the_o catholich_n church_n now_o we_o reduce_v what_o we_o intend_v into_o a_o argument_n thus_o if_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n concern_v the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v as_o true_o be_v affirm_v upon_o like_a ground_n of_o the_o catholic_n body_n of_o mankind_n then_o à _fw-la pâ—ri_fw-la it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o one_o catholic_n visible_a institute_v totum_fw-la that_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o same_o then_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n body_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v the_o first_o subject_a oâ—_n civil_a power_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o actual_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o be_v govern_v as_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o communion_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o mankind_n 47â—_n that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o ergo_fw-la and_o it_o be_v prove_v per_fw-la part_n thus_o 1_o for_o the_o unity_n be_v not_o all_o mankind_n oft_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o world_n joh._n 3._o 16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o be_v mankind_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v one_o so_o frequent_o all_o mankind_n be_v call_v man_n gen._n 6._o 5_o 6_o 7._o i_o will_v not_o strive_v with_o man_n etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o be_v one_o kingdom_n psal_n 145._o 11_o 12_o 13._o which_o if_o we_o view_v the_o whole_a psalm_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o general_a government_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o mankind_n therein_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o all_o be_v one_o kingdom_n act_v 17._o 26._o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n all_o be_v one_o blood_n all_o have_v their_o bound_n set_v by_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v seek_v he_o and_o feel_v after_o he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v for_o one_o catholic_n church_n because_o it_o have_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o spirit_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o love_n and_o pray_v one_o for_o the_o other_o etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v a_o like_a unity_n here_o for_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o mankind_n have_v one_o lord_n and_o king_n over_o all_o god_n who_o be_v king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n call_v a_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11._o yea_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o to_o the_o church_n ephes_n 1._o 22._o all_o have_v one_o law_n the_o moral_a law_n the_o common_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o righteousness_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o and_o this_o writ_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o they_o have_v all_o one_o spirit_n of_o reason_n dispose_v they_o to_o society_n and_o mutual_a office_n of_o love_n one_o faculty_n of_o speak_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o communion_n one_o end_n to_o feel_v after_o god_n act._n 17._o and_o seek_v you_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a kind_n all_o aught_o to_o love_v one_o another_o desire_n and_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o one_o another_o isaiah_n 58._o 7._o yea_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o common_a head_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o common_a providence_n and_o out_o of_o his_o love_n of_o mankind_n have_v a_o common_a and_o constant_a influence_n into_o all_o giving_z not_o only_a life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o good_a thing_n act_n 17._o but_o also_o all_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n art_n skill_n for_o government_n etc._n etc._n to_o king_n judges_z father_n master_n and_o all_o officer_n of_o civil_a government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o what_o ever_o else_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v the_o catholic_n church_n onâ—_n may_v here_o be_v apply_v and_o as_o for_o principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o all_o mankind_n will_v fall_v either_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o genus_fw-la homo_fw-la whereof_o the_o individua_fw-la be_v species_n specialissimae_fw-la or_o in_o another_o respect_n all_o person_n all_o family_n city_n kingdom_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n make_v one_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la or_o aggregatum_fw-la second_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o all_o this_o number_n of_o mankind_n be_v one_o visibile_fw-la totum_fw-la by_o the_o argument_n use_v for_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n for_o that_o which_o have_v visible_a part_n be_v a_o visible_a totum_fw-la iâ—_n hold_v here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o case_n yea_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o visible_a body_n because_o it_o have_v organ_n and_o visible_a officer_n in_o it_o it_o will_v hold_v here_o for_o all_o mankind_n be_v but_o one_o army_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o have_v army_n of_o heaven_n and_o army_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o this_o body_n god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v set_v and_o by_o his_o ordinance_n have_v ordain_v father_n master_n husband_n judge_n king_n etc._n etc._n to_o govern_v in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a rule_v and_o subjection_n by_o the_o five_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o why_o be_v not_o this_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o totum_fw-la visibile_fw-la three_o for_o priority_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o god_n have_v first_o in_o nature_n and_o intention_n give_v christ_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o to_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a believer_n and_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v and_o be_v feed_v and_o govern_v by_o shepherd_n first_o to_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o sheep_n second_o to_o this_o or_o that_o flock_n so_o in_o nature_n and_o god_n intention_n he_o have_v first_o give_v to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n power_n of_o be_v govern_v with_o government_n and_o governor_n before_o they_o be_v give_v to_o this_o or_o that_o family_n city_n kingdom_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o what_o be_v say_v of_o promise_n give_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n first_o be_v it_o not_o as_o true_a here_o those_o promise_n and_o blessing_n increase_v and_o multiply_v subdue_v the_o earth_n and_o inhabit_v it_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_n of_o you_o shall_v be_v on_o all_o beast_n and_o all_o like_a promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o marriage_n of_o liberty_n to_o eat_v flesh_n etc._n etc._n mention_v gen._n 2._o &_o 9_o and_o all_o over_o the_o scripture_n be_v they_o not_o in_o nature_n first_o give_v to_o mankind_n and_o then_o to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n family_n city_n so_o if_o church_n power_n and_o all_o officer_n and_o office_n be_v first_o give_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n so_o it_o be_v here_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v submit_v to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n