the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n or_o a_o impartial_a account_n of_o the_o history_n nature_n and_o plea_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o which_o several_a late_a letter_n be_v annex_v of_o eminent_a protestant_n divine_v abroad_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o the_o way_n to_o compose_v them_o by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o t._n n._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n '_o s_o churchyard_n mdclxxxi_o the_o preface_n it_o be_v report_v by_o person_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n that_o after_o all_o the_o service_n b._n jewel_n have_v do_v against_o the_o papist_n upon_o his_o preach_v a_o sermon_n at_o st._n paul_n cross_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o order_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o they_o 423._o he_o be_v so_o ungrateful_o and_o spiteful_o use_v by_o the_o dissenter_n of_o that_o time_n that_o for_o his_o own_o vindication_n he_o make_v a_o solemn_a protestation_n on_o his_o deathbed_n 34._o that_o what_o he_o then_o say_v be_v neither_o to_o please_v some_o 255._o nor_o to_o displease_v other_o but_o to_o promote_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o brethren_n i_o be_o far_o from_o the_o vanity_n of_o think_v any_o thing_n i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o do_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n fit_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o excellent_a labour_n of_o that_o great_a light_n and_o ornament_n of_o this_o church_n who_o memory_n be_v preserve_v to_o this_o day_n with_o due_a veneration_n in_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n but_o the_o hard_a usage_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v make_v such_o a_o example_n more_o observable_a to_o i_o especial_o when_o i_o can_v make_v the_o same_o protestation_n with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n as_o he_o do_v for_o however_o it_o have_v be_v malicious_o suggest_v by_o some_o and_o too_o easy_o believe_v by_o other_o that_o i_o be_v put_v upon_o that_o work_n with_o a_o design_n to_o inflame_v our_o difference_n and_o to_o raise_v a_o fresh_a persecution_n against_o dissent_v protestant_n i_o be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o thought_n tend_v that_o way_n that_o the_o only_a motive_n i_o have_v to_o undertake_v it_o be_v my_o just_a apprehension_n that_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n against_o popery_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o bring_v it_o in_o and_o i_o have_v hitherto_o see_v no_o cause_n and_o i_o believe_v i_o shall_v not_o to_o alter_v my_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v not_o rash_o take_v up_o but_o form_v in_o my_o mind_n from_o many_o year_n observation_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o that_o restless_a party_n i_o mean_v the_o papist_n among_o we_o which_o have_v always_o aim_v at_o the_o ruin_n of_o this_o church_n as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o probable_a mean_n if_o other_o fail_v to_o compass_v their_o ends._n as_o to_o their_o secret_a and_o more_o compendious_a way_n of_o do_v mischief_n they_o lie_v too_o far_o out_o of_o our_o view_n till_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n discover_v and_o disappoint_v they_o but_o this_o be_v more_o open_a and_o visible_a and_o although_o it_o seem_v the_o far_a way_n about_o yet_o they_o promise_v themselves_o no_o small_a success_n by_o it_o many_o instrument_n and_o engine_n they_o make_v use_v of_o in_o this_o design_n many_o way_n and_o time_n they_o set_v about_o it_o and_o although_o they_o meet_v with_o several_a disappointment_n yet_o they_o never_o give_v it_o over_o but_o will_v it_o not_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o when_o they_o can_v appear_v no_o long_o in_o it_o other_o out_o of_o mere_a zeal_n against_o popery_n shall_v carry_v on_o the_o work_n for_o they_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o great_a paradox_n to_o unthinking_a people_n who_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o mere_a noise_n and_o pretence_n and_o hope_v those_o will_v secure_v they_o most_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o popery_n who_o talk_v with_o most_o passion_n and_o with_o least_o understanding_n against_o it_o whereas_o no_o person_n do_v real_o give_v they_o great_a advantage_n than_o these_o do_v for_o where_o they_o meet_v only_o with_o intemperate_a rail_n and_o gross_a misunderstanding_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o which_o common_o go_v together_o the_o more_o subtle_a priest_n let_v such_o alone_a to_o spend_v their_o rage_n and_o fury_n and_o when_o the_o heat_n be_v over_o they_o will_v calm_o endeavour_v to_o let_v they_o see_v how_o gross_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o so_o will_v more_o easy_o make_v they_o believe_v they_o be_v as_o much_o deceive_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o thus_o the_o east_n and_o west_n may_v meet_v at_o last_o and_o the_o most_o furious_a antagonist_n may_v become_v some_o of_o the_o easy_a convert_v this_o i_o do_v real_o fear_v will_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o thousand_o among_o we_o who_o now_o pass_v for_o most_o zealous_a protestant_n if_o ever_o which_o god_n forbid_v that_o religion_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v uppermost_a in_o england_n it_o be_v therefore_o of_o mighty_a consequence_n for_o prevent_v the_o return_n of_o popery_n that_o man_n right_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v for_o when_o they_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a of_o a_o innocent_a ceremony_n as_o of_o real_a idolatry_n and_o think_v they_o can_v worship_n image_n and_o adore_v the_o host_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o they_o may_v use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o see_v their_o mistake_n in_o one_o case_n they_o will_v suspect_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o the_o other_o also_o for_o they_o who_o take_v that_o to_o be_v popery_n which_o be_v not_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v popery_n itself_o not_o so_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v represent_v and_o so_o from_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n the_o difference_n between_o we_o may_v be_v easy_o carry_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o the_o other_o for_o when_o they_o find_v the_o undoubted_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n condemn_v as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a by_o their_o teacher_n they_o must_v conclude_v popery_n to_o be_v of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n than_o real_o it_o be_v and_o when_o they_o can_v trace_v it_o so_o very_a near_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o will_v soon_o believe_v it_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o