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law_n according_a great_a king_n 5,046 5 3.6170 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33791 A Collection of cases and other discourses lately written to recover dissenters to the communion of the Church of England by some divines of the city of London ; in two volumes ; to each volume is prefix'd a catalogue of all the cases and discourses contained in this collection. 1685 (1685) Wing C5114; ESTC R12519 932,104 1,468

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be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o governor_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o nor_o by_o as_o learned_a and_o religious_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o divine_n by_o far_o the_o most_o and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o as_o able_a as_o any_o be_v clear_o of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v be_v at_o least_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o not_o pure_a and_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o very_o obscure_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v out_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o innocent_o and_o inculpable_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a little_a or_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o act_v against_o it_o because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o know_v this_o law_n it_o can_v be_v his_o sin_n that_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o only_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o such_o remote_a consequence_n it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v it_o and_o then_o far_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o conformity_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n shall_v prove_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n yet_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o man_n person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o damage_n arise_v either_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o any_o man_n be_v a_o conformist_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o thing_n stand_v with_o we_o unity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o establish_v way_n seem_v to_o bring_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o both_o as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o to_o be_v a_o probable_a mean_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o many_o danger_n with_o which_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v threaten_v well_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o our_o governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o lawful_a however_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v and_o in_o a_o zealous_a indulgence_n to_o these_o doubt_n we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a governous_a and_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v thus_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o then_o why_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o causeless_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o we_o be_v so_o severe_o caution_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n viz._n of_o all_o those_o that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath._n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o say_v these_o plain_a law_n we_o disobey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o we_o disobey_v they_o too_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o old_a and_o far_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o we_o well_o but_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v estimate_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o it_o with_o which_o we_o be_v here_o concern_v why_o they_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o by_o this_o unnatual_a separation_n we_o do_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o division_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o all_o those_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n all_o that_o bitter_a contention_n and_o strife_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o have_v long_o tear_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o we_o put_v affront_v upon_o our_o lawful_a governor_n who_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o all_o our_o brethren_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o pious_o and_o last_o as_o we_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a handle_n and_o pretence_n to_o all_o discontent_a and_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_n against_o the_o best_a of_o government_n so_o we_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n this_o now_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n among_o we_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o determine_v whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n though_o that_o doubt_v be_v back_v with_o great_a probability_n than_o do_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v with_o all_o the_o probability_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_n can_v have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n as_o separation_n in_o our_o case_n do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unconcerned_a person_n but_o will_v pronounce_v that_o suppose_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n certain_o bind_v to_o choose_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n rather_o than_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o but_o now_o after_o all_o this_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o after_o a_o consideration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o conformity_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o more_o probable_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o withal_o that_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o will_v involve_v he_o in_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o worse_a consequence_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o unfortunate_a a_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n such_o a_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o continue_v a_o nonconformist_n than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o for_o his_o act_n in_o this_o case_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o at_o all_o acquit_v he_o either_o of_o the_o gild_n or_o consequence_n of_o criminal_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n suppose_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o along_o under_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o say_v he_o certain_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o as_o there_o certain_o be_v not_o unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o man_n fall_v into_o these_o mistake_n without_o any_o fault_n
and_o of_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o then_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v as_o fix_v as_o our_o relation_n and_o membership_n be_v and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n who_o understand_v himself_o will_v talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a member_n if_o no_o man_n can_v perform_v any_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n since_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o a_o member_n be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o he_o who_o be_v no_o member_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v than_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n as_o of_o occasional_a membership_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o occasional_a communion_n with_o a_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n may_v exercise_v act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n if_o all_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n which_o respect_v christian_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n tho_o perform_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o act_n mere_o of_o a_o particular_a church-communion_n but_o of_o catholic_n communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o than_o every_o true_a catholic_n christian_n be_v not_o only_o in_o a_o fix_a state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o live_v in_o as_o constant_a a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n with_o all_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n as_o he_o do_v with_o that_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v for_o every_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o it_o be_v perform_v if_o that_o church_n be_v in_o catholic_n communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o very_a exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v equal_o fix_v and_o constant_a or_o equal_o occasional_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n there_o be_v a_o sense_n indeed_o wherein_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o principal_o consist_v in_o government_n and_o discipline_n every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o in_o communion_n with_o it_o but_o he_o be_v under_o the_o immediate_a instruction_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o personal_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o this_o constitute_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v under_o the_o direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o a_o particular_a bishop_n and_o when_o neighbour_n bishop_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n and_o agree_v upon_o some_o common_a rule_n of_o government_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o religious_a office_n this_o make_v they_o a_o patriarchal_a or_o national_a church_n and_o thus_o by_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o such_o particular_a or_o unite_a bishop_n we_o become_v member_n of_o a_o diocesan_n or_o national_a church_n consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o other_o diocesan_n or_o national_a church_n but_o this_o do_v not_o confine_v our_o church-membership_a and_o communion_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o it_o strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v while_o it_o impose_v nothing_o on_o we_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n but_o though_o particular_a christian_n be_v more_o peculiar_o oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o rite_n and_o usage_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o to_o maintain_v personal_a communion_n with_o it_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n may_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v call_v the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n yet_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n perform_v in_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o virtual_a communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o notwithstanding_o my_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o my_o constant_a abide_v and_o habitation_n in_o it_o when_o ever_o i_o travel_v into_o any_o other_o church_n i_o communicate_v with_o they_o as_o a_o member_n so_o that_o wherever_o i_o communicate_v whether_o in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o usual_o live_v or_o in_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n where_o i_o be_o accidental_o present_a my_o communion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o be_v i_o communicate_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o shall_v communicate_v otherwise_o for_o i_o have_v no_o right_n to_o communion_n but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o nothing_o i_o can_v do_v can_v be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n if_o i_o be_v not_o and_o do_v not_o own_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o mistake_v about_o fix_v and_o occasional_a communion_n that_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o great_a and_o wise_a reason_n and_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o live_v now_o man_n may_v have_v house_n in_o different_a parish_n or_o distinct_a diocese_n or_o may_v travel_v into_o other_o part_n of_o the_o country_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n which_o they_o find_v in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v or_o they_o may_v sometime_o go_v to_o prayer_n or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o another_o parish-church_n now_o our_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o our_o constant_a abide_v be_v may_v be_v call_v constant_a communion_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n which_o we_o accidental_o visit_v and_o communicate_v with_o may_v be_v call_v occasional_a communion_n and_o all_o this_o without_o schism_n because_o we_o still_o communicate_v either_o with_o the_o same_o national_a church_n or_o which_o be_v often_o the_o case_n of_o traveller_n with_o some_o other_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v also_o member_n and_o so_o still_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n and_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n but_o those_o of_o which_o we_o own_v ourselves_o member_n as_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o communion_n as_o be_v either_o sincere_a member_n of_o the_o national_a or_o catholic_n church_n from_o hence_o our_o dissenter_n conclude_v that_o their_o communion_n with_o a_o independent_a or_o presbyterian_a church_n of_o which_o they_o profess_v themselves_o fix_v member_n be_v as_o constant_a with_o their_o occasional_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o to_o serve_v some_o present_a turn_n they_o hear_v the_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o we_o as_o our_o fix_a communion_n with_o our_o parish-church_n be_v with_o our_o occasional_a communion_n with_o other_o parish-church_n which_o no_o body_n account_v schism_n though_o when_o it_o be_v too_o frequent_a and_o causeless_a it_o be_v a_o great_a disorder_n but_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v vast_o great_a for_o in_o the_o first_o case_n we_o only_o communicate_v with_o such_o church_n which_o be_v all_o in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o be_v a_o member_n of_o they_o all_o and_o communicate_v with_o they_o wherever_o he_o be_v as_o a_o member_n but_o he_o who_o be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a church_n can_v communicate_v so_o much_o as_o occasional_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o member_n because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n not_o only_o of_o another_o particular_a but_o of_o a_o separate_a church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n who_o be_v one_o with_o himself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o worship_n we_o join_v in_o with_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n they_o be_v not_o
p._n 10._o it_o unlawful_a than_o all_o communion_n in_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n with_o such_o minister_n be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o 310._o v._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 310._o faithful_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n sin_v in_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o when_o the_o priest_n be_v dumb_a dog_n that_o can_v not_o bark_v and_o greedy_a dog_n that_o can_v never_o have_v enough_o when_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v lie_n when_o the_o priest_n buy_v and_o sell_v dove_n in_o the_o temple_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v such_o and_o do_v such_o thing_n they_o be_v ungodly_a minister_n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v either_o forbear_v themselves_o or_o warn_v the_o faithful_a not_o to_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n so_o much_o mr._n nye_n do_v grant_v more_o can_v be_v object_v against_o our_o minister_n 14._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 14._o that_o conform_v than_o may_v against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o christ_n time_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o be_v load_v with_o tradition_n their_o stand_v which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o law_n their_o life_n which_o be_v vicious_a yet_o christ_n not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v we_o to_o attend_v the_o truth_n they_o deliver_v second_o they_o plead_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v arg._n 2_o communicate_v where_o such_o do_v officiate_v so_o dr._n bryan_n in_o some_o country_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v many_o sober_a 313._o dwelling_v with_o god_n p._n 313._o godly_a orthodox_n able_a preacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o know_v any_o country_n where_o it_o be_v worse_o this_o be_v attest_v by_o another_o in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n our_o saviour_n 94._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94._o christ_n use_v to_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o his_o time_n notwithstanding_o such_o formalist_n and_o superstitious_a one_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v officiate_v in_o it_o three_o they_o say_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v arg._n 3_o not_o they_o nor_o do_v bring_v any_o detriment_n to_o they_o though_o they_o communicate_v with_o he_o so_o mr._n baxter_n a_o minister_n personal_a fault_n may_v damn_v himself_o 114._o c●ristian_n directory_n p._n 747._o &_o cure_n p._n 113_o 114._o and_o must_v be_v matter_n of_o lamentation_n to_o the_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o do_v their_o best_a to_o reform_v they_o or_o get_v better_o by_o any_o lawful_a mean_n but_o in_o case_n they_o can_v his_o sin_n be_v none_o of_o they_o nor_o do_v it_o make_v his_o administration_n null_n or_o ineffectual_a nor_o will_v it_o allow_v you_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o worship_n which_o he_o administer_v so_o the_o minister_n send_v to_o oxford_n do_v assert_v some_o evil_a man_n may_v and_o always_o have_v de_fw-fr 27._o account_v give_v to_o the_o parliament_n p._n 27._o facto_fw-la be_v officer_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o such_o man_n do_v not_o null_a or_o evacuate_v their_o ministerial_a act_n for_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hear_v while_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o ministration_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v not_o invalid_a and_o that_o the_o people_n suffer_v not_o by_o it_o they_o further_o prove_v 1._o because_o they_o officiate_v not_o in_o their_o own_o name_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n it_o have_v evermore_o be_v hold_v for_o a_o truth_n 11._o letter_n of_o the_o minister_n p._n 11._o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o although_o sometime_o the_o evil_n have_v chief_a authority_n in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o do_v not_o the_o same_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o christ_n and_o minister_v by_o his_o commission_n and_o authority_n we_o may_v use_v their_o ministry_n both_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n neither_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n take_v away_o by_o their_o wickedness_n 2._o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o goodness_n but_o god_n promise_n so_o mr._n rogers_n say_v of_o prayer_n if_o this_o burden_n of_n bad_a minister_n 223._o tract_n 3._o p._n 223._o must_v be_v bear_v i_o ask_v if_o among_o many_o sweet_a liberty_n we_o enjoy_v we_o may_v not_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o if_o we_o can_v pray_v in_o faith_n see_v their_o unworthiness_n can_v withhold_v the_o fruit_n of_o god_n promise_n from_o we_o which_o be_v to_o one_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o another_o so_o say_v mr._n cradacot_n of_o the_o word_n take_v heed_n say_v he_o of_o be_v leaven_v with_o prejudice_n 23._o farewell_o sermon_n vol._n 3._o p._n 22_o 23._o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n because_o of_o the_o misdemeanour_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o minister_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o convert_v not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o dispenser_n or_o speaker_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o long_o as_o they_o fail_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n for_o unconverted_a minister_n to_o convert_v and_o yet_o we_o must_v remember_v not_o to_o tie_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n to_o the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o a_o minister_n person_n so_o when_o it_o be_v 14._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 14._o object_v how_o can_v we_o expect_v a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o labour_n of_o such_o though_o they_o preach_v truth_n mr._n nye_n reply_v answ_n 1._o the_o mixture_n in_o sermon_n be_v near_a the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o call_v next_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o conversation_n further_a from_o their_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o have_v less_o efficacy_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n to_o prejudice_v it_o answ_n 2._o it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o not_o their_o own_o they_o preach_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o if_o person_n themselves_o do_v believe_v and_o be_v sincere_a they_o be_v notwithstanding_o such_o a_o ministry_n accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o faithful_a elkanah_n say_v one_o 94._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94._o be_v please_v to_o god_n even_o when_o hophni_n and_o phineas_n be_v priest_n from_o all_o which_o we_o find_v some_o declare_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o will_v communicate_v so_o a_o learned_a person_n the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la 133._o bonasus_n vapulans_fw-la p._n 133._o against_o the_o liturgy_n be_v ground_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o constant_a reader_n and_o frequenter_n of_o it_o doubtless_o the_o author_n if_o he_o have_v consider_v this_o will_v rather_o have_v say_v that_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o some_o of_o those_o that_o read_v and_o frequent_v it_o i_o shall_v never_o upon_o that_o account_n cease_v to_o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o to_o hear_v sermon_n other_o we_o find_v exhort_v their_o auditor_n to_o attend_v even_o upon_o such_o so_o mr._n fairclough_n in_o his_o farewel-sermon_n get_v all_o 125._o pastor_n legacy_n p._n 125._o good_a from_o show_v all_o duty_n to_o he_o that_o follow_v if_o he_o shall_v be_v weak_a or_o evil_a yet_o while_o he_o preach_v truth_n while_o he_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n hear_v he_o serious_o and_o carry_v yourselves_o towards_o he_o as_o become_v a_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o scandalous_a minister_n because_o many_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n as_o well_o those_o that_o be_v not_o concern_v as_o those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o england_n be_v never_o better_o provide_v with_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a ministry_n than_o at_o present_a who_o have_v as_o good_a understanding_n 23._o nonconformist_n plea_n for_o conformist_n p._n 12_o &_o 23._o preach_v as_o good_a doctrine_n do_v as_o much_o good_a by_o their_o preach_v as_o any_o other_o as_o a_o late_a writer_n do_v confess_v but_o though_o many_o congregation_n be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o pious_a able_a and_o industrious_a ministry_n yet_o there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o but_o what_o have_v some_o more_o or_o less_o among_o the_o laity_n that_o be_v as_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n or_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n in_o worship_n which_o
evil_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o it_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o action_n but_o it_o may_v through_o my_o negligence_n be_v so_o far_o misguide_v itself_o as_o that_o if_o i_o follow_v it_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n or_o justification_n of_o my_o action_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o say_v that_o indeed_o herein_o i_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o my_o persuasion_n no_o very_o i_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v damn_v without_o repentance_n for_o act_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o be_v mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o other_o case_n where_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o be_v not_o my_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n that_o make_v good_a or_o evil_a right_a or_o wrong_n justice_n or_o injustice_n virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n under_o that_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n that_o make_v they_o so_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n then_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o various_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n as_o often_o as_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o to_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o that_o which_o in_o one_o man_n will_v be_v a_o heroical_o good_a action_n will_v in_o another_o man_n be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n though_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o do_v it_o save_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a nor_o indeed_o do_v man_n either_o talk_v or_o think_v after_o this_o manner_n every_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_v some_o certain_a fix_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v either_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o action_n be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o to_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o be_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v our_o proposition_n full_o prove_v but_o then_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o every_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n about_o good_a or_o evil_a do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o sin_n if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n but_o only_o thus_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o act_n against_o it_o so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n in_o moral_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o pursue_v it_o in_o his_o action_n a_o man_n conscience_n may_v mistake_v its_o rule_n in_o a_o hundred_o instance_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v safe_o enough_o act_n according_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n may_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n according_a to_o they_o too_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o action_n he_o shall_v not_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n now_o this_o that_o i_o say_v hold_v chief_o in_o these_o two_o inslance_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o business_n seven_o time_n or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n or_o to_o give_v half_a of_o his_o yearly_o income_n to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a use_n if_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o prejudice_n to_o his_o family_n now_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v he_o up_o to_o such_o measure_n in_o either_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o yet_o because_o god_n have_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lay_v any_o command_n upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a he_o may_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n act_n according_a to_o this_o mistake_n without_o any_o gild_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o that_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_n according_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o ought_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n that_o be_v strangle_v or_o have_v blood_n in_o they_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o play_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o let_v out_o money_n at_o interest_n why_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o opinion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n however_o his_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o since_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n forbid_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n follow_v upon_o act_v according_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n where_o a_o man_n mistake_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o he_o can_v act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o he_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o lawful_a action_n or_o as_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n become_v dangerous_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o sad_a dilemma_n we_o have_v be_v represent_v viz._n that_o if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n he_o transgress_v god_n law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o he_o act_v against_o his_o persuasion_n than_o he_o be_v self_n condemn_v and_o very_o guilty_a before_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n well_o but_o be_v there_o no_o avoid_n of_o this_o must_v it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o constant_a universal_a truth_n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o a_o man_n judgement_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n command_v or_o forbid_v a_o action_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n whether_o he_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n if_o indeed_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n it_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o sin_n but_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v when_o he_o act_v according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o law_n against_o which_o he_o offend_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o untie_n it_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o three_o general_a proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v the_o culpableness_n or_o inculpableness_n the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n
upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o gild_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v always_o guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n before_o god_n when_o upon_o a_o misinformation_n of_o judgement_n he_o omit_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o do_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v no_o though_o these_o omission_n or_o action_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sin_n in_o themselves_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o as_o be_v transgression_n of_o god_n law_n yet_o before_o we_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o that_o be_v prove_v formal_o sin_n to_o he_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man._n if_o we_o find_v upon_o examination_n that_o the_o instance_n wherein_o god_n law_n be_v transgress_v be_v such_o a_o instance_n as_o even_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o mistake_v in_o and_o if_o we_o find_v likewise_o that_o the_o man_n have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o inform_v himself_o aright_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o understand_v his_o duty_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n upon_o that_o mistake_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n in_o that_o action_n however_o that_o action_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v innocent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n nor_o will_v god_n ever_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v in_o these_o circumstance_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o affirm_v this_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a at_o the_o first_o hear_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v all_o that_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n can_v or_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o duty_n if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v that_o mistake_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o understand_v better_o and_o if_o his_o mistake_n be_v no_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a to_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n neither_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o sin_v or_o not_o sin_v in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n lie_v here_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o mispersuade_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v or_o not_o blame_v for_o his_o mispersuasion_n if_o the_o error_n he_o have_v take_v up_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a unavoidable_a effect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o be_v place_v which_o circumstance_n we_o suppose_v he_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o but_o he_o be_v put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n then_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o error_n be_v he_o do_v not_o contract_v any_o guilt_n by_o any_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o error_n but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o rectify_v that_o error_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o must_v be_v account_v guilty_a of_o a_o gross_a and_o criminal_a neglect_n in_o not_o do_v it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o accountable_a unto_o god_n as_o such_o for_o all_o the_o action_n that_o he_o do_v or_o omit_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n while_o he_o act_v under_o that_o mistake_n or_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o and_o according_o as_o this_o neglect_n or_o carelessness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o great_a or_o less_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o fatal_a unavoidable_a necessity_n lay_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o sin_n by_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v bring_v under_o those_o sad_a circumstance_n he_o bring_v that_o necessity_n upon_o himself_o god_n never_o put_v any_o man_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o action_n but_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n man_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n by_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o be_v afford_v they_o and_o not_o use_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v may_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o bondage_n of_o such_o false_a and_o evil_a principle_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v those_o principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o act_n against_o it_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a point_n concern_v conscience_n which_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o follow_a discourse_n i_o now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o all_o this_o be_v intend_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o now_o all_o that_o i_o conceive_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o case_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o separate_a the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v true_o and_o just_o make_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o the_o false_a one_o or_o to_o show_v who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v right_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v second_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continne_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n as_o establish_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o a_o person_n in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a and_o good_a conscience_n in_o this_o affair_n our_o first_o inquiry_n be_v what_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o any_o man_n true_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n or_o who_o those_o person_n be_v that_o can_v with_o justice_n make_v that_o plea_n for_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o very_o convenient_a to_o begin_v my_o disquisition_n here_o because_o by_o remove_v all_o the_o false_a pretence_n to_o conscience_n the_o controversy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o much_o less_o compass_n and_o the_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v will_v be_v more_o easy_o untie_v the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v examine_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o pretence_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v talk_v of_o be_v as_o in_o many_o other_o case_n extend_v much_o far_a than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o meaning_n be_v that_o of_o all_o those_o who_o think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o so_o do_v in_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n mistake_v for_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o so_o that_o if_o the_o true_a plea_n of_o conscience_n be_v separate_v from_o those_o counterfeit_a one_o which_o usual_o usurp_v that_o name_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v either_o the_o person_n to_o be_v so_o many_o that_o refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v nor_o the_o case_n to_o be_v so_o many_o in_o which_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n or_o distinction_n between_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v and_o the_o several_a pretence_n to_o it_o in_o this_o business_n of_o not_o conform_v to_o
one_o in_o this_o question_n a_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o may_v by_o chance_n happen_v to_o some_o other_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o we_o prove_v it_o by_o this_o reason_n which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n must_v own_v for_o true_a and_o good_a because_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o his_o own_o than_o other_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o rather_o to_o avoid_v sin_n in_o himself_o than_o to_o prevent_v it_o in_o his_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o whether_o any_o human_a authority_n can_v make_v that_o action_n cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a which_o if_o do_v without_o any_o such_o command_n have_v be_v criminal_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o scandal_n that_o follow_v it_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o authority_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a can_v secure_v that_o other_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v by_o what_o i_o do_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o their_o command_n but_o than_o it_o do_v free_v i_o from_o all_o guilt_n and_o blame_n by_o make_v that_o to_o become_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v which_o if_o i_o have_v do_v needless_o without_o any_o great_a reason_n and_o my_o brother_n have_v be_v hurt_v and_o his_o conscience_n wound_v by_o it_o may_v have_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o uncharitableness_n great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o scandal_n be_v more_o or_o less_o probable_a to_o follow_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n otherwise_o obligatory_a do_v not_o lose_v their_o bind_a force_n because_o of_o some_o scandal_n that_o may_v possible_o happen_v from_o our_o compliance_n with_o they_o or_o else_o all_o authority_n be_v utter_o void_a and_o insignificant_a and_o every_o man_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o himself_o please_v for_o to_o borrow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o excellent_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o allow_v man_n under_o pretence_n that_o some_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v thereat_o to_o disobey_v law_n and_o constitution_n make_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o authority_n and_o to_o bring_v both_o magistrate_n and_o law_n into_o contempt_n for_o what_o law_n ever_o be_v make_v or_o can_v be_v make_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a but_o some_o man_n or_o other_o either_o do_v or_o may_v take_v offence_n thereat_o whether_o such_o a_o constitution_n or_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v scandalous_a or_o no_o every_o one_o must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o so_o according_a to_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o hurtfulness_n of_o what_o be_v require_v he_o be_v free_a to_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o which_o be_v direct_o to_o dissolve_v all_o government_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o certain_a disorder_n and_o everlasting_a confusion_n every_o one_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n be_v a_o main_a duty_n of_o charity_n may_v superior_n therefore_o at_o their_o pleasure_n appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v show_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brother_n soul_n then_o sure_o a_o inferior_a earthly_a court_n may_v cross_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o heaven_n this_o mr._n jean_n urge_v also_o out_o of_o amesius_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o reply_v that_o here_o be_v no_o cross_v the_o determination_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v his_o express_a will_n that_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n we_o shall_v obey_v our_o governor_n and_o he_o who_o have_v make_v this_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o lay_v to_o our_o charge_n the_o mischief_n that_o may_v sometime_o without_o our_o fault_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n follow_v from_o it_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v as_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o superior_n shall_v appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v exercise_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brethren_n as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n and_o prejudice_n of_o any_o private_a christian_n shall_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n cancel_v the_o public_a law_n or_o that_o every_o ignorant_a and_o froward_a brother_n shall_v determine_v how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o though_o charity_n be_v the_o great_a duty_n especial_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o duty_n of_o justice_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v be_v of_o strict_a obligation_n than_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n before_o we_o give_v a_o alm_n now_o obedience_n to_o superior_n be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o exact_v of_o we_o so_o that_o they_o may_v accuse_v we_o of_o injury_n if_o we_o perform_v it_o not_o but_o a_o great_a care_n to_o hinder_v sin_n in_o other_o or_o not_o to_o scandalize_v they_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o indeed_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v but_o not_o till_o after_o we_o have_v give_v to_o every_o one_o what_o be_v his_o due_a and_o right_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o more_o lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o forenamed_a most_o judicious_a bishop_n sanderson_n to_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o superior_a to_o prevent_v thereby_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o brethren_n than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v one_o man_n wrong_a to_o do_v another_o man_n a_o courtesy_n withal_o or_o than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o rob_v the_o exchequer_n to_o relieve_v a_o hospital_n according_a to_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la dicat_fw-la ut_fw-la habeamus_fw-la quod_fw-la demus_fw-la pauperibus_fw-la faciamus_fw-la furta_fw-la divitibus_fw-la who_o be_v it_o that_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o steal_v from_o the_o rich_a what_o we_o may_v bestow_v on_o the_o poor_a or_o to_o refuse_v to_o pay_v tax_n on_o pretence_n that_o you_o know_v those_o who_o have_v more_o need_n of_o your_o money_n to_o this_o mr._n jean_n reply_v suppose_v say_v he_o the_o care_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o a_o debt_n of_o charity_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o legal_a debt_n since_o he_o may_v and_o do_v challenge_v it_o as_o due_a and_o we_o do_v he_o wrong_v if_o we_o disobey_v he_o here_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o both_o be_v require_v by_o god_n at_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o show_v charity_n to_o our_o brethren_n but_o then_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o charity_n which_o god_n require_v when_o i_o give_v to_o those_o in_o want_n what_o be_v none_o of_o i_o own_o this_o be_v not_o a_o instance_n or_o expression_n of_o that_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o brother_n to_o do_v he_o good_a by_o wrong_v our_o superior_n god_n have_v oblige_v servant_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a to_o their_o power_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o master_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o god_n require_v from_o they_o to_o give_v away_o their_o master_n good_n without_o his_o leave_n though_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o relief_n god_n have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o be_v any_o occasion_n of_o their_o brother_n sin_n or_o fall_v but_o then_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o management_n in_o all_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o our_o own_o disposal_n we_o be_v bind_v charitable_o to_o regard_v our_o brother_n but_o in_o instance_n where_o our_o practice_n be_v determine_v by_o authority_n our_o superior_n only_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o can_v show_v our_o charity_n without_o violate_v the_o right_a of_o our_o superior_n it_o remain_v then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o another_o great_a bishop_n in_o what_o case_n soever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n in_o that_o case_n and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n of_o circumstance_n we_o have_v nothing_o permit_v to_o our_o choice_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o remit_v of_o the_o right_n of_o god_n or_o our_o superior_a and_o to_o comply_v with_o our_o neighbour_n in_o such_o
religious_a commonwealth_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n ordain_v the_o apostle_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n to_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o firm_a and_o close_a union_n and_o orderly_a disposition_n of_o all_o its_o 15._o eph._n 2._o 21_o 22._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o part_n be_v not_o only_o call_v a_o body_n but_o a_o spiritual_a building_n and_o holy_a temple_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o one_o body_n in_o opposition_n to_o many_o body_n for_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o church_n and_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o this_o body_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o which_o be_v not_o a_o new_a distinct_a church_n but_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o jewish_a stock_n or_o root_n believe_v jew_n and_o christian_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o church_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a 18._o rom._n 11._o 17_o 18._o corner_n stone_n who_o unite_v jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o one_o church_n as_o the_o corner_n stone_n unite_v both_o side_n of_o the_o house_n and_o hold_v they_o together_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o building_n the_o house_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v the_o temple_n be_v but_o one_o and_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o by_o the_o express_a command_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christ_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o fold_n under_o one_o shepherd_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a 16._o john_n 10._o 16._o to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n which_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n and_o saviour_n which_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n be_v heir_n to_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o enjoy_v all_o privilege_n in_o common_a shall_v be_v divide_v into_o as_o distinct_a and_o separate_a body_n though_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v distinct_a person_n though_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n that_o be_v it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o where_o every_o thing_n be_v common_a there_o be_v not_o one_o community_n peter_n and_o james_n and_o john_n though_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n yet_o each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o distinct_a essence_n and_o subsistence_n of_o their_o own_o as_o it_o must_v be_v in_o natural_a being_n otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o make_v they_o distinct_a person_n but_o where_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o body_n or_o society_n consist_v in_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o some_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o all_o to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o another_o then_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o body_n one_o communion_n one_o household_n and_o family_n for_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o distinguish_v and_o separate_a no_o enclosure_n or_o partition_n of_o divine_a appointment_n there_o can_v be_v by_o divine_a institution_n but_o one_o body_n 2._o i_o add_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n or_o call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o whence_o ecclesia_fw-la be_v derive_v may_v signify_v and_o be_v so_o expound_v by_o many_o divine_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o christian_n be_v so_o of_o ten_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o call_v and_o choose_v or_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o peculiar_a and_o appropriate_a faith_n by_o peculiar_a law_n by_o peculiar_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o peculiar_a promise_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o about_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n the_o church_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a society_n institute_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o each_o other_o because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o body_n which_o require_v a_o union_n of_o all_o its_o part_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o shall_v discourse_v more_o present_o but_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v this_o that_o this_o union_n with_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o which_o constitute_v a_o church_n be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o choose_v he_o and_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o church_n and_o peculiar_a people_n and_o give_v he_o circumcision_n for_o a_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o mankind_n in_o and_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n found_v upon_o better_a promise_n and_o this_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o god_n only_o can_v make_v or_o constitute_v a_o church_n for_o such_o person_n if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o absurd_a be_v not_o worth_a dispute_v with_o who_o dare_v affirm_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o human_a creature_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o the_o only_a visible_a way_n god_n have_v of_o form_v a_o church_n for_o i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v and_o invest_v some_o person_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o such_o covenant_n rite_n and_o form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o institute_v which_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v circumcision_n to_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o can_v be_v no_o church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o at_o least_o visible_o admit_v into_o god_n covenant_n and_o whoever_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o be_v admit_v into_o covenant_n now_o before_o i_o proceed_v i_o shall_v brief_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a if_o these_o principle_n be_v true_a that_o i_o need_v only_o name_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o some_o follow_a case_n as_o 1._o that_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o church-state_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o that_o every_o profess_a christian_a who_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v a_o church_n member_n 3._o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o only_a baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n for_o if_o baptism_n which_o give_v we_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o make_v we_o church_n member_n than_o a_o church-state_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n of_o christ_n or_o he_o may_v be_v a_o member_n
this_o church_n but_o your_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v it_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n to_o obey_v civil_a magistrate_n but_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a law_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v obey_v the_o king_n of_o england_n france_n or_o spain_n therefore_o french_a or_o english_a subject_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v their_o own_o prince_n oh_o what_o comfortable_a doctrine_n be_v this_o to_o some_o man_n you_o proceed_v but_o you_o will_v say_v which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o much_o to_o the_o question_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o communicate_v if_o communion_n may_v be_v have_v yes_o i_o do_v say_v this_o and_o i_o believe_v by_o this_o time_n you_o see_v or_o at_o least_o other_o will_v see_v that_o it_o be_v much_o to_o the_o question_n but_o then_o query_n whether_o the_o dissenter_n may_v not_o reply_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v if_o the_o communion_n be_v not_o clog_v with_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n yes_o they_o may_v reply_v so_o if_o they_o please_v or_o anonymus_fw-la for_o they_o but_o whoever_o do_v it_o the_o reply_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o impertinent_a it_o be_v weak_a because_o obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v in_o a_o large_a notion_n part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n and_o it_o be_v very_o impertinent_a because_o the_o supposition_n of_o communicate_v where_o communion_n may_v be_v have_v supersedes_o that_o query_n for_o communion_n can_v be_v have_v where_o there_o be_v any_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o though_o i_o assert_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n i_o never_o say_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v express_v in_o that_o covenant_n a_o corporation_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o royal_a charter_n you_o know_v may_v have_v authority_n to_o make_v by-law_n which_o shall_v oblige_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o be_v term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o charter_n not_o these_o by-law_n whereon_o the_o corporation_n be_v found_v i_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v and_o will_v be_v do_v by_o other_o hand_n but_o suppose_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o our_o communion_n whether_o all_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o this_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o q._n 3._o your_o next_o query_n concern_v the_o derivation_n of_o church-power_n from_o christ_n himself_o without_o any_o immediate_a derivation_n from_o other_o church-governor_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v my_o doctrine_n of_o church-communion_n for_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o so_o still_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o all_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o church-authoritie_n be_v derive_v from_o christ_n any_o way_n it_o be_v well_o enough_o but_o then_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o ordinary_a way_n for_o this_o but_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o himself_o i_o know_v not_o who_o can_v appoint_v any_o other_o way_n but_o may_v not_o a_o layman_n preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v a_o church_n in_o a_o heathen_a country_n where_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o clergy_n to_o do_v it_o i_o suppose_v he_o may_v and_o if_o you_o please_v to_o consult_v the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_v unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 331_o etc._n etc._n you_o will_v find_v this_o case_n large_o debate_v but_o it_o seem_v it_o do_v not_o satisfy_v you_o that_o this_o be_v allow_v only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n for_o then_o up_o start_v two_o other_o query_n 1._o whether_o this_o will_v not_o put_v the_o be_v of_o our_o church_n upon_o a_o very_a hazardous_a issue_n and_o oblige_v yourself_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n before_o the_o reformation_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v no_o hazard_n at_o all_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v certain_o a_o true_a though_o a_o corrupt_a church_n before_o the_o reformation_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o true_a church_n be_v that_o which_o have_v every_o thing_n essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n though_o mix_v with_o such_o other_o corruption_n as_o make_v its_o communion_n dangerous_a and_o sinful_a as_o a_o disease_a man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n and_o remove_v these_o corruption_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o sound_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o you_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o i_o doubt_v sir_n all_o private_a christian_n will_v be_v at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n for_o their_o baptism_n as_o the_o church_n will_v be_v for_o order_n but_o the_o case_n of_o a_o true_a etc._n vindicat._n p._n 64._o etc._n etc._n and_o sound_a and_o catholic_n church_n if_o you_o please_v you_o may_v see_v state_v in_o the_o same_o book_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o before_o and_o thus_o your_o second_o query_n be_v answer_v that_o though_o this_o church_n be_v antichristian_a before_o the_o reformation_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n for_o private_a christian_n to_o usurp_v the_o ministerial_a office_n without_o a_o regular_a authority_n as_o there_o be_v for_o a_o layman_n in_o a_o heathen_a nation_n because_o a_o antichristian_a that_o be_v the_o most_o corrupt_a church_n retain_v the_o power_n of_o order_n as_o well_o as_o of_o sacrament_n as_o for_o that_o independent_a principle_n that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o ordain_v she_o own_o officer_n you_o may_v see_v it_o examine_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o vnr_n of_o sep._n p._n 306_o etc._n etc._n but_o what_o now_o be_v all_o this_o to_o i_o i_o do_v charge_v our_o dissenter_n with_o schism_n from_o the_o invalidity_n of_o their_o order_n but_o for_o their_o causeless_a and_o sinful_a separation_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o order_n or_o that_o such_o order_n as_o they_o have_v be_v good_a or_o that_o they_o have_v episcopal_a order_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o as_o the_o donatist_n be_v yet_o they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o schismatic_n for_o that_o while_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o each_o other_o if_o order_n be_v necessary_a and_o they_o have_v no_o order_n than_o they_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o if_o they_o have_v true_a order_n and_o be_v true_a church_n but_o yet_o divide_v christian_a communion_n by_o separate_v from_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v schismatic_n 4._o q_o whether_o from_o the_o supposition_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o church-covenant_n throughout_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o there_o can_v be_v one_o true_a church_n within_o another_o and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o catholick-communion_n be_v such_o that_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o any_o sound_a church_n from_o which_o one_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v ans_fw-fr fair_a and_o soft_o let_v we_o first_o consider_v the_o supposition_n before_o we_o consider_v what_o follow_v from_o they_o for_o you_o have_v so_o misrepresent_v so_o curtail_v these_o proposition_n and_o so_o mix_v and_o blend_a thing_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o proper_a place_n again_o before_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o follow_v i_o assert_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o since_o god_n have_v make_v but_o one_o covenant_n with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n jesus_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n 8._o resol_n of_o case_n p._n 8._o found_v on_o this_o one_o covenant_n have_v explain_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o church_n communion_n which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o church-fellowship_n and_o 10._o p._n 10._o society_n that_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n i_o come_v to_o inquire_v what_o make_v a_o separate_a church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o christian_a church_n 19_o p._n 19_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n than_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n and_o for_o a_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o i_o observe_v several_a 20._o p._n 20._o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o