rom._n 13_o 〈◊〉_d i_o say_v god_n king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n and_o such_o like_a scripture_n do_v this_o first_o belong_v to_o this_o or_o that_o kingdom_n city_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o rather_o that_o god_n have_v first_o set_v up_o and_o ordain_v civil_a power_n for_o mankind_n to_o be_v obey_v of_o all_o mankind_n first_o and_o then_o in_o this_o or_o that_o state_n be_v foederall_a holiness_n first_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o in_o a_o sense_n we_o will_v not_o now_o contradict_v so_o be_v legitimation_n first_o the_o privilege_n of_o marry_a society_n in_o general_a in_o all_o mankind_n and_o then_o of_o this_o or_o that_o family_n be_v the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o here_o the_o member_n of_o every_o family_n city_n &c_n &c_n first_o and_o last_o of_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o when_o the_o society_n be_v dissolve_v they_o be_v still_o of_o mankind_n and_o do_v not_o all_o society_n spring_v of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o additament_n and_o increase_n to_o it_o the_o one_o be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v over_o tedious_a to_o follow_v this_o parallel_n so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a instance_n to_o guide_v the_o reader_n to_o apply_v whatever_o else_o be_v or_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o common_a nature_n and_o logical_a notion_n under_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a may_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v that_o may_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o case_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o institute_v society_n we_o shall_v consider_v in_o due_a place_n now_o from_o that_o which_o have_v
a_o treatise_n of_o liturgy_n power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o of_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o reverend_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n john_n ball._n by_o thomas_n shephard_n sometime_o fellow_n of_o emanuel-colledge_n in_o cambridge_n and_o late_a pastor_n of_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n veritas_fw-la nihil_fw-la erubescit_fw-la praeterquam_fw-la abscondi_fw-la turtul_n sua_fw-la silentia_fw-la amat_fw-la spiritus_fw-la per_fw-la quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la illabitur_fw-la seque_fw-la insinuat_fw-la cupidis_fw-la non_fw-la gloriae_fw-la sed_fw-la cognoscendae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la melanct._n let_v the_o blessing_n come_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o joseph_n and_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o be_v separate_v from_o his_o brethren_n deut._n 33._o 16._o london_n print_v by_o e._n cotes_n for_o andrew_n crook_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o green_a dragon_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n before_o pilate_n when_o he_o question_v with_o he_o about_o his_o kingdom_n john_n 18._o 37._o that_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n many_o truth_n about_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o impart_v to_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n or_o send_v into_o this_o wilderness_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v unto_o we_o reward_v sufficient_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v witness_n thereunto_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o confess_v we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a in_o this_o service_n of_o christ_n not_o have_v to_o this_o day_n set_v forth_o a_o unanimous_a confession_n of_o that_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n which_o be_v preach_v receive_v and_o profess_v in_o these_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o which_o we_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o though_o our_o distance_n and_o other_o difficulty_n may_v delay_v the_o opportunity_n but_o this_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o profess_v in_o general_a that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v the_o same_o bless_a spirit_n of_o truth_n breathe_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o country_n the_o same_o faith_n embrace_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o particular_o by_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n and_o though_o error_n have_v spring_v up_o among_o we_o and_o some_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o that_o we_o fear_v be_v not_o of_o we_o yet_o we_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n they_o have_v be_v blast_v neither_o do_v we_o understand_v that_o these_o church_n be_v accuse_v of_o any_o error_n about_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v ourselves_o not_o so_o much_o call_v of_o god_n to_o such_o a_o confession_n at_o present_a as_o to_o clear_v up_o to_o the_o world_n those_o truth_n we_o profess_v about_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o this_o age_n and_o of_o this_o nick_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o here_o also_o we_o fear_v that_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slack_a for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v the_o volunteer_n such_o as_o cry_v up_o this_o way_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o these_o present_a difference_n yet_o if_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v we_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v far_o behind_o in_o the_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o indeed_o some_o brief_a answer_n send_v over_o to_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o satisfy_v brethren_n what_o our_o practice_n be_v with_o some_o brief_a touch_n of_o our_o reason_n rather_o then_o to_o discuss_v those_o point_n have_v be_v print_v by_o some_o without_o our_o knowledge_n or_o assent_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o best_o know_v and_o some_o short_a treatise_n by_o some_o reverend_a brethren_n have_v be_v publish_v to_o declare_v their_o affectionate_a desire_n of_o the_o unanimous_a endeavour_n of_o all_o our_o dear_a brethren_n for_o a_o general_a and_o holy_a reformation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o do_v that_o either_o may_v just_o offend_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a provoke_v their_o spirit_n disunite_v their_o affection_n or_o hinder_v a_o godly_a reformation_n yea_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a to_o clear_v our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n from_o the_o many_o objection_n harsh_a interpretation_n and_o manifold_a crimination_n cast_v upon_o the_o same_o wherein_o we_o fear_v our_o loathness_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o these_o controversy_n for_o fear_n of_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o among_o brethren_n and_o our_o desire_n rather_o to_o attend_v what_o light_n we_o may_v receive_v from_o other_o in_o these_o point_n wherein_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o seeker_n after_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v we_o guilty_a of_o neglect_n in_o this_o our_o duty_n but_o now_o we_o see_v ourselves_o press_v hereto_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o justify_v our_o way_n against_o the_o many_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o they_o as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o reason_n use_v against_o they_o for_o we_o perceive_v by_o the_o