persuade_v any_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v degenerate_v so_o soon_o so_o unanimous_o so_o universal_o as_o it_o must_v do_v if_o episcopal_a government_n and_o the_o use_n of_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o apostasy_n will_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a to_o they_o that_o when_o some_o human_a polity_n have_v preserve_v their_o first_o constitution_n so_o long_o without_o any_o considerable_a alteration_n that_o the_o government_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o settle_v by_o his_o apostle_n shall_v so_o soon_o after_o be_v change_v into_o another_o kind_n and_o that_o so_o easy_o so_o insensible_o that_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n believe_v they_o have_v still_o the_o very_a same_o government_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o which_o be_v a_o matter_n so_o incredible_a that_o those_o who_o can_v believe_v such_o a_o part_n of_o popery_n can_v prevail_v so_o soon_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o like_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o many_o other_o do_v so_o mighty_a a_o prejudice_n do_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o church_n enemy_n bring_v upon_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o those_o who_o forego_v the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n as_o all_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v do_v must_v unavoidable_o run_v into_o insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o deal_v with_o the_o papist_n which_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o church_n do_v lead_v we_o through_o for_o we_o can_v just_o charge_v popery_n as_o a_o unreasonable_a innovation_n when_o we_o allow_v the_o undoubted_a practice_n and_o government_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n for_o many_o age_n after_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o bishop_n sanderson_n that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a 11._o when_o assault_v by_o papist_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v popery_n to_o be_v the_o old_a religion_n which_o in_o the_o pure_a and_o primitive_a time_n be_v profess_v in_o all_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n whereas_o the_o sober_a english_a protestant_n be_v able_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o much_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o forsake_v his_o old_a principle_n to_o justify_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o all_o imputation_n of_o heresy_n or_o schism_n and_o the_o religion_n thereof_o
as_o it_o stand_v by_o law_n establish_v from_o the_o like_a imputation_n of_o novelty_n wherein_o he_o profess_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o inmost_a thought_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o this_o sad_a business_n before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n i_o may_v show_v by_o particular_a instance_n from_o my_o present_a adversary_n that_o to_o defend_v their_o own_o practice_n they_o be_v drive_v to_o maintain_v such_o principle_n as_o by_o evident_a consequence_n from_o they_o do_v overthrow_v the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o reformation_n but_o i_o leave_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o question_v the_o sincerity_n of_o many_o man_n zeal_n against_o popery_n who_o out_o of_o too_o eager_a a_o desire_n of_o uphold_v some_o particular_a fancy_n of_o their_o own_o may_v give_v too_o great_a advantage_n to_o our_o common_a enemy_n three_o way_n bishop_n sanderson_n observe_v 18._o our_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o not_o intentional_o and_o purposely_o yet_o real_o and_o eventual_o have_v be_v the_o great_a promoter_n of_o the_o roman_a interest_n among_o we_o 1._o by_o put_v to_o their_o help_a hand_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o episcopacy_n and_o say_v he_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v to_o many_o what_o rejoice_v that_o vote_n bring_v to_o the_o romish_a party_n how_o even_o in_o rome_n itself_o they_o sing_v their_o jo-â—aeans_a upon_o the_o tiding_n thereof_o and_o say_v triumphant_o now_o the_o day_n be_v we_o now_o be_v the_o fatal-blow_a give_v to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o england_n 2_o by_o oppose_v the_o interest_n of_o rome_n with_o more_o violence_n than_o reason_n 3_o by_o frequent_a mistake_v the_o question_n but_o especial_o through_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o false_a principle_n or_o other_o which_o have_v once_o imbibe_v they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o maintain_v whatever_o become_v of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o our_o reformation_n which_o may_v at_o last_o suffer_v as_o much_o through_o some_o man_n folly_n and_o indiscretion_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o most_o zealous_a protestant_n as_o by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o design_n of_o our_o open_a enemy_n for_o as_o the_o same_o learned_a and_o judicious_a bishop_n have_v say_v in_o this_o case_n many_o a_o man_n when_o he_o think_v most_o to_o make_v it_o sure_a have_v quite_o mar_v a_o good_a business_n by_o over_n it_o thus_o when_o the_o papist_n of_o late_a year_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o hinder_v the_o take_v many_o thing_n into_o consideration_n against_o their_o interest_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o their_o instrument_n have_v be_v for_o the_o most_o violent_a counsel_n know_v that_o either_o they_o will_v be_v whole_o ineffectual_a or_o if_o they_o be_v pursue_v they_o may_v in_o the_o end_n bring_v more_o advantage_n than_o prejudice_n to_o their_o cause_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o may_v still_o hope_v to_o do_v their_o business_n as_o divine_n observe_v the_o devil_n do_v who_o when_o he_o find_v one_o extreme_a will_v not_o do_v he_o try_v whether_o he_o can_v compass_v his_o end_n by_o the_o other_o and_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v extreme_o rejoice_v if_o they_o can_v make_v some_o man_n fear_n of_o popery_n prove_v at_o last_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o as_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a out_o of_o a_o rash_a and_o violent_a zeal_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o they_o pretend_v by_o oppose_v the_o sacrifice_n offer_v by_o stranger_n and_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o the_o lawful_a custom_n of_o their_o country_n bring_v the_o roman_a power_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o hasten_v the_o destruction_n both_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o country_n too_o i_o do_v not_o mention_v this_o as_o though_o we_o can_v take_v too_o great_a care_n by_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n to_o strengthen_v the_o protestant_a interest_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o