one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o catholick-communion_n but_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o to_o renounce_v the_o ordinary_a communion_n of_o christian_n or_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o 21._o p._n 21._o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n for_o worship_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n and_o a_o little_a after_o i_o add_v if_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o distinction_n of_o christian_n into_o several_a church_n but_o only_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o place_n as_o make_v it_o necessary_a and_o expedient_a to_o put_v they_o under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o several_a bishop_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o regular_a administration_n of_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n and_o divide_v neighbour_n christian_n into_o distinct_a communion_n now_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o follow_v 1._o you_o say_v either_o that_o the_o french_a protestant_n have_v no_o church_n here_o but_o be_v schismatic_n in_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o make_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n so_o straight_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o of_o every_o one_o though_o a_o license_a stranger_n to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n ans_fw-fr if_o any_o foreign_a church_n among_o we_o which_o by_o royal_a favour_n be_v allow_v the_o observation_n of_o their_o own_o discipline_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o communicate_v with_o our_o separatist_n she_o be_v schismatical_a herself_o as_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o france_n geneva_n or_o holland_n will_v be_v shall_v they_o do_v the_o like_a but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o allow_v those_o foreigner_n which_o be_v among_o we_o to_o form_n and_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o schism_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n and_o england_n which_o own_o each_o other_o communion_n a_o bare_a variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n our_o church_n pretend_v not_o to_o give_v law_n to_o other_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n as_o she_o take_v she_o own_o and_o why_o a_o ecclesiastical_a colony_n may_v not_o for_o great_a reason_n be_v transplant_v into_o another_o church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o civil_a colony_n into_o another_o kingdom_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o i_o can_v tell_v it_o be_v a_o different_a thing_n to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n and_o to_o transplant_v some_o member_n of_o one_o church_n into_o another_o maintain_v the_o same_o communion_n though_o with_o some_o peculiar_a and_o different_a usage_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o come_v the_o case_n of_o stranger_n and_o native_n have_v always_o be_v account_v very_o different_a both_o upon_o a_o religious_a and_o civil_a account_n every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v she_o own_o communion_n and_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n without_o breach_n of_o communion_n for_o though_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o all_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v different_a every_o church_n challenge_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n which_o it_o exercise_v in_o its_o own_o communion_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o suffer_v foreign_a church_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o custom_n and_o usage_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v of_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n in_o she_o own_o bowel_n which_o be_v schismatical_a but_o only_a to_o exempt_v such_o congregation_n of_o stranger_n from_o her_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o 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be_v any_o among_o we_o or_o so_o near_o to_o we_o that_o distance_n do_v not_o hinder_v our_o communion_n but_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o our_o obligation_n to_o catholic_n communion_n do_v equal_o oblige_v we_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o schismatic_n whether_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n yet_o if_o schismatical_a they_o be_v not_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o object_n of_o catholick-communion_n but_o however_o we_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n that_o be_v among_o we_o as_o occasion_n serve_v yes_o no_o doubt_n we_o may_v because_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o but_o than_o follow_v the_o murder_v consequence_n that_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o constant_a communion_n with_o she_o i_o pray_v why_o so_o every_o member_n as_o a_o member_n be_v in_o constant_a communion_n for_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o 10._o resol_n of_o case_n p._n 10._o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o as_o i_o prove_v at_o large_a but_o then_o church-communion_n do_v not_o primary_o respect_v a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a 13._o p._n 13._o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o interruption_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o communicate_v actual_o with_o any_o church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o for_o as_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v neither_o heretic_n nor_o schismatic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o the_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v constant_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n the_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v perform_v sometime_o in_o one_o part_n of_o it_o sometime_o in_o another_o as_o our_o presence_n abode_n or_o occasion_n require_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v possible_a actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n either_o in_o england_n or_o
of_o schism_n or_o to_o discover_v on_o which_o side_n the_o schism_n lie_v or_o to_o avoid_v it_o without_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o course_n soever_o they_o take_v i_o leave_v all_o such_o case_n to_o god_n who_o know_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o law_n and_o will_v take_v care_n of_o my_o own_o duty_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n and_o not_o hope_v to_o justify_v the_o ordinary_a breach_n of_o know_a law_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o yet_o the_o case_n which_o you_o propose_v be_v not_o so_o unanswerable_a a_o difficulty_n as_o you_o imagine_v several_a council_n in_o palestine_n in_o rome_n in_o pontus_n and_o other_o place_n 23._o euseb_n b._n 5._o cap._n 23._o determine_v the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n not_o on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o month_n which_o be_v the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o dispute_v you_o call_v a_o mistake_n in_o arithmetic_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n at_o the_o same_o time_n decree_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n whatever_o day_n of_o the_o week_n it_o fall_v on_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a observation_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n pope_n victor_n upon_o this_o writes_z to_z several_z bishop_n very_o bitter_o against_o they_o and_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v they_o excommunicate_v and_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v denounce_v the_o sentence_n against_o they_o 24._o cap._n 24._o but_o this_o be_v ill_o resent_v by_o other_o bishop_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o particular_o ireneus_fw-la write_v a_o letter_n to_o he_o about_o it_o and_o earnest_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o and_o do_v prevent_v it_o from_o take_v effect_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v eusebius_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v true_a as_o you_o assert_v that_o pope_n victor_n in_o a_o council_n excommunicate_v the_o poor_a asian_o what_o he_o do_v be_v only_o his_o own_o act_n which_o be_v displease_v to_o other_o bishop_n and_o which_o he_o be_v force_v to_o undo_v so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heat_n and_o warmth_n and_o tendency_n towards_o a_o schism_n but_o no_o schism_n follow_v upon_o it_o among_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o suppose_v pope_n victor_n have_v excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n and_o this_o excommunication_n have_v take_v effect_n this_o can_v not_o make_v the_o asian_a church_n schismatic_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o be_v our_o own_o choice_n the_o first_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a punishment_n the_o second_o when_o it_o be_v causeless_a be_v schism_n so_o that_o have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n unless_o the_o asian_a church_n upon_o this_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o excommunication_n can_v not_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o therefore_o any_o one_o may_v safe_o communicate_v with_o they_o without_o partake_v in_o a_o schism_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o just_a reason_n for_o the_o asian_a church_n to_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o victor_n for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o do_v as_o ill_o a_o thing_n as_o victor_n have_v do_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o pope_n victor_n have_v set_v they_o a_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v saint_n cyprian_n of_o another_o temper_n when_o he_o and_o the_o african_a bishop_n be_v threaten_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o pope_n stephen_n upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o warm_a dispute_n about_o rebaptise_v heretic_n at_o that_o very_a time_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n he_o declare_v his_o resolution_n not_o to_o break_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o bishop_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o therefore_o not_o with_o pope_n stephen_n himself_o notwithstanding_o his_o rash_a and_o furious_a censure_n and_o conclude_v that_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n be_v the_o best_a remedy_n in_o such_o case_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o say_v he_o write_v his_o book_n de_fw-fr bono_fw-mi patientiae_fw-la well_o but_o if_o the_o asiatic_a church_n be_v not_o schismatic_n yet_o pope_n victor_n have_v be_v a_o schismatic_a have_v he_o excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o this_o have_v make_v the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_a christian_n very_a hard_a for_o they_o must_v either_o have_v suspend_v communion_n with_o both_o these_o divide_a church_n and_o live_v without_o the_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o christian_a communion_n or_o they_o must_v have_v reject_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n and_o church_n or_o have_v reject_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n or_o have_v maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o both_o that_o be_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n which_o according_a to_o my_o principle_n be_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o schismatical_a bishop_n this_o be_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n by_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatic_a if_o they_o renounce_v his_o communion_n when_o he_o impose_v no_o new_a unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n upon_o they_o this_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n this_o be_v to_o break_v communion_n with_o their_o own_o bishop_n who_o have_v excommunicate_v they_o if_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v unjust_o excommunicate_v this_o be_v to_o separate_a for_o a_o unjust_a cause_n which_o be_v a_o schism_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o both_o they_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v schismatic_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o if_o you_o can_v find_v any_o more_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o may_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v both_o with_o the_o roman_a and_o asian_a church_n without_o schism_n and_o this_o i_o believe_v upon_o these_o principle_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v and_o confirm_v 1._o that_o the_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n can_v involve_v his_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n though_o it_o may_v make_v he_o a_o schismatic_a and_o certain_o since_o bishop_n be_v but_o man_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n that_o other_o man_n be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n if_o his_o personal_a schism_n shall_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n though_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o every_o abuse_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v schismatical_a when_o the_o bishop_n be_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n who_o bishop_n be_v a_o schismatic_a without_o communicate_v in_o the_o schism_n and_o therefore_o though_o victor_n have_v schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n the_o christian_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n for_o though_o a_o particular_a church-society_n consist_v in_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n and_o people_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n may_v violate_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o communion_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n of_o such_o a_o church_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n and_o society_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a fault_n which_o can_v affect_v the_o whole_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a where_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v constitution_n in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o oblige_v the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o people_n for_o shall_v any_o english_a bishop_n require_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o establish_v law_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n or_o shall_v exercise_v any_o authority_n in_o censure_n and_o excommunication_n which_o be_v not_o allow_v he_o by_o those_o canon_n this_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o one_o bind_v
to_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o and_o though_o such_o a_o bishop_n shall_v do_v any_o schismatical_a act_n the_o church_n be_v not_o schismatical_a because_o he_o do_v not_o pursue_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o gratify_v his_o own_o humour_n and_o passion_n if_o the_o church_n indeed_o unite_v upon_o schismatical_a principle_n as_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n do_v whatever_o the_o bishop_n do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o such_o principle_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v schismatic_n the_o church_n be_v so_o too_o but_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o schismatical_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o personal_a schism_n of_o bishop_n can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a and_o though_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o empire_n turn_v christian_n have_v not_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o legal_a constitution_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o have_v yet_o a_o constitution_n they_o have_v which_o consist_v either_o of_o apostolical_a rule_n hand_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o confirm_v by_o long_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o the_o canon_n of_o particular_a council_n which_o in_o ordinary_a case_n make_v stand_v law_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n provide_v for_o new_a emergent_a difficulty_n and_o antecedent_o to_o all_o these_o positive_a constitution_n they_o be_v all_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o great_a law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v never_o so_o entire_o in_o the_o bishop_n breast_n that_o what_o he_o do_v shall_v be_v think_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o comply_v with_o those_o law_n by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o those_o day_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o show_v you_o this_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v observe_v easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o asian_a church_n on_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o month_n and_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o church_n may_v require_v all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o observe_v easter_n according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o may_v regular_o inflict_v church-censure_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a and_o this_o will_v be_v account_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o canon_n nor_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o foreign_a church_n who_o observe_v their_o own_o custom_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nay_o there_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o former_a time_n against_o it_o for_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n receive_v polycarp_n a_o asian_a bishop_n to_o communion_n though_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o when_o victor_n schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n for_o this_o different_a observation_n of_o easter_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a act_n not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v no_o such_o law_n and_o own_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o therefore_o though_o this_o may_v make_v pope_n victor_n a_o schismatic_a it_o can_v not_o make_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n schismatical_a the_o guilt_n go_v no_o far_a than_o victor_n person_n unless_o other_o person_n voluntary_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a by_o abet_v and_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o have_v victor_n persist_v in_o his_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asiatic_a church_n none_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o himself_o and_o such_o as_o approve_v and_o consent_v to_o it_o but_o the_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n who_o have_v not_o consent_v unto_o it_o have_v be_v innocent_a and_o therefore_o any_o catholic_n peaceable_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n of_o particular_a bishop_n which_o have_v sometime_o end_v in_o formal_a schism_n and_o denounce_v excommunication_n against_o each_o other_o which_o can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a any_o further_a than_o they_o take_v part_n with_o their_o respective_a bishop_n for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o personal_a schism_n and_o separation_n than_o a_o church_n schism_n neither_o of_o they_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n though_o they_o separate_a from_o each_o other_o communion_n upon_o some_o personal_a quarrel_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o some_o other_o bishop_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v catholic_n bishop_n and_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o yet_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n as_o all_o contention_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v but_o have_v not_o the_o evil_a and_o destructive_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n schism_n but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n without_o communicate_v with_o its_o bishop_n or_o can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n i_o answer_v yes_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n when_o schism_n be_v his_o personal_a fault_n our_o communion_n with_o he_o make_v we_o no_o more_o guilty_a of_o it_o than_o of_o any_o other_o personal_a fault_n our_o bishop_n be_v guilty_a of_o while_o we_o take_v care_n to_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o no_o schismatical_a act_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o his_o bishop_n so_o that_o the_o roman_a christian_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n notwithstanding_o pope_n victor_n schismatical_a excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o now_o the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o remain_v be_v whether_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o asiatic_a church_n notwithstanding_o victor_n have_v excommunicate_v they_o for_o if_o they_o can_v not_o than_o they_o must_v inevitable_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n if_o his_o sentence_n oblige_v they_o to_o deny_v communion_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v 2._o that_o those_o who_o condemn_v the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n do_v in_o so_o do_v own_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v one_o way_n and_o the_o principal_a way_n of_o maintain_v communion_n between_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n who_o can_v actual_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o 3._o that_o victor_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n if_o any_o person_n of_o the_o asian_a communion_n have_v come_v to_o rome_n private_a christian_n can_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o actual_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o own_v their_o communion_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o their_o fault_n than_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o church_n and_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a that_o the_o asian_o that_o be_v among_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o communion_n but_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o they_o for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o asian_a christian_n but_o be_v only_o a_o force_a suspension_n of_o communion_n 4._o if_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n shall_v travel_v into_o asia_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v very_o lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o asian_a church_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o the_o sentence_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o and_o the_o roman_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v in_o asia_n be_v not_o under_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o forbear_v
say_v nothing_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o conformity_n not_o only_o make_v such_o conformity_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o impute_v to_o the_o church_n the_o damnation_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n who_o may_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v upon_o other_o term_n that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n ordinary_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v assert_v but_o that_o this_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o do_v not_o assert_v for_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o every_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o prescribe_v its_o own_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a to_o entitle_v man_n to_o the_o ordinary_a influence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o consequent_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n because_o christian_n who_o live_v under_o the_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o church_n may_v and_o do_v preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n without_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n obedience_n indeed_o and_o subjection_n to_o church-authority_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o conform_v to_o all_o the_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v but_o this_o do_v not_o make_v the_o particular_a law_n of_o conformity_n which_o be_v different_a in_o different_a church_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o destroy_v all_o the_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o charge_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o destroy_v man_n soul_n if_o any_o person_n be_v so_o humorsom_n and_o peevish_a as_o to_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o such_o reason_n but_o such_o kind_n of_o cavil_n as_o these_o you_o may_v find_v answer_v at_o large_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n and_o thither_o i_o refer_v you_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o see_v any_o more_o of_o it_o thus_o sir_n i_o have_v with_o great_a patience_n answer_v your_o question_n not_o that_o they_o need_v or_o deserve_v any_o answer_n but_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v yourself_o too_o much_o despise_v nor_o other_o weak_a people_n think_v your_o question_n unanswered_a and_o now_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n i_o shall_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o give_v you_o a_o little_a ghostly_a counsel_n too_o which_o you_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o a_o answer_n i_o have_v not_o trouble_v my_o head_n to_o inquire_v scrupulous_o who_o you_o be_v nor_o do_v i_o use_v to_o trust_v common_a fame_n in_o such_o matter_n but_o though_o i_o know_v not_o you_o yet_o i_o perceive_v you_o know_v i_o and_o if_o as_o you_o say_v you_o have_v often_o 1._o p._n 1._o hear_v i_o with_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o as_o you_o hope_v not_o without_o edify_v thereby_o i_o think_v it_o will_v have_v become_v you_o to_o have_v treat_v i_o with_o a_o little_a more_o civility_n than_o you_o have_v do_v if_o it_o be_v in_o your_o nature_n to_o be_v civil_a to_o a_o clergyman_n and_o i_o wish_v more_o for_o your_o own_o sake_n than_o for_o i_o you_o have_v do_v so_o for_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o have_v learn_v not_o only_o by_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o my_o great_a master_n but_o by_o frequent_a trial_n to_o go_v through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o most_o invidious_a and_o spiteful_a reflection_n with_o a_o equal_a mind_n but_o as_o contemptible_a as_o a_o clergyman_n be_v now_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v account_v for_o another_o day_n for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o you_o have_v a_o great_a spite_n at_o the_o whole_a order_n whatever_o personal_a kindness_n you_o may_v have_v for_o some_o man_n they_o be_v but_o a_o herd_n of_o clergyman_n and_o you_o know_v no_o other_o use_n of_o a_o bishop_n but_o to_o oversee_v admonish_v and_o censure_v those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o preface_n preface_n go_v beyond_o their_o due_a bound_n i_o confess_v this_o way_n of_o raillery_n be_v grow_v very_o fashionable_a and_o i_o perceive_v you_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v in_o the_o mode_n and_o to_o be_v a_o accomplish_a gentleman_n but_o i_o never_o know_v a_o man_n that_o be_v serious_o religious_a who_o dare_v affront_v the_o servant_n for_o their_o master_n sake_n but_o you_o sir_n be_v in_o the_o very_a height_n of_o the_o fashion_n and_o think_v their_o office_n as_o contemptible_a as_o their_o person_n general_o be_v think_v to_o be_v you_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v without_o understand_v the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n as_o it_o be_v intreague_v by_o clergyman_n of_o all_o side_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o may_v be_v save_v without_o understand_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n beside_o church-government_n or_o else_o i_o doubt_v your_o salvation_n may_v be_v hazardous_a but_o this_o be_v too_o plain_a a_o contempt_n of_o all_o church-authority_n for_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v usurp_v a_o unlimited_a and_o tyrannical_a power_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n yet_o what_o have_v the_o sound_a church_n of_o england_n as_o you_o own_v it_o do_v what_o occasion_n do_v i_o give_v for_o this_o censure_n who_o have_v express_o confine_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n to_o church-communion_n to_o receive_v in_o and_o put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o 39_o resol_n of_o case_n p._n 39_o the_o church_n be_v no_o society_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o if_o be_v a_o society_n how_o can_v any_o society_n subsist_v without_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n to_o receive_v in_o and_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o society_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n you_o make_v the_o church_n itself_o a_o very_a needless_a and_o insignificant_a thing_n for_o you_o know_v no_o necessity_n of_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n you_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v schism_n to_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n you_o think_v it_o a_o pretty_a indifferent_a thing_n whether_o man_n be_v baptise_a or_o not_o or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v baptise_a what_o your_o opinion_n be_v about_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o do_v not_o know_v though_o if_o you_o be_v consistent_a with_o yourself_o i_o doubt_v that_o be_v a_o very_a indifferent_a ceremony_n too_o true_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o i_o think_v you_o have_v more_o need_n to_o be_v teach_v your_o catechism_n than_o to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o writer_n of_o book_n and_o let_v i_o in_o time_n warn_v you_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o way_n you_o be_v in_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contempt_n of_o all_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n and_o consequent_o of_o christianity_n natural_a religion_n may_v subsist_v without_o any_o positive_a institution_n but_o reveal_v religion_n never_o do_v and_o never_o can_v for_o when_o god_n transact_v with_o mankind_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o visible_a covenant_n there_o must_v be_v some_o visible_a minister_n and_o visible_a sacrament_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o evangelical_n minister_n and_o sacrament_n fall_v into_o contempt_n man_n must_v think_v mean_o of_o christianity_n and_o return_v to_o what_o they_o call_v natural_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o religion_n without_o a_o priest_n and_o without_o a_o sacrifice_n which_o can_v save_v a_o sinner_n but_o by_o uncovenant_v grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o and_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v find_v who_o reject_v a_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n provide_v and_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o this_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n of_o the_o evangelical_n priesthood_n and_o sacrament_n be_v original_o owe_v to_o deist_n and_o socinian_n to_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o christ_n or_o to_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o believe_v he_o only_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o a_o great_a reformer_n of_o natural_a
