Selected quad for the lemma: england_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
england_n christian_a church_n communion_n 2,479 5 8.9287 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A84425 An end to the controversie between the Church of England, and dissenters In which all their pleas for separation from the Church of England are proved to be insufficient, from the writings of the most eminent among the dissenters themselves. And their separation condemn'd by the reformed churches. 1697 (1697) Wing E725B; ESTC R224499 64,815 158

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

join_v yourself_o to_o that_o separate_a church_n till_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o hurt_n that_o will_v follow_v by_o discord_n offence_n division_n encourage_v of_o schism_n and_o pride_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v great_a than_o your_o benefit_n can_v compensate_a but_o if_o this_o separate_a church_n be_v a_o factious_a church_n set_v up_o contentious_o against_o the_o concordant_a church_n though_o on_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n and_o if_o their_o meeting_n be_v employ_v in_o contemn_v and_o revile_v other_o church_n who_o people_n be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o in_o puff_v up_o themselves_o with_o pride_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n avoid_v such_o separate_a church_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o book_n p._n 336._o he_o bid_v we_o not_o peevish_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o come_v to_o they_o with_o humoursome_a prejudice_n think_v not_o that_o you_o must_v stay_v away_o or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o every_o passage_n that_o be_v disorderly_a unmeet_a yea_o or_o unsound_a or_o untrue_a for_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o work_n of_o man_n and_o while_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a imperfect_a and_o sinful_a their_o prayer_n and_o preach_a will_v be_v like_o themselves_o and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o high_a pretender_n and_o the_o peevish_a quarrely_a have_v his_o own_o fail_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o our_o dissenter_n will_v allow_v their_o own_o mr._n baxter_n to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o learned_a divine_n beforesaid_a they_o must_v own_v that_o neither_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o ministry_n nor_o better_a edification_n be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n but_o there_o be_v another_o thing_n say_v they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o be_v the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n which_o they_o require_v from_o we_o what_o say_v mr._n baxter_n to_o this_o why_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 331._o say_v if_o a_o church_n in_o other_o respect_n sound_v require_v of_o you_o any_o false_a subscription_n promise_n or_o oath_n or_o any_o unlawful_a thing_n you_o must_v not_o do_v it_o but_o hold_v communion_n in_o other_o lawful_a thing_n it_o seem_v than_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n neither_o the_o scruple_n which_o man_n make_v to_o the_o oath_n and_o declaration_n be_v ground_v upon_o mistake_n for_o that_o they_o vide._n but_o for_o the_o far_o satisfy_n of_o such_o well_o mean_v person_n as_o be_v scrupulous_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o these_o oath_n subscription_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o other_o thing_n require_v by_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n be_v alter_v and_o explain_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o bill_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o the_o dissenter_n especial_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v willing_a to_o agree_v to_o and_o have_v make_v the_o very_a same_o proposal_n themselves_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n '_o s_o sermon_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n vide._n take_v the_o word_n in_o a_o strain_a and_o unnatural_a sense_n whereas_o if_o they_o will_v remember_v what_o the_o famous_a bishop_n sanderson_n tell_v we_o de_fw-fr juran_n praelect_v 6._o sect_n 12._o p._n 177._o and_o what_o all_o learned_a man_n do_v agree_v in_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o every_o oath_n all_o those_o condition_n or_o exception_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v which_o by_o right_n or_o common_a use_n be_v imply_v in_o it_o viz._n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v '_o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o same_o state_n etc._n etc._n with_o these_o condition_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o oath_n or_o subscription_n that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v scruple_v and_o without_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o frame_v a_o oath_n that_o a_o man_n can_v safe_o venture_v to_o swear_v to_o beside_o though_o these_o subscription_n be_v sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n how_o can_v the_o lay_v people_n justify_v their_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n no_o such_o oath_n or_o subscription_n be_v require_v of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o require_v from_o the_o minister_n why_o then_o do_v the_o people_n forsake_v the_o church_n be_v it_o in_o reverence_n to_o the_o minister_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v none_o to_o preach_v to_o this_o be_v what_o they_o never_o can_v answer_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o many_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n do_v frequent_o in_o discourse_n fair_o and_o honest_o own_o that_o the_o term_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v easy_a enough_o but_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o stick_v at_o be_v the_o term_n of_o ministerial_a communion_n the_o only_a answer_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v make_v to_o this_o be_v in_o a_o book_n call_v a_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n '_o s_o sermon_n by_o some_o nonconformist_n pag._n 6._o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o must_v not_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o preach_v and_o leave_v the_o people_n in_o schism_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v this_o be_v kind_o do_v of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v very_o unfriendly_a in_o they_o to_o draw_v the_o poor_a silly_a people_n into_o schism_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v to_o slip_v their_o own_o neck_n out_o of_o the_o collar_n and_o leave_v the_o people_n in_o the_o lurch_n and_o therefore_o they_o quick_o find_v a_o answer_n to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n who_o they_o know_v will_v never_o examine_v it_o say_v they_o we_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o therefore_o