keep_v out_o popery_n but_o only_o to_o show_v what_o mighty_a prejudice_n a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n at_o this_o time_n may_v bring_v upon_o we_o if_o man_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v transport_v so_o far_o as_o to_o think_v that_o overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n will_v be_v any_o mean_n to_o secure_v the_o protestant_a religion_n among_o we_o for_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o papist_n have_v more_o envy_v and_o malign_v than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n what_o be_v it_o they_o have_v more_o wish_v to_o see_v break_v in_o piece_n as_o the_o late_a cardinal_n barberini_n say_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o gentleman_n who_o tell_v it_o i_o he_o can_v be_v content_v there_o be_v no_o priest_n in_o england_n so_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n for_o than_o he_o suppose_v their_o work_n will_v do_v itself_o what_o be_v it_o they_o have_v use_v more_o art_n and_o instrument_n to_o destroy_v than_o the_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n do_v not_o cranmer_n and_o ridley_n and_o hooper_n and_o farrar_n and_o latimer_n all_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n suffer_v martyrdom_n by_o their_o mean_n have_v not_o they_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v now_o among_o we_o and_o which_o some_o now_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o seek_v to_o destroy_v by_o publish_v one_o book_n after_o another_o on_o purpose_n to_o represent_v it_o as_o unlawful_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o primitive_a institution_n be_v all_o this_o do_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o reformation_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o preserve_v the_o protestant_a religion_n among_o we_o to_o fill_v man_n mind_n with_o such_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o first_o settlement_n of_o it_o as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o church-government_n then_o establish_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o our_o martyr-bishop_n exercise_v a_o unlawful_a authority_n over_o diocesan_n church_n but_o whither_o will_v not_o man_n indiscreet_a zeal_n and_o love_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n carry_v they_o especial_o after_o 40_o year_n prescription_n i_o do_v not_o say_v such_o man_n be_v set_v on_o by_o the_o jesuit_n but_o i_o say_v they_o do_v their_o work_n as_o effectual_o in_o blast_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o reformation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o pain_n and_o forty_o year_n meditation_n i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o present_a episcopacy_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o flourish_a church_n and_o wherein_o do_v our_o church_n differ_v from_o its_o first_o establishment_n be_v not_o the_o same_o ceremony_n then_o appoint_v the_o same_o liturgy_n in_o substance_n then_o use_v concern_v which_o dr._n taylor_n who_o then_o suffer_v martyrdom_n 171._o public_o declare_v that_o the_o whole_a church-service_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o king_n edward_n '_o s_z day_n with_o great_a deliberation_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o best_a learned_a man_n in_o the_o realm_n and_o authorize_v by_o the_o whole_a parliament_n and_o receive_v and_o publish_v glad_o through_o the_o whole_a realm_n which_o book_n be_v never_o reform_v but_o once_o and_o yet_o by_o that_o one_o reformation_n it_o be_v so_o full_o perfect_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n in_o every_o behalf_n that_o no_o christian_a conscience_n can_v be_v offend_v with_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v i_o mean_v say_v he_o of_o that_o book_n reform_v yet_o this_o be_v that_o book_n who_o constant_a use_n be_v now_o plead_v by_o some_o together_o with_o our_o ceremony_n as_o a_o ground_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n communion_n but_o if_o we_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o this_o separation_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v we_o may_v find_v strong_a probability_n that_o the_o jesuitical_a party_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n on_o the_o very_a first_o beginning_n of_o it_o for_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v restore_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n there_o be_v no_o open_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o for_o several_a year_n neither_o by_o papist_n nor_o nonconformist_n at_o last_o the_o more_o zealous_a party_n of_o the_o foreign_a priest_n and_o jesuit_n find_v this_o compliance_n will_v in_o the_o end_n utter_o destroy_v the_o popish_a interest_n in_o england_n they_o begin_v to_o draw_v off_o the_o secret_a papist_n from_o all_o conformity_n with_o our_o church_n which_o the_o old_a queen_n mary_n priest_n allow_v they_o in_o this_o raise_v some_o heat_n among_o themselves_o
meeting_n of_o the_o messenger_n from_o other_o church_n as_o they_o call_v they_o for_o close_v up_o of_o this_o wound_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o search_v deep_a into_o it_o but_o only_o skin_v it_o over_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o from_o these_o thing_n the_o presbyterian_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o civil_a authority_n interpose_v 49._o and_o of_o not_o leave_v all_o to_o conscience_n for_o say_v they_o conscience_n have_v be_v long_o urge_v the_o take_n away_o that_o scandal_n occasion_v at_o rotterdam_n by_o that_o schism_n where_o divers_a member_n leave_v the_o one_o church_n and_o join_v to_o the_o other_o so_o disorderly_a wherein_o even_o the_o ruler_n of_o one_o church_n have_v a_o deep_a charge_n yet_o as_o that_o can_v not_o then_o be_v prevent_v so_o there_o have_v be_v many_o meeting_n sermon_n and_o all_o mean_v use_v to_o press_v the_o conscience_n of_o take_v it_o off_o by_o a_o reunion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o the_o way_n to_o do_v it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v till_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o command_n find_v it_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v more_o full_o deduce_v not_o as_o though_o bare_a dissension_n in_o a_o church_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o itself_o against_o it_o but_o to_o show_v 1._o that_o popular_a church_n government_n natural_o lead_v to_o division_n and_o leave_v they_o without_o remedy_n and_o 2._o that_o humorous_a and_o factious_a people_n will_v always_o complain_v of_o the_o mischief_n of_o imposition_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o 1._o that_o this_o principle_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n will_v unavoidable_o lead_v man_n into_o confusion_n for_o when_o man_n once_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o government_n in_o a_o church_n they_o run_v down_o