first_o letter_n of_o our_o brethren_n how_o the_o withdraw_a of_o christian_n from_o the_o liturgy_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o by_o this_o reply_n both_o in_o the_o epistle_n and_o divers_a passage_n we_o can_v but_o see_v what_o apprehension_n be_v raise_v of_o we_o yea_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o we_o have_v say_v nothing_o yet_o our_o very_a act_n in_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n there_o together_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n think_v to_o be_v so_o different_a from_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a weaken_n to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o have_v stand_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o have_v cause_v great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o reformation_n in_o hand_n to_o which_o much_o may_v be_v say_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n yet_o let_v we_o entreat_v all_o the_o godly_a wise_a to_o consider_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o season_n of_o this_o great_a enterprise_n undertake_v by_o we_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o proceed_n in_o it_o with_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n providence_n first_o and_o last_o about_o it_o and_o we_o think_v though_o we_o be_v silent_a they_o may_v easy_o satisfy_v themselves_o whether_o this_o be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o manifest_a attestation_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o open_a profession_n against_o corruption_n of_o worship_n in_o use_n and_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o no_o small_a degree_n of_o suffering_n for_o the_o same_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o time_n when_o humane_a worship_n and_o invention_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o intolerable_a height_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o servant_n enlighten_v in_o the_o truth_n can_v no_o long_o bear_v they_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tyrannical_a prelate_n so_o great_a that_o like_o a_o strong_a current_n carry_v all_o down_o stream_n before_o it_o what_o ever_o be_v from_o the_o law_n or_o otherwise_o set_v in_o their_o way_n do_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n general_o fail_v they_o where_o be_v the_o people_n to_o be_v find_v that_o will_v cleave_v to_o their_o godly_a minister_n in_o their_o suffering_n but_o rather_o think_v it_o their_o discretion_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o quiet_a and_o safety_n yea_o when_o some_o free_o in_o zeal_n of_o the_o truth_n preach_v or_o profess_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n do_v not_o some_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o judge_v it_o rashness_n and_o to_o be_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o discretion_n who_o since_o be_v ready_a to_o censure_v we_o for_o desert_v the_o cause_n many_o then_o think_v it_o be_v a_o evil_a time_n the_o prudent_a shall_v hold_v their_o peace_n and_o may_v we_o not_o say_v this_o be_v not_o our_o rest_a place_n and_o what_o will_v man_n have_v we_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v we_o study_v some_o distinction_n to_o salve_v our_o conscience_n in_o comply_v with_o so_o manifold_a corruption_n in_o god_n worship_n or_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o god_n ordinance_n because_o we_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n thereof_o or_o content_v ourselves_o to_o live_v
without_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o call_v we_o unto_o and_o our_o soul_n breathe_v after_o or_o shall_v we_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n and_o join_v together_o in_o private_a separate_a church_n how_o unsufferable_a it_o will_v then_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offence_n that_o now_o be_v take_v at_o it_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n and_o if_o in_o city_n or_o some_o such_o great_a town_n that_o may_v have_v be_v do_v yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o so_o many_o scatter_a christian_n all_o over_o the_o country_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v have_v suffer_v if_o we_o have_v seek_v it_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v find_v the_o way_n to_o have_v fill_v the_o prison_n and_o some_o have_v their_o share_n therein_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o when_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v set_v open_a of_o liberty_n otherwise_o and_o our_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n through_o the_o malignant_a policy_n of_o those_o time_n can_v not_o be_v open_a before_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o smother_v up_o in_o close_a prison_n or_o some_o such_o way_n together_o with_o ourselves_o we_o leave_v to_o be_v consider_v we_o can_v see_v but_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n saint_n in_o all_o age_n may_v allow_v we_o this_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dragon_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o the_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n that_o flee_v to_o new-england_n be_v the_o most_o timorous_a and_o faint_a heart_a of_o all_o their_o brethren_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o that_o those_o suffering_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o brethren_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o bâ—ast_n of_o suffering_n yet_o who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n who_o give_v various_a gift_n and_o all_o to_o profit_v withal_o in_o such_o time_n do_v single_a out_o every_o one_o to_o such_o work_n as_o he_o in_o wisdom_n intend_v to_o call_v they_o unto_o and_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v honour_v by_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n by_o imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o spirit_n suitable_a thereto_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v reserve_v for_o other_o service_n or_o employ_v in_o other_o place_n high_a incline_v their_o heart_n rather_o to_o fly_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o be_v a_o case_n of_o conscience_n frequent_o put_v and_o oft_o resolve_v by_o holy_a bradford_n peter_n martyr_n philpot_n and_o other_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o flee_v out_o of_o the_o land_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n be_v that_o if_o god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o willingness_n to_o glorify_v he_o by_o suffering_n they_o shall_v stay_v but_o if_o they_o find_v not_o such_o a_o spirit_n they_o may_v lawful_o fly_v yea_o they_o advise_v they_o thereunto_o those_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o outface_v the_o great_a persecuter_n in_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o the_o death_n yet_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o the_o cowardice_n of_o such_o as_o flee_v because_o they_o desert_v they_o and_o the_o cause_n but_o rather_o advise_v divers_a so_o to_o do_v and_o rejoice_v when_o god_n give_v liberty_n to_o their_o brethren_n to_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n to_o the_o place_n of_o liberty_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o word_n neither_o be_v those_o faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o flee_v from_o the_o bloody_a prelate_n the_o infinite_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n have_v many_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o