave_v upon_o we_o no_o string_n or_o tassel_n of_o our_o ancient_a captivity_n such_o as_o whereby_o they_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o to_o pull_v we_o back_o again_o into_o our_o former_a bondage_n but_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o absolute_o free_a from_o any_o tie_n to_o they_o more_o than_o in_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n which_o we_o know_v so_o experimental_o not_o to_o be_v compass_v by_o needless_a symbolizing_n with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n i_o conceive_v it_o our_o best_a policy_n studious_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o nothing_o but_o for_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o think_v rather_o the_o worse_a of_o they_o for_o their_o use_v they_o as_o no_o person_n of_o honour_n will_v willing_o go_v in_o the_o know_a garb_n of_o any_o lewd_a and_o infamous_a person_n whatsoever_o we_o court_v they_o in_o they_o do_v but_o turn_v to_o our_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n and_o be_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o own_o wickedness_n wherefore_o see_v that_o needless_a symbolizing_n with_o they_o do_v they_o no_o good_a but_o hurt_n we_o shall_v account_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a perfect_o free_a to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o universal_a manner_n we_o can_v those_o of_o our_o own_o party_n not_o care_v what_o opinion_n or_o custom_n or_o outward_a formality_n the_o romanist_n and_o other_o have_v and_o may_v have_v have_v from_o the_o first_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o word_n popery_n it_o be_v not_o more_o odious_a than_o ambiguous_a among_o protestant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n some_o that_o will_v speak_v hard_a word_n against_o it_o have_v draw_v it_o into_o so_o extreme_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o to_o place_v it_o in_o little_a more_o than_o a_o secular_a interest_n of_o power_n controvert_v between_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o prince_n and_o prelate_n of_o christendom_n and_o other_o that_o make_v it_o broad_a be_v yet_o very_o tender_a if_o not_o fond_a of_o many_o gross_a corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o have_v extend_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o disparage_v thing_n good_a and_o laudable_a and_o requisite_a and_o ignorant_o call_v by_o that_o name_n whatsoever_o they_o fancy_v not_o nevertheless_o those_o useless_a and_o offensive_a thing_n take_v up_o by_o the_o papal_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o their_o know_a apostasy_n both_o doctrine_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o be_v they_o more_o peculiar_o may_v just_o be_v call_v popish_a though_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o apostolic_a command_n or_o mean_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o work_a grace_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v tenacious_a of_o their_o form_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o our_o own_o belief_n how_o be_v we_o oblige_v or_o concern_v to_o conform_v to_o their_o usage_n more_o than_o they_o be_v to_o we_o have_v they_o any_o authority_n over_o we_o or_o be_v they_o any_o way_n a_o rule_n unto_o we_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o right_a both_o their_o rule_n and_o we_o or_o can_v they_o upbraid_v we_o for_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o these_o at_o least_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o custom_n unless_o they_o upbraid_v we_o upon_o those_o ground_n which_o we_o have_v reject_v together_o with_o their_o usurpation_n and_o and_o which_o if_o we_o receive_v again_o we_o must_v quit_v protestancy_n itself_o this_o strive_v to_o come_v so_o near_o they_o whether_o tend_v it_o but_o to_o reduce_v we_o again_o into_o that_o church_n for_o by_o all_o approach_n to_o they_o they_o be_v not_o draw_v one_o step_n towards_o we_o but_o be_v the_o more_o harden_v and_o still_o they_o rest_v unmoveable_a on_o the_o rock_n of_o their_o pretend_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n the_o impurity_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n lie_v chief_o in_o its_o superstition_n and_o sensuality_n in_o the_o grosser_n part_n of_o its_o superstition_n be_v manifold_a gross_a idolatry_n and_o any_o way_n of_o symbolise_v with_o idolatry_n which_o be_v spiritual_a whoredom_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o the_o chaste_a spouse_n of_o chirst_n as_o the_o retain_v of_o such_o image_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v make_v object_n of_o religious_a adoration_n and_o the_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o peculiar_a garb_n and_o fashion_n of_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n moreover_o where_o the_o gross_a pollution_n be_v avoid_v if_o their_o pomp_n and_o train_n of_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o a_o dead_a work_n and_o carnal_a service_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v decay_v and_o die_v among_o the_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n sensuality_n the_o concomitant_a of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o gross_a superstition_n be_v likewise_o manifest_v in_o their_o devotion_n of_o the_o israelite_n idolatry_n it_o be_v write_v the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v sensual_a sport_n and_o pastime_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o carnal_a worshipper_n as_o be_v notable_o see_v in_o the_o popish_a festival_n and_o this_o make_v the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n addict_v to_o such_o a_o way_n to_o pray_v a_o while_n and_o then_o to_o play_v be_v the_o business_n of_o their_o sacred_a solemnity_n but_o this_o course_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o true_a holiness_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o profaneness_n and_o not_o only_o the_o piety_n but_o the_o civility_n of_o a_o nation_n will_v hereby_o much_o abate_v a_o church_n that_o will_v maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v need_n have_v its_o solemn_a day_n of_o divine_a service_n distinct_a from_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o carnal_a sport_n mirth_n and_o jollity_n chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n the_o enmity_n against_o it_o be_v general_a and_o perpetual_a in_o the_o first_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o break_v forth_o even_o to_o blood_n and_o throughout_o all_o age_n it_o have_v be_v propagate_v &_o that_o with_o great_a rage_n as_o well_o within_o as_o without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o adverse_a world_n know_v not_o the_o new_a nature_n what_o it_o be_v for_o it_o know_v not_o god_n who_o image_n it_o be_v the_o world_n be_v not_o only_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n but_o opposite_a to_o it_o by_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o so_o not_o only_o want_v the_o true_a relish_n but_o have_v a_o strong_a disrelish_v of_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n moreover_o true_a christianity_n be_v a_o light_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n
lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o where_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o good_a conversation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a have_v this_o principle_n deep_o imprint_v in_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partition_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a
subordination_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o either_o in_o way_n of_o proper_a authority_n or_o of_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o the_o associate_v church_n and_o particular_a member_n therein_o be_v natural_o bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o orderly_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a association_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n thereof_o when_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o pastor_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n by_o their_o conjunction_n with_o the_o large_a combination_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o their_o church_n for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n may_v in_o such_o manner_n err_v in_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o make_v right_o inform_v person_n uncapable_a of_o their_o combination_n a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o a_o combination_n or_o coagmentation_n of_o particular_a church_n unite_v under_o one_o civil_a supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o lie_v not_o in_o any_o combination_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a and_o intrinsical_v but_o civil_a and_o extrinsical_a as_o of_o so_o many_o church_n that_o be_v collect_v under_o one_o that_o have_v the_o civil_a supremacy_n over_o they_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n true_o denote_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o be_v no_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o christian_a church_n stand_v for_o several_a century_n without_o the_o support_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o a_o political_a extrinsical_a episcopacy_n over_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o negligence_n and_o maladministration_n and_o they_o may_v reform_v the_o church_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n the_o possession_n of_o the_o tithe_n and_o temple_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o true_a pastor_n and_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o privation_n thereof_o declare_v no_o pastor_n and_o no_o church_n for_o these_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v neither_o make_v nor_o make_v void_a a_o pastor_n or_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n of_o many_o parish_n under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o diocesan_n if_o the_o several_a parish_n be_v so_o many_o particular_a churce_n and_o if_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o those_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v mention_v by_o that_o name_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n then_o a_o diocese_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o a_o governor_n over_o many_o church_n and_o their_o immediate_a bishop_n if_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n nor_o their_o presbyter_n to_o be_v realy_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n but_o the_o diocese_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o low_a political_a church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o the_o sole_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o include_v parish_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o bishop_n or_o of_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v but_o one_o distinct_a state_v society_n have_v its_o own_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n elder_a or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n who_o do_v personal_o and_o immediate_o superintend_v over_o the_o whole_a flock_n which_o ordinary_o hold_v either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n personal_a present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n but_o a_o diocese_n consist_v of_o several_a state_v society_n to_o wit_n the_o parish_n which_o be_v constitute_v several_o of_o a_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n have_v cure_n of_o soul_n and_o common_o call_v a_o rector_n and_o the_o people_n which_o be_v his_o proper_a and_o â—…rge_a or_o cure_v and_o the_o people_n of_o thâ—…_n not_o live_v under_o the_o personal_a and_o inâ—…rsight_n of_o their_o diocesan_n but_o under_o â—…legates_n and_o substitute_n nor_o do_v they_o oâ—…ly_o hold_v personal_n present_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o god_n worship_n either_o at_o once_o together_o or_o by_o turn_n nevertheless_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o diocese_n be_v consider_v i_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o diocesan_n as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n under_o the_o king_n supremacy_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n of_o presbyterate_a which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o pastoral_a office_n that_o show_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o only_o proper_a giver_n of_o all_o spiritual_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o so_o limit_v the_o say_a office_n and_o man_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o they_o enlarge_v or_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o nature_n or_o essential_a state_n or_o define_v it_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v state_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n no_o power_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v discharge_v any_o minister_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o those_o circumstance_n wherein_o christ_n command_v he_o to_o exercise_v it_o nor_o any_o christian_n from_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v they_o as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o judge_v what_o law_n touch_v religion_n be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o enact_v and_o execute_v so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o their_o own_o pastoral_n act_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o about_o their_o own_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o too_o common_a abuse_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n can_v abrogate_v the_o right_a use_n thereof_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o man_n can_v act_v as_o man_n nor_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n chap._n ii_o of_o true_a church-unity_n when_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v by_o partiality_n and_o selfishness_n common_o and_o gross_o abuse_v and_o misapply_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o name_n do_v of_o right_o belong_v aught_o to_o be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o clear_o and_o distinct_o lay_v open_a for_o a_o groundwork_n in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o fix_v upon_o two_o very_a note_a text_n of_o scripture_n the_o one_o be_v eph._n 4._o 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n the_o other_o be_v rom._n 16._o 