the_o hill_n and_o tumble_v down_o all_o before_o they_o if_o man_n complain_v of_o the_o mischief_n of_o our_o imposition_n the_o member_n of_o their_o own_o church_n may_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n complain_v of_o they_o and_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o can_v answer_v the_o independent_o as_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o either_o or_o both_o of_o they_o to_o answer_v the_o anabaptist_n who_o have_v as_o just_a a_o plea_n for_o separation_n from_o they_o as_o they_o can_v have_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sect._n 14._o from_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o although_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n seem_v very_o modest_a as_o to_o themselves_o yet_o they_o go_v upon_o a_o common_a principle_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n the_o presbyterian_o charge_v they_o with_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o horrible_a inundation_n of_o error_n and_o schism_n which_o immediate_o overspread_v this_o city_n and_o nation_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o most_o â—â—inent_a presbyterian_o of_o that_o time_n thence_o 〈…〉_z 53._o a_o zealous_a scotch_a presbyterian_a say_v that_o he_o very_o believe_v independency_n can_v but_o prove_v the_o root_n of_o all_o schism_n and_o heresy_n yea_o i_o add_v say_v he_o that_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o popery_n thenâ—e_v the_o scotch_a commissioner_n 4._o in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v uniformity_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v many_o division_n and_o trouble_n a_o thing_n very_o become_v the_o king_n to_o promote_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o good_a king_n of_o judah_n and_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o say_v all_o sound_a divine_n and_o politician_n be_v for_o dr._n corn._n burgess_n tell_v the_o house_n of_o commons_o 1641._o that_o our_o church_n be_v lay_v waste_n and_o expose_v to_o confusion_n under_o the_o plausible_a pretence_n of_o not_o force_v man_n conscience_n and_o that_o to_o put_v all_o man_n into_o a_o course_n of_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o god_n way_n be_v not_o to_o force_v the_o conscience_n but_o to_o set_v up_o god_n in_o his_o due_a place_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o his_o people_n into_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n the_o error_n and_o innovation_n 1645._o under_o which_o we_o groan_v so_o much_o of_o late_a year_n say_v mr._n case_n be_v but_o tolerabiles_fw-la ineptiae_fw-la tolerable_a trifle_n child_n play_n compare_v with_o these_o damnable_a doctrine_n doctrine_n of_o devil_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o polygamy_n arbitrary_a divorce_n mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o ministry_n no_o church_n no_o ordinance_n no_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o these_o lay_v in_o such_o a_o schism_n of_o boundless_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o such_o lawless_a separation_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n the_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n be_v become_v a_o amsterdam_n 1645._o say_v mr._n calamy_n separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v countenance_v toleration_n be_v cry_v up_o authority_n asleep_a it_o will_v seem_v a_o wonder_n if_o i_o shall_v reckon_v how_o many_o separate_a congregation_n or_o rather_o segregation_n there_o be_v in_o the_o city_n what_o church_n against_o church_n etc._n etc._n hereby_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n be_v mighty_o distract_v many_o be_v hinder_v from_o conversion_n and_o even_o the_o godly_a themselves_o have_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o life_n the_o lord_n keep_v we_o say_v he_o from_o be_v poison_v with_o such_o a_o error_n as_o that_o of_o a_o unlimited_a toleration_n a_o doctrine_n that_o overthrow_v all_o church-government_n bring_v in_o confusion_n and_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n unto_o all_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n diversity_n of_o religion_n 1644._o say_v mr._n matthew_n newcomen_fw-mi disjoynt_n and_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o be_v the_o seminary_n of_o perpetual_a hatred_n jealousy_n sedition_n war_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n either_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o state_n beget_v a_o schim_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n beget_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o state_n i._n e._n either_o religion_n in_o the_o church_n be_v prejudice_v by_o civil_a contention_n or_o church-controversy_n and_o dispute_n about_o opinion_n break_v out_o into_o civil_a war_n man_n will_v at_o last_o take_v up_o sword_n and_o spear_n in_o stead_n of_o pen_n and_o defend_v that_o by_o arm_n which_o they_o can_v do_v by_o argument_n these_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a presbyterian_a divine_n at_o that_o time_n concern_v the_o dangerous_a effect_n of_o that_o toleration_n which_o their_o independent_a brethren_n desire_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n find_v themselves_o thus_o load_v with_o so_o many_o reproach_n and_o particular_o with_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o many_o error_n and_o schism_n publish_v their_o apologetical_a narration_n in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o wherein_o as_o be_v say_v before_o they_o endeavour_v to_o purge_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o brownism_n declare_v that_o they_o look_v on_o some_o of_o our_o church_n as_o true_a church_n and_o our_o ministry_n as_o a_o true_a ministry_n but_o yet_o they_o earnest_o desire_v liberty_n as_o to_o the_o peaceable_a practice_n of_o their_o own_o way_n to_o this_o the_o presbyterian_o answer_v first_o 17._o that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v by_o they_o in_o what_o sense_n they_o allow_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n second_o if_o they_o do_v what_o necessity_n there_o be_v for_o any_o separation_n or_o what_o need_n of_o toleration_n as_o to_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o own_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n either_o they_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o bare_a metaphysical_a verity_n as_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n say_v they_o grant_v it_o to_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n as_o a_o rot_a infection_n strumpet_n be_v a_o true_a woman_n and_o then_o they_o thank_v they_o for_o their_o favour_n that_o they_o hold_v our_o church_n in_o the_o same_o category_n with_o rome_n or_o else_o they_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n for_o sound_n and_o pure_a church_n and_o then_o say_v they_o why_o do_v you_o not_o join_v with_o we_o and_o communicate_v as_o brethren_n why_o desire_v you_o a_o toleration_n yes_o say_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o own_v you_o to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o communicate_v with_o you_o in_o doctrine_n to_o which_o the_o other_o reply_v if_o you_o own_v it_o by_o external_n act_n of_o communion_n you_o must_v communicate_v with_o we_o in_o sacrament_n but_o this_o you_o refuse_v therefore_o you_o must_v return_v to_o the_o old_a principle_n of_o separation_n for_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o refusal_n of_o communion_n as_o there_o be_v in_o they_o towards_o all_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o 41._o