old_a in_o their_o calm_a mood_n who_o declare_v we_o testify_v to_o all_o 1604._o brownist_n apol_n p._n 7._o an._n 1604._o man_n by_o these_o present_n that_o we_o have_v not_o forsake_v any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o true_a ancient_a apostolic_a faith_n profess_v in_o our_o land_n but_o hold_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o they_o see_v more_o in_o baily_n dissuasive_a cap._n 2._o p._n 20_o 33._o and_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n part_n 1_o §_o 9_o p._n 31._o the_o presbyterian_o if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o for_o distinction_n sake_n do_v own_o it_o so_o mr._n corbet_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n by_o 43._o discourse_n §_o 21_o p._n 43._o law_n establish_v be_v hearty_o receive_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n so_o mr._n baxter_n as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o preface_n to_o 5_o disp_n p._n 6._o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o follower_n from_o the_o first_o reformation_n begin_v by_o edw._n 6._o be_v sound_n in_o doctrine_n adhere_v to_o the_o augustan_n method_n express_v now_o in_o the_o article_n and_o homily_n they_o differ_v not_o in_o any_o considerable_a point_n from_o those_o who_o they_o call_v puritan_n the_o like_a be_v affirm_v by_o the_o independent_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o 106._o peace-off_a ing_z p._n 12._o see_v mr._n baxter_n defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 64._o and_o part_v 2._o p._n 3._o and_o wadsworth_n in_o his_o separation_n yet_o no_o schism_n p._n 60_o 62._o mr._n throughton_n apology_n for_o the_o nonconformist_n cap._n 3._o p._n 106._o england_n declare_v in_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o herein_o what_o be_v pure_o doctrinal_a we_o full_o embrace_v 2._o as_o to_o the_o worship_n they_o own_v it_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n to_o be_v good_a and_o for_o edification_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n as_o mr._n hildersham_n there_o be_v 121._o lecture_n 26._o on_o john_n p._n 121._o nothing_o in_o our_o assembly_n but_o we_o may_v receive_v profit_n by_o it_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n among_o we_o but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o institution_n ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o among_o the_o present_a it_o be_v own_v by_o both_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o by_o the_o former_a in_o the_o morning_n exercise_n 91._o continuat_fw-la morning_n exercise_n serm_v 4._o p._n 91._o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v supposeable_a that_o christian_n may_v be_v move_v by_o reasonable_a consideration_n to_o attend_v the_o public_a form_n the_o substantial_a part_n of_o they_o be_v think_v agreeable_a to_o a_o divine_a institution_n though_o in_o some_o circumstantial_o too_o disagreeable_a so_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o 104._o throughton_n apol._n p._n 104._o private_a meeting_n the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v use_v as_o in_o the_o parish_n church_n only_o some_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n omit_v by_o the_o latter_a we_o know_v full_a well_o that_o we_o 17._o peace-offering_a p._n 17._o differ_v in_o nothing_o from_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o religion_n establish_v in_o england_n but_o only_o in_o some_o few_o thing_n in_o outward_a worship_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v further_a occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o this_o under_o the_o three_o general_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a and_o for_o substance_n the_o same_o which_o christ_n have_v establish_v so_o mr._n bradshaw_n i_o 16._o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n p._n 16._o affirm_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o church-assembly_n howsoever_o it_o may_v in_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o execution_n haply_o be_v defective_a in_o some_o place_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n thereof_o that_o very_o same_o ministry_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n this_o he_o speak_v as_o he_o say_v of_o those_o that_o do_v subscribe_v and_o conform_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o state_n 2._o that_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n so_o the_o grave_n and_o modest_a confutation_n maintain_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o god_n word_n 28._o grave_a and_o modest_a confutat_fw-la p._n 28._o and_o nothing_o but_o it_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n as_o they_o be_v of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n so_o they_o be_v all_o appoint_v to_o our_o minister_n by_o the_o law_n 3._o they_o own_o that_o all_o the_o defect_n in_o it_o whether_o in_o their_o call_n or_o administration_n do_v not_o nullify_v the_o office_n thus_o much_o mr._n bradshaw_n do_v contend_v for_o so_o many_o of_o our_o minister_n 37._o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 27_o 37._o who_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n be_v call_v priest_n and_o deacon_n as_o in_o all_o point_n concern_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o ministry_n be_v qualify_v according_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o law_n have_v their_o office_n calling_n adminstration_n and_o maintenance_n for_o the_o substance_n thereof_o ordain_v by_o christ_n and_o yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o accidental_a defect_n or_o superfluity_n in_o or_o about_o they_o all_o yet_o such_o as_o do_v not_o or_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o destroy_v the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o this_o be_v maintain_v at_o large_a in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o old_a england_n etc._n etc._n p._n 86_o 87._o and_o the_o like_a be_v also_o affirm_v even_o by_o those_o of_o the_o 6._o apologet._n narration_n p._n 6._o congregational_a way_n so_o the_o brethren_n in_o their_o apology_n the_o unwarrantable_a power_n in_o church-governor_n do_v never_o work_v in_o any_o of_o we_o any_o other_o thought_n much_o less_o opinion_n but_o that_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o of_o the_o english_a church_n be_v a_o true_a ministry_n so_o mr._n cotton_n the_o 181._o cotton_n infant_n baptism_n p._n 181._o power_n whereby_o the_o minister_n in_o england_n do_v administer_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v either_o spiritual_a and_o proper_a essential_a to_o their_o call_v or_o advantitious_a and_o accidental_a the_o former_a they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o latter_a from_o the_o patron_n who_o present_v or_o the_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v etc._n etc._n whoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o see_v their_o ordination_n defend_v may_v consult_v jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la ministerii_fw-la evangelici_fw-la part_n 2_o p._n 12_o 16_o 17_o 25_o etc._n etc._n jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la regim_fw-la eccles_n p._n 264_o etc._n etc._n cawdry_n independency_n a_o great_a schism_n pag._n 116._o and_o his_o defence_n of_o it_o pag._n 35_o 37._o thus_o far_o therefore_o we_o see_v how_o far_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o ministry_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v what_o the_o church_n be_v they_o own_o thus_o to_o be_v true_a there_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o do_v differ_v the_o presbyterian_o general_o own_v a_o national_a church_n and_o have_v write_v much_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n quote_v in_o the_o 172._o the_o the_o the_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la minist_n evang._n p_o 12_o etc._n etc._n brinsly_n church-remedy_n p_o 41_o 42._o cawdry_n independ_v a_o great_a schism_n p._n 60_o 89_o 172._o margin_n other_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prudential_a thing_n and_o what_o may_v lawful_o be_v comply_v with_o so_o mr._n tomb_n 3._o tomb_n tomb_n tomb_n theodulia_n or_o just_a defence_n §_o 15_o 16._o preface_n etc._n etc._n 9_o §_o 3._o it_o be_v no_o more_o against_o the_o gospel_n to_o term_v the_o believer_n of_o england_n the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o it_o be_v to_o term_v believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o be_v it_o more_o unfit_a for_o we_o to_o term_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o be_v there_o need_v to_o show_v any_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n more_o for_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o but_o those_o that_o will_v not_o own_v it_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o such_o a_o constitution_n or_o that_o speak_v doubtful_o of_o it_o do_v yet_o assert_v as_o much_o of_o the_o parish_n church_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o the_o distribution_n into_o parish_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a but_o humane_a institution_n but_o withal_o its_o thought_n by_o some_o 42._o some_o some_o some_o crofton_n reformation_n not_o separation_n p._n 10._o and_o bethshemesh_n cloud_v p._n 101_o etc._n etc._n cawdrey_n independ_v a_o great_a schism_n p._n 132_o etc._n etc._n church-reformation_n p._n 42._o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o
to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v and_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v innocent_a or_o culpable_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o reflect_v upon_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o give_v this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o scripture_n about_o it_o but_o what_o do_v confirm_v this_o notion_n if_o indeed_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o conscience_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o a_o sear_v conscience_n or_o the_o like_a then_o it_o include_v more_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n than_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v as_o be_v without_o the_o limit_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n ii_o and_o now_o we_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o our_o second_o general_a point_n which_o be_v touch_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o after_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o superfluous_a to_o insist_v upon_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o frame_v such_o a_o judgement_n about_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o make_v action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a and_o from_o which_o by_o apply_v particular_a action_n to_o it_o or_o compare_v they_o with_o it_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o one_o sort_n or_o the_o other_o now_o this_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o it_o be_v its_o rule_n that_o conscience_n can_v be_v no_o far_o a_o safe_a guide_n than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n if_o now_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o action_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o body_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v make_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o last_o we_o call_v a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n either_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o that_o undeniable_o the_o great_a nay_o i_o say_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n consider_v either_o as_o it_o command_v action_n or_o forbid_v they_o or_o as_o it_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v this_o needful_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n in_o what_o sense_n we_o take_v or_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o here_o understand_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o that_o will_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v to_o man_n two_o way_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n so_o that_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o part_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n reveal_v law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n eternal_o good_a in_o themselves_o such_o as_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o covenant_n to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o government_n from_o which_o we_o receive_v protection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o will_v be_v eternal_o evil_a the_o head_n of_o all_o which_o thing_n thus_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v write_v so_o plain_o and_o 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they_o but_o than_o second_o to_o we_o christian_n god_n to_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v superad_v a_o reveal_v law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o reveal_v law_n yet_o be_v not_o whole_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o void_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o god_n have_v in_o his_o reveal_v law_n declare_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o than_o before_o he_o have_v give_v great_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o they_o than_o they_o have_v before_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o have_v likewise_o herein_o perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v oblige_v we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o more_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n than_o nature_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o and_o last_o he_o have_v add_v some_o positive_a law_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n to_o make_v all_o our_o application_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o exercise_n communion_n with_o that_o society_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o we_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o indeed_o be_v it_o a_o summary_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v call_v it_o the_o great_a or_o only_a rule_n of_o christian_a conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v he_o provide_v that_o this_o be_v always_o remember_v that_o in_o the_o three_o place_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o just_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n or_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o just_a rule_n we_o be_v so_o to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n as_o to_o take_v into_o it_o not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o either_o of_o those_o law_n but_o also_o all_o that_o by_o plain_a collection_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o apply_v general_n to_o particular_n or_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o
the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n a_o humane_a law_n ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o a_o divine_a law_n modify_v or_o clothe_v with_o several_a circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n do_v create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n upon_o every_o subject_a than_o a_o law_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o law_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o itself_o but_o perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n however_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n in_o the_o other_o case_n we_o only_o yield_v obedience_n as_o to_o the_o command_n of_o man_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o god_n in_o general_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n to_o make_v this_o a_o little_a plain_o let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o business_n of_o pay_v tribute_n and_o custom_n in_o this_o nation_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n with_o a_o humane_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o that_o every_o subject_n shall_v pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a custom_n to_o who_o custom_n be_v due_a be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o christian_a justice_n but_o out_o of_o what_o good_n we_o shall_v pay_v tribute_n or_o custom_n or_o what_o proportion_n of_o those_o good_n shall_v be_v pay_v this_o be_v not_o define_v either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o municipal_a law_n of_o every_o kingdom_n but_o now_o because_o humane_a authority_n do_v interpose_v in_o this_o affair_n and_o settle_v what_o every_o man_n be_v to_o pay_v to_o the_o king_n and_o out_o of_o what_o commodity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n or_o concealment_n detain_v the_o king_n right_o from_o he_o that_o he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n for_o this_o but_o only_o the_o transgress_a of_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n in_o case_n he_o be_v detect_v no_o certain_o for_o all_o that_o the_o custom_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o form_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n by_o humane_a law_n only_o yet_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n be_v a_o point_n of_o natural_a justice_n between_o man_n and_o man_n the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a aught_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o offender_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n as_o a_o unjust_a person_n before_o god_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o good_n will_v not_o render_v he_o less_o unjust_a or_o more_o excusable_a the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a humane_a law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v our_o child_n to_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o baptism_n to_o meet_v together_o at_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o worship_a god_n for_o the_o commemorate_n the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n all_o this_o be_v tie_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n these_o thing_n be_v as_o much_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n as_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v pay_v the_o king_n and_o every_o man_n what_o be_v due_a to_o they_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v dishonest_a &_o unjust_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o particular_a form_n and_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o command_v nor_o prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o church_n communion_n no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o give_v but_o they_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n just_a as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o thing_n thus_o clothe_v by_o humane_a authority_n as_o to_o their_o circumstance_n yet_o be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o bind_v upon_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o we_o can_v no_o more_o deny_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o public_a law_n about_o they_o than_o we_o can_v in_o the_o other_o instance_n i_o have_v name_v and_o that_o man_n may_v as_o well_o for_o instance_n purge_v himself_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o knavery_n before_o god_n that_o will_v contrive_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a as_o any_o man_n can_v acquit_v himself_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n before_o god_n that_o will_v choose_v a_o way_n of_o his_o own_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n different_a from_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n have_v prescribe_v always_o suppose_v that_o the_o worship_n establish_v be_v command_v by_o just_a authority_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o worship_n that_o can_v just_o offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o in_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o can_v lawful_o hold_v it_o than_o mere_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o statute_n or_o a_o humane_a law_n for_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o much_o be_v it_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o do_v this_o that_o i_o think_v no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v warrant_v it_o so_o that_o even_o if_o there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v which_o shall_v ordain_v that_o wilful_a causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n shall_v be_v allow_v and_o tolerate_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o yet_o nevertheless_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n will_v still_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v there_o now_o only_o remain_v our_o last_o general_a head_n about_o conscience_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o then_o we_o have_v do_v with_o our_o preliminary_a point_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v or_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v a_o action_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o by_o these_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v command_v it_o or_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o this_o now_o be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n here_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o persuasion_n or_o judgement_n of_o we_o concern_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v sinful_a have_v authority_n over_o we_o how_o far_o it_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a we_o either_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o we_o make_v a_o wrong_a one_o in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o call_v our_o judgement_n a_o right_a conscience_n in_o the_o latter_a we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o for_o those_o case_n where_o we_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_n and_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o indeed_o
be_v proper_o no_o conscience_n unless_o by_o accident_n we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o shall_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o place_n here_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o do_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v how_o far_o that_o judgement_n bind_v we_o to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o if_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o right_a conscience_n that_o be_v if_o we_o have_v true_o inform_v our_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v in_o that_o case_n perpetual_o bind_v to_o act_n according_a to_o our_o judgement_n it_o be_v for_o ever_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o there_o can_v no_o blame_n no_o guilt_n fall_v upon_o we_o for_o so_o do_v let_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o act_n or_o not_o act_v be_v what_o it_o will_n so_o that_o as_o to_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o a_o well_o inform_v judgement_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o obligation_n a_o man_n be_v under_o to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n suppose_v it_o be_v false_a suppose_v he_o have_v not_o right_o inform_v his_o conscience_n but_o have_v take_v up_o false_a measure_n of_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v now_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o proposition_n which_o i_o think_v will_v take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o give_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o one_o concern_v this_o point_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n never_o so_o ill_o instruct_v as_o to_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a though_o we_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v real_o a_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o for_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o a_o duty_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v high_o criminal_a in_o we_o to_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o wilful_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n which_o at_o present_a we_o have_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o our_o will_n be_v as_o faulty_a and_o as_o wicked_a in_o consent_v to_o such_o action_n as_o if_o we_o have_v have_v true_a notion_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o can_v touch_v or_o affect_v our_o action_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o be_v no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o we_o or_o as_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o remember_v it_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o our_o conscience_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n or_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o we_o be_v mistake_v our_o conscience_n prove_v but_o a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n because_o it_o have_v itself_o lose_v its_o way_n in_o not_o follow_v its_o rule_n as_o it_o shall_v have_v do_v but_o however_o our_o guide_n still_o it_o be_v and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n but_o that_o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o one_o instance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v the_o notion_n that_o any_o of_o we_o have_v of_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v do_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o do_v so_o and_o what_o other_o measure_n have_v we_o of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o act_n according_a to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o believe_v we_o do_v not_o indeed_o say_v that_o every_o one_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o all_o action_n that_o be_v do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o persuasion_n no_o we_o measure_v virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o act_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o man_n intention_n in_o act_v but_o however_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o that_o man_n be_v a_o knave_n that_o in_o any_o instance_n act_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o pass_v this_o sentence_n we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v right_o or_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o be_v his_o judgement_n right_o or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o his_o honesty_n in_o act_v or_o not_o act_v according_o to_o it_o he_o that_o have_v a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o that_o persuasion_n continue_v be_v often_o as_o well_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o if_o his_o persuasion_n be_v true_a that_o be_v he_o be_v oftentimes_o as_o confident_a when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_n contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o a_o man_n for_o instance_n shall_v of_o a_o jew_n become_v a_o christian_a while_o yet_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o believe_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o impostor_n or_o if_o a_o papist_n shall_v too_o serve_v some_o private_a end_n renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o join_v with_o we_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o only_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o our_o reform_a church_n be_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a though_o now_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o man_n in_o both_o these_o case_n have_v make_v a_o good_a change_n as_o have_v change_v a_o false_a religion_n for_o a_o true_a one_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o agree_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n for_o make_v that_o change_n because_o they_o make_v it_o not_o upon_o honest_a principle_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o both_o nay_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o think_v better_o of_o a_o ignorant_a well_o meaning_n protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o a_o cunning_a popish_a factor_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n abandon_v our_o communion_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n as_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o such_o a_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o real_o here_o the_o change_n be_v make_v from_o a_o true_a keligion_n to_o a_o false_a one_o than_o we_o shall_v of_o either_o of_o the_o other_o man_n i_o have_v before_o name_v all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o then_o our_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v over_o he_o it_o can_v never_o bear_v he_o out_o if_o he_o do_v a_o