17._o mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o the_o former_a guide_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a church-unity_n and_o the_o latter_a show_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o text_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o due_a act_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o peace_n and_o concord_n several_a important_a thing_n be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a unity_n between_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o form_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n as_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a unity_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o member_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o 2._o this_o unity_n be_v under_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o what_o the_o head_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n 3._o this_o unity_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o under_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n do_v seize_v upon_o and_o reside_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a by_o which_o they_o become_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o be_v join_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n 4._o this_o unity_n of_o
the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n which_o be_v consequent_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o internal_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profess_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n arise_v from_o it_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o true_a holiness_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o sensual_a earthly_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apparent_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o external_a church_n order_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v holy_a love_n which_o be_v unself_v and_o impartial_a be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o cement_n that_o hold_v altogether_o in_o this_o mystical_a society_n for_o this_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o several_a member_n dispose_v they_o to_o look_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o and_o not_o to_o the_o undue_a advancement_n of_o a_o party_n but_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n whosoever_o want_v this_o love_n have_v no_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o no_o part_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o ennoble_v strengthen_v and_o every_o way_n bless_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o holy_a love_n among_o all_o its_o live_a member_n or_o real_a christian_n than_o by_o a_o outside_n uniformity_n in_o the_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o love_n it_o be_v more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o intelligent_a beholder_n than_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ornament_n or_o any_o worldly_a splendour_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n superad_v by_o man_n the_o three_o and_o low_a point_n be_v in_o those_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n of_o these_o several_a point_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o different_a valuation_n according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n which_o respect_v christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o next_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o be_v next_o in_o value_n that_o which_o respect_v the_o very_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n and_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o that_o also_o which_o respect_v the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o not_o before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n thing_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o church_n good_a estate_n and_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a stress_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o unity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o church_n unity_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whosoever_o keep_v that_o unity_n which_o have_v god_n word_n for_o its_o rule_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whosoever_o boast_v of_o a_o unity_n that_o be_v not_o square_v by_o this_o rule_n his_o boast_n be_v but_o vain_a a_o hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n be_v by_o some_o false_o ascribe_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religion_n god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v all_o those_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o he_o he_o have_v likewise_o therein_o institute_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o have_v define_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n as_o for_o the_o circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a he_o have_v lay_v down_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n thereof_o the_o particular_n be_v both_o needless_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v enumerate_v and_o define_v in_o this_o point_n god_n have_v declare_v his_o mind_n deut._n 4._o 2._o you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o what_o soever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o the_o prohibition_n be_v not_o mere_o of_o alter_v the_o rule_n god_n write_a word_n by_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o of_o do_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o rule_n require_v as_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o of_o preserve_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v in_o it_o such_o human_a institution_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v in_o mere_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n for_o the_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v but_o of_o mere_a circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o those_o thing_n and_o these_o circumstantial_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v general_o command_v in_o the_o word_n though_o not_o in_o particular_a but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o determination_n belong_v they_o that_o assert_v and_o stand_v to_o this_o only_a rule_n provide_v best_a for_o the_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o be_v more_o easy_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o acceptable_a worship_n and_o all_o warrantable_a obedience_n they_o lay_v the_o great_a weight_n on_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n they_o careful_o regard_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o maintain_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o more_o inconsiderable_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n do_v ancient_o determine_v for_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o natural_o convenient_a that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o know_v best_a what_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o their_o own_o society_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o necessary_a circumstance_n within_o their_o
chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o high_a violation_n thereof_o and_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n lie_v in_o deny_v or_o enormous_o violate_v the_o say_a essential_o or_o weighty_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v direct_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o of_o particular_a church_n only_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n but_o church_n yea_o a_o large_a combination_n of_o church_n bear_v the_o christian_a name_n may_v in_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o other_o avow_a practice_n great_o violate_v the_o essential_o or_o very_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a breach_n of_o unity_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o withdraw_v or_o depart_v from_o any_o the_o large_a combination_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n though_o for_o their_o amplitude_n they_o presume_v to_o style_v their_o combination_n the_o catholic_n church_n that_o maintain_v and_o avow_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o direct_o or_o by_o near_a and_o palpable_a consequence_n overthrow_v the_o say_v essential_o the_o next_o point_n of_o external_a unity_n be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a worship_n the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o next_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o breach_n hereof_o and_o this_o may_v be_v either_o against_o the_o catholic_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o such_o schism_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o when_o any_o one_o part_n of_o profess_a christian_n how_o numerous_a soever_o combine_v by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o catholic_n unity_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v make_v account_v themselves_o the_o only_a catholic_n church_n exclude_v all_o person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n 2._o when_o a_o false_a catholic_n unity_n be_v devise_v or_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o devise_a unity_n of_o government_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n under_o one_o terrene_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a assume_v a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o all_o christian_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a disow_v of_o most_o of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v no_o true_a church_n state_n no_o not_o the_o essential_o thereof_o and_o a_o utter_a break_v off_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o according_o of_o schism_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o point_n of_o its_o church_n state_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n although_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n though_o somewhat_o faulty_a 2._o a_o utter_a refuse_v of_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n when_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n without_o our_o personal_a sin_n of_o commission_n or_o omission_n 3._o the_o cause_v of_o any_o division_n or_o distemper_n in_o the_o state_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o true_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o disow_v a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n supervenient_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n like_o a_o leprosy_n in_o the_o body_n that_o do_v gross_o deprave_v they_o and_o in_o great_a part_n frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o constitution_n the_o last_o and_o low_a point_n of_o external_a unity_n lie_v in_o the_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n and_o matter_n of_o mere_a order_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n the_o violation_n thereof_o be_v the_o least_o and_o low_a point_n of_o schism_n i_o mean_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o not_o in_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o those_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n be_v allow_v of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o prudence_n and_o charity_n for_o peace_n and_o edification_n and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o consequent_o it_o be_v one_o point_n of_o schism_n to_o make_v a_o division_n from_o or_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o accountal_a of_o accident_n form_n and_o order_n so_o determine_v according_a to_o god_n allowance_n but_o if_o any_o of_o the_o accidental_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o maintain_n or_o practise_v thereof_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n in_o that_o case_n for_o explicit_o and_o personal_o to_o own_o error_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o small_a point_n be_v evil_n in_o itself_o which_o must_v not_o be_v commit_v that_o good_a may_v come_v in_o this_o case_n not_o he_o that_o withdraw_v but_o he_o that_o impose_v cause_v the_o division_n and_o this_o hold_v of_o thing_n sinful_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o just_a consequence_n and_o herein_o he_o that_o be_v to_o act_v be_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o practice_n whether_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v such_o for_o god_n law_n suppose_v we_o rational_a creature_n able_a to_o discern_v its_o meaning_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o own_o action_n else_o the_o law_n be_v give_v we_o in_o vain_a submission_n and_o reverence_n towards_o superior_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o resign_v his_o understanding_n to_o their_o determination_n or_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o to_o violate_v his_o own_o conscience_n person_n meek_a humble_a peaceable_a and_o thorough_o conscientious_a and_o of_o competent_a judgement_n may_v not_o be_v able_a by_o their_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n to_o see_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v declare_v contumacious_a see_v there_o be_v several_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o valuation_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n man_n judgement_n and_o estimation_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v very_o preposterous_a who_o lie_v the_o great_a stress_n on_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n and_o raise_v thing_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n to_o the_o high_a in_o their_o valuation_n and_o set_v light_n by_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o high_a value_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v who_o set_v light_n by_o soundness_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o divine_a institution_n where_o there_o be_v not_o also_o unanimity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n and_o human_a ceremony_n and_o they_o that_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o minister_n according_o do_v therein_o little_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o church_n unity_n a_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o it_o when_o other_o bound_n thereof_o be_v set_v than_o this_o rule_n allow_v a_o instance_n hereof_o be_v the_o devise_v of_o other_o term_n of_o church-communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n than_o god_n have_v command_v or_o allow_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v