agreeable_o to_o their_o present_a practice_n although_o least_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o confess_v 69._o that_o they_o be_v transport_v with_o undue_a heat_n and_o animosity_n against_o their_o brethren_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v lament_v and_o not_o to_o be_v imitate_v that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o vindicate_v all_o they_o say_v nor_o to_o be_v conclude_v by_o their_o determination_n â—8_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v the_o party_n be_v become_v wise_a since_o this_o be_v plain_a deal_n and_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o they_o happen_v to_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n of_o their_o side_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v that_o those_o who_o justify_v the_o present_a separation_n have_v forsake_v the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o separation_n sect._n 17._o it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o show_v how_o far_o they_o be_v likewise_o go_v off_o from_o the_o peaceable_a principle_n of_o their_o predecessor_n as_o to_o private_a person_n undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o set_v up_o new_a church_n against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o reform_a church_n and_o particular_o as_o to_o the_o preach_v of_o their_o minister_n when_o silence_v by_o our_o law_n be_v this_o i_o be_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o do_v because_o when_o i_o say_v that_o i_o be_v certain_a that_o preach_v in_o opposition_n to_o our_o establish_v law_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n of_o former_a time_n mr._n b._n be_v please_v to_o say_v 21._o that_o my_o assertion_n be_v so_o rash_a and_o false_a in_o matter_n of_o notorious_a fact_n that_o it_o weaken_v his_o reverence_n of_o my_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o right_a i_o shall_v desire_v no_o better_a term_n from_o mr._n b._n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o right_n in_o this_o present_a controversy_n than_o that_o he_o will_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o if_o what_o i_o say_v be_v true_a and_o notorious_o true_a i_o shall_v leave_v he_o to_o consider_v on_o who_o side_n the_o rashness_n lie_v giffard_n make_v this_o one_o principal_a part_n of_o brownism_n 104._o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o and_o discipline_n reform_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n brown_n make_v many_o argument_n say_v he_o to_o prove_v that_o prince_n be_v not_o to_o be_v stay_v for_o nor_o yet_o to_o have_v to_o do_v by_o public_a power_n to_o establish_v religion_n which_o opinion_n of_o he_o be_v such_o abridge_n the_o sacred_a power_n of_o prince_n and_o such_o horribâ—_n injury_n to_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n that_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v he_o a_o odious_a and_o detestable_a heretic_n until_o he_o show_v repentance_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n he_o distinguish_v 1._o of_o prince_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o what_o end_n say_v he_o shall_v they_o have_v authority_n from_o christ_n to_o establish_v discipline_n sue_v unto_o the_o court_n of_o such_o prince_n or_o attend_v their_o pleasure_n 2._o of_o such_o who_o profess_v christianity_n but_o be_v idolater_n in_o this_o case_n he_o say_v they_o be_v neither_o â—ound_n to_o forbear_v preach_v nor_o set_v up_o discipline_n if_o they_o do_v oppose_v it_o 3._o of_o such_o prince_n who_o own_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n be_v corrupt_a in_o discipline_n in_o this_o case_n he_o determine_v that_o though_o every_o man_n be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o no_o private_a person_n be_v to_o break_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o public_a authority_n to_o reform_v which_o he_o there_o prove_v and_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wicked_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n in_o the_o brownist_n to_o hold_v the_o contrary_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o 105._o barrow_n say_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v stay_v from_o do_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n upon_o any_o restraint_n or_o persecution_n of_o any_o mortal_a man_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o this_o he_o quote_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o then_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n if_o prince_n have_v be_v to_o be_v stay_v for_o or_o their_o restraint_n be_v a_o sufficient_a let_v and_o add_v that_o they_o only_o according_a to_o god_n commandment_n refrain_v from_o their_o idolatry_n and_o other_o public_a evil_n and_o assemble_v together_o in_o all_o holy_a and_o peaceable_a manner_n to_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o join_v ourselves_o together_o in_o the_o faith_n unto_o mutual_a duty_n and_o to_o seek_v that_o government_n which_o christ_n leave_v to_o his_o church_n and_o for_o the_o church_n to_o erect_v the_o same_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n giffard_n have_v answer_v that_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a authority_n and_o commission_n by_o christ_n to_o set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n but_o you_o have_v no_o commission_n from_o god_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o have_v set_v you_o forward_o and_o will_v you_o in_o such_o vile_a and_o wretched_a manner_n pretend_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n barrow_n reply_v if_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o the_o apostle_n to_o do_v their_o work_n though_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n resist_v then_o must_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o same_o god_n be_v of_o the_o same_o effect_n to_o all_o other_o instrument_n who_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o use_v in_o their_o calling_n to_o his_o service_n also_o though_o all_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v withstand_v and_o forbid_v the_o same_o by_o this_o we_o see_v this_o be_v a_o great_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o brownist_n and_o nonconformist_n which_o will_v more_o appear_v by_o the_o dispute_n between_o fr._n