the_o people_n may_v lawful_o forsake_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v we_o for_o we_o must_v not_o preach_v to_o the_o stone_n wall_n but_o pray_v will_v this_o reason_n justify_v the_o people_n in_o leave_v their_o parish_n church_n and_o their_o own_o lawful_a minister_n to_o run_v after_o a_o stranger_n for_o fear_v he_o shall_v want_v a_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o if_o the_o king_n shall_v give_v a_o gentleman_n a_o commission_n to_o raise_v a_o regiment_n do_v this_o oblige_v man_n that_o have_v former_o list_a themselves_o under_o other_o officer_n to_o leave_v their_o service_n and_o follow_v he_o no_o sure_a there_o be_v in_o the_o two_o university_n many_o hundred_o young_a man_n that_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n perhaps_o as_o well_o as_o most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o office_n nor_o provide_v with_o church_n suppose_v all_o these_o now_o be_v admit_v into_o order_n and_o scatter_v all_o over_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o people_n oblige_v to_o run_v away_o from_o their_o lawful_a minister_n orderly_o set_v over_o they_o and_o divide_v the_o parish_n each_o perhaps_o into_o three_o or_o four_o to_o furnish_v all_o these_o new_a make_v minister_n with_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o a_o excellent_a contrivance_n this_o of_o our_o reverend_a nonconformist_a minister_n to_o entail_v the_o church_n revenue_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o without_o be_v behold_v to_o king_n bishop_n or_o patron_n and_o without_o any_o possibility_n of_o ever_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o forfeit_v all_o the_o lawyer_n in_o england_n can_v not_o have_v devise_v so_o good_a a_o security_n for_o they_o as_o they_o have_v subtle_o do_v here_o for_o themselves_o they_o may_v preach_v what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v for_o the_o government_n or_o against_o it_o they_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n be_v therefore_o bind_v they_o say_v to_o hear_v they_o for_o preach_v and_o hear_v they_o say_v be_v relative_n and_o the_o one_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o other_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o actual_a preach_a suppose_n hear_v so_o do_v actual_a governor_n necessary_o suppose_v a_o people_n to_o be_v govern_v but_o a_o commission_n to_o govern_v do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o people_n actual_o to_o be_v govern_v for_o there_o may_v be_v governor_n appoint_v and_o make_v though_o there_o be_v then_o no_o people_n for_o they_o to_o govern_v as_o be_v resolve_v by_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o england_n in_o the_o case_n of_o sutton_n hospital_n co._n rep._n 10._o fol._n 32._o a._n so_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v do_v not_o necessary_o draw_v with_o it_o people_n to_o be_v preach_v to_o but_o only_o warrant_v their_o preach_a where_n it_o be_v real_o want_v and_o when_o they_o can_v have_v people_n to_o preach_v to_o without_o injure_v other_o or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o settle_a true_a christian_a church_n but_o to_o say_v no_o more_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o clear_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o any_o nonconformist_a minister_n to_o preach_v in_o england_n and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n for_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v they_o the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n be_v require_v only_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o other_o reform_a church_n require_v
testimony_n of_o the_o person_n choose_v and_o to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o nomination_n of_o a_o new_a bishop_n for_o since_o they_o be_v to_o be_v man_n blameless_a and_o of_o good_a report_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o the_o people_n that_o best_o know_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n shall_v be_v present_a to_o testify_v the_o same_o and_o herewith_o agree_v st._n cyprian_n ep._n 68_o who_o mr._n baxter_n vouch_v for_o the_o contrary_a say_v he_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v choose_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n that_o by_o their_o presence_n their_o fault_n may_v be_v publish_v or_o their_o good_a action_n commend_v but_o say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o people_n power_n of_o elect_v he_o prayer_n all_o our_o ordination_n must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v demand_v of_o the_o bishop_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o can_v or_o will_v except_v against_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v see_v the_o form_n of_o ordination_n in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o no_o church_n power_n which_o they_o have_v but_o they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o common_a stock_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a the_o community_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o st._n chrysostom_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr sacerdotio_fw-la complain_v much_o of_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o people_n to_o judge_v in_o such_o matter_n so_o do_v st._n augustine_n ep._n 110._o and_o indeed_o be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n against_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o own_o minister_n but_o the_o mischief_n that_o will_v necessary_o attend_v it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o when_o ever_o the_o people_n assume_v this_o power_n of_o choose_v it_o cause_v so_o great_a disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n that_o at_o antioch_n the_o division_n of_o the_o people_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n have_v kindle_v such_o a_o flame_n as_o have_v almost_o destroy_v both_o church_n and_o city_n the_o like_a at_o rome_n upon_o the_o choice_n of_o damascus_n and_o if_o the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o presbyterian_a independent_a anabaptist_n quaker_n and_o papist_n teacher_n all_o in_o one_o parish_n and_o so_o this_o will_v set_v open_a a_o door_n to_o infinite_a division_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o popular_a election_n the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n by_o several_a council_n as_o 12._o and_o 13._o can._n conc._n laodicea_n conc._n antioch_n c._n 18._o etc._n etc._n conc._n 2d_o of_o nice_a c._n 3._o the_o reason_n that_o first_o give_v layman_n a_o title_n to_o the_o nomination_n of_o minister_n be_v when_o christian_a prince_n and_o other_o have_v give_v large_a endowment_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v think_v but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o nomination_n of_o the_o minister_n for_o those_o church_n that_o they_o have_v build_v and_o