forbid_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o do_v it_o not_o there_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n in_o question_n to_o be_v real_o all_o thing_n consider_v more_o expedient_a and_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n choose_v either_o side_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v the_o most_o expedient_a or_o the_o most_o eligible_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o when_o this_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n to_o marry_v or_o not_o to_o marry_v he_o thus_o resolve_v it_o that_o though_o indeed_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o marry_v yet_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v for_o if_o they_o do_v marry_v they_o sin_v not_o and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o that_o give_v not_o his_o virgin_n in_o marriage_n do_v better_a than_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n yet_o he_o allow_v that_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n do_v well_o and_o consequent_o do_v act_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n vid._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o conscience_n particular_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o scrupulous_a which_o be_v our_o three_o point_n under_o this_o head_n conscience_n be_v usual_o though_o how_o proper_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o kind_n the_o resolve_a the_o scrupulous_a and_o the_o doubt_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o that_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o action_n he_o have_v be_v deliberate_v upon_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o this_o persuasion_n if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n we_o call_v it_o a_o right_a conscience_n if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o of_o this_o we_o need_v speak_v no_o more_o here_o since_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a argument_n of_o the_o former_a discouse_n as_o for_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n as_o that_o be_v make_v a_o distinct_a sort_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o resolve_a and_o the_o doubt_v we_o may_v thus_o define_v it_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o some_o measure_n resolve_v but_o yet_o accompany_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o act_v according_a to_o that_o resolution_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o point_n which_o they_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n against_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v or_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o act_n thus_o or_o thus_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o act_v they_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o make_v a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o new_a reason_n appear_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o unsettle_v much_o less_o overthrow_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o first_o determination_n but_o only_o their_o unaccountable_a fear_n must_v pass_v for_o reason_n this_o now_o be_v to_o have_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o though_o in_o common_a speech_n it_o be_v often_o confound_v with_o the_o scrupulous_a be_v quite_o different_a from_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o conscience_n for_o in_o both_o those_o a_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v pass_v a_o judgement_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o the_o action_n before_o he_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n or_o against_o it_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o nor_o can_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o side_n have_v as_o he_o think_v as_o many_o argument_n to_o incline_v he_o one_o way_n as_o the_o other_o and_o when_o once_o he_o come_v to_o have_v so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n or_o opinion_n on_o one_o side_n than_o he_o cease_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o that_o the_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v be_v this_o the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o action_n occasion_v by_o the_o equal_a or_o near_o equal_a probality_n on_o both_o side_n and_o likewise_o the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o doubt_v a_o resolve_a and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v this_o that_o the_o resolve_a conscience_n be_v satisfy_v about_o its_o point_n and_o act_n confident_o at_o least_o cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v likewise_o satisfy_v in_o the_o general_n but_o either_o dare_v not_o act_n or_o act_n fearful_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o for_o the_o point_n before_o it_o be_v still_o a_o question_n of_o which_o it_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n no_o resolution_n because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n discourse_v of_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o speak_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o particular_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n about_o the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n as_o to_o that_o point_n but_o continue_v waver_a and_o undetermined_a now_o how_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o his_o no_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n that_o we_o say_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o may_v also_o if_o we_o please_v say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n or_o a_o persuasion_n without_o a_o assent_n but_o however_o because_o use_v have_v give_v the_o name_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o doubt_v mind_n and_o because_o conscience_n be_v sometime_o real_o concern_v about_o act_v in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o choose_v to_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o our_o second_o general_a head_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n we_o here_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v which_o conscience_n need_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o doubt_v any_o long_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o determine_v himself_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n so_o as_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o doubt_n or_o not_o there_o be_v just_a as_o much_o difference_n
duty_n that_o he_o general_o take_v the_o opportunity_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o of_o do_v honour_n to_o our_o lord_n by_o partake_v in_o his_o supper_n though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o often_o very_a well_o satisfy_v about_o his_o preparation_n but_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o since_o his_o last_o communicate_v he_o find_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o much_o worse_a frame_n than_o it_o use_v to_o be_v he_o have_v live_v more_o loose_o and_o careless_o than_o he_o be_v wont_a or_o perhaps_o he_o have_v be_v very_o late_o guilty_a of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n that_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o his_o conscience_n so_o that_o when_o his_o next_o usual_a time_n of_o receive_v come_v he_o can_v but_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a unfit_a condition_n to_o communicate_v in_o so_o sacred_a a_o mystery_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a perplexity_n what_o to_o do_v for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o think_v he_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o offend_v god_n if_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o these_o circumstance_n than_o if_o he_o forbear_v because_o he_o be_v more_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o forbid_v he_o to_o come_v unworthy_o than_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v he_o to_o receive_v every_o time_n that_o he_o have_v opportunity_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n every_o time_n that_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v he_o be_v sensible_a in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n than_o to_o perform_v it_o unworthy_o so_o long_o still_o as_o he_o perform_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n what_o now_o be_v the_o man_n to_o do_v in_o these_o circumstance_n this_o be_v a_o exact_a instance_n of_o the_o case_n i_o speak_v to_o in_o my_o three_o proposition_n where_o on_o one_o side_n the_o man_n run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v he_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n now_o for_o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n i_o say_v that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o man_n absent_v himself_n only_o once_o or_o twice_o from_o the_o communion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o better_a frame_n of_o mind_n against_o another_o opportunity_n the_o answer_n according_a to_o our_o three_o proposition_n must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a thus_o to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n for_o this_o answer_n for_o certain_o a_o man_n be_v more_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o receive_v unworthy_o than_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v every_o time_n that_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o the_o one_o but_o no_o express_a law_n oblige_v to_o the_o other_o for_o christ_n have_v no_o more_o appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n so_o many_o time_n in_o a_o year_n than_o he_o have_v appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v so_o many_o time_n in_o a_o day_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o determinate_a proportion_n of_o our_o annual_a income_n to_o charitable_a uses_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v bind_v we_o in_o the_o general_n but_o as_o to_o the_o particular_n the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o determine_v we_o only_o this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o often_o we_o perform_v these_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o better_a and_o we_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o be_v christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o frequent_o this_o now_o be_v so_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n if_o he_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n though_o but_o once_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o such_o unworthiness_n as_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o suppose_v that_o christ_n law_n have_v precise_o tie_v he_o up_o to_o communicate_v every_o time_n that_o a_o communion_n be_v appoint_v yet_o since_o there_o be_v so_o little_a appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v thus_o tie_v he_o up_o and_o withal_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o run_v so_o certain_a a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o shall_v communicate_v at_o this_o time_n apprehend_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o unworthy_a as_o he_o do_v this_o consideration_n of_o the_o certain_a danger_n must_v needs_o in_o this_o case_n overballance_v the_o other_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v more_o reasonable_a to_o the_o man_n to_o suspend_v his_o receive_n to_o another_o opportunity_n against_o which_o time_n he_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o prepare_v than_o to_o adventure_v upon_o it_o in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n but_o then_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o man_n absent_v himself_n customary_o and_o habitual_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o unworthiness_n that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v not_o hold_v for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v in_o as_o much_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o by_o receive_v unworthy_o nay_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o first_o particular_a about_o this_o case_n and_o withal_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o much_o great_a sin_n in_o whole_o withdraw_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o in_o come_v to_o it_o though_o with_o never_o so_o great_a apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o second_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o danger_n be_v at_o least_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n he_o must_v choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o least_o sin_n lie_v that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o must_v communicate_v frequent_o at_o least_o so_o often_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n do_v enjoin_v he_o which_o be_v three_o time_n a_o year_n though_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o do_v it_o unworthy_o rather_o than_o not_o communicate_v at_o all_o have_v thus_o go_v through_o three_o of_o our_o proposition_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v to_o put_v our_o case_n about_o the_o sacrament_n so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o instance_n or_o illustration_n of_o our_o four_o and_o last_o here_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o apprehend_v he_o run_v a_o equal_a danger_n of_o sin_v whether_o he_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o receive_v it_o not_o and_o withal_o so_o unskilful_a a_o judge_n be_v he_o of_o the_o morality_n of_o action_n that_o he_o apprehend_v no_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o sin_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o in_o this_o case_n now_o all_o the_o man_n can_v do_v be_v to_o consider_v what_o inducement_n he_o have_v in_o point_n of_o prudence_n or_o interest_n to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o for_o since_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a those_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n according_a to_o our_o four_o proposition_n but_o if_o the_o case_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o dare_v say_v no_o man_n will_v be_v long_o doubtful_a whether_o he_o shall_v frequent_v the_o sacrament_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n or_o forbear_v it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o act_v more_o prudent_o and_o more_o consult_v his_o own_o advantage_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a as_o for_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v by_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o they_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o few_o nor_o inconsiderable_a that_o which_o i_o desire_v chief_o to_o be_v here_o consider_v be_v this_o that_o in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a advantage_n it_o be_v much_o more_o advisable_v for_o our_o doubt_a person_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o by_o frequent_v this_o ordinance_n he_o take_v the_o best_a method_n both_o to_o grow_v more_o worthy_a if_o he_o be_v now_o unworthy_a and_o likewise_o to_o cure_v the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n he_o be_v now_o trouble_v with_o but_o if_o he_o neglect_v this_o mean_n of_o grace_n he_o not_o only_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o increase_v and_o perpetuate_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o long_o he_o defer_v his_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n still_o the_o more_o doubtful_a will_v he_o be_v of_o his_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o but_o also_o be_v
and_o have_v use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o that_o matter_n there_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o over-rule_v our_o doubt_n but_o further_a to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n which_o indeed_o have_v make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n we_o will_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o make_v as_o much_o against_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o we_o when_o they_o put_v the_o case_n let_v we_o suppose_v therefore_o as_o before_o that_o a_o israelite_n be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o let_v we_o suppose_v likewise_o as_o we_o reasonable_o may_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o the_o temple_n and_o altar_n of_o baal_n shall_v be_v demolish_v and_o that_o jehovah_n only_o shall_v be_v worship_v what_o advice_n now_o will_v they_o give_v to_o the_o doubt_a man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v they_o say_v that_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o the_o king_n law_n and_o worship_n jehovah_n only_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o baal_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n why_o this_o be_v against_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o give_v away_o the_o cause_n to_o we_o but_o will_v they_o then_o say_v that_o while_o this_o doubt_n remain_v the_o man_n must_v not_o obey_v authority_n in_o worship_v jehovah_n only_o but_o he_o must_v either_o worship_n baal_n and_o not_o jehovah_n or_o both_o baal_n and_o jehovah_n together_o why_o this_o be_v indeed_o agreeable_a to_o their_o principle_n but_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o my_o reader_n whether_o according_a to_o their_o way_n of_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n a_o man_n be_v not_o as_o necessary_o engage_v in_o idolatry_n and_o other_o grievous_a sin_n as_o he_o be_v by_o our_o way_n so_o that_o you_o see_v this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o they_o as_o against_o we_o but_o in_o truth_n it_o conclude_v nothing_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o question_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o state_v of_o it_o whither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o limitation_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v put_v to_o the_o obedience_n we_o be_v to_o pay_v to_o our_o governor_n and_o it_o may_v be_v form_v thus_o god_n have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_a be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v as_o much_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v his_o superior_n any_o far_o than_o they_o command_v lawful_a thing_n yet_o when_o ever_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o equal_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weighty_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v why_o a_o man_n shall_v obey_v rather_o than_o disobey_v in_o that_o case_n as_o will_v persuade_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o those_o reason_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o five_o particular_n i_o before_o insist_v on_o the_o three_o and_o indeed_o the_o principal_a argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n from_o whence_o they_o thus_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o those_o christian_n that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v eat_v so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o doubt_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n command_v that_o action_n that_o will_v make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o our_o point_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o full_a and_o a_o just_a discussion_n because_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o come_v clear_o off_o from_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o obey_v authority_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o likewise_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o other_o matter_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o this_o text_n with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a controversy_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o premise_v some_o general_a account_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o ordinary_a reader_n that_o so_o understand_v before_o hand_n the_o case_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n he_o here_o use_v they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o go_v along_o with_o we_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n ii_o of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doubt_v in_o this_o text._n iii_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n iu._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v damn_a or_o condemn_v for_o so_o do_v first_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jewish_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o so_o full_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n but_o that_o they_o still_o believe_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o to_o oblige_v their_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o they_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o they_o do_v or_o not_o so_o that_o whereas_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v better_o instruct_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o food_n though_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n these_o man_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o forbear_v such_o kind_n of_o meat_n because_o they_o be_v persuade_v or_o at_o least_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o than_o otherwise_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o st._n paul_n here_o style_v the_o weak_a christian_n appear_v from_o several_a passage_n of_o this_o chapter_n nor_o i_o think_v be_v it_o much_o question_v by_o any_o as_o for_o what_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n concern_v their_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n altogether_o and_o only_o eat_v herb_n which_o will_v make_v one_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o thus_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n because_o by_o that_o law_n they_o be_v no_o more_o tie_v from_o flesh_n except_v only_a swines-flesh_n and_o a_o few_o other_o sort_n than_o they_o be_v from_o herb_n st._n chrysostome_n have_v well_o obviate_v this_o difficulty_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o christian_n there_o be_v say_v he_o several_a of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n even_o after_o their_o christianity_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o observation_n of_o meat_n not_o dare_v whole_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n these_o now_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o and_o reproach_v by_o the_o other_o christian_n for_o thus_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n choose_v to_o eat_v no_o flesh_n at_o all_o but_o to_o feed_v altogether_o upon_o herb_n that_o so_o this_o way_n of_o live_v of_o they_o may_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o kind_n of_o fast_a or_o religious_a abstinence_n than_o for_o a_o legal_a observance_n thus_o st._n chrysostome_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n theodoret_n and_o
be_v not_o bind_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n to_o act_n thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n that_o obligation_n must_v arise_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o there_o be_v some_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o have_v tie_v a_o man_n up_o to_o such_o precise_a measure_n of_o act_v or_o at_o least_o a_o man_n have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o law_n of_o god_n now_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o both_o these_o case_n there_o do_v a_o direct_a obligation_n pass_v upon_o the_o man_n conscience_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o this_o obligation_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o man_n be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o conscience_n but_o from_o his_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o there_o be_v real_o any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o if_o there_o be_v not_o but_o the_o man_n only_a judge_n that_o there_o be_v it_o be_v then_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o great_a therefore_o or_o indeed_o the_o only_a point_n that_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o present_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o what_o that_o law_n be_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o inquiry_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o have_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o only_a text_n that_o i_o know_v of_o which_o be_v think_v to_o make_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o two_o passage_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n which_o i_o have_v before_o large_o give_v a_o account_n of_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o other_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o several_a argument_n that_o these_o text_n do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a particular_a law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n about_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o to_o that_o affair_n to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v declare_v whether_o by_o nature_n or_o scripture_n now_o the_o most_o that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v himself_o as_o well_o instruct_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o his_o circumstance_n and_o opportunity_n will_v allow_v he_o and_o second_o where_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o information_n in_o that_o case_n to_o act_n as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o thus_o much_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o because_o indeed_o more_o than_o this_o he_o can_v do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o than_o be_v in_o his_o power_n wherever_o therefore_o a_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n take_v care_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n however_o he_o may_v act_v doubt_o in_o that_o case_n thus_o far_o i_o think_v we_o be_v clear_a beyond_o exception_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o account_n of_o our_o point_n but_o will_v be_v put_v a_o far_a question_n we_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o several_a rule_n about_o a_o man_n act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v viz._n that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n a_o man_n be_v to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v the_o question_n now_o be_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n always_o to_o follow_v this_o rule_n or_o which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n whether_o a_o man_n in_o a_o matter_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v only_o a_o pure_a doubt_n may_v not_o without_o sin_n indifferent_o choose_v either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n though_o yet_o perhaps_o one_o side_n do_v appear_v to_o he_o more_o reasonable_a or_o more_o safe_a than_o the_o other_o this_o question_n be_v indeed_o more_o curious_a than_o useful_a but_o however_o since_o it_o proper_o fall_v under_o the_o argument_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o and_o tend_v somewhat_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o only_o i_o declare_v beforehand_o that_o i_o mean_v not_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o assert_v any_o thing_n dogmatical_o but_o only_o to_o propose_v in_o order_n to_o further_a examination_n and_o withal_o that_o whether_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o main_a cause_n we_o have_v undertake_v that_o now_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o that_o though_o it_o be_v eternal_o fit_a and_o natural_a and_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n happiness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o that_o he_o shall_v in_o all_o case_n and_o especial_o in_o doubtful_a case_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v and_o certain_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o steady_o will_v he_o pursue_v this_o rule_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o he_o be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v oblige_v we_o in_o all_o case_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v best_a be_v always_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a much_o less_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v safe_a because_o that_o which_o be_v safe_a be_v not_o always_o either_o best_a or_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n that_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o do_v not_o sin_n if_o we_o act_n otherwise_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n now_o that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v true_a we_o have_v as_o good_a proof_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v viz._n the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n thus_o determine_v and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o likewise_o because_o they_o follow_v from_o it_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n take_v now_o this_o for_o grant_v i_o ask_v what_o law_n do_v a_o man_n transgress_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n choose_v either_o side_n indifferent_o without_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v safe_a or_o most_o reasonable_a always_o suppose_v that_o the_o side_n he_o choose_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n i_o say_v according_a to_o these_o principle_n he_o transgress_v no_o law_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o sin_n at_o all_o if_o the_o man_n be_v at_o all_o guilty_a it_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n viz._n either_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n or_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o prefer_v that_o which_o be_v less_o reasonable_a and_o safe_a before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o so_o now_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a for_o his_o