make_v the_o term_n thereof_o also_o any_o cast_n or_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n such_o as_o god_n word_n do_v not_o exclude_v from_o either_o but_o signify_v to_o be_v qualify_v and_o call_v thereunto_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o imposer_n such_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n or_o ministerial_a station_n as_o be_v neither_o scriptural_a nor_o necessary_a to_o peace_n and_o edification_n nor_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n without_o which_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v undecent_a nor_o be_v in_o any_o regard_n so_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o a_o great_a benefit_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o urge_v such_o unscriptural_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n unto_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n such_o imposer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o breach_n that_o follow_v but_o a_o culpable_a cause_n thereof_o because_o they_o impose_v without_o and_o against_o christ_n warrant_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v burden_v nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o servant_n entangle_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a nevertheless_o such_o unscriptural_a or_o
those_o bound_n subject_n may_v not_o by_o coercive_a power_n reform_v the_o public_a state_n and_o change_v the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v their_o voluntary_a assembly_n for_o god_n worship_n when_o they_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o legal_a church_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o unlawful_a term_n or_o unnecessary_a term_n apprehend_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v force_v either_o to_o hold_v such_o assembly_n or_o to_o abide_v perpetual_o without_o those_o spiritual_a privilege_n which_o be_v their_o due_n and_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o inimical_a separation_n like_o sedition_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o secregation_n upon_o necessary_a cause_n without_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o among_o the_o necessary_a cause_n this_o may_v be_v one_o that_o all_o sober_a christian_n who_o for_o conscience_n sake_n can_v submit_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n may_v be_v relieve_v and_o that_o none_o may_v be_v expose_v for_o lack_v of_o that_o relief_n to_o be_v lead_v aside_o into_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o heresy_n infidelity_n or_o any_o other_o course_n of_o impiety_n indeed_o here_o be_v some_o variation_n from_o the_o ordinary_o regular_a bound_a of_o church_n but_o the_o partition_n of_o one_o church_n from_o another_o by_o local_a bound_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o natural_o eligible_a from_o the_o convenience_n thereof_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v but_o the_o state_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v be_v such_o as_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o vary_v from_o it_o the_o scope_n hereof_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n but_o either_o occasional_a and_o temporary_a assembly_n or_o at_o the_o most_o but_o divers_a church_n distinguish_v by_o their_o several_a place_n of_o assemble_v or_o by_o diversity_n of_o external_a order_n as_o the_o allow_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n in_o london_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o parish_n church_n if_o any_o object_n the_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v follow_v the_o permit_v of_o church_n assembly_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n of_o ruler_n in_o any_o nation_n where_o this_o case_n may_v be_v suppose_v can_v provide_v that_o as_o few_o as_o may_v be_v shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o that_o permission_n by_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o may_v comprehend_v all_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n and_o after_o such_o comprehension_n christian_a charity_n will_v plead_v that_o all_o tolerable_a dissenter_n that_o be_v all_o who_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n may_v be_v tolerate_v within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n that_o which_o be_v here_o propose_v may_v make_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o many_o thousand_o serious_a christian_n without_o breach_n of_o the_o external_a order_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o be_v not_o set_v up_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o thing_n more_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o offender_n express_o mark_v out_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n rom._n 16._o 17._o be_v ungodly_a man_n that_o oppose_v or_o pervert_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v sensualist_n and_o deceiver_n disturb_v and_o pollute_v the_o christian_a society_n and_o seduce_v the_o simple_a into_o destructive_a error_n and_o practice_n wherefore_o the_o text_n be_v ill_o apply_v to_o the_o rigorous_a condemnation_n of_o honest_a and_o peaceable_a man_n that_o dissent_v only_o in_o some_o accidental_a or_o inferior_a point_n of_o religion_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v christian_n to_o despise_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o yet_o not_o only_o false_a teacher_n but_o all_o schismatic_n be_v here_o condemn_v under_o this_o description_n viz._n those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o direct_a opposer_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n yet_o be_v divider_n or_o disturber_n they_o practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o teach_v unity_n love_n and_o peace_n but_o still_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o reality_n of_o schism_n lie_v not_o in_o be_v divide_v or_o disorder_v but_o in_o cause_v the_o division_n or_o disturbance_n or_o in_o a_o voluntary_a violation_n of_o or_o depart_v from_o true_a church-unity_n they_o that_o cause_n division_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o schism_n by_o the_o support_n of_o secular_a power_n nor_o be_v other_o convict_v of_o it_o mere_o by_o the_o want_n of_o that_o support_n the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o sacred_a thing_n be_v accumulative_a not_o destructive_a or_o diminutive_a to_o the_o right_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n it_o take_v not_o from_o they_o any_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v grant_v they_o but_o give_v they_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a case_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o these_o time_n of_o those_o party_n which_o be_v ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n as_o violate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o heretic_n as_o deny_v any_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n be_v of_o the_o chief_a note_n forasmuch_o as_o both_o these_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o schism_n it_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o i_o to_o consider_v the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n pass_v by_o accidental_a