do_v by_o his_o singular_a providence_n give_v gift_n to_o his_o servant_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o his_o work_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o himself_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v some_o to_o bear_v witness_n by_o imprisonment_n dismember_n etc._n etc._n we_o honour_v they_o therein_o if_o he_o will_v have_v other_o instrumental_a to_o promote_v reformation_n in_o england_n we_o honour_v they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o labour_n and_o what_o if_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n go_v up_o also_o in_o these_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o heathen_a or_o whatsoever_o other_o end_n he_o have_v and_o to_o this_o end_n will_v send_v forth_o a_o company_n of_o weakhearted_a christian_n which_o dare_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o suffer_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o let_v the_o lord_n alone_o and_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v howsoever_o and_o wheresoever_o and_o who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o work_n be_v not_o undertake_v and_o carry_v on_o with_o sincere_a and_o right_a end_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a serious_a manner_n by_o the_o chief_a and_o the_o body_n of_o such_o as_o undertake_v the_o same_o the_o lord_n know_v whether_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o worship_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o will_n of_o promote_a and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o very_a many_o in_o this_o enterprise_n and_o he_o that_o see_v in_o secret_a and_o reward_v open_o know_v what_o prayer_n and_o tear_n have_v be_v pour_v out_o to_o god_n by_o many_o alone_a and_o in_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n of_o god_n servant_n together_o for_o his_o counsel_n direction_n assistance_n blessing_n in_o this_o work_n how_o many_o long_n and_o pant_n of_o heart_n have_v be_v in_o many_o after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o see_v his_o go_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n their_o soul_n desire_v and_o request_v of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o house_n for_o ever_o the_o fruit_n of_o which_o prayer_n and_o desire_n this_o liberty_n of_o new-england_n have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v and_o thankful_o receive_v from_o god_n yea_o how_o many_o serious_a consultation_n with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o other_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v take_v about_o this_o work_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o some_o which_o clear_v we_o from_o any_o rash_a heady_a rush_v into_o this_o place_n out_o of_o discontent_n as_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o conceive_v we_o will_v here_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o heart_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o this_o business_n sure_o all_o be_v not_o rash_a weake-spirited_n inconsiderate_a of_o what_o they_o leave_v behind_o or_o of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o go_v into_o a_o wilderness_n but_o if_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o consider_v or_o if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v and_o recount_v the_o singular_a work_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o bring_n on_o of_o this_o work_n to_o what_o it_o be_v come_v unto_o it_o will_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o accuse_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o glorious_a work_n whatever_o many_o may_v say_v or_o think_v we_o believe_v aftertime_n will_v admire_v and_o adore_v the_o lord_n herein_o when_o all_o his_o holy_a end_n and_o the_o way_n he_o have_v use_v to_o bring_v they_o about_o shall_v appear_v look_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o another_o whether_o the_o lord_n have_v assay_v to_o do_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o in_o any_o nation_n so_o to_o carry_v out_o a_o people_n of_o his_o own_o from_o so_o flourish_v a_o state_n to_o a_o wilderness_n so_o far_o distant_a for_o such_o end_n and_o for_o such_o a_o work_n yea_o and_o in_o few_o year_n have_v do_v for_o they_o as_o he_o have_v here_o do_v for_o his_o poor_a despise_a people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a poise_n of_o spirit_n the_o lord_n have_v lay_v upon_o many_o of_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o ourselves_o that_o so_o many_o and_o some_o so_o weak_a and_o tender_a with_o such_o cheerfulness_n and_o constant_a resolution_n against_o so_o many_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n discouragement_n from_o the_o ill_a report_n of_o this_o country_n the_o strait_n want_n and_o trial_n of_o god_n people_n in_o it_o etc._n etc._n yet_o shall_v leave_v our_o accommodation_n and_o comfort_n shall_v forsake_v our_o dear_a relation_n parent_n brethren_n sister_n christian_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n overlook_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o vast_a sea_n the_o thought_n whereof_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o many_o and_o all_o this_o to_o go_v to_o a_o wilderness_n where_o we_o can_v forecast_v nothing_o but_o care_n
oft_o to_o bewail_v that_o which_o can_v never_o be_v enough_o lament_v the_o sad_a distance_n and_o sharp_a contention_n between_o such_o near_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o conjoin_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o reformation_n and_o oh_o that_o our_o dear_a brethren_n will_v bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a here_o and_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o pour_v out_o our_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a request_n and_o expostulation_n into_o their_o bosom_n we_o will_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o impute_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n and_o belove_a brethren_n that_o be_v not_o evident_a or_o to_o rip_v up_o private_a fail_n and_o make_v they_o public_a but_o when_o pulpit_n and_o press_n proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n not_o only_o the_o distance_n in_o judgement_n but_o also_o alienation_n of_o affection_n when_o there_o be_v such_o strain_v to_o make_v the_o contrary_a tenant_n as_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v such_o enlarge_n of_o difference_n as_o if_o the_o wound_n can_v never_o be_v heal_v such_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n pour_v on_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o salt_n of_o savoury_a speech_n and_o the_o oil_n of_o smooth_a and_o soft_a word_n to_o calm_v and_o pacify_v spirit_n already_o provoke_v yea_o when_o there_o want_v not_o some_o that_o seek_v all_o private_a letter_n they_o can_v gather_v up_o and_o search_v every_o corner_n to_o discover_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o seem_a fail_n of_o brethren_n when_o contention_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o such_o orthodox_n learned_a and_o godly_a brethren_n who_o faithful_a labour_n in_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o great_a service_n and_o use_v they_o may_v be_v of_o in_o time_n to_o come_v may_v worthy_o plead_v for_o a_o room_n in_o the_o bosom_n and_o inmost_a affection_n of_o their_o brethren_n be_v cry_v out_o against_o as_o not_o to_o be_v endure_v in_o the_o country_n because_o of_o some_o difference_n in_o some_o point_n of_o