johnson_n and_o jacob_n for_o among_o the_o point_n of_o false_a doctrine_n which_o he_o charge_v the_o nonconformist_n with_o 72._o who_o they_o call_v the_o forward_a preacher_n these_o be_v two_o 1._o that_o the_o plant_n or_o reform_v of_o christ_n church_n must_v tarry_v for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o may_v not_o otherwise_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o weak_a servant_n except_o they_o have_v authority_n from_o earthly_a prince_n which_o doctrine_n say_v he_o be_v against_o the_o kingly_a power_n of_o christ_n and_o three_o whole_a line_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o there_o put_v together_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o cease_v preach_v and_o to_o forsake_v his_o flock_n at_o the_o commandment_n of_o a_o lord_n bishop_n which_o doctrine_n he_o say_v be_v contrary_a to_o two_o line_n of_o scripture_n more_o with_o the_o bare_a number_n of_o chapter_n and_o verse_n but_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o these_o two_o be_v among_o those_o which_o jacob_n say_v he_o false_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n we_o find_v both_o these_o doctrine_n own_v by_o the_o several_a nonconformist_n 51._o who_o join_v together_o in_o a_o confutation_n of_o the_o brownist_n for_o say_v they_o as_o to_o the_o people_n power_n of_o reform_v first_o we_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o that_o be_v private_a member_n of_o any_o church_n to_o erect_v the_o discipline_n no_o not_o though_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n who_o shall_v deal_v in_o this_o work_n be_v altogether_o profane_a and_o ungodly_a second_o we_o esteem_v our_o prince_n to_o be_v a_o most_o lawful_a and_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o our_o minister_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v just_o afraid_a that_o by_o enterprise_v a_o public_a reformation_n not_o only_o without_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o like_n of_o they_o who_o by_o god_n word_n ought_v to_o have_v if_o not_o the_o only_a yet_o the_o principal_a hand_n in_o that_o work_n we_o shall_v high_o offend_v god_n three_o that_o for_o the_o want_n of_o public_a reformation_n the_o magistrate_n be_v every_o where_o blame_v and_o no_o where_o the_o church_n for_o aught_o we_o can_v find_v oft_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o people_n blame_v for_o erect_v and_o practise_v idolatry_n 2d_o but_o never_o for_o that_o they_o pluck_v it_o not_o down_o when_o their_o prince_n have_v set_v it_o up_o neither_o can_v we_o find_v whether_o ever_o the_o church_n under_o a_o
to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o those_o church_n and_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v some_o time_n constant_a communion_n will_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o because_o this_o seem_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v therefore_o undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o these_o two_o argument_n first_o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n second_o from_o the_o particular_a force_n of_o that_o text_n philipp_n 3._o 16._o as_o far_o as_o you_o have_v already_o attain_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n etc._n etc._n first_o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 18._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a say_v st._n paul_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o men._n now_o i_o ask_v if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o great_a a_o obligation_n at_o least_o upon_o christian_n to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n as_o with_o all_o man_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o that_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o that_o possible_a and_o lie_v in_o they_o to_o do_v which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o can_v do_v at_o some_o time_n what_o admirable_a argument_n be_v there_o to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n what_o divine_a enforcement_n of_o they_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o the_o write_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o can_v these_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n they_o may_v lawful_o do_v towards_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a sin_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o backward_o in_o do_v what_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o may_v have_v do_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o they_o be_v earnest_o press_v to_o it_o by_o those_o in_o authority_n they_o refuse_v it_o and_o they_o have_v be_v more_o and_o more_o backward_o ever_o since_o till_o now_o they_o seem_v general_o resolve_v either_o to_o break_v all_o in_o piece_n or_o to_o persist_v in_o separation_n mr._n b._n indeed_o very_o honest_o move_v they_o 1663._o to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o their_o duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o parish_n church_n in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o sacrament_n and_o bring_v many_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o lawful_a and_o no_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o dissent_v but_o observe_v the_o answer_n mr._n a._n make_v to_o this_o 39_o i._n e._n say_v he_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v their_o several_a protestation_n nor_o formal_o declare_v against_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o brother_n like_o wise_a and_o wary_a person_n they_o will_v advise_v upon_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v be_v advise_v and_o consider_v ever_o since_o till_o with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o wariness_n they_o be_v drop_v into_o separation_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o and_o the_o mere_a necessity_n of_o defend_v their_o own_o practice_n make_v they_o espouse_v these_o principle_n such_o another_o meeting_n mr._n b._n say_v they_o have_v after_o the_o plague_n and_o fire_n at_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o good_a here_o mr._n a._n charge_v i_o for_o be_v tardy_a ibid._n and_o wrong_v the_o relator_n by_o leave_v out_o the_o most_o considerable_a word_n of_o the_o sentence_n viz._n when_o it_o will_v not_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o upon_o this_o he_o expatiate_v about_o the_o way_n when_o it_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a whereas_o if_o the_o reader_n please_v to_o examine_v the_o place_n he_o will_v find_v i_o do_v consider_v the_o force_n of_o those_o word_n 240._o when_o i_o put_v it_o that_o they_o resolve_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o although_o some_o circumstance_n may_v hinder_v their_o present_a do_v it_o for_o they_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o meet_a but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o time_n do_v make_v they_o think_v it_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o