endow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n in_o the_o king_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n here_o and_o long_o before_o any_o freedom_n of_o election_n be_v pretend_v to_o see_v stat._n 25._o edw._n 3._o and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o king_n be_v ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o lord_n cook_n be_v 8_o rep._n and_o the_o case_n of_o praemunire_n in_o sir_n john_n davenant_n report_n case_n ult_n and_o this_o title_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v confirm_v to_o layman_n by_o several_a council_n as_o one_a coun._n of_o orange_n anno_fw-la dom._n 441._o 2d_o counc_fw-la of_o arles_n anno_fw-la 452._o 9th_o counc_fw-la of_o toledo_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o right_n of_o presentation_n be_v not_o only_o use_v in_o england_n but_o in_o other_o reform_a church_n in_o denmark_n the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o king_n so_o they_o be_v in_o swedeland_n so_o in_o other_o lutheran_n church_n the_o superintendant_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o several_a prince_n and_o the_o patron_n present_v before_o ordination_n the_o synod_n of_o dort_n have_v a_o salvo_n for_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n in_o france_n the_o minister_n be_v choose_v by_o minister_n at_o geneva_n by_o the_o council_n of_o state_n who_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o depose_v they_o and_o beza_n in_o his_o ep._n 83._o declare_v against_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n as_o a_o thing_n without_o any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n grotius_n ep._n ad_fw-la boatslaer_n ep._n 62._o p._n 21._o agree_v herein_o how_o come_v then_o our_o english_a dissenter_n to_o make_v this_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n to_o wit_n the_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o never_o have_v any_o such_o right_n but_o when_o they_o get_v it_o by_o usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o even_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n but_o beside_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o attend_v it_o by_o make_v the_o people_n run_v into_o division_n and_o faction_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o that_o such_o a_o ignorant_a proud_a unpeaceable_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o confess_v in_o his_o sacrilegiae_fw-la dissert_n p._n 102._o etc._n etc._n the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v make_v judge_n of_o their_o minister_n ability_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n who_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o revile_v the_o best_a and_o grave_a minister_n as_o the_o same_o mr._n baxter_n say_v himself_o in_o his_o cure_n of_o divis_n p._n 393._o sure_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v provide_v able_a and_o fit_a minister_n for_o we_o than_o such_o sort_n of_o people_n as_o these_o unless_o any_o will_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o magistrate_n and_o clergy_n be_v all_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o ignorant_a common_a people_n the_o only_a incourager_n of_o virtue_n they_o may_v say_v it_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o a_o parish_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v a_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o cure_n by_o some_o young_a raw_a extravagant_a heir_n that_o have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o be_v bear_v to_o a_o estate_n to_o which_o the_o advowson_n do_v belong_v but_o perhaps_o be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o unfit_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o minister_n as_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o parish_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o such_o ignorant_a person_n may_v sometime_o have_v the_o right_n of_o presentation_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o put_v into_o the_o cure_n any_o minister_n they_o please_v for_o the_o patron_n have_v only_o the_o right_n of_o present_v his_o clerk_n who_o must_v be_v admit_v and_o institute_v by_o the_o bishop_n before_o the_o cure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a and_o if_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o clergy_n after_o examination_n have_v etc._n etc._n do_v think_v he_o any_o way_n unqualify_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n he_o may_v reject_v he_o and_o put_v the_o patron_n to_o present_v another_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n which_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o do_v within_o six_o month_n from_o the_o time_n the_o church_n become_v void_a he_o shall_v lose_v his_o presentation_n for_o that_o turn_n and_o the_o bishop_n shall_v present_v so_o that_o the_o patron_n it_o seem_v can_v put_v who_o he_o will_v on_o the_o people_n for_o their_o pastor_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o find_v personam_fw-la idoneam_fw-la a_o fit_a person_n and_o now_o before_o we_o pass_v from_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o silence_n minister_n or_o not_o doubtless_o he_o have_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v safe_a for_o since_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o take_v their_o notion_n of_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n from_o they_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v that_o minister_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o preach_v up_o sedition_n heresy_n or_o what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o silence_v they_o but_o say_v our_o dissenter_n we_o be_v
who_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v they_o but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o fly_v out_o into_o rage_n and_o violent_a passion_n against_o those_o who_o offer_v to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n and_o for_o their_o kindness_n return_v most_o reproachful_a bitter_a language_n both_o on_o the_o person_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a and_o the_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o sacred_a which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o their_o book_n of_o controversy_n and_o even_o in_o common_a discourse_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o obtain_v from_o the_o zeal_n of_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n so_o much_o truce_n as_o to_o hear_v what_o one_o can_v say_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o civility_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n we_o may_v spare_v our_o breath_n and_o not_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o they_o understand_v their_o duty_n better_o than_o we_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o will_v not_o be_v wheedle_v out_o of_o their_o opinion_n by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v this_o be_v truth_n mr._n