discipline_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o who_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n dishonour_n or_o true_a love_n to_o his_o country_n good_a can_v forbear_v from_o tear_n or_o hold_v his_o peace_n that_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o utter_v his_o grief_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o say_v who_o begin_v this_o fray_n or_o who_o have_v most_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o wisdom_n the_o lord_n give_v every_o man_n a_o heart_n that_o have_v fail_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o their_o own_o and_o ready_a to_o pity_v and_o pardon_v one_o another_o weakness_n neither_o do_v we_o hereby_o blame_v love_v and_o candid_a debate_v of_o difference_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o say_v thus_o much_o to_o all_o for_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v with_o all_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n that_o desire_v according_a to_o their_o light_n to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n what_o ever_o their_o distance_n of_o judgement_n from_o we_o may_v be_v what_o dear_a brethren_n be_v there_o no_o balm_n in_o gilead_n no_o physician_n to_o heal_v this_o wound_n alas_o how_o be_v it_o now_o so_o wide_a and_o deep_a that_o at_o the_o first_o be_v present_v to_o the_o world_n so_o small_a or_o scarce_o any_o at_o all_o when_o the_o prelate_n petition_v for_o their_o government_n because_o the_o reformer_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v ever_o agree_v upon_o one_o form_n it_o be_v profess_v that_o in_o six_o point_n whereof_o some_o be_v now_o the_o great_a bone_n of_o contention_n all_o do_v agree_v and_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o the_o prelate_n be_v down_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o one_o and_o be_v this_o bare_a word_n to_o put_v off_o the_o prelatical_a petition_n or_o do_v the_o author_n speak_v without_o ground_n at_o adventure_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v so_o but_o what_o the_o common_a adversary_n will_v think_v and_o speak_v it_o will_v grieve_v a_o godly_a heart_n to_o consider_v how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v the_o breach_n be_v grow_v so_o great_a it_o rejoice_v our_o heart_n to_o see_v that_o ingenuous_a christian_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n in_o that_o ever_o honour_a brother_n mr._n herle_n who_o bring_v the_o distance_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o such_o a_o narrow_a as_o if_o one_o plaster_n more_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v heal_v it_o oh_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o more_o of_o that_o peace_n make_v spirit_n what_o heart_n burn_n and_o contention_n have_v be_v prevent_v we_o think_v also_o that_o meâ—ke_v apologetic_a narration_n give_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o close_v with_o brethren_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o profess_v to_o concur_v in_o but_o what_o contrary_a entertainment_n it_o find_v we_o lament_v to_o consider_v and_o be_v it_o now_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o these_o who_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n one_o can_v live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n oh_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n oh_o the_o policy_n and_o undermine_a faculty_n of_o the_o jesuitical_a generation_n who_o no_o doubt_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n in_o this_o division_n oh_o the_o frailty_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o god_n dear_a saint_n oh_o the_o unsearchable_a depth_n of_o the_o lord_n eternal_a counsel_n that_o for_o holy_a end_n leave_v his_o own_o to_o such_o temptation_n and_o yet_o know_v how_o and_o will_v assure_o improve_v all_o this_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o name_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o give_v his_o servant_n once_o a_o season_n to_o sing_v together_o this_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n in_o triumph_n over_o all_o their_o enemy_n but_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n past_o help_n and_o remedy_n shall_v we_o think_v alas_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n they_o will_v not_o leave_v until_o they_o have_v devour_v each_o other_o better_a for_o we_o to_o say_v nothing_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o censure_v and_o slight_v of_o all_o god_n forbid_v have_v we_o venture_v thus_o far_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o presume_v a_o little_a further_o oh_o that_o we_o be_v worthy_a and_o fit_a to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o mollify_v this_o sore_a or_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v speak_v by_o such_o poor_a creature_n any_o word_n in_o season_n to_o help_v at_o least_o a_o little_a in_o this_o sad_a case_n we_o will_v not_o dear_a brethren_n make_v this_o long_a epistle_n more_o tedious_a by_o present_v unto_o you_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v your_o heart_n to_o study_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o with_o one_o shoulder_n to_o set_v yourselves_o to_o further_a this_o bless_a work_n of_o public_a reformation_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v such_o a_o opportunity_n into_o your_o hand_n as_o never_o be_v the_o like_a and_o god_n know_v whether_o ever_o it_o will_v be_v if_o this_o be_v slip_v we_o be_v persuade_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o do_v secret_o suggest_v argument_n enough_o unto_o your_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o oft_o hear_v such_o whisper_n as_o these_o be_v they_o not_o brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v â—ot_n the_o lord_n receive_v they_o do_v they_o not_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o reject_v or_o judge_v they_o have_v we_o not_o our_o ignorances_n and_o frailty_n what_o be_v there_o no_o consolation_n in_o christ_n no_o comfort_n of_o love_n no_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o so_o shall_v not_o this_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o lord_n do_v we_o not_o hope_v to_o live_v in_o heaven_n together_o and_o shall_v we_o stand_v at_o such_o distance_n here_o shall_v we_o thus_o suffer_v peace_n to_o go_v from_o we_o and_o not_o follow_v and_o pursue_v it_o shall_v we_o lose_v the_o blessing_n of_o peacemaker_n shall_v we_o by_o such_o difference_n thus_o gratify_v satan_n jesuit_n prelate_n etc._n etc._n and_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n by_o weaken_v our_o own_o be_v we_o not_o in_o the_o highway_n to_o devour_v each_o other_o and_o expose_v all_o to_o ruin_v be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n for_o we_o that_o be_v one_o in_o the_o orthodox_n truth_n to_o join_v heart_n and_o hand_n to_o pray_v and_o preach_v and_o write_v as_o one_o to_o stop_v the_o floodgate_n of_o error_n and_o abomination_n that_o satan_n have_v set_v open_a to_o the_o drown_n of_o many_o soul_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o many_o of_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n while_o we_o be_v contend_v about_o some_o matter_n of_o order_n which_o though_o they_o be_v of_o moment_n yet_o must_v give_v way_n