conscience_n have_v pass_v no_o dictate_v no_o verdict_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v against_o any_o such_o dictate_v or_o verdict_n the_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n that_o he_o either_o believe_v he_o may_v act_v as_o he_o do_v without_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o he_o have_v no_o belief_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o any_o way_n condemn_v he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n of_o his_o not_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o reasonable_a it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o oblige_v he_o to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o choose_v otherwise_o but_o now_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n always_o suppose_v that_o he_o take_v care_v not_o to_o choose_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n which_o in_o our_o case_n we_o do_v likewise_o suppose_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o must_v add_v further_o that_o though_o we_o here_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v strict_o oblige_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_n to_o choose_v one_o side_n more_o than_o another_o but_o may_v indifferent_o choose_v either_o yet_o in_o the_o first_o place_n whoever_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n either_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o act_n against_o a_o doubt_n or_o that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n such_o a_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o so_o believe_v can_v without_o sin_n act_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o second_o we_o be_v far_o from_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o act_v thus_o hand_n over_o head_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n much_o less_o from_o commend_v he_o for_o so_o do_v for_o though_o we_o say_v that_o strict_o speak_v a_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o act_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o think_v he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o low_a dispensation_n as_o to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n that_o never_o look_v further_a into_o his_o action_n nor_o take_v more_o care_n about_o they_o than_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a he_o that_o be_v hearty_o good_a will_v with_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o thing_n be_v expedient_a and_o do_v edify_v it_o will_v not_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o action_n to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o action_n without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v examine_v whether_o the_o do_v or_o forbear_v the_o action_n do_v more_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o virtue_n and_o charity_n and_o according_o as_o that_o appear_v to_o he_o so_o will_v he_o determine_v his_o choice_n in_o a_o word_n the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o virtuous_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o delicate_a and_o tender_a sense_n will_v he_o have_v not_o only_o of_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v precise_o make_v his_o duty_n and_o so_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n do_v oblige_v his_o conscience_n but_o also_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a and_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a so_o that_o it_o will_v real_o grate_v upon_o his_o mind_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v be_v account_v unlawful_a or_o forbid_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o devout_a christian_a and_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o doubt_v to_o choose_v either_o side_n indiscriminate_o though_o if_o he_o shall_v i_o do_v not_o know_v as_o i_o say_v before_o what_o law_n of_o god_n he_o transgress_v but_o he_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o he_o after_o such_o consideration_n to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o and_o the_o world_n good_a that_o shall_v have_v the_o preference_n to_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v this_o as_o conscience_n be_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n so_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o though_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v safe_a in_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v our_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o act_v according_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v unblameable_a ignorance_n of_o those_o law_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v do_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v it_o we_o must_v do_v it_o or_o we_o sin_n and_o again_o wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v avoid_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o we_o must_v forbear_v that_o action_n or_o we_o sin_n but_o if_o conscience_n can_v say_v that_o this_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v there_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_v either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v that_o action_n but_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n shall_v thus_o suggest_v to_o he_o though_o i_o can_v say_v direct_o that_o this_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v lay_v any_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o you_o either_o way_n yet_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o you_o will_v choose_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o for_o this_o way_n all_o thing_n consider_v appear_v most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v for_o there_o be_v more_o probability_n that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n than_o the_o other_o or_o there_o be_v less_o harm_n though_o you_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o go_v this_o way_n than_o the_o other_o now_o in_o this_o case_n though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o proper_o oblige_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n to_o obey_v his_o conscience_n because_o conscience_n do_v not_o propose_v the_o choice_n to_o he_o under_o that_o condition_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n he_o will_v undoubted_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o conscience_n all_o thing_n consider_v have_v represent_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o general_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o considerable_a inquiry_n that_o can_v be_v make_v about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v leave_v any_o material_a difficulty_n in_o this_o argument_n untouched_a though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o need_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o case_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o undertake_v this_o discourse_n but_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o discussion_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o will_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n however_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v something_o towards_o it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o save_v the_o reader_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o case_n the_o labour_n and_o trouble_v of_o do_v it_o the_o case_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o be_v brief_o this_o there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfied_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o enjoin_v and_o that_o upon_o several_a account_n some_o perhaps_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n other_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o
do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o it_o he_o have_v some_o little_a reason_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o we_o presume_v they_o will_v never_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o 2._o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o ourselves_o and_o 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unlawful_a though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a erroneous_a judgement_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o such_o persuasion_n we_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o do_v it_o upon_o any_o inducement_n whatever_o if_o i_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n and_o it_o be_v a_o instance_n wherein_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n i_o be_o still_o bind_v not_o to_o do_v it_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o be_o certain_o innocent_a when_o i_o forbear_v i_o may_v commit_v a_o sin_n if_o i_o do_v it_o wisdom_n will_v therefore_o that_o the_o safe_a part_n be_v choose_v but_o now_o if_o i_o be_o by_o the_o command_n of_o my_o superior_n oblige_v to_o it_o my_o choice_n be_v then_o determine_v it_o than_o become_v my_o duty_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v safe_a or_o advisable_v to_o neglect_v a_o plain_a duty_n for_o a_o uncertain_a offence_n thus_o most_o and_o best_a casuist_n do_v determine_v about_o a_o doubtful_a conscience_n particular_o the_o 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respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o do_v expect_v their_o servant_n and_o child_n shall_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o submission_n for_o all_o government_n and_o subjection_n will_v be_v very_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o a_o law_n or_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v to_o give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o the_o most_o humoursome_a or_o perverse_a sort_n of_o christian_n for_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n no_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n can_v be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a though_o a_o very_a ignorant_a conscience_n consent_n to_o they_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o mind_n or_o stand_v upon_o our_o scruple_n when_o they_o 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ceremony_n against_o which_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v yet_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o to_o combine_v and_o associate_v into_o separate_a congregation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v somewhere_o express_v like_o knock_v a_o man_n on_o the_o head_n because_o his_o tooth_n be_v rot_v or_o his_o nail_n too_o long_o how_o much_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o such_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o public_a order_n and_o divine_a charity_n for_o better_a sure_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o defective_a imperfect_a manner_n to_o bear_v with_o many_o disorder_n and_o fault_n than_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_a communion_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v far_o great_a corruption_n both_o as_o to_o person_n and_o practice_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o we_o at_o this_o day_n yet_o though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a reformer_n of_o mankind_n he_o forsake_v not_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o assemble_v with_o they_o in_o their_o public_a synagogue_n which_o answer_n to_o our_o parish-church_n preach_v in_o the_o temple_n though_o they_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n observe_v their_o festival_n though_o some_o of_o they_o of_o humane_a institution_n nay_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o continue_v to_o hear_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o wretched_a generation_n of_o men._n great_a be_v the_o pollution_n and_o misdemeanour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n corinth_n
may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n that_o i_o may_v be_v partaker_n thereof_o with_o you_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o these_o compliance_n and_o civility_n to_o win_v many_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n by_o these_o wise_a art_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n into_o they_o but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o make_v his_o way_n he_o then_o teach_v they_o another_o lesson_n and_o behave_v himself_o after_o a_o far_o different_a manner_n now_o to_o do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v will_v always_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n who_o have_v his_o office_n and_o be_v to_o propagate_v any_o religion_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n like_o a_o master_n that_o deal_v not_o so_o sharp_o with_o his_o scholar_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o school_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v afterward_o but_o the_o direction_n st._n paul_n give_v and_o according_a 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leave_v a_o way_n of_o worship_n command_v they_o by_o god_n himself_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o many_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n deliver_v to_o they_o from_o their_o father_n by_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n there_o be_v not_o now_o among_o we_o any_o such_o competition_n between_o two_o religion_n but_o every_o one_o learn_v christianity_n as_o he_o do_v his_o mother_n tongue_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n carry_v themselves_o towards_o these_o new_a convert_v as_o god_n almighty_n do_v towards_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o first_o out_o of_o egypt_n he_o for_o a_o while_o lead_v they_o by_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n and_o of_o a_o cloud_n give_v they_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o rain_v down_o bread_n and_o flesh_n from_o heaven_n this_o he_o do_v for_o they_o while_o in_o their_o passage_n thus_o extraordinary_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o in_o some_o case_n even_o humour_v that_o people_n lest_o upon_o every_o little_a pretence_n they_o shall_v return_v back_o to_o the_o garlic_n and_o onion_n of_o egypt_n but_o after_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n he_o then_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o ordinary_a common_a mean_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o themselves_o he_o do_v not_o show_v the_o same_o indulgence_n to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n st._n paul_n will_v not_o take_v that_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o himself_o labour_v hard_a night_n and_o day_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o he_o convert_v 1_o thess_n 2._o 9_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o may_v see_v he_o do_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o belly_n but_o sure_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o this_o example_n in_o place_n where_o public_a maintenance_n be_v settle_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n to_o refuse_v to_o take_v it_o and_o earn_v their_o own_o bread_n by_o some_o manual_a occupation_n though_o thereby_o they_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o quaker_n and_o those_o who_o call_v they_o hireling_n and_o say_v they_o prophesy_v only_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n thus_o it_o be_v usual_o observe_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v quite_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o the_o galatian_n though_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n among_o who_o he_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v he_o pity_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o weak_a christian_n charge_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v despise_v or_o cast_v off_o that_o no_o cause_n of_o offence_n shall_v be_v give_v they_o but_o to_o the_o galatian_n a_o people_n that_o have_v be_v full_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n among_o who_o himself_o have_v plant_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v be_v present_a in_o person_n and_o so_o know_v that_o they_o understand_v better_o when_o some_o of_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o error_n think_v circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n necessary_a to_o christian_n he_o chide_v they_o sharp_o and_o rebuke_n they_o more_o severe_o who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n he_o who_o will_v condescend_v to_o the_o ignorant_a novice_n among_o the_o roman_n will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o comply_v with_o the_o galatian_n that_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o light_n and_o afterward_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o forbearance_n cease_v when_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v reject_v christ_n and_o the_o gentile_a world_n be_v come_v into_o the_o church_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n contain_v therein_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v tolerate_v in_o those_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o through_o mistake_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o whatever_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o st._n paul_n discourse_n about_o weak_a brethren_n by_o way_n of_o analogy_n or_o similitude_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o weak_a person_n now_o among_o we_o as_o those_o be_v for_o who_o the_o apostle_n provide_v or_o as_o those_o little_a one_o be_v for_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v 2_o i_o will_v desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v by_o what_o pretence_n they_o can_v challenge_v any_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o weak_a christian_n when_o according_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n further_a off_o from_o be_v such_o in_o any_o sense_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n worth_a a_o thousand_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la shall_v sue_v in_o formâ_fw-la pauperis_fw-la they_o who_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o neighbour_n the_o only_a sober_a and_o godly_a party_n and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v they_o plead_v for_o any_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v or_o regard_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n though_o they_o love_v to_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o uninstructed_a jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o other_o case_n willing_o liken_v themselves_o to_o those_o weak_a believer_n or_o babe_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v real_o better_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v leader_n and_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n and_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o and_o do_v prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n which_o they_o call_v their_o conscience_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o in_o all_o instance_n we_o shall_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o weak_a person_n turn_v they_o back_o to_o their_o primer_z advise_v they_o to_o learn_v their_o catechism_n they_o will_v think_v themselves_o high_o wrong_v and_o injure_v if_o the_o several_a dissenter_n among_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a waver_a half_a christian_n do_v they_o think_v their_o dislike_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o weakness_n they_o will_v be_v either_o more_o careful_a to_o hide_v it_o or_o will_v more_o diligent_o seek_v out_o for_o remedy_n
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the_o temple_n with_o the_o man_n that_o have_v a_o vow_n upon_o they_o just_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n prescribe_v in_o the_o levitical_a law_n you_o have_v the_o account_n of_o it_o act_v 21._o from_o 23_o to_o 27._o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o question_n but_o this_o action_n of_o st._n paul_n must_v be_v strange_o look_v upon_o at_o first_o by_o trophimus_n and_o those_o other_o heathen_a convert_v that_o come_v with_o he_o to_o jerusalem_n who_o know_v his_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n of_o conversation_n abroad_o can_v scarce_o choose_v but_o reflect_v with_o some_o trouble_n upon_o this_o action_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a temptation_n to_o they_o to_o have_v some_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o st._n paul_n prefer_v his_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o incur_v this_o censure_n of_o they_o than_o to_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v there_o from_o which_o example_n a_o great_a advantage_n may_v be_v draw_v not_o only_o to_o direct_v we_o what_o regard_n to_o have_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n above_o any_o private_a person_n but_o even_o to_o a_o national_a or_o local_a church_n which_o be_v but_o a_o member_n and_o part_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o from_o which_o the_o constitution_n of_o other_o church_n as_o to_o custom_n and_o usage_n may_v be_v different_a st._n paul_n may_v have_v plead_v strong_o against_o this_o thing_n to_o which_o st._n james_n advise_v he_o especial_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o offence_n to_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o and_o to_o other_o from_o who_o he_o come_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o his_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a church_n where_o he_o be_v and_o his_o care_n not_o to_o offend_v it_o overcome_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o cause_v he_o ready_o to_o do_v that_o which_o neither_o they_o be_v great_o please_v with_o nor_o himself_o in_o all_o probability_n 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shall_v proceed_v to_o some_o popular_a consideration_n here_o also_o which_o be_v own_v for_o sound_n and_o good_a rule_n to_o act_v by_o in_o all_o other_o like_o case_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o which_o when_o apply_v in_o our_o case_n will_v present_o determine_v it_o our_o concern_n and_o duty_n to_o have_v great_a care_v not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o to_o any_o private_a person_n four_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v just_a mention_n and_o leave_v to_o take_v effect_n by_o our_o leisurely_o consideration_n of_o they_o 1._o that_o offend_v the_o church_n be_v offend_v the_o great_a party_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v not_o only_o great_a than_o any_o other_o single_a denomination_n of_o man_n but_o than_o all_o of_o they_o together_o i_o know_v how_o forward_o each_o party_n have_v be_v to_o boast_v its_o number_n and_o some_o to_o threaten_v authority_n with_o their_o strength_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o make_v false_a muster_n and_o great_a show_n to_o crowd_v together_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o piacular_a for_o one_o to_o be_v absent_a when_o either_o the_o party_n or_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o we_o have_v public_a evidence_n now_o and_o of_o late_a that_o the_o church-party_n be_v not_o so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v it_o think_v to_o be_v it_o be_v true_a honest_a man_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v noisy_a and_o tumultuous_a the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o integrity_n satisfi_v they_o and_o the_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n be_v to_o they_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o witness_n they_o do_v not_o use_v to_o boast_v of_o themselves_o nor_o court_v great_o man_n observance_n they_o keep_v their_o station_n and_o use_v not_o to_o run_v from_o place_n to_o place_n a_o art_n by_o which_o the_o same_o man_n may_v appear_v ten_o or_o twenty_o and_o this_o perhaps_o have_v make_v some_o 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as_o consist_v only_o of_o ignorant_a and_o loose_a silly_a and_o dissolute_a person_n when_o bless_a be_v god_n plain_a experience_n contradict_v both_o and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v equal_a at_o least_o to_o their_o supercilious_a accuser_n both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o make_v they_o appear_v otherwise_o but_o only_o the_o pride_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v they_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v in_o her_o child_n 2._o offend_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o offend_v any_o private_a party_n of_o man_n i_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o remark_n each_o single_a instance_n in_o which_o this_o be_v evident_a every_o man_n reason_n
subscription_n that_o be_v require_v to_o the_o 39_o article_n it_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o our_o church_n give_v all_o man_n liberty_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o not_o exercise_v authority_n as_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v over_o our_o faith_n for_o she_o require_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v those_o article_n but_o at_o worst_o only_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o none_o shall_v receive_v order_n or_o be_v admit_v to_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o all_o as_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o many_o as_o inferior_a truth_n and_o require_v subscription_n to_o they_o as_o a_o test_n whereby_o to_o judge_v who_o do_v so_o believe_v they_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v all_o her_o long_a beadroll_n of_o doctrine_n which_o have_v only_o the_o stamp_n of_o her_o authority_n and_o to_o believe_v they_o too_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o believe_v they_o 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true_a proper_a and_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o real_o and_o substantial_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a eucharist_n etc._n etc._n i_o also_o confess_v that_o whole_a and_o entire_a christ_n and_o the_o true_a sacrament_n be_v receive_v under_o one_o of_o the_o kind_n only_o i_o constant_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o purgatory_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n there_o detain_v be_v relieve_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o saint_n reign_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o invoke_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o their_o relic_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v i_o most_o firm_o assert_v that_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mother_n of_o god_n always_o a_o virgin_n and_o of_o the_o other_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o keep_v and_o that_o due_a honour_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o i_o affirm_v also_o that_o the_o power_n of_o indulgence_n be_v leave_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v very_o salutiferous_a to_o christian_a people_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a roman_a church_n the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o i_o profess_v and_o swear_v obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o vicar_n of_o jesus_n christ_n also_o all_o the_o other_o thing_n deliver_v decree_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o especial_o by_o the_o holy_a synod_n of_o trent_n i_o undoubted_o receive_v and_o profess_v as_o also_o all_o thing_n contrary_a to_o these_o and_o all_o heresy_n condemn_v reject_v and_o anathematise_v by_o the_o church_n i_o in_o like_a manner_n condemn_v reject_v and_o anathematise_v this_o true_a catholic_n faith_n viz._n all_o this_o stuff_n of_o their_o own_o together_o with_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v which_o at_o this_o present_a i_o true_o profess_v and_o sincere_o hold_v i_o will_v god_n assist_v i_o most_o constant_o retain_v and_o confess_v entire_a and_o inviolate_a and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v will_v take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v hold_v teach_v and_o declare_v by_o those_o that_o be_v under_o i_o or_o the_o care_n of_o who_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o i_o i_o the_o same_o n._n do_v profess_v vow_v and_o swear_v so_o help_v i_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a gospel_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o read_v this_o can_v forbear_v pronounce_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o most_o glorious_a reformation_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o motive_n our_o church_n propose_v for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n the_o excellency_n thereof_o which_o consist_v in_o its_o be_v whole_o adapt_v to_o the_o reform_v of_o man_n life_n and_o renew_v their_o nature_n after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o have_v reveal_v god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o moses_n our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o these_o person_n deliver_v such_o doctrine_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o such_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v i_o say_v as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n our_o church_n place_v it_o not_o in_o she_o own_o testimony_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o much_o 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that_o a_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o agree_v in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n see_v whatsoever_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v not_o command_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v by_o any_o moral_a or_o positive_a law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n sin_n be_v according_a to_o his_o definition_n the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o