delay_v for_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n which_o make_v it_o clear_a they_o be_v then_o resolve_v upon_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o that_o opportunity_n have_v never_o happen_v since_o and_o so_o they_o be_v now_o come_v to_o plead_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o mr._n a._n plain_o do_v by_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n will_v then_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a 1._o when_o such_o communion_n shall_v persuade_v the_o parish_n church_n that_o their_o frame_n be_v eligible_a and_o not_o only_o tolerable_a 40._o as_o though_o separation_n be_v more_o eligible_a than_o a_o communion_n that_o be_v lawful_a and_o tolerable_a and_o schism_n be_v not_o more_o intolerable_a than_o communion_n with_o a_o tolerable_a church_n what_o will_v not_o man_n say_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o practice_n be_v ever_o schism_n make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n of_o and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n value_v at_o so_o low_a a_o rate_n that_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o other_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a may_v not_o be_v do_v if_o there_o be_v any_o danger_n that_o what_o be_v only_o tolerable_a shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o more_o eligible_a as_o if_o all_o the_o mischief_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o horrible_a and_o monstrous_a inconvenience_n methinks_v it_o be_v better_a sometime_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o considerate_a than_o always_o thus_o subtle_a and_o witty_a against_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o when_o other_o shall_v thereby_o be_v think_v oblige_v to_o separate_v from_o pure_a church_n i._n e._n be_v draw_v off_o from_o their_o separation_n 3._o when_o it_o will_v harden_v the_o papist_n as_o though_o their_o division_n do_v not_o do_v it_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o 4._o when_o it_o shall_v notable_o prejudice_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n yes_o no_o doubt_n the_o cure_n of_o division_n will_v do_v so_o by_o these_o particular_n it_o appear_v that_o he_o think_v they_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o lawful_o they_o can_v do_v yet_o at_o last_o he_o say_v he_o tell_v we_o as_o much_o be_v do_v as_o their_o conscience_n will_v permit_v they_o say_v you_o so_o be_v it_o indeed_o come_v to_o this_o will_v none_o of_o your_o conscience_n now_o permit_v you_o either_o to_o come_v to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o your_o own_o meeting_n how_o often_o have_v mr._n b._n tell_v the_o world_n that_o you_o stick_v not_o at_o set-form_n nor_o at_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n provide_v some_o exceptionable_a passage_n be_v alter_v in_o it_o do_v not_o mr._n b._n declare_v at_o his_o meeting_n public_o in_o a_o write_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v under_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o religious_a exercise_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v he_o able_a he_o will_v according_o read_v himself_o be_v this_o observe_v in_o any_o one_o meet_v in_o london_n or_o through_o england_n then_o certain_o there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v not_o what_o they_o think_v they_o lawful_o may_v do_v towards_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o mr._n b._n say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o late_a plea_n that_o they_o never_o make_v one_o motion_n for_o presbytery_n or_o against_o liturgy_n and_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n call_v presbyterian_o and_o since_o that_o mr._n b._n say_v they_o do_v come_v to_o a_o agreement_n wherein_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n 64._o with_o some_o alteration_n be_v require_v and_o be_v we_o now_o tell_v that_o all_o that_o can_v lawful_o be_v do_v be_v do_v mr._n b._n indeed_o act_n agreeable_o to_o his_o principle_n in_o come_v to_o our_o liturgy_n but_o where_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o which_o of_o they_o read_v what_o they_o think_v lawful_a at_o their_o own_o assembly_n do_v they_o not_o hereby_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o lose_v their_o people_n who_o force_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n than_o careful_a to_o do_v what_o they_o judge_v lawful_a towards_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n sect._n 17._o but_o whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o any_o who_o think_v
worship_n of_o image_n 18._o invocation_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o we_o see_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o any_o such_o ceremony_n as_o we_o be_v nor_o on_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n nor_o on_o the_o bare_a dissatisfaction_n of_o conscience_n but_o on_o such_o great_a and_o important_a reason_n as_o obtrude_a new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n on_o the_o partaker_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n amyraldus_n go_v so_o far_o 233._o as_o to_o say_v that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o fault_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n beside_o their_o unprofitable_a ceremony_n in_o baptism_n and_o other_o thing_n beyond_o the_o measure_n and_o genius_n of_o christian_a religion_n they_o have_v still_o continue_v in_o its_o communion_n for_o say_v he_o a_o physician_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o that_o load_v his_o patient_n with_o some_o unuseful_a prescription_n if_o he_o be_v otherwise_o faithful_a and_o skilful_a but_o if_o he_o mix_v poison_n with_o his_o medicine_n and_o beside_o add_v abundance_n of_o prescription_n both_o needless_a and_o chargeable_a than_o the_o patient_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o look_v out_o for_o better_a help_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o freedom_n by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o bare_a ceremony_n although_o many_o more_o than_o we_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n of_o late_a year_n a_o person_n of_o reputation_n in_o france_n set_v forth_o a_o book_n against_o the_o reformation_n charge_v it_o with_o schism_n calviniste_n because_o of_o the_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o have_v be_v answer_v three_o several_a way_n by_o three_o learned_a divine_n m._n claude_n m._n pajon_n and_o m._n turretin_n but_o do_v any_o of_o these_o insist_v upon_o matter_n of_o mere_a ceremony_n where_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a the_o constant_a use_n of_o liturgy_n bare_a neglect_n of_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n no_o they_o be_v man_n of_o better_a understanding_n than_o to_o insist_v on_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o which_o they_o know_v can_v never_o bear_v that_o weight_n