unto_o more_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o oh_o that_o this_o mischief_n be_v sufficient_o lay_v to_o heart_n and_o the_o dangerous_a spreading_n of_o such_o gangrene_n look_v to_o in_o season_n what_o will_v not_o all_o our_o vow_n covenant_n and_o solemn_a oath_n bind_v we_o together_o these_o and_o many_o such_o heart-breaking_a consideration_n we_o doubt_v not_o be_v before_o your_o eye_n daily_o which_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o enlarge_v only_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o propound_v what_o we_o conceive_v in_o our_o weak_a judgement_n may_v somewhat_o tend_v to_o heal_v this_o distance_n we_o confess_v we_o stand_v far_o from_o the_o mark_n and_o may_v miss_v the_o matter_n but_o if_o we_o do_v let_v our_o well-meaning_a be_v accept_v and_o our_o weakness_n pardon_v two_o thing_n as_o we_o touch_v before_o we_o conceive_v keep_v our_o dear_a brethren_n from_o close_v together_o in_o one_o to_o promote_v the_o public_a and_o general_a reformation_n first_o that_o point_n of_o reformation_n which_o concern_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o we_o fear_v the_o distance_n at_o present_a be_v great_a for_o when_o it_o be_v think_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o send_v godly_a preacher_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a parish_n to_o instruct_v they_o humble_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o gracious_a reformation_n but_o that_o pastor_n if_o they_o can_v be_v find_v shall_v be_v send_v to_o they_o and_o minister_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v if_o they_o will_v but_o join_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n as_o most_o have_v do_v for_o we_o see_v no_o other_o require_v and_o when_o godly_a pastor_n may_v not_o have_v power_n to_o try_v their_o people_n whether_o they_o can_v examine_v themselves_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o christ_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o may_v exclude_v they_o but_o upon_o some_o scandalous_a evil_n which_o seem_v short_a of_o that_o which_o even_o the_o common-prayer-booke_n do_v allow_v consider_v in_o what_o a_o state_n multitude_n of_o parish_n be_v in_o england_n how_o full_a of_o malignant_n atheist_n profane_a wretch_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_o for_o the_o godly_a to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o such_o church-communion_n or_o godly_a pastor_n to_o minister_v unto_o their_o parish_n in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v whole_o condemn_v such_o minister_n and_o people_n as_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o congregation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o remedy_n in_o this_o case_n second_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o some_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o many_o congregation_n the_o most_o godly_a and_o able_a christian_n into_o sever_a church_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o may_v occasion_v grief_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o such_o congregation_n but_o be_v there_o no_o middle_a way_n wherein_o according_a to_o god_n these_o two_o may_v meet_v we_o suppose_v there_o be_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o help_v his_o people_n in_o these_o few_o thing_n 1_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o obtain_v of_o that_o ever_o renown_a parliament_n not_o only_o such_o liberty_n for_o godly_a pastor_n and_o their_o church_n to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o as_o be_v not_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o former_a description_n of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n but_o also_o all_o favour_n and_o furtherance_n from_o authority_n to_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o such_o according_a to_o rule_v that_o live_v impenitent_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n and_o scandalous_a evil_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o if_o brethren_n will_v agree_v with_o one_o heart_n to_o petition_v the_o same_o such_o as_o have_v do_v so_o worthy_o many_o thing_n for_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n will_v also_o promote_v this_o needful_a point_n of_o reformation_n 2_o if_o all_o the_o godly_a minister_n will_v join_v as_o one_o man_n and_o take_v unto_o they_o the_o zeal_n of_o john_n bap._n thunder_v out_o the_o direful_a wrath_n of_o god_n against_o the_o pride_n vanity_n luxury_n profaneness_n and_o late_a swarm_n of_o monstrous_a error_n the_o usual_a tare_n accompany_v reformation_n and_o other_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n to_o lay_v all_o level_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o holy_a calvin_n resolve_v to_o suffer_v their_o hand_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o rather_o then_o to_o deliver_v that_o holy_a seal_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o open_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n how_o will_v the_o lord_n go_v out_o with_o his_o servant_n and_o cut_v down_o sin_n by_o the_o sharp_a sword_n of_o excom_n his_o word_n and_o severity_n of_o discipline_n if_o all_o join_v together_o whereas_o we_o fear_v sin_n and_o profaneness_n will_v outstare_v all_o godly_a pastor_n when_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o divide_v 3_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v obtain_v and_o agree_v all_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n season_n the_o congregation_n wherein_o they_o live_v they_o will_v not_o cast_v they_o off_o or_o withdraw_v from_o they_o till_o first_o by_o public_a and_o private_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n they_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o seek_v by_o all_o good_a mean_n their_o reformation_n whereby_o some_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v gain_v and_o what_o a_o bless_a work_n be_v that_o and_o as_o for_o other_o that_o prove_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a there_o will_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o reject_v they_o from_o the_o ordinance_n and_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o this_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v bear_v in_o congregation_n with_o how_o much_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o shall_v such_o godly_a minister_n and_o people_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o they_o to_o a_o near_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o hope_v that_o england_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o this_o if_o god_n faithful_a minister_n will_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n endeavour_v the_o same_o far_o far_o be_v it_o from_o our_o dear_a country_n after_o all_o those_o notable_a step_n unto_o reformation_n that_o it_o shall_v stick_v in_o this_o which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o either_o the_o great_a one_o shall_v be_v too_o big_a to_o stoop_v down_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o wholesome_a discipline_n or_o the_o multitude_n so_o carnal_a worldly_a wilful_a profane_a impenitent_a as_o not_o to_o reform_v themselves_o family_n and_o so_o their_o congregation_n humble_o submit_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o the_o minister_n at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o shall_v look_v at_o preferment_n honour_n credit_n riches_n authority_n over_o the_o people_n and_o not_o mind_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o be_v and_o this_o after_o all_o the_o heavy_a humble_v dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o the_o land_n after_o all_o the_o glorious_a out-breaking_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n after_o