matter_n and_o insist_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n according_a to_o their_o main_a principle_n and_o practice_n as_o concern_v the_o donatist_n the_o breach_n make_v by_o they_o have_v this_o rise_n donatus_n with_o his_o complice_n vehement_o oppose_v cecilianus_n who_o have_v be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n in_o design_n to_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bishopric_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o be_v ordain_v by_o one_o that_o have_v be_v a_o proditor_n and_o of_o have_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n one_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n this_o cause_n be_v by_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n appointment_n hear_v before_o several_a council_n and_o many_o judge_n the_o accuser_n still_o fail_v in_o their_o proof_n of_o the_o thing_n object_v cecilianus_n be_v acquit_v and_o confirm_v in_o his_o office_n the_o party_n of_o donatus_n fail_v in_o their_o design_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o boundless_a rage_n of_o opposition_n to_o a_o total_a and_o irreclaimable_a separation_n from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o faction_n and_o become_v very_o numerous_a upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o shun_v the_o contagion_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o sacrament_n their_o principle_n be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o themselves_o in_o a_o corner_n of_o africa_n also_o that_o true_a baptism_n be_v not_o administer_v but_o in_o their_o sect._n likewise_o they_o proceed_v to_o great_a tumult_n and_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o they_o call_v circumcelliones_fw-la glory_v in_o a_o furious_a kind_n of_o martyrdom_n partly_o by_o force_v other_o to_o kill_v they_o and_o partly_o by_o kill_v themselves_o the_o novatian_o take_v their_o name_n and_o beginning_n from_o novatus_n a_o presbyter_n first_o at_o carthage_n afterward_o at_o rome_n who_o hold_v that_o they_o who_o lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n unto_o the_o deny_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v readmit_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o repent_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n of_o penance_n he_o separated_z from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n by_o bishop_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n cyprian_n give_v a_o very_a bad_a character_n of_o he_o as_o a_o turbulent_a arrogant_a and_o avaritious_a person_n but_o of_o what_o spirit_n soever_o he_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o canon_n be_v receive_v among_o many_o that_o be_v of_o strict_a life_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v report_v to_o have_v suffer_v death_n in_o the_o persecution_n under_o valerian_n at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a acesius_n bishop_n of_o the_o novatian_o be_v ask_v by_o constantine_n whether_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o the_o council_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n as_o be_v there_o dercee_v answer_v that_o he_o full_o assent_v to_o both_o then_o be_v again_o ask_v by_o the_o emperor_n why_o
he_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n he_o recite_v for_o himself_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o decius_n and_o the_o exquisite_a observation_n of_o a_o certain_a severe_a canon_n that_o they_o who_o after_o baptism_n have_v fall_v into_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n but_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o expect_v the_o hope_n of_o remission_n not_o from_o the_o priest_n but_o from_o god_n who_o have_v power_n to_o forgive_v by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o novatian_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o salvability_n of_o the_o lapse_v or_o other_o that_o have_v fall_v into_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o only_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o sacerdotal_a absolution_n and_o church-communion_n and_o thus_o they_o make_v a_o very_a unwarrantable_a separation_n ground_v upon_o a_o unjust_a rigour_n of_o very_a bad_a consequence_n nevertheless_o their_o error_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n may_v be_v ensnare_v in_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o great_a detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o its_o tendency_n to_o prevent_v the_o lapse_n of_o christian_n into_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o resolve_v for_o martyrdom_n and_o by_o as_o credible_a history_n as_o any_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ancient_a time_n they_o be_v report_v to_o have_v have_v among_o they_o man_n eminent_o pious_a and_o some_o famous_a for_o miracle_n they_o unmovable_o adhere_v to_o the_o homousian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o orthodox_n suffer_v dreadful_a persecution_n they_o have_v some_o bishop_n remarkable_a for_o wisdom_n and_o godliness_n and_o such_o as_o be_v consult_v with_o by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o that_o with_o good_a success_n for_o support_v of_o the_o common_a faith_n against_o the_o arrian_n and_o such_o like_a heretic_n under_o a_o certain_a persecution_n wherein_o they_o be_v companion_n of_o the_o self_n same_o suffering_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n and_o novatian_o have_v prayer_n together_o in_o the_o novation_n church_n and_o that_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v almost_o unite_v if_o the_o novation_n have_v not_o utter_o refuse_v that_o they_o may_v keep_v up_o their_o old_a institute_n yet_o they_o bear_v such_o good_a will_n one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o will_v die_v one_o for_o another_o these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n be_v report_v of_o they_o by_o socrates_n who_o some_o indeed_o suspect_v to_o have_v be_v addict_v to_o they_o yet_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o he_o give_v they_o their_o due_n upon_o evident_a proof_n and_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v report_v sosoman_n thus_o testify_v of_o they_o l._n 2._o c._n 30._o that_o when_o other_o sect_n expire_v the_o novatian_o because_o they_o have_v good_a man_n for_o the_o leader_n of_o their_o way_n and_o because_o they_o defend_v the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v very_o numerous_a from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o continue_v and_o suffer_v not_o much_o damage_n by_o constantine_n law_n for_o suppress_v of_o sect_n and_o acesius_n their_o bishop_n be_v much_o favour_v by_o the_o emperor_n for_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o life_n great_o advantage_v his_o church_n also_o l._n 4._o c._n 19_o he_o report_v the_o great_a amity_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o catholic_n in_o a_o time_n of_o common_a persecution_n whether_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o uniformity_n now_o require_v be_v in_o point_n of_o schism_n of_o the_o same_o or_o like_a reason_n with_o the_o above_o mention_v or_o any_o other_o ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o dissent_v