whereas_o certain_a circumstance_n will_v make_v thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n to_o be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n and_o to_o fall_v by_o consequence_n under_o some_o divine_a command_n or_o prohibition_n i_o have_v admire_v how_o this_o circumstance_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v being_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v think_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a but_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o that_o general_a prohibition_n to_o the_o israelite_n of_o imitate_v the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanite_n in_o those_o word_n leu._n 18._o 2._o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n wherein_o you_o dwell_v shall_v you_o not_o do_v and_o after_o the_o do_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o i_o bring_v you_o shall_v you_o not_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o walk_v in_o their_o ordinance_n this_o place_n divers_a of_o the_o defender_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o symbolise_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o i_o choose_v to_o forbear_v the_o name_v of_o any_o who_o arguing_n i_o purpose_v to_o inquire_v into_o because_o i_o will_v prevent_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o 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canaanite_n and_o therefore_o in_o as_o general_a term_n as_o the_o prohibition_n run_v our_o brethren_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o restriction_n therein_o intend_v it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v so_o bind_v up_o by_o god_n as_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o unlikeness_n to_o those_o people_n in_o all_o their_o action_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v never_o to_o company_n with_o wicked_a man_n they_o must_v needs_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o israelite_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o case_n of_o they_o they_o then_o must_v needs_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n now_o if_o this_o general_a prohibition_n after_o their_o do_n you_o shall_v not_o do_v be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v what_o way_n have_v we_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o confine_v the_o restriction_n to_o those_o particular_n prohibit_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n but_o i_o need_v not_o show_v that_o the_o particular_n forbid_v in_o all_o these_o viz._n from_o v._n 5_o to_o the_o 24_o be_v not_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n but_o incestuous_a copulation_n and_o other_o abominable_a act_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o god_n do_v express_o enough_o thus_o restrain_v that_o general_a prohibition_n in_o the_o 24_o v._o in_o these_o word_n defile_v not_o yourselves_o in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o in_o all_o these_o the_o nation_n be_v defile_v which_o i_o cast_v out_o before_o you_o but_o those_o that_o allege_v this_o text_n to_o the_o foresay_a purpose_n will_v not_o hear_v of_o the_o general_a proposition_n be_v thus_o limit_v by_o the_o context_n as_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v that_o it_o necessary_o must_v because_o say_v they_o we_o find_v that_o god_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n in_o other_o place_n to_o imitate_v heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o forbid_v such_o imitation_n in_o this_o place_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o manifest_a as_o we_o have_v see_v but_o second_o that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o prohibit_v the_o israelite_n to_o symbolize_v with_o heathen_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a and_o innocent_a nature_n i_o mean_v that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o they_o to_o observe_v any_o such_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v like_o they_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v those_o place_n which_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o one_o be_v deut._n 14._o 1._o you_o shall_v not_o cut_v yourselves_o nor_o make_v any_o baldness_n between_o your_o eye_n for_o the_o dead_a now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o prohibit_v thing_n who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o therefore_o not_o indifferent_a and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o disfigure_v of_o themselves_o by_o cut_v off_o their_o kickshaw_n this_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n neither_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n at_o funeral_n much_o disbecoming_a the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o will_v make_v they_o look_v as_o if_o they_o sorrow_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o man_n without_o hope_n another_o place_n insist_v upon_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v leu._n 19_o 19_o thou_o shall_v not_o let_v thy_o cattle-gender_n with_o a_o divers_a kind_n thou_o shall_v not_o sow_v thy_o ground_n with_o mingle_a seed_n nor_o shall_v a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a come_v upon_o thou_o now_o these_o three_o it_o be_v say_v be_v thing_n of_o so_o indifferent_a a_o nature_n that_o none_o can_v be_v more_o indifferent_a i_o answer_v it_o be_v ready_o grant_v but_o where_o be_v it_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v forbid_v because_o the_o heathen_n use_v they_o maimonides_n indeed_o as_o i_o learn_v from_o grotius_n say_v that_o the_o egyptian_n use_v these_o mixture_n of_o seed_n and_o of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a in_o many_o of_o their_o magical_a exploit_n but_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o thing_n among_o many_o other_o be_v forbid_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o mystical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n i_o have_v find_v no_o other_o text_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v mere_a indifferent_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v forbid_v the_o israelite_n only_o in_o regard_n of_o heathen_n use_v they_o which_o make_v more_o for_o this_o purpose_n than_o these_o two_o do_v nor_o hardly_o another_o that_o make_v so_o much_o but_o if_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o concern_v ourselves_o now_o with_o they_o because_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o great_a number_n of_o instance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v those_o people_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o the_o egyptian_n or_o canaanites_n use_v they_o yet_o this_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o prove_v our_o church_n symbolise_v with_o that_o of_o rome_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n why_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v not_o symbolize_v with_o papist_n that_o there_o be_v why_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o symbolize_v in_o such_o with_o those_o heathen_n for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v too_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o unlikeness_n between_o those_o people_n and_o these_o in_o their_o usage_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o strange_o vehement_a inclination_n to_o their_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o distance_n be_v make_v wide_o as_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v acknowledge_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o pagan_n than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o
and_o i_o perceive_v you_o mean_v that_o it_o please_v you_o to_o find_v it_o not_o write_v in_o a_o heat_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o censorious_a or_o peevish_a humour_n or_o of_o a_o haughty_a contempt_n of_o those_o he_o deal_v with_o therein_o express_v and_o he_o hope_v that_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n you_o be_v no_o less_o please_v with_o the_o other_o resolution_n of_o case_n which_o bear_v this_o company_n but_o he_o think_v it_o no_o mighty_a attainment_n to_o be_v able_a in_o write_v to_o manage_v a_o controversy_n cool_o and_o sedate_o without_o bitter_a or_o provoke_a reflection_n or_o contemptuous_a expression_n though_o man_n of_o warm_a temper_n may_v find_v it_o somewhat_o difficult_a to_o govern_v their_o spirit_n and_o passion_n as_o it_o become_v they_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o humility_n or_o good_a nature_n or_o of_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n shall_v make_v it_o no_o hard_a matter_n to_o acquire_v that_o other_o attainment_n and_o much_o more_o that_o no_o one_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o spirit_n and_o temper_n as_o well_o as_o in_o notion_n and_o profession_n can_v find_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o arrive_v at_o it_o but_o enough_o of_o this_o in_o your_o second_o paragraph_n you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o our_o author_n may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o distance_n between_o our_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o reason_n you_o give_v for_o the_o needlesness_n of_o so_o do_v your_o reason_n be_v two_o first_o because_o he_o argue_v chief_o for_o communion_n in_o worship_n and_o second_o you_o never_o meet_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n charge_v as_o popish_a nor_o our_o church_n reflect_v on_o as_o symbolise_v with_o that_o idolatrous_a church_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o these_o reason_n have_v not_o convince_v our_o author_n that_o he_o be_v over_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v not_o his_o design_n to_o show_v that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o symbolize_v in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n with_o that_o of_o rome_n but_o that_o she_o stand_v at_o great_a defiance_n with_o that_o church_n not_o that_o she_o do_v not_o teach_v her_o corrupt_a doctrine_n in_o her_o article_n but_o that_o she_o design_o confute_v they_o and_o expose_v the_o falsity_n and_o corruption_n of_o they_o and_o this_o sure_o be_v worth_a the_o show_n in_o so_o many_o instance_n for_o their_o sake_n who_o never_o read_v or_o consider_v those_o article_n as_o i_o fear_v very_o few_o of_o the_o dissenter_n have_v do_v and_o whereas_o you_o say_v you_o never_o meet_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n charge_v as_o popish_a and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o you_o have_v i_o say_v there_o be_v too_o great_a cause_n to_o suspect_v that_o very_o few_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v understand_v how_o anti-popish_a they_o be_v though_o they_o do_v not_o charge_v they_o as_o popish_a and_o i_o doubt_v you_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o i_o be_o sure_a very_o many_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o who_o have_v reflect_v upon_o our_o church_n as_o a_o idolatrous_a church_n though_o you_o never_o hear_v she_o accuse_v as_o symbolise_v with_o the_o idolatrous_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o they_o will_v find_v it_o somewhat_o hard_a to_o understand_v how_o a_o church_n can_v be_v idolatrous_a in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o yet_o be_v pure_a in_o her_o doctrine_n from_o any_o tang_n of_o idolatry_n sure_o her_o practice_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o her_o doctrine_n or_o they_o will_v be_v strange_a practice_n indeed_o and_o it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a if_o she_o shall_v practise_v idola_fw-la try_v and_o yet_o believe_v nothing_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o that_o foul_a sin_n nay_o believe_v and_o teach_v all_o those_o doctrine_n that_o be_v as_o opposite_a to_o idolatry_n as_o light_a to_o darkness_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o to_o our_o author_n purpose_n than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v that_o prejudice_n of_o many_o against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o opinion_n of_o its_o be_v near_o of_o kin_n to_o popery_n and_o what_o can_v signify_v more_o to_o their_o conviction_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o opinion_n than_o the_o show_v how_o abhorrent_n to_o popery_n our_o church_n be_v in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o what_o a_o testimony_n she_o bear_v in_o her_o article_n against_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o the_o practice_n which_o she_o found_v upon_o those_o doctrine_n as_o to_o the_o several_a addition_n you_o say_v may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o 4._o the_o the_o the_o pag._n 4._o anti-popish_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o 39_o article_n our_o author_n conceive_v he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o oversight_n in_o not_o prevent_v you_o because_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o anti-popish_a but_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o other_o sect_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o abhorrer_n of_o popery_n as_o well_o as_o papist_n and_o other_o of_o they_o our_o author_n have_v not_o omit_v but_o if_o you_o will_v look_v again_o you_o may_v find_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n viz._n those_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o artic._n vi_o and_o artic._n xi_o this_o under_o the_o head_n of_o doctrine_n flat_o contradict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n pag._n 9_o that_o under_o the_o head_n of_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o each_o of_o the_o two_o church_n find_v its_o whole_a religion_n pag._n 18._o now_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n you_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o our_o author_n will_v have_v you_o conclude_v from_o this_o first_o part_n of_o his_o performance_n which_o you_o say_v 4._o say_v say_v say_v pag._n 4._o you_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v and_o whereas_o you_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o 39_o article_n have_v in_o they_o nothing_o of_o kin_n to_o popery_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o add_v that_o you_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v not_o a_o judicious_a dissenter_n in_o england_n will_v say_v they_o have_v i_o answer_v if_o there_o be_v any_o injudicious_a dissenter_n in_o england_n that_o will_v say_v they_o have_v i_o hope_v these_o poor_a people_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o despise_v as_o that_o we_o shall_v use_v no_o mean_n for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o they_o but_o our_o author_n will_v have_v you_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v do_v what_o he_o design_v which_o be_v as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v not_o to_o show_v that_o the_o 39_o article_n have_v nothing_o of_o kin_n to_o popery_n but_o that_o they_o be_v most_o abhorrent_n from_o it_o and_o that_o our_o church_n be_v at_o the_o wide_a and_o vast_a distance_n from_o popery_n in_o her_o doctrinal_n and_o consequent_o one_o will_v think_v too_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n but_o our_o author_n do_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o to_o prove_v this_o by_o this_o consequence_n but_o go_v on_o to_o show_v it_o in_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o matter_n of_o practice_n after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o return_v now_o to_o your_o second_o page_n you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v mighty_o satisfactory_a to_o you_o to_o hear_v our_o author_n assure_v you_o that_o our_o church_n allow_v her_o member_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n etc._n etc._n but_o sir_n you_o need_v no_o author_n to_o assure_v you_o of_o this_o since_o our_o church_n have_v do_v it_o as_o full_o as_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o word_n and_o our_o author_n no_o otherwise_o assure_v you_o of_o it_o than_o by_o cite_v our_o church_n article_n but_o whereas_o you_o add_v that_o this_o you_o can_v but_o think_v impli_v a_o liberty_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v and_o judge_n but_o to_o do_v also_o according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n believe_v and_o judge_v sure_o you_o will_v find_v yourself_o able_a to_o think_v otherwise_o when_o you_o have_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o thought_n viz._n that_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o law_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o allow_v to_o man_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n according_a to_o this_o large_a notion_n and_o that_o therefore_o our_o church_n do_v faulty_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o have_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o government_n and_o discipline_n you_o next_o say_v that_o our_o author_n speak_v very_o true_a as_o to_o the_o popish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o that_o those_o in_o our_o church_n be_v
jewish_a church_n or_o if_o in_o a_o short_a history_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o undertake_v we_o shall_v have_v read_v that_o they_o circumcise_a and_o baptise_a as_o many_o proselyte_n as_o glad_o receive_v their_o word_n will_v this_o have_v be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o do_v not_o also_o circumcise_v and_o baptise_v the_o infant_n of_o those_o believe_a proselyte_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o usage_n of_o their_o mother-church_n no_o certain_o such_o a_o commission_n to_o proselyte_n stranger_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n can_v not_o in_o reason_n have_v be_v strain_v to_o prejudice_v the_o customary_a right_n of_o infant_n to_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o in_o parity_n of_o reason_n neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n so_o understand_v their_o commission_n without_o other_o notice_n as_o to_o exclude_v infant_n from_o sacramental_a initiation_n into_o the_o church_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v their_o commission_n be_v a_o direction_n how_o they_o shall_v proselyte_n stranger_n to_o christianity_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o propagate_a a_o new_a religion_n in_o strange_a country_n as_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 20._o 14._o how_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v according_o they_o be_v send_v out_o to_o preach_v or_o to_o disciple_n man_n and_o woman_n by_o preach_v and_o to_o baptise_v as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o shall_v upon_o their_o preach_a believe_v and_o repent_v but_o though_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n with_o grow_v person_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v with_o proselyte_n to_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v that_o they_o who_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v jew_n shall_v initiate_v the_o infant_n of_o such_o proselyted_a person_n according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n what_o need_n christ_n have_v say_v more_o unto_o they_o when_o he_o send_v they_o out_o than_o to_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o that_o will_v believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v but_o then_o the_o respective_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n can_v only_o concern_v adult_a person_n and_o their_o qualification_n for_o baptism_n but_o can_v in_o no_o reason_n be_v construe_v by_o they_o to_o exclude_v infant_n but_o only_o unbelieving_a man_n and_o woman_n whereof_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n before_o they_o be_v teach_v christianity_n and_o have_v confess_v their_o faith_n and_o sin_n shall_v god_n as_o i_o say_v before_o call_v twelve_o man_n of_o any_o church_n where_o infant-baptism_n have_v be_v the_o constant_a and_o undoubted_a practice_n and_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o indies_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o to_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o preach_v and_o be_v baptise_a with_o the_o baptism_n which_o we_o administer_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o dissenter_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o infant-baptism_n whether_o he_o think_v that_o these_o man_n breed_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n can_v in_o probability_n so_o interpret_v this_o commission_n as_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o they_o shall_v exclude_v the_o infant_n of_o believe_a proselyte_n from_o baptismal_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n the_o professor_n against_o infant-baptism_n put_v the_o great_a stress_n upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o they_o will_v well_o consider_v the_o next_o word_n they_o will_v find_v that_o infant_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o they_o because_o it_o follow_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o same_o want_n of_o faith_n which_o here_o exclude_v from_o baptism_n exclude_v also_o from_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o infant_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v with_o the_o anabaptistas_n the_o the_o the_o the_o petrobusian_o vid._n cassandri_n praefat_fw-la ad_fw-la duc._n jul._n cli._n &_o praefat_fw-la advers._fw-la anabaptistas_n original_a anabaptist_n that_o the_o same_o incapacity_n of_o believe_v which_o exclude_v they_o from_o baptism_n exclude_v they_o from_o salvation_n too_o wherefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o believe_v and_o not_o believe_v in_o that_o text_n be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o capacity_n of_o hear_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o grow_v person_n just_a as_o the_o word_n in_o joh._n 3._o 36._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o thus_o far_o have_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o inconclusive_o and_o absurd_o the_o anabaptist_n go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o infant_n ought_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n from_o the_o forementioned_a text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o proselyte_v grow_v person_n and_o their_o qualification_n for_o baptism_n and_o as_o little_a success_n have_v they_o with_o some_o other_o which_o they_o bring_v to_o show_v how_o unprofitable_a baptism_n be_v for_o infant_n as_o that_o in_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o external_a baptism_n of_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v only_o capable_a signify_v nothing_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n of_o which_o say_v they_o infant_n be_v altogether_o uncapable_a to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v very_o easy_a that_o another_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o external_a circumcision_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v only_o capable_a profit_v nothing_o without_o keep_v the_o law_n which_o infant_n can_v not_o keep_v nay_o that_o the_o outward_a circumcision_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v only_o capable_a be_v nothing_o but_o that_o the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o yet_o infant_n remain_v infant_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o that_o so_o that_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o this_o and_o such_o like_a text_n prove_v nothing_o because_o it_o prove_v too_o much_o and_o stretch_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o undue_a consequence_n beyond_o their_o just_a mean_v which_o be_v only_o to_o let_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o rest_v in_o external_a circumcision_n or_o baptism_n but_o not_o that_o their_o infant_n be_v unprofitable_o circumcise_a and_o baptise_a so_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a be_v all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o anabaptist_n endeavour_v from_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v limit_v the_o subject_a of_o baptism_n unto_o grow_v person_n put_v they_o all_o together_o they_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o probability_n much_o less_o unto_o a_o presumption_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o early_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v not_o the_o church_n be_v always_o in_o possession_n of_o this_o practice_n or_o can_v any_o time_n be_v show_v on_o this_o side_n the_o apostle_n when_o it_o begin_v nay_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o one_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n or_o that_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n otherwise_o orthodox_n do_v decline_v the_o baptise_v of_o they_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o these_o man_n do_v now_o than_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o their_o argument_n be_v better_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o that_o infant-baptism_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o ancient_a a_o practice_n that_o no_o body_n know_v when_o or_o where_o it_o begin_v or_o how_o from_o not_o be_v it_o come_v to_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n since_o there_o be_v never_o any_o church_n ancient_a or_o modern_a which_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o it_o must_v argue_v a_o strange_a partiality_n to_o think_v that_o it_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o tradition_n or_o the_o original_a use_n of_o baptism_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o it_o have_v under_o the_o law_n have_v the_o 28._o the_o the_o the_o ecquid_fw-la verisimise_n est_fw-la tot_fw-la
veritatem_fw-la deduceret_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la missus_fw-la à_fw-la christo_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la postulatus_fw-la de_fw-la patre_fw-la ut_fw-la esset_fw-la doctor_n veritatis_fw-la neglexerit_fw-la officium_fw-la dei_fw-la villicus_fw-la christi_fw-la vicarius_fw-la sinens_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la aliter_fw-la interim_n intelligere_fw-la aliter_fw-la credere_fw-la quam_fw-la ipse_fw-la per_fw-la apostolos_fw-la praedicabat_fw-la ecquid_fw-la verisimile_fw-la est_fw-la tot_fw-la ac_fw-la tantae_fw-la in_o unam_fw-la fidem_fw-la erraverint_fw-la tertul._n de_fw-fr prescript_n haereticorum_fw-la c._n 28._o will_v he_o suffer_v they_o all_o so_o soon_o to_o apostatise_v and_o to_o practice_v and_o believe_v otherwise_o than_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o the_o apostle_n preach_v no_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v all_o consent_n in_o such_o a_o dangerous_a error_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o peaceable_o and_o tame_o submit_v to_o it_o without_o opposition_n or_o that_o such_o a_o alteration_n shall_v be_v make_v without_o observation_n no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o or_o when_o wherefore_o these_o dissenter_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a in_o charge_v the_o church_n universal_a with_o apostasy_n from_o christ_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o in_o strive_v to_o throw_v she_o out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o such_o a_o ancient_a and_o general_a practice_n mere_o by_o such_o indirect_a and_o consequential_a argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n never_o draw_v from_o they_o nor_o we_o can_v admit_v against_o their_o general_a practice_n and_o consent_n certain_o those_o place_n of_o the_o anabapt_v the_o the_o the_o neque_fw-la verò_fw-la ignota_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la &_o priscis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la patribus_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la &_o apostolicae_fw-la scripturae_fw-la loca_fw-la in_o quibus_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la &_o fides_fw-la unà_fw-la cum_fw-la baptismo_fw-la requiri_fw-la videntur_fw-la sciebant_fw-la enim_fw-la probe_n haec_fw-la ad_fw-la adultos_fw-la cassand_n praefat_fw-la advers._fw-la anabapt_v new_a testament_n which_o require_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o grow_v person_n before_o baptism_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n they_o undoubted_o have_v well_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o baptism_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o yet_o they_o never_o draw_v this_o absurd_a consequence_n from_o they_o that_o because_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v to_o go_v before_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o latitude_n in_o adult_a person_n that_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o go_v before_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o child_n and_o minor_n as_o both_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o the_o like_a case_n be_v wont_a to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o know_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o admission_n of_o actual_a and_o potential_a 2._o see_v dr._n taylor_n of_o baptise_v infant_n great_a exemplar_n sect._n 9_o part_n 2._o believer_n and_o also_o know_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a inconsequence_n to_o argue_v from_o the_o qualification_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o those_o to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o these_o i_o free_o acknowledge_v to_o they_o that_o no_o argument_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o scripture_n when_o the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o be_v not_o doubtful_a yet_o when_o they_o be_v so_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o sober_a dissenter_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o persuasion_n whether_o the_o harmonious_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o undivided_a consent_n of_o apostolical_a father_n be_v not_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o authentical_a interpreter_n that_o can_v be_v betwixt_o man_n and_o men._n they_o think_v infant-baptism_n lawful_a and_o valid_a and_o no_o abuse_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n and_o let_v any_o modest_a and_o moderate_a man_n judge_n whether_o so_o many_o famous_a cassandr_n famous_a famous_a famous_a