all_o the_o protestation_n covenant_n oath_n whereby_o so_o many_o have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o this_o particular_a reformation_n of_o themselves_o and_o to_o further_a the_o reformation_n of_o the_o public_a we_o tremble_v to_o speak_v it_o but_o our_o heart_n can_v but_o fear_v it_o that_o woe_n wo_n woe_n will_v be_v to_o poor_a sinful_a england_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o prophetical_a speech_n of_o mr._n brinsly_n long_o since_o at_o rest_n with_o god_n when_o lament_v the_o profaneness_n of_o england_n with_o their_o connivance_n at_o popery_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o wicked_a he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v call_v for_o they_o mean_v the_o popish_a faction_n to_o rise_v up_o against_o we_o in_o new_a conspiracy_n or_o open_a violence_n and_o with_o they_o all_o the_o crew_n of_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n in_o who_o we_o have_v so_o delight_v to_o take_v part_n with_o those_o to_o our_o destruction_n as_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v will_v be_v as_o outrageous_a as_o the_o other_o against_o all_o sound_o fear_v god_n be_v it_o not_o just_a yea_o if_o he_o shall_v let_v they_o make_v it_o bellum_fw-la prodigorum_fw-la the_o day_n of_o all_o the_o spendthrift_n and_o of_o all_o the_o vile_a person_n of_o the_o land_n to_o have_v their_o finger_n in_o every_o man_n coffer_n and_o their_o hand_n wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o they_o who_o they_o have_v hate_v so_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o babylonish_n 10._o design_n shall_v take_v their_o effect_n can_v we_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o
knowledge_n of_o and_o if_o any_o by_o such_o write_n do_v abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o such_o corruption_n as_o their_o conscience_n will_v be_v defile_v with_o no_o hindrance_n from_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n but_o that_o you_o may_v call_v they_o to_o account_v before_o the_o church_n and_o convince_v and_o censure_v they_o if_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o mr._n p._n in_o fly_v present_o to_o the_o classis_fw-la chap._n iii_o 2_o position_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n where_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v or_o as_o we_o conceive_v your_o meaning_n to_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a etc._n etc._n viz._n where_o and_o when_o that_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v reply_n if_o we_o mistake_v not_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n both_o you_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o both_o that_o you_o call_v the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o this_o more_o moderate_a also_o and_o we_o humble_o wish_v that_o the_o moderate_a do_v not_o degenerate_a into_o the_o rigid_a ere_o long_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o they_o take_v not_o great_a encouragement_n upon_o your_o ground_n answ_n if_o you_o will_v needs_o account_v not_o join_v in_o that_o stint_v impose_v liturgy_n to_o be_v a_o moderate_a separation_n we_o must_v confess_v we_o have_v witness_v against_o such_o separation_n yea_o not_o only_o conform_v to_o that_o corrupt_a worship_n but_o also_o to_o divers_a of_o the_o ceremony_n thereof_o some_o of_o we_o with_o shame_n before_o the_o lord_n may_v confess_v it_o but_o we_o desire_v that_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n since_o discover_v to_o we_o but_o we_o have_v ever_o conceive_v that_o the_o separation_n witness_v against_o both_o by_o yourselves_o and_o we_o have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o no_o true_a church_n the_o ministry_n as_o no_o true_a ministry_n their_o separation_n from_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n their_o endeavour_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o purity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o we_o have_v always_o approve_v and_o the_o question_n now_o in_o hand_n be_v not_o about_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o separation_n more_o moderate_a from_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n of_o england_n but_o whether_o the_o liturgy_n of_o england_n be_v not_o indeed_o one_o of_o those_o corruption_n in_o worship_n which_o you_o and_o we_o have_v need_n reject_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ceremony_n and_o no_o long_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o and_o we_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o grow_a endeavour_n of_o the_o godly_a after_o more_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o too_o rash_o brand_v with_o the_o odium_fw-la of_o separation_n and_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o degenerate_v into_o the_o rigid_a separation_n we_o think_v you_o need_v not_o fear_v it_o upon_o our_o principle_n no_o more_o then_o upon_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o nonconformist_n and_o you_o know_v what_o they_o infer_v upon_o those_o principle_n now_o just_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v true_o observe_v in_o england_n it_o be_v the_o justification_n and_o press_v of_o ceremony_n and_o other_o corruption_n that_o drive_v many_o to_o separation_n not_o the_o endeavour_n of_o further_a reformation_n so_o you_o may_v fear_v the_o too_o too_o much_o conformity_n of_o minister_n to_o humane_a imposition_n and_o justification_n of_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n have_v and_o will_v more_o dangerous_o alienate_v godly_a mind_n from_o your_o church_n and_o ministry_n and_o so_o drive_v to_o separation_n then_o all_o the_o principle_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o way_n of_o reformation_n and_o we_o shall_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a and_o common_a experience_n whether_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n in_o the_o liturgy_n or_o contrary_a conformity_n to_o it_o be_v the_o great_a block_n of_o offence_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o separatist_n most_o which_o yet_o you_o after_o object_n unto_o we_o we_o suppose_v the_o worthy_n of_o this_o renown_a parliament_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n will_v not_o so_o soon_o have_v remove_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o fabric_n of_o this_o book_n nor_o whole_o stop_v up_o this_o pit_n if_o build_v of_o battlement_n about_o it_o and_o keep_v watchman_n near_o it_o to_o bid_v passenger_n take_v heed_n have_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o cure_v separation_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v that_o this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n will_v have_v be_v in_o more_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o we_o if_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o tender_o we_o return_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n then_o of_o those_o faithful_a witness_n in_o scotland_n who_o separate_v their_o life_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o communicate_v in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o book_n and_o yet_o we_o think_v they_o deserve_v a_o better_a place_n then_o to_o be_v rank_v so_o near_o to_o the_o rigid_a separation_n notwithstanding_o for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v hearty_o thankful_a for_o what_o he_o humble_o wish_v and_o for_o his_o jealousy_n over_o we_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v godly_a but_o so_o