not_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n or_o external_a order_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v here_o take_v into_o consideration_n of_o these_o some_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o church-order_n desire_v to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o sever_a society_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o legal_a church_n or_o ministry_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n therein_o perform_v other_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o parochial_a church_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o establish_v form_n of_o worship_n will_v glad_o embrace_v a_o freedom_n of_o communicate_v and_o administer_a therein_o upon_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o bar_n that_o lie_v against_o they_o and_o which_o they_o think_v may_v well_o be_v remove_v thereupon_o they_o seek_v a_o accommodation_n and_o union_n by_o a_o sufficient_a comprehensiveness_n in_o the_o public_a constitution_n and_o withal_o a_o reasonable_a indulgence_n towards_o those_o brethren_n who_o for_o the_o straightness_n of_o their_o judgement_n can_v be_v comprehend_v neither_o party_n of_o the_o dissenter_n here_o describe_v can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n like_o the_o donatistical_n fury_n before_o express_v if_o austin_n seek_v the_o suppression_n of_o that_o sect_n by_o the_o secular_a power_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o horrible_a outrage_n commit_v by_o they_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v urge_v for_o a_o precedent_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o for_o the_o suppression_n of_o man_n sober_a and_o peaceable_a and_o sound_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n nor_o can_v either_o party_n of_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o intolerable_a presumption_n and_o arrogance_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o confine_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o own_o party_n or_o the_o disannul_n and_o utter_a denounce_v of_o all_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n like_o they_o which_o begin_v in_o a_o quarrel_n against_o a_o particular_a bishop_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o animosity_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o condemn_v he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o another_o manner_n of_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o our_o dissent_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o those_o dissenter_n who_o principle_n bind_v they_o up_o to_o persevere_v in_o their_o sever_a society_n seem_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v as_o the_o novatian_o who_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o reunion_n with_o the_o other_o church_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v for_o they_o that_o reason_n have_v be_v offer_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o discourse_n for_o indulgence_n to_o conscientious_a people_n who_o be_v entangle_v by_o the_o narrowness_n of_o their_o principle_n touch_v church-order_n beside_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v off_o upon_o so_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a a_o point_n as_o the_o novatian_o do_v viz._n the_o utter_a repel_v of_o the_o lapse_v though_o penitent_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o have_v ordinary_o communion_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n with_o congregation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o church_n way_n and_o occasional_o in_o the_o sacrament_n with_o those_o congregation_n where_o they_o apprehend_v a_o care_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n nor_o may_v they_o be_v judge_v so_o irreconcilable_a to_o the_o establish_v order_n but_o that_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o those_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o their_o lively_a preach_v and_o a_o great_a care_n of_o true_a and_o real_a church-discipline_n may_v do_v much_o to_o their_o recovery_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n why_o may_v not_o these_o be_v upon_o as_o good_a term_n under_o the_o present_a government_n as_o the_o novatian_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o time_n church_n history_n report_v that_o they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v by_o the_o arrian_n emperor_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o they_o have_v great_a indulgence_n under_o orthodox_n emperor_n and_o with_o many_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o patriarch_n who_o prudent_a and_o moderate_a government_n do_v best_a provide_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o church_n but_o those_o orthodox_n bishop_n who_o take_v from_o they_o their_o church_n and_o estate_n be_v chief_o either_o such_o as_o take_v to_o themselves_o a_o secular_a power_n and_o rule_v imperious_o and_o with_o violence_n or_o such_o as_o with_o their_o zeal_n have_v more_o of_o wrath_n and_o rashness_n than_o of_o meekness_n and_o prudence_n this_o can_v be_v easy_o prove_v in_o the_o particular_a instance_n if_o need_n be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o all_o nonconformist_n for_o part_v of_o they_o and_o upon_o good_a experiment_n make_v they_o may_v be_v find_v the_o great_a part_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o abide_v in_o a_o sever_a state_n but_o desire_v a_o union_n it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v as_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o
but_o their_o superior_n may_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v fierce_a and_o violent_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v dovelike_o meek_a and_o harmless_a and_o that_o spirit_n incline_v to_o deal_v tender_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o expose_v to_o scorn_n because_o some_o may_v false_o pretend_v to_o it_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n be_v compassionate_a towards_o his_o member_n and_o he_o have_v say_v whoso_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o way_n of_o unity_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o wisdom_n equity_n and_o charity_n of_o superior_n so_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o due_a submission_n of_o inferior_n in_o their_o ready_a close_n with_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o public_a constitution_n in_o their_o bear_n with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a in_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o improvable_a for_o their_o own_o and_o other_o edification_n in_o a_o word_n in_o deny_v no_o compliance_n which_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n do_v not_o forbid_v matter_n of_o public_a injunction_n which_o inferior_n stick_v at_o may_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o either_o as_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a or_o as_o inexpedient_a now_o it_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o the_o inexpediency_n of_o thing_n command_v but_o the_o suppose_a unlawfulness_n of_o divers_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o nonconformist_n general_o