baxter_n himself_o have_v own_a as_o much_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n p._n 81._o where_o he_o affirm_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o the_o name_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o who_o think_v that_o his_o own_o or_o other_o reason_v will_v ever_o change_v all_o the_o true_o honest_a christian_n in_o the_o land_n know_v so_o little_a of_o matter_n or_o of_o man_n or_o of_o conscience_n as_o that_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o bishop_n or_o a_o priest_n what_o will_v they_o say_v now_o to_o this_o will_v their_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n excuse_v their_o separation_n and_o disobedience_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o will_v not_o use_v the_o proper_a mean_n to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n nay_o far_o when_o they_o declare_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o go_v about_o to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n for_o they_o be_v resolve_v beforehand_o they_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v let_v no_o man_n say_v so_o for_o shame_n it_o be_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o learned_a man_n and_o even_o of_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o but_o we_o will_v suppose_v for_o once_o that_o every_o particular_a dissenter_n have_v do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o that_o after_o all_o they_o can_v conquer_v their_o scruple_n what_o then_o must_v they_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o separation_n no_o this_o be_v never_o allow_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o by_o any_o christian_a church_n since_o their_o time_n not_o even_o by_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o heretofore_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o it_o nor_o advise_v other_o to_o do_v so_o say_v vine_n a_o nonconformist_a in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o sacrament_n pag._n 39_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o find_v there_o be_v some_o who_o scruple_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v enjoin_v but_o notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n the_o apostle_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n and_o allow_v none_o to_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n and_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o their_o own_o set_n up_o because_o they_o can_v not_o conquer_v their_o scruple_n and_o this_o very_a argument_n do_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1648._o use_n against_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n the_o independent_o who_o plead_v for_o separation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o dissenter_n do_v now_o see_v paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 111._o and_o when_o the_o independent_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v not_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n so_o as_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o beg_v that_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v separate_a congregation_n the_o assembly_n positive_o refuse_v it_o and_o urge_v they_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n if_o they_o do_v not_o for_o say_v they_o to_o desire_v separate_a congregation_n as_o to_o those_o part_n of_o worship_n where_o they_o own_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n may_v justify_v non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v but_o it_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n see_v the_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 51_o etc._n etc._n for_o if_o it_o shall_v say_v they_o it_o than_o will_v make_v way_n for_o infinite_a division_n and_o sub-division_n and_o give_v countenance_n to_o perpetual_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n ib._n p._n 68_o 73_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o assembly_n justify_v themselves_o in_o so_o do_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o they_o tell_v they_o they_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o they_o hereby_o than_o what_o they_o be_v confident_a be_v practise_v by_o the_o saint_n at_o philippi_n namely_o to_o hold_v practical_a communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o doctrinal_o agree_v ib._n p._n 115._o so_o that_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o brethren_n in_o a_o full_a assembly_n may_v be_v take_v upon_o the_o most_o weighty_a debate_n and_o serious_a deliberation_n their_o set_n up_o separate_a meeting_n and_o forsake_v the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o scruple_n which_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v conquer_v be_v sinful_a and_o schismatical_a and_o when_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n be_v press_v far_o by_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n they_o desire_v they_o to_o answer_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n whether_o some_o must_v be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n or_o none_o if_o none_o than_o say_v they_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o covenant_n and_o let_v in_o prelacy_n again_o and_o all_o other_o way_n if_o a_o denial_n of_o liberty_n to_o some_o may_v be_v just_a than_o uniformity_n may_v be_v settle_v notwithstanding_o man_n different_a judgement_n or_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 116._o agreeable_a hereto_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o where_o they_o have_v the_o power_n as_o in_o new-england_n no_o separation_n be_v there_o allow_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o book_n of_o statute_n which_o they_o have_v late_o print_v and_o by_o their_o tell_n mr._n williams_n a_o famous_a minister_n among_o they_o that_o if_o nothing_o will_v serve_v he_o but_o separation_n because_o he_o can_v not_o conquer_v his_o scruple_n the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o and_o so_o away_o they_o banish_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o our_o dissenter_n can_v not_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n about_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v after_o due_a pain_n take_v to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o concern_v they_o justify_v their_o non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v now_o i_o will_v show_v that_o there_o be_v real_o no_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v forsake_v the_o church_n and_o frequent_v separate_a meeting_n be_v condemn_v for_o schismatic_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n and_o by_o mr._n baxter_n dr._n owen_n mr._n gifford_n corbet_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o heretofore_o for_o first_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o separate_v from_o any_o church_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o