far_o as_o such_o wish_n cast_v a_o cloud_n of_o evil_a suspicion_n over_o we_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o as_o if_o we_o be_v go_v fast_a than_o we_o know_v where_o to_o stay_v we_o wish_v humble_o such_o word_n have_v be_v spare_v till_o some_o other_o time_n concern_v this_o distinction_n a_o letter_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v cite_v print_v without_o the_o author_n knowledge_n that_o put_v a_o difference_n indeed_o between_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o separatist_n proper_a to_o they_o qua_fw-la tale_n and_o other_o reason_n use_v by_o himself_o common_a to_o other_o studious_a of_o reformation_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o that_o letter_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o separation_n rigid_a and_o moderate_a only_o if_o you_o will_v a_o separation_n from_o church_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n which_o latter_a be_v all_o we_o profess_v 2_o those_o reason_n which_o the_o letter_n ascribe_v to_o they_o qua_fw-la tale_n will_v we_o suppose_v be_v find_v in_o their_o book_n thus_o far_o that_o the_o prayer_n preach_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v unlawful_a because_o offer_v in_o a_o false_a church_n by_o a_o false_a ministry_n for_o the_o subject_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o separatist_n in_o the_o world_n because_o none_o it_o be_v say_v none_o plead_v against_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n as_o unlawful_a because_o offer_v up_o in_o a_o false_a church_n be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o this_o learned_a author_n shall_v not_o read_v or_o observe_v the_o same_o exceed_v frequent_o in_o the_o separatist_n write_n take_v but_o a_o taste_n in_o the_o first_o page_n of_o mr._n smith_n against_o bernard_n in_o his_o parallel_n censure_n and_o observation_n his_o word_n pag._n 9_o be_v these_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o a_o erroneous_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o real_a idol_n and_o the_o prayer_n they_o offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v from_o that_o false_a constitution_n be_v taint_v with_o the_o idolatry_n of_o that_o constitution_n and_o pag._n 10._o it_o be_v idolatry_n to_o offer_v up_o service_n to_o god_n in_o a_o church_n of_o a_o false_a constitution_n and_o pag._n 13._o tell_v i_o mr._n bernard_n can_v there_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n true_a baptism_n true_a faith_n true_a prayer_n true_a preach_v and_o administer_a the_o supper_n true_a excommunication_n in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v false_o constitute_v do_v the_o lord_n accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o church_n constitute_v by_o jeroboam_n so_o page_n 14._o a_o church_n false_o constitute_v be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n neither_o be_v their_o action_n ecclesiastical_a as_o prayer_n preach_v etc._n etc._n acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o again_o a_o false_a ministry_n worship_n government_n may_v be_v in_o a_o true_a church_n through_o ignorance_n and_o the_o like_a but_o a_o true_a ministry_n worship_n government_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o a_o false_a church_n we_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o recite_v more_o testimony_n aliquando_fw-la bone_fw-la dormitat_fw-la homerus_fw-la a_o good_a memory_n may_v sometime_o fall_v asleep_a and_o not_o see_v that_o which_o be_v sometime_o most_o obvious_a and_o visible_a but_o what_o other_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v common_a to_o other_o studious_a of_o reformation_n as_o their_o
be_v say_v the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v easy_o and_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a body_n of_o mankind_n to_o which_o or_o to_o the_o officer_n whereof_o be_v give_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o rule_v this_o catholic_n body_n either_o as_o one_o totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la or_o the_o part_n of_o it_o family_n city_n kingdom_n in_o communi_fw-la by_o subordination_n of_o all_o society_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a or_o so_o as_o every_o king_n major_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v a_o officer_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o these_o and_o like_a consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o guide_n government_n privilege_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v from_o these_o consideration_n of_o unity_n visibility_n priority_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n 1_o object_n if_o any_o shall_v object_n the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o because_o in_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v universal_a officer_n set_v up_o as_o the_o apostle_n not_o so_o in_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n ans_fw-fr we_o say_v these_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o firâ—â—_n order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v none_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n of_o catholic_n power_n second_o we_o say_v likewise_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n adam_n and_o after_o noah_n have_v a_o general_a power_n over_o mankind_n though_o after_o they_o none_o have_v the_o like_a as_o it_o be_v here_o and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n still_o run_v clear_a 2_o object_n if_o any_o object_n as_o some_o do_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o argument_n somewhat_o like_o this_o that_o this_o similitude_n hold_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o the_o church_n if_o one_o say_v god_n have_v place_v king_n duke_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o one_o organical_a body_n who_o have_v one_o head_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o then_o indeed_o all_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o one_o body_n answ_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v we_o shall_v speak_v after_o here_o only_o let_v we_o clear_v our_o parallel_n and_o first_o take_v the_o similitude_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v clear_a first_o compare_v the_o catholic_n number_n of_o mankind_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o call_v one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o first_o all_o mankind_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o maintain_v civil_a communion_n one_o 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gifts_z administration_n civil_a etc._n etc._n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o church_n of_o all_o power_n spiritual_a and_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n than_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o common_a relation_n between_o a_o head_n and_o body_n there_o be_v a_o similitude_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o we_o meet_v withal_o that_o here_o we_o shall_v remove_v viz._n when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n can_v be_v one_o because_o it_o can_v convent_v together_o in_o one_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v usual_o that_o such_o come_n together_o in_o one_o society_n be_v not_o needful_a because_o as_o a_o kingdom_n may_v be_v one_o though_o all_o part_n of_o it_o never_o meet_v together_o have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o army_n may_v be_v one_o have_v the_o 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