stick_v at_o whereof_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o particular_a account_n when_o it_o will_v be_v admit_v howbeit_o a_o question_n may_v arise_v about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o submission_n to_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a but_o inexpedient_a especial_o in_o respect_n of_o scandal_n the_o solution_n whereof_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o way_n in_o such_o thing_n upon_o this_o question_n it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o right_a of_o command_v there_o be_v no_o due_a of_o obedience_n nevertheless_o thing_n unwarrantable_o command_v be_v sometime_o warrantable_o observe_v though_o not_o in_o obedience_n yet_o in_o prudence_n as_o to_o procure_v peace_n and_o to_o show_v a_o readiness_n to_o all_o possible_a compliance_n with_o superior_n moreover_o ruler_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o unlawful_a when_o christian_a charity_n forbid_v to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n by_o reason_n of_o evil_a consequent_n for_o all_o authority_n be_v give_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n likewise_o our_o christian_a liberty_n include_v no_o licence_n to_o do_v that_o act_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n the_o do_v of_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o circumstance_n be_v uncharitable_a but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n do_v extend_v in_o this_o case_n and_o when_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o forbid_v my_o observance_n of_o what_o the_o ruler_n have_v unwarrantable_o because_o uncharitable_o command_v true_a charity_n do_v not_o whole_o destroy_v christian_n liberty_n though_o it_o regulate_v the_o use_n thereof_o and_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v it_o so_o far_o one_o way_n as_o to_o destroy_v itself_o another_o way_n if_o i_o be_o bind_v up_o from_o do_v every_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o which_o weak_a conscience_n will_v take_v offence_n my_o liberty_n be_v turn_v into_o bondage_n and_o i_o be_o leave_v in_o thraldom_n to_o other_o man_n endless_a scrupulosity_n this_o be_v i_o think_v a_o yoke_n which_o christian_n be_v not_o fit_v nor_o able_a to_o bear_v this_o bondage_n be_v great_a and_o the_o burden_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o i_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o other_o weakness_n i_o must_v be_v bind_v up_o from_o observe_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n and_o by_o they_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n when_o my_o conscience_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o otherwise_o expedient_a for_o i_o to_o do_v it_o as_o for_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o enjoin_v the_o ruler_n must_v look_v to_o that_o be_v some_o displease_v and_o grieve_v that_o i_o do_v it_o as_o many_o or_o more_o may_v be_v displease_v and_o grieve_v if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o do_v some_o take_v occasion_n by_o my_o necessary_a use_n of_o a_o just_a liberty_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o to_o sin_n my_o forbear_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o other_o as_o their_o persist_v in_o some_o troublesome_a error_n to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o spiritual_a damage_n and_o in_o unwarrantable_a noncompliance_n with_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n consequent_a to_o such_o forbearance_n must_v also_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n when_o both_o the_o use_n and_o forbear_v of_o my_o liberty_n be_v clog_v with_o evil_a consequent_n i_o know_v no_o safe_a way_n than_o due_o to_o consider_v of_o what_o moment_n the_o consequent_n be_v on_o either_o side_n and_o to_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o have_v the_o lesser_a evil_n herein_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o direct_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o impartial_a view_n of_o all_o circumstance_n which_o come_v under_o his_o prospect_n and_o if_o good_a conscience_n and_o right_a reason_n guide_v by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n lead_v i_o to_o make_v use_n of_o my_o christian_a liberty_n in_o compliance_n with_o my_o superior_n i_o must_v humble_o and_o charitable_o apply_v myself_o to_o remove_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o take_v by_o clear_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o my_o act_n to_o their_o judgement_n but_o if_o that_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o they_o i_o be_o by_o my_o christian_a good_a behaviour_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o their_o conscience_n what_o in_o i_o lie_v that_o what_o i_o do_v i_o do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o and_o that_o i_o be_o no_o temporizer_n man-pleas_a and_o self-seek_a i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o that_o high_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v do_v admit_v such_o equitable_a interpretation_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n person_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o thing_n declare_v to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a a_o humble_a representation_n of_o my_o own_o case_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o ministry_n near_o forty_o year_n have_v be_v ordain_v presbyter_n according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o ordination_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v call_v to_o this_o sacred_a order_n i_o hold_v myself_o indispensible_o oblige_v to_o the_o work_n thereof_o as_o god_n enable_v i_o and_o give_v i_o opportunity_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n be_v signify_v in_o the_o form_n of_o word_n by_o which_o i_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o viz._n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n thou_o do_v forgive_v they_o be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n thou_o do_v retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o be_v thou_o a_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n amen_n the_o former_a part_n of_o these_o word_n be_v use_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n in_o confer_v upon_o they_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n full_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v pastoral_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o which_o they_o have_v successor_n likewise_o this_o church_n do_v then_o appoint_v that_o at_o the_o order_n of_o priest_n or_o presbyter_n certain_a portion_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v as_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o portion_n of_o act._n 20._o which_o relate_v st._n paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n with_o his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o rule_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n or_o else_o 1_o tim._n 3._o which_o set_v forth_o the_o office_n and_o due_a qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o afterward_o the_o bishop_n speak_v to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o office_n of_o priesthood_n in_o this_o form_n