and_o due_o administer_v the_o scripture_n allow_v separation_n only_o in_o these_o three_o case_n first_o in_o case_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n second_o in_o case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n impose_v instead_o of_o true_a and_o three_o in_o case_n thing_n indifferent_a be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o where_o these_o three_o be_v want_v nothing_o will_v justify_v separation_n see_v canon_n nicen._n 6_o 15_o 16._o constant_n c._n 6._o chalced._n 17_o 20_o 26._o antioch_n c._n 2_o 5._o cod._n eccles_n afr._n c._n 53_o 55._o conc._n gangrae_n c._n 6._o conc._n carth._n c._n 10_o 11._o cod._n can._n eccles_n vniv_n can._n 65._o all_o these_o canon_n and_o many_o more_o do_v condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o church_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o and_o due_o administer_v so_o do_v calvin_n in_o his_o inst_z lib._n 4._o c._n 1._o numb_a 9_o where_o he_o say_v that_o great_a allowance_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v to_o such_o
of_o all_o they_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o french_a church_n every_o minister_n that_o will_v not_o subscribe_v to_o the_o order_n among_o they_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v a_o schismatic_a and_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o geneva_n any_o minister_n that_o contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n or_o by_o his_o obstinacy_n disturb_v the_o order_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v first_o summon_v before_o the_o magistrate_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v but_o no_o separation_n allow_v and_o calvin_n say_v ep._n olevian_n pag._n 311_o &_o 122._o let_v he_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o a_o society_n be_v cast_v out_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o do_v oblige_v all_o to_o swear_v solemn_o to_o their_o covenant_n under_o pain_n of_o sequestration_n but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n what_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n excommunicate_v we_o may_v we_o not_o then_o lawful_o separate_a and_o set_v up_o meeting_n of_o our_o own_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n do_v say_v that_o in_o some_o case_n man_n be_v excommunicate_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la yet_o this_o do_v not_o oblige_v any_o to_o separate_v from_o communion_n till_o sentence_n be_v due_o and_o judicial_o pronounce_v in_o a_o church_n for_o by_o the_o civil_a law_n notwithstanding_o excommunication_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la a_o declaratory_a sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n be_v necessary_a before_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v the_o benefit_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o say_v a_o man_n be_v excommunicate_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o judge_n may_v give_v sentence_n without_o any_o new_a judicial_a process_n but_o though_o our_o dissenter_n be_v actual_o excommunicate_v for_o their_o disobedience_n this_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a misch_n of_o separ_fw-la p._n 370._o thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o plea_n which_o be_v common_o use_v by_o the_o dissenter_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n now_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a reform_a church_n they_o must_v either_o renounce_v their_o principle_n of_o separation_n or_o their_o reason_n the_o only_a argument_n i_o shall_v here_o make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a reform_a church_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o do_v all_o own_v she_o as_o a_o sister_n and_o also_o by_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o our_o own_o dissenter_n themselves_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n do_v own_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o true_a reform_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o know_v what_o her_o fault_n be_v in_o her_o assembly_n in_o her_o worship_n in_o her_o ministry_n and_o government_n and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n collect_v and_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o of_o the_o low-countries_n they_o do_v receive_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o call_v it_o one_o of_o the_o true_a reform_a church_n calvin_n have_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o in_o his_o writing_n against_o the_o brownist_n and_o condemn_v they_o for_o schismatic_n for_o separate_v from_o it_o see_v his_o instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 1._o and_o the_o famous_a causabon_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o king_n james_n i._o declare_v plain_o that_o none_o at_o this_o day_n come_v near_o the_o form_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v grotius_n ad_fw-la boatslaer_n ep._n 62._o acknowledge_v the_o same_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o opinion_n of_o two_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a reform_a divine_n at_o this_o day_n beyond_o sea_n the_o one_o be_v mounseur_fw-fr l'moyn_n professor_n of_o divinity_n at_o leyden_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o london_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1680._o who_o write_v to_o he_o to_o know_v his_o judgement_n concern_v our_o present_a division_n in_o england_n l'moyn_n write_v he_o a_o long_a letter_n which_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n mischief_n of_o separation_n i_o shall_v only_o repeat_v some_o of_o it_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o see_v say_v he_o after_o he_o have_v be_v high_o condemn_v our_o dissenter_n for_o separation_n that_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v for_o article_n of_o discipline_n and_o thing_n which_o regard_v but_o the_o outside_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n true_o these_o be_v never_o account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o essential_a truth_n and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o these_o that_o can_v save_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o these_o that_o can_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n for_o the_o episcopal_a government_n what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o that_o be_v dangerous_a and_o may_v reasonable_o alarm_n man_n conscience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v capable_a of_o deprive_v man_n of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o shut_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v there_o that_o enter_v there_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 1500._o year_n since_o that_o for_o all_o that_o time_n all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n have_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o credible_a that_o god_n