hanc_fw-la desipuere_fw-la praeterita_fw-la saecula_fw-la ut_fw-la tot_fw-la millibus_fw-la parvulorum_fw-la per_fw-la mille_fw-la &_o eo_fw-la amplius_fw-la annos_fw-la illusorium_fw-la baptisma_fw-la tribuerent_fw-la &_o à_fw-la christi_fw-la temporibus_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la vos_fw-la non_fw-la veros_fw-la ei_fw-la christianos_n say_v phantastico_v crearent_fw-la siccine_fw-la caecatus_fw-la est_fw-la orbis_fw-la terrarum_fw-la tantaque_fw-la huc_fw-la usque_fw-la caligine_fw-la involutus_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la aperiendos_fw-la oculos_fw-la suos_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la tam_fw-la diuturnam_fw-la noctem_fw-la illustrandam_fw-la post_fw-la tot_fw-la patres_fw-la martyr_n pontifices_fw-la &_o universalem_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la principes_fw-la vos_fw-la tamdiu_fw-la expectarit_fw-mi petrus_n abbas_n cluniacens_n apud_fw-la cassandr_n saint_n and_o martyr_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o delusion_n as_o to_o conspire_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o mock-baptism_n and_o of_o make_v so_o many_o million_o of_o mock-christians_a and_o mock-churche_n or_o that_o a_o little_a sect_n which_o must_v have_v separate_v from_o all_o the_o ancient_n as_o well_o as_o modern_a church_n that_o be_v ever_o yet_o discover_v shall_v be_v in_o a_o great_a and_o grievous_a error_n themselves_o let_v they_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o testimony_n about_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n viz._n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o second_o and_o beginning_n of_o the_o three_o century_n and_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o consult_v the_o successive_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n st._n irenaeus_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n polycarp_n who_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n and_o tertullian_n be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o last_o day_n of_o st._n irenaeus_n and_o the_o next_o writer_n in_o who_o we_o find_v infant-baptism_n mention_v as_o a_o parvuli_fw-la a_o a_o a_o in_o ep._n ad_fw-la rom._n l._n 5._o pro_fw-la hoc_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n traditionem_fw-la suscepit_fw-la etiam_fw-la parvulis_fw-la baptismum_fw-la dare_v quia_fw-la essent_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la genuinae_fw-la sordes_fw-la peccati_fw-la quae_fw-la per_fw-la aquam_fw-la &_o spiritum_fw-la ablui_fw-la deberent_fw-la in_o lucam_n homil._n 14._o parvuli_fw-la baptizantur_fw-la in_o remissionem_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la &_o in_o lib._n homil._n 8._o quia_fw-la per_fw-la baptismi_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la nativitatis_fw-la sordes_fw-la deponuntur_fw-la propterea_fw-la baptizantur_fw-la &_o parvuli_fw-la apostolical_a and_o universal_a practice_n i_o mean_v origen_n flourish_v within_o fifteen_o year_n after_o tertullian_n death_n st._n cyprian_n be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o origen_n and_o his_o epistle_n to_o fidus_n the_o presbyter_n be_v such_o a_o account_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o soul_n where_o prejudice_n do_v not_o reign_n that_o it_o always_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n fidus_n have_v write_v unto_o he_o to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o think_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o baptise_v child_n before_o the_o eight_o day_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n to_o which_o he_o return_v this_o answer_n rigalt_n answer_n answer_n answer_n quantum_fw-la autem_fw-la ad_fw-la causam_fw-la infantum_fw-la pertinet_fw-la quas_fw-la dixisti_fw-la intra_fw-la secundum_fw-la vel_fw-la tertium_fw-la diem_fw-la quo_fw-la nati_fw-la sunt_fw-la constitutos_fw-la baptizari_fw-la non_fw-la oportere_fw-la &_o considerandam_fw-la esse_fw-la legem_fw-la circumcisionis_fw-la antiquae_fw-la ut_fw-la infra_fw-la octavum_fw-la diem_fw-la eum_fw-la qui_fw-la natus_fw-la est_fw-la baptizandum_fw-la &_o sanctificandum_fw-la non_fw-la putares_fw-la long_o aliud_fw-la in_o concilio_n nostro_fw-la omnibus_fw-la visum_fw-la est_fw-la ep._n 58._o p._n 95._o ed._n rigalt_n that_o he_o and_o the_o council_n which_o consist_v of_o 66_o bishop_n be_v of_o another_o opinion_n have_v determine_v that_o as_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o accepter_n of_o person_n so_o he_o be_v no_o accepter_n of_o age_n but_o that_o infant_n may_v be_v baptise_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v to_o wash_v away_o their_o original_a sin_n the_o african_a church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o flourish_a strict_a and_o pious_a of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o this_o resolution_n of_o the_o council_n which_o as_o st._n augustin_n observe_v a_o 100_o year_n after_o be_v not_o novum_fw-la decretum_fw-la suppose_v that_o infant-baptism_n have_v be_v the_o original_a and_o immemorial_n practice_n of_o that_o church_n this_o council_n sit_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o century_n 150_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o last_o survive_v apostle_n and_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n we_o find_v gregory_n nazianzen_n speak_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d thus_o thus_o thus_o orat._n 40._o in_o sanct._n baptisma_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v thou_o a_o child_n let_v not_o sin_n get_v the_o advantage_n but_o let_v he_o be_v sanctify_v from_o his_o infancy_n and_o consecrate_v by_o the_o spirit_n from_o his_o tender_a year_n but_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v afraid_a to_o have_v he_o consign_v because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o nature_n what_o a_o silly_a mother_n be_v thou_o and_o how_o weak_a in_o faith_n anna_n promise_v samuel_n to_o god_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o
a_o table_n for_o we_o and_o set_v before_o we_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n we_o will_v not_o come_v and_o feed_v upon_o it_o with_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n the_o end_n a_o catalogue_n of_o book_n and_o sermon_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n tillotson_n dean_n of_o canterbury_n viz._n 1_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 3._o a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 5_o of_o november_n 1678._o at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n before_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o upon_o st._n luke_n 9_o 55_o 56._o but_o he_o turn_v and_o rebuke_v they_o and_o say_v you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o 4._o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o first_o general_n meet_v of_o the_o gentleman_n and_o other_o in_o and_o near_a london_n who_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o county_n of_o york_n upon_o john_n 13._o 34_o 35._o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n 5._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o whitehall_n april_n four_o 1679_o upon_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 6._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o whitehall_n april_n 2d_o 1680_o upon_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v 7._o the_o lawfulness_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o kingston_n upon_o thames_n july_n 21._o 1681_o upon_o heb._n 6._o 16._o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n 8._o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_n mr._n thomas_n gouge_n november_n four_o 1681_o with_o a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n upon_o luke_n 20._o 37_o 38._o now_o that_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v even_o moses_n show_v at_o the_o bush_n etc._n etc._n 9_o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_v communion_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n preach_v in_o two_o sermon_n upon_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 26_o 27_o 28._o for_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v etc._n etc._n 10._o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_a benjamin_n whichcot_n d._n d._n and_o minister_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n london_n may_v 24_o 1683_o upon_o 2_o cor._n v._o 6._o wherefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a know_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n sell_v by_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n advertisement_n of_o book_n the_o work_n of_o the_o learned_a dr._n isaac_n barrow_n late_a master_n of_o trinity_n college_n in_o cambridge_n publish_v by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n tillotson_n dean_n of_o canterbury_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o folio_n the_o first_o contain_v thirty_o two_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n a_o exposition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o decalogue_n a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n also_o some_o account_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o author_n with_o alphabetical_a table_n the_o second_o volume_n contain_v sermon_n and_o exposition_n upon_o all_o the_o apostle_n creed_n with_o a_o alphabetical_a table_n and_o to_o which_o may_v be_v also_o add_v the_o life_n of_o the_o author_n sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n wilkins_n d._n d._n and_o late_a lord_n bishop_n of_o chester_n never_o print_v before_o print_a for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o s._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v &_o resolve_v part_n i._n wherein_o these_o query_n be_v consider_v i._o whether_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o different_a gesture_n ii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o that_o example_n which_o our_o lord_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n iii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o j._n c._n and_o freeman_n collins_n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o case_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n kneel_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a doubt_n which_o may_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n arise_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v at_o present_a much_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o many_o honest_a and_o well-meaning_a dissenter_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o resolution_n of_o these_o follow_a query_n 1._o whether_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o some_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o different_a posture_n 2._o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o that_o example_n which_o our_o lord_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n 3._o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o altogether_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o be_v no_o table-gesture_n 4._o whether_o kneel_v command_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n 5._o whether_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v because_o this_o gesture_n be_v first_o introduce_v by_o idolater_n and_o be_v still_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n and_o purpose_n 1._o whether_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o a_o transgression_n against_o some_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v another_o gesture_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n our_o only_a recourse_n must_v be_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o divine_a law_n deliver_v and_o enact_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v collect_v and_o record_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o command_n there_o extant_a concern_v the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n we_o shall_v upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o but_o before_o i_o give_v in_o my_o answer_n i_o ready_o grant_v thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n whatsoever_o be_v enjoin_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v prepetual_o use_v by_o all_o christian_n throughout_o all_o age_n without_o any_o alteration_n that_o can_v never_o be_v nullify_v or_o alter_v by_o any_o earthly_a power_n or_o authority_n whatsoever_o when_o once_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v any_o way_n signify_v and_o declare_v that_o such_o and_o such_o positive_a law_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o and_o unalterable_o observe_v than_o those_o law_n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v changeable_a must_v remain_v in_o full_a force_n and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o change_n from_o the_o law_n of_o men._n it_o will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o the_o most_o dare_a presumption_n for_o any_o earthly_a prince_n any_o council_n any_o society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o to_o oppose_v the_o know_a will_n of_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o this_o case_n nothing_o can_v take_v off_o the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o such_o law_n but_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n which_o first_o pass_v they_o into_o law_n thus_o much_o be_v grant_v and_o premise_v i_o return_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o question_v propose_v god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o establish_v the_o unalterable_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v that_o among_o all_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o his_o will_n there_o be_v not_o any_o express_a command_n to_o determine_v our_o practice_n one_o way_n or_o other_o we_o be_v leave_v perfect_o at_o our_o
stranger_n i_o mean_v who_o have_v see_v the_o world_n and_o have_v learn_v our_o language_n and_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o sermon_n that_o be_v common_o preach_v and_o print_v in_o this_o great_a city_n affirm_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o god_n grant_v we_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o such_o singular_a help_n by_o our_o contempt_n of_o they_o and_o that_o our_o candlestick_n be_v not_o remove_v out_o of_o its_o place_n because_o we_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o light_n which_o it_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n if_o not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o profit_v by_o sermon_n we_o make_v no_o progress_n at_o all_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n but_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v little_a or_o no_o effect_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o do_v not_o pronounce_v this_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o object_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o unprofitable_a ministry_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v general_o preach_v by_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o city_n to_o who_o inhabitant_n i_o principal_o write_v be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v profit_v by_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o then_o leave_v they_o to_o judge_n of_o themselves_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n i_o suppose_v we_o be_v all_o agree_v or_o may_v easy_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v to_o profit_v by_o sermon_n for_o we_o agree_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v right_o open_v and_o due_o apply_v in_o a_o sermon_n so_o that_o the_o hearer_n improve_v either_o in_o christian_a knowledge_n or_o in_o faith_n or_o in_o well-doing_n than_o they_o profit_v by_o that_o sermon_n now_o if_o any_o man_n do_v not_o improve_v in_o these_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o sermon_n which_o he_o may_v hear_v in_o our_o church_n and_o the_o fault_n lie_v in_o the_o sermon_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n for_o none_o i_o presume_v will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o accompany_v a_o sermon_n which_o want_v nothing_o belong_v to_o either_o of_o these_o the_o preacher_n also_o be_v due_o qualify_v and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v none_o that_o dare_v now_o complain_v of_o a_o idle_a scandalous_a insufficient_a ministry_n about_o this_o city_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o they_o that_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v those_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n have_v take_v up_o the_o complaint_n of_o a_o unedifying_a whereby_o we_o have_v gain_v this_o great_a point_n that_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n to_o pretend_v the_o person_n who_o preach_v be_v unsanctified_a and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o bless_v his_o ministry_n but_o the_o fault_n must_v lie_v if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o sermon_n itself_o and_o that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o delivery_n i._o and_o as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v that_o any_o dissenter_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v will_v except_v against_o our_o sermon_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o such_o care_n to_o find_v out_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o proper_a meaning_n that_o perhaps_o they_o be_v never_o more_o clear_o open_v and_o right_o apply_v than_o they_o be_v now_o adays_o in_o our_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o that_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n when_o they_o be_v about_o to_o be_v expel_v out_o of_o paradise_n which_o god_n repeat_v in_o his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n 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aim_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v general_o preach_v by_o our_o minister_n and_o which_o be_v so_o well_o perform_v that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a either_o to_o make_v man_n true_o know_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o to_o work_v belief_n in_o they_o or_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n or_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o follow_v those_o direction_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o satisfy_v material_a scruple_n to_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o comfort_v disconsolate_a penitent_n and_o awaken_v drowsy_a sinner_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n but_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o in_o our_o church_n so_o full_o solid_o and_o judicious_o handle_v that_o man_n need_v go_v no_o whither_o else_o for_o edification_n if_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o true_o desire_v and_o sincere_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v for_o what_o truth_n can_v they_o learn_v any_o where_o else_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v if_o they_o will_v attend_v upon_o god_n service_n there_o in_o our_o church_n what_o motive_n to_o believe_v or_o what_o argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o there_o represent_v and_o press_v what_o vice_n be_v there_o which_o do_v not_o there_o receive_v just_a correction_n what_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o there_o most_o strong_o recommend_v which_o of_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o there_o apply_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o where_o can_v man_n have_v better_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v against_o all_o the_o impenitent_a and_o disobedient_a and_o if_o man_n can_v profit_v where_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v constant_o manage_v to_o as_o much_o advantage_n as_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o preacher_n will_v enable_v he_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o fault_n must_v lie_v somewhere_o else_o than_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sermon_n ii_o yes_o will_v some_o say_v we_o allow_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o to_o be_v good_a enough_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v reap_v the_o like_a benefit_n by_o they_o that_o we_o do_v by_o other_o man_n preach_v who_o can_v conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n the_o fault_n must_v lie_v either_o in_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o or_o in_o their_o delivery_n after_o they_o be_v compose_v 1._o now_o if_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o be_v faulty_a it_o be_v because_o their_o method_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a or_o the_o language_n not_o plain_a enough_o to_o convey_v the_o
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notion_n of_o a_o zealous_a puritan_n and_o be_v much_o admire_v and_o follow_v by_o the_o people_n for_o his_o seem_a piety_n spiritual_a gift_n and_o zeal_n against_o popery_n but_o be_v apprehend_v anno_fw-la 1567._o and_o accuse_v for_o a_o impostor_n be_v examine_v at_o large_a before_o the_o queen_n and_o her_o council_n and_o put_v under_o bail_n when_o find_v the_o climate_n be_v like_a to_o be_v too_o hot_a for_o he_o and_o have_v by_o a_o cheat_n bring_v off_o his_o bail_n and_o tell_v his_o delude_a follower_n that_o he_o be_v acquit_v by_o her_o majesty_n and_o the_o council_n and_o warn_v of_o god_n to_o go_v beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o instruct_v the_o protestant_n there_o and_o that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o and_o have_v assure_v they_o that_o spiritual_a prayer_n be_v the_o chief_a testimony_n of_o a_o true_a protestant_n and_o that_o the_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o england_n be_v but_o the_o mass_n translate_v and_o have_v with_o abundance_n of_o 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act_n the_o same_o part_n which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o by_o preach_v but_o by_o cry_v up_o spiritual_a prayer_n and_o run_v down_o all_o set_a form_n as_o be_v without_o any_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n by_o labour_v to_o refine_v the_o protestant_n as_o he_o call_v it_o and_o to_o take_v off_o all_o smack_n of_o ceremony_n that_o in_o the_o least_o tend_v to_o the_o romish_a faith_n for_o all_o which_o he_o be_v mighty_o flock_v after_o and_o admire_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o but_o anno._n 1568._o he_o be_v discover_v by_o a_o letter_n that_o casual_o drop_v out_o of_o his_o pocket_n as_o he_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n at_o rochester_n import_v that_o the_o council_n of_o their_o fraternity_n have_v send_v he_o collection_n and_o instruction_n for_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n and_o that_o this_o way_n of_o divide_v protestant_n be_v the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o recalling_a man_n back_o again_o to_o the_o mother_n church_n hereupon_o he_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rochester_n and_o do_v not_o much_o deny_v the_o main_a of_o the_o charge_n and_o upon_o the_o search_n of_o his_o lodging_n there_o be_v find_v several_a book_n fit_v for_o his_o purpose_n as_o against_o infant_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o one_o of_o his_o boot_n a_o licence_n from_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o a_o bull_n of_o pius_fw-la quintus_fw-la giving_z him_z leave_v to_o preach_v what_o doctrine_n that_o society_n please_v for_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o english_a protestant_n or_o as_o he_o call_v they_o heretic_n the_o issue_n be_v that_o heath_n be_v close_o imprison_v set_v in_o the_o pillory_n at_o the_o high_a cross_n his_o ear_n cut_v off_o his_o nose_n slit_v his_o forehead_n brand_v and_o he_o condemn_v to_o perpetual_a imprisonment_n but_o soon_o after_o he_o die_v sudden_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v poison_v himself_o the_o whole_a account_n hereof_o be_v publish_v from_o the_o authentic_a register_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rochester_n the_o same_o course_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n the_o papist_n hold_v on_o in_o the_o succeed_a time_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o main_a direction_n which_o contzen_n the_o jesuit_n give_v 6._o polit._n l._n 2._o c._n 18._o sect._n 6._o for_o the_o reduce_v popery_n into_o a_o country_n that_o it_o be_v do_v under_o pretence_n of_o ease_n to_o tender_a conscience_n and_o that_o liberty_n be_v grant_v to_o that_o end_n and_o that_o as_o much_o use_n be_v make_v of_o the_o division_n of_o enemy_n as_o of_o the_o agreement_n of_o friend_n what_o a_o stroke_n they_o have_v in_o foment_v the_o difference_n and_o distraction_n that_o bring_v on_o the_o late_a civil_a war_n and_o how_o active_a they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o counsel_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o parliament_n party_n the_o world_n need_v not_o to_o be_v tell_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n great_a number_n of_o they_o both_o commander_n and_o other_o serve_v in_o their_o army_n great_a industry_n be_v use_v to_o corrupt_v the_o loyalty_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o of_o that_o religion_n and_o private_a promise_n and_o undertake_n be_v make_v to_o they_o that_o if_o they_o will_v assist_v they_o against_o the_o king_n all_o the_o law_n make_v in_o 564._o octob._n 23._o 1642._o vid._n collect._n of_o the_o king_n work_n part._n 2._o fol._n 213._o l'_fw-mi history_n des_fw-fr trouble_n etc._n etc._n p._n 165._o see_v the_o short_a view_n of_o the_o late_a trouble_n in_o england_n c._n 43._o p._n 564._o their_o prejudice_n shall_v be_v repeal_v as_o the_o late_a king_n of_o bless_a memory_n tell_v the_o world_n in_o one_o of_o his_o public_a declaration_n after_o the_o victory_n at_o edgehil_n add_v that_o though_o some_o few_o of_o eminent_a ability_n for_o command_n and_o conduct_v and_o of_o moderate_a and_o unfactious_a disposition_n be_v employ_v in_o his_o service_n yet_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o that_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o army_n of_o the_o rebel_n than_o in_o our_o own_o and_o the_o king_n it_o seem_v have_v good_a reason_n to_o say_v so_o for_o as_o the_o salmonet_n a_o secular_a priest_n who_o write_v in_o french_a a_o history_n of_o our_o late_a civil_a war_n inform_v we_o in_o that_o very_a fight_n at_o edge-hill_n beside_o two_o company_n of_o walloon_n and_o other_o roman-catholic_n that_o serve_v there_o that_o say_v he_o which_o do_v most_o surprise_v every_o body_n be_v that_o several_a popish_a priest_n be_v find_v among_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v slay_v on_o the_o parliament_n side_n so_o plain_o be_v it_o that_o they_o serve_v in_o their_o army_n be_v present_a at_o their_o council_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n mix_v with_o their_o party_n that_o they_o may_v widen_v the_o breach_n beyond_o all_o recovery_n thus_o be_v it_o then_o and_o about_o the_o etc._n see_v dr._n stillingfleet's_a preface_n to_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 20._o etc._n etc._n time_n of_o the_o king_n be_v come_v in_o a_o letter_n of_o advice_n be_v write_v by_o signior_n ballarini_fw-la concern_v the_o best_a way_n of_o manage_n the_o popish_a interest_n in_o england_n upon_o his_o majesty_n be_v restauration_n wherein_o it_o be_v advise_v especial_o to_o obstruct_v the_o settlement_n of_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o set_v up_o the_o prosperous_a way_n of_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o king_n and_o bishop_n to_o asperse_v the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o to_o represent_v its_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n as_o come_v too_o near_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o second_v the_o factious_a in_o promote_a a_o indulgence_n and_o to_o endeavour_v that_o the_o trade_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o nation_n may_v be_v engross_v between_o themselves_o and_o other_o discontent_a party_n and_o mr._n coleman_n himself_o
several_a of_o they_o lose_v their_o life_n barrow_n and_o greenwood_n be_v execute_v for_o their_o scandalous_a and_o seditious_a write_n penry_n and_o vdal_n indict_v and_o arraign_v for_o defame_v the_o queen_n government_n in_o a_o scandalous_a book_n write_v against_o the_o suppose_a governor_n as_o they_o call_v they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o which_o they_o be_v both_o cast_n and_o condemn_v to_o be_v execute_v as_o felon_n but_o archbishop_n whitgift_n interpose_v they_o be_v reprieve_v and_o vdal_n suffer_v to_o die_v as_o he_o do_v soon_o after_o in_o his_o bed_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o wise_a and_o wary_a queen_n behold_v schism_n grow_v on_o apace_o and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v tell_v what_o ill_a influence_n it_o be_v like_a to_o have_v both_o upon_o church_n and_o state_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o carry_v a_o straight_a hand_n as_o well_o over_o puritanism_n on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o popery_n on_o the_o other_o and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o she_o charge_v archbishop_n whitg●ft_n 29._o sir_n g._n paul_n life_n of_o a._n b._n whitgift_n numb_a 53._o p._n 29._o to_o be_v vigilant_a and_o careful_a to_o reduce_v minister_n by_o their_o subscription_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o settle_a order_n and_o government_n add_v that_o she_o will_v have_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n former_o establish_v of_o all_o man_n due_o to_o be_v observe_v without_o alteration_n of_o the_o least_o ceremony_n but_o nothing_o more_o full_o discover_v her_o judgement_n and_o resolution_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o what_o she_o give_v in_o command_n to_o the_o lord-keeper-puckering_a to_o tell_v the_o parliament_n part_n of_o his_o 109._o dr._n pierce_v new_a discov_n against_o mr._n baxt._n 1659._o ch._n 5._o sect._n 12._o p._n 109._o speech_n transcribe_v and_o publish_v some_o year_n since_o from_o the_o original_a copy_n under_o his_o own_o hand_n write_v by_o a_o eminent_a divine_a of_o this_o church_n be_v as_o 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