have_v so_o high_o approve_v it_o and_o permit_v his_o church_n to_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o by_o it_o for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o since_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o only_o as_o a_o sister_n but_o as_o a_o elder_a sister_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o englishman_n themselves_o have_v so_o ill_a a_o opinion_n of_o she_o at_o present_a as_o to_o separate_v rash_o from_o she_o for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o see_v their_o separate_a meeting_n be_v of_o any_o great_a use_n or_o that_o one_o may_v be_v more_o comfort_v there_o than_o in_o the_o episcopal_a church_n when_o i_o be_v at_o london_n almost_o five_o year_n ago_o i_o go_v to_o several_a of_o their_o meeting_n to_o see_v what_o way_n they_o take_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o hearer_n but_o i_o profess_v i_o be_v not_o at_o all_o edify_v by_o it_o i_o hear_v one_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a nonconformist_n he_o preach_v in_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v about_o fourscore_o woman_n and_o a_o few_o man_n he_o have_v choose_v a_o text_n about_o the_o building_n up_o the_o ruin_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o explication_n of_o it_o he_o cite_v pliny_n and_o vitruvius_n i_o believe_v a_o hundred_o time_n and_o do_v not_o forget_v to_o mention_v a_o proverb_n in_o italian_a duro_fw-la con_fw-mi duro_fw-la non_fw-it fa_fw-it muro_fw-la all_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o very_o improper_a for_o his_o auditory_a to_o cantonize_v themselves_o and_o make_v a_o schism_n to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o vent_v such_o vanity_n seem_v very_o ill_a conduct_n and_o the_o people_n seem_v very_o weak_a to_o quit_v their_o mutual_a assembly_n for_o thing_n that_o so_o little_o deserve_v their_o esteem_n and_o preference_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o suffer_v such_o irregularity_n etc._n etc._n the_o other_o authority_n i_o promise_v to_o cite_v be_v monsieur_n claud_n to_o who_o the_o bishop_n of_o london_n write_v about_o the_o same_o time_n desire_v his_o opinion_n as_o aforesaid_a mounseur_fw-fr claud_n return_v he_o this_o answer_n all_o reform_a church_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o true_a church_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o give_v that_o name_n to_o the_o hold_v of_o assembly_n apart_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o withdraw_a themselves_o from_o under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v real_a schism_n we_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o comparison_n of_o your_o order_n with_o that_o under_o which_o we_o live_v all_o be_v subject_a to_o inconvenience_n we_o have_v she_o as_o well_o as_o you_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o same_o divine_a providence_n which_o by_o a_o indispensible_a necessity_n and_o by_o conjuncture_n of_o affair_n do_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o
the_o reformation_n put_v our_o church_n under_o that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v put_v you_o under_o that_o of_o the_o episcopacy_n and_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o you_o do_v not_o despise_v our_o simplicity_n so_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o your_o pre-eminence_n see_v both_o these_o letter_n and_o a_o three_o from_o mounseur_fw-fr l'angle_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n at_o large_a in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n misch_n of_o separ_fw-la thus_o much_o for_o the_o foreign_a divine_n now_o we_o will_v come_v near_a home_n and_o see_v what_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o have_v think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v first_o then_o several_a of_o the_o dissenter_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o brownism_n do_v sincere_o profess_v before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o which_o they_o do_v and_o will_v hold_v communion_n notwithstanding_o any_o defilement_n or_o unwarrant_v power_n of_o church_n government_n exercise_v therein_o see_v the_o apologetical_a narrative_n p._n 5_o 6._o again_o they_o own_o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o 56._o and_o if_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a constant_a be_v a_o duty_n see_v paper_n for_o accomm_n p._n 47_o 51_o 56._o sometime_o a_o duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o baxter_n defence_n of_o his_o cure_n p._n 38._o and_o 64._o corbet_n of_o schism_n p._n 41._o peace-offering_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o congreg_n party_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1667._o p._n 10._o true_a way_n of_o conc._n part_n 3._o c._n 1._o sect_n 40._o and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o last_o answer_n to_o bagshaw_n p._n 30_o 31._o have_v these_o word_n you_o little_o know_v what_o pernicious_a design_n the_o devil_n have_v upon_o you_o in_o persuade_v you_o to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v uphold_v in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o this_o land_n and_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o bring_v they_o as_o low_a in_o reality_n and_o reputation_n as_o you_o can_v and_o contract_v the_o religious_a interest_n all_o into_o private_a meeting_n and_o see_v also_o mr._n baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 240._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o last_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o book_n of_o evangelical_n love_n p._n 54._o acknowledge_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n measure_v it_o by_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v since_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v now_o prove_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v sinful_a and_o schismatical_a i_o have_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o all_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o their_o own_o write_n how_o will_v they_o now_o justify_v their_o separation_n or_o clear_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n what_o will_v they_o say_v to_o this_o be_v schism_n not_o a_o sin_n or_o be_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o not_o schism_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o schism_n why_o then_o our_o nonconformist_a minister_n know_v better_a what_o be_v schism_n than_o all_o the_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n do_v for_o i_o have_v show_v from_o their_o own_o word_n that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v as_o true_a and_o sound_a a_o part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o condemn_v all_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o she_o as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n doubtless_o these_o man_n be_v as_o competent_a judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v minister_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v flatter_v we_o for_o they_o be_v stranger_n who_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o we_o and_o man_n of_o more_o piety_n and_o honesty_n than_o to_o indulge_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a but_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o these_o learned_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n who_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o she_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o they_o may_v have_v a_o little_a more_o civility_n than_o to_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o godly_a upright_a man_n will_v rash_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o those_o be_v which_o relate_v to_o religion_n before_o they_o be_v true_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o beside_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o other_o man_n by_o themselves_o because_o the_o most_o of_o their_o own_o divine_n be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o constitution_n of_o other_o church_n as_o appear_v sufficient_o by_o their_o principle_n of_o separation_n must_v they_o believe_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o no_o thorough_o accomplish_v divine_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o any_o reform_a national_a church_n much_o less_o of_o so_o great_a and_o considerable_a a_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o dispute_n it_o appear_v before_o that_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n beforementioned_a be_v in_o england_n for_o some_o year_n and_o frequent_v both_o the_o church_n and_o meeting_n on_o purpose_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o both_o in_o order_n to_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o they_o since_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v sound_a and_o the_o worship_n true_a and_o government_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o as_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n lay_v aside_o all_o those_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n that_o have_v possess_v the_o mind_n of_o too_o many_o of_o we_o concern_v it_o and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o not_o only_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o our_o union_n but_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n all_o over_o the_o world_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v not_o the_o business_n of_o private_a man_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n or_o dispute_v the_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n of_o every_o little_a imposition_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o conform_v at_o least_o in_o the_o outward_a action_n and_o submit_v the_o fitness_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o to_o who_o god_n almighty_a have_v entrust_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v more_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v convenient_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o to_o be_v do_v than_o private_a man_n can_v be_v and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_n they_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o it_o not_o the_o people_n god_n will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o impose_v upon_o his_o people_n thing_n not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n but_o will_v never_o condemn_v we_o for_o do_v our_o duty_n in_o submit_v to_o such_o governor_n as_o he_o have_v place_v over_o we_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o without_o which_o man_n can_v be_v save_v now_o in_o case_n our_o governor_n command_v we_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o these_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v for_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n but_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o side_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o who_o live_v godly_a sober_a life_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o forsake_v what_o they_o have_v be_v all_o their_o life_n accustom_v to_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o separation_n be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o we_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o and_o that_o so_o many_o honest_a good_a people_n and_o godly_a minister_n do_v live_v and_o die_v in_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v resolve_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v
separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v sinful_a who_o can_v help_v that_o the_o great_a number_n that_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o opinion_n do_v not_o make_v the_o thing_n less_o sinful_a the_o donatist_n in_o the_o african_a church_n be_v more_o numerous_a that_o our_o english_a dissenter_n be_v and_o have_v it_o be_v likely_a as_o many_o sober_a and_o learned_a divine_n among_o '_o they_o for_o at_o the_o conference_n at_o carthage_n they_o have_v 400_o bishop_n yet_o these_o be_v condemn_v for_o schismatic_n by_o st._n austin_n and_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o these_o donatist_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n for_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o very_a same_o that_o our_o present_a dissenter_n make_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o think_v the_o bishopric_n too_o large_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n too_o great_a they_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n because_o sinner_n be_v admit_v there_o they_o forsake_v the_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o their_o humour_n as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o 47._o they_o optatus_n malevianus_n lib._n 2._o p._n 47._o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o minister_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o people_n they_o hold_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n than_o other_o people_n and_o by_o their_o stiff_a rigorous_a severity_n which_o they_o show_v and_o the_o vehement_a outcries_a which_o they_o make_v that_o discipline_n be_v not_o due_o execute_v many_o of_o the_o people_n not_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o truth_n be_v terrify_v and_o turn_v unto_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o most_o zealous_a holy_a man_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n final_o they_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n as_o not_o true_a church_n see_v all_o this_o in_o gifford_n a_o nonconformist_a minister_n his_o book_n against_o the_o brownist_n 2._o part_n these_o be_v the_o very_a pretence_n that_o our_o present_a dissenter_n make_v for_o their_o separate_n from_o this_o church_n our_o bishopric_n be_v too_o large_a our_o church_n not_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n our_o minister_n unable_a and_o ungodly_a our_o way_n of_o worship_n false_a our_o magistrate_n assume_v a_o unwarrant_v power_n in_o church_n matter_n yea_o and_o in_o their_o over_o pretend_v to_o purity_n and_o godliness_n they_o be_v exact_a donatist_n and_o by_o that_o very_a mean_n do_v draw_v the_o more_o ignorant_a and_o zealous_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o they_o as_o the_o brownist_n do_v no_o people_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o purity_n and_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v their_o public_a meeting_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o begin_v before_o the_o parish_n church_n and_o end_v after_o be_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v but_o yet_o go_v in_o to_o one_o of_o their_o meeting_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v as_o little_a sign_n of_o devotion_n and_o as_o many_o of_o the_o people_n asleep_o as_o in_o any_o parish_n church_n in_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o number_n so_o in_o their_o common_a discourse_n many_o of_o they_o will_v scarce_o allow_v themselves_o so_o much_o liberty_n as_o to_o make_v they_o good_a company_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v happen_v to_o tell_v a_o lie_n but_o yet_o in_o their_o deal_n they_o will_v overreach_v a_o customer_n in_o a_o bargain_n and_o use_v as_o many_o equivocation_n to_o deceive_v he_o as_o any_o other_o people_n shall_v but_o lest_o you_o think_v i_o do_v they_o wrong_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o learned_a mr._n baxter_n say_v of_o they_o you_o will_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v wrong_v they_o in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 221._o speak_v of_o such_o who_o run_v into_o party_n by_o division_n say_v he_o those_o injudicious_a sort_n of_o christian_n have_v a_o over_o high_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o godliness_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v conspicuous_a for_o their_o godliness_n in_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o ordinary_a christian_n as_o below_o they_o and_o unworthy_a of_o their_o communion_n these_o sect_n have_v ever_o be_v the_o nest_n of_o error_n and_o again_o ib._n p._n 331._o he_o bid_v we_o beware_v of_o join_v ourselves_o to_o separate_a meeting_n who_o pretend_v to_o strict_a discipline_n and_o great_a purity_n who_o set_v themselves_o up_o factious_o and_o contentious_o against_o the_o concordant_a church_n on_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n who_o meeting_n be_v employ_v in_o revile_v other_o and_o condemn_v other_o church_n and_o puff_v themselves_o up_o with_o pride_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o our_o dissenter_n will_v say_v this_o be_v a_o scandalous_a abuse_n to_o say_v that_o they_o condemn_v all_o other_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o doubt_v they_o agree_v with_o the_o donatist_n even_o in_o this_o for_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v condemn_v all_o those_o that_o account_v they_o schismatic_n and_o this_o do_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o they_o all_o hold_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n and_o own_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o a_o true_a church_n and_o consequent_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o so_o have_v express_o declare_v they_o as_o appear_v before_o again_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v condemn_v all_o church_n that_o communicate_v with_o a_o idolatrous_a antichristian_a church_n know_v her_o fault_n some_o of_o they_o declare_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o a_o church_n and_o then_o they_o must_v condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o communicate_v with_o she_o well_o say_v the_o dissenter_n you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o say_v for_o yourselves_o and_o if_o all_o be_v true_a that_o you_o have_v tell_v we_o our_o separation_n from_o you_o be_v sinful_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v you_o we_o have_v a_o great_a many_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n of_o our_o own_o who_o tell_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v both_o be_v in_o the_o right_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o believe_v your_o minister_n may_v be_v deceive_v as_o well_o as_o we_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a that_o all_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o have_v be_v since_o the_o reformation_n shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o that_o those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n shall_v first_o because_o they_o be_v much_o more_o numerous_a and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a that_o a_o great_a many_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v deceive_v as_o a_o few_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o logic_n quod_fw-la plures_fw-la &_o sapentiores_fw-la testantur_fw-la credibile_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la verum_fw-la and_o second_o because_o they_o have_v much_o better_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v pretend_v to_o as_o will_v plain_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o method_n take_v on_o both_o side_n for_o the_o breed_n up_o of_o divine_n those_o who_o be_v design_v for_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v keep_v at_o the_o best_a school_n that_o can_v convenient_o be_v have_v till_o they_o understand_v latin_a and_o greek_a very_o well_o than_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o one_o of_o the_o university_n where_o they_o be_v put_v under_o the_o care_n of_o a_o particular_a tutor_n who_o be_v always_o one_o of_o the_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n and_o consequent_o a_o man_n well_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o whole_a college_n for_o his_o learning_n and_o sobriety_n for_o by_o the_o statute_n of_o every_o college_n none_o but_o such_o be_v qualify_v for_o fellowship_n this_o tutor_n have_v seldom_o above_o 20._o student_n under_o his_o care_n at_o a_o time_n and_o many_o of_o they_o not_o half_a that_o number_n every_o student_n come_v twice_o a_o day_n to_o his_o tutor_n chamber_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o beside_o this_o the_o college_n appoint_v other_o tutor_n or_o public_a lecturer_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o public_a hall_n some_o for_o philosophy_n some_o for_o disputation_n and_o other_o exercise_n these_o public_a tutor_n be_v change_v every_o year_n which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o student_n by_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o several_a method_n and_o opinion_n of_o such_o variety_n of_o learned_a men._n thus_o they_o spend_v the_o first_o four_o year_n and_o then_o after_o very_o strict_a