as_o to_o justify_v separation_n from_o a_o church_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v expose_v themselves_o and_o their_o cause_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o consider_v man_n if_o they_o can_v have_v allege_v no_o more_o substantial_a reason_n than_o these_o but_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o such_o common_a reason_n 11._o which_o they_o think_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o separation_n justifiable_a viz._n great_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n idolatrous_a worship_n and_o insupportable_a tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n turretin_n express_o say_v no_o slight_a error_n no_o tolerable_a superstitious_a rite_n that_o do_v not_o infect_v the_o conscience_n as_o they_o can_v where_o they_o be_v not_o force_v upon_o it_o by_o unsound_a doctrine_n not_o any_o corruption_n of_o manner_n nor_o defect_n in_o government_n or_o discipline_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n in_o one_o word_n say_v he_o the_o patient_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v unless_o his_o disease_n be_v deadly_a and_o infectious_a nor_o then_o neither_o but_o with_o great_a difficulty_n le_fw-fr blanc_n show_v the_o impossibility_n of_o reunion_n with_o the_o papist_n reunione_fw-la go_v upon_o these_o 3_o ground_n 1._o that_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o subscribe_v to_o the_o decree_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o without_o anathematise_v all_o those_o who_o have_v oppose_v they_o for_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n be_v no_o less_o than_o receive_v all_o its_o error_n for_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n 2._o that_o the_o public_a worship_n practise_v and_o allow_v in_o that_o church_n be_v idolatrous_a he_o instance_v in_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n 3._o that_o they_o can_v return_v to_o that_o church_n without_o subject_v their_o conscience_n to_o the_o tyrannical_a usurpation_n of_o the_o pope_n let_v our_o brethren_n now_o consider_v what_o triumph_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v make_v over_o we_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o that_o we_o can_v not_o have_v our_o child_n baptise_a without_o a_o aerial_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n nor_o receive_v the_o communion_n without_o kneel_v that_o we_o must_v observe_v holiday_n and_o use_v a_o liturgy_n and_o that_o man_n be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v nor_o discipline_n so_o exact_a as_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v how_o shall_v we_o be_v hiss_v and_o laugh_v at_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o allege_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o and_o when_o the_o papist_n see_v the_o weakness_n of_o these_o allegation_n they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o cry_v out_o present_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n on_o such_o pretence_n as_o these_o by_o which_o unspeakable_a mischief_n have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n sect._n 24._o 2._o this_o pretence_n of_o separation_n will_v make_v union_n among_o the_o protestant_a church_n impossible_a suppose_v they_o to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o lutheran_n church_n have_v the_o same_o and_o more_o ceremony_n and_o vnscriptural_a imposition_n as_o they_o be_v call_v than_o our_o church_n have_v they_o use_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o holiday_n and_o time_n of_o fast_v and_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n yet_o these_o church_n have_v be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v unite_v with_o the_o most_o reform_a church_n by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a protestant_n both_o abroad_o and_o at_o home_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o dr._n o._n speak_v but_o to_o join_v together_o so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o same_o body_n of_o church_n a_o synod_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n at_o charenton_n a._n d._n 1631._o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n may_v be_v receive_v into_o communion_n with_o they_o without_o renounce_v their_o own_o opinion_n or_o practice_n which_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o look_v on_o those_o as_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o separation_n for_o than_o they_o will_v not_o have_v admit_v they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o lutheran_n church_n but_o have_v tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o forsake_v their_o communion_n and_o embrace_v that_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n look_v over_o all_o those_o learned_a and_o peaceable_a divine_n who_o have_v project_v or_o persuade_v a_o union_n with_o the_o lutheran_n church_n and_o other_o and_o see_v if_o any_o of_o they_o make_v the_o particular_n mention_v any_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o 27._o the_o helvetian_a church_n declare_v that_o no_o separation_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v for_o different_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o doctrine_n and_o the_o true_a concord_n of_o church_n lie_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sacrament_n deliver_v by_o he_o and_o this_o confession_n be_v first_o draw_v up_o by_o bullinger_n myconius_n and_o grynaeus_n and_o subscribe_v afterward_o by_o all_o their_o minister_n and_o by_o those_o of_o geneva_n and_o other_o place_n and_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o different_a custom_n in_o other_o church_n about_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o other_o thing_n yet_o say_v they_o because_o of_o our_o consent_n in_o doctrine_n these_o thing_n cause_v no_o breach_n in_o our_o church_n and_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n about_o the_o indifferency_n of_o any_o of_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n except_o those_o of_o the_o mass_n and_o image_n in_o church_n 220._o at_o sendomir_n in_o poland_n a._n d._n 1570._o those_o who_o follow_v the_o helvetian_a auspurg_n bohemian_a confession_n come_v to_o a_o full_a agreement_n so_o as_o to_o make_v up_o one_o body_n notwithstanding_o the_o different_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n among_o they_o which_o they_o say_v ought_v not_o to_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o long_o as_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n 7._o and_o for_o this_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o auspurg_n and_o saxon_a confession_n the_o auspurg_n confession_n declare_v that_o agreement_n in_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o church_n unity_n then_o separation_n can_v be_v lawful_a mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o ceremony_n and_o human_a tradition_n 14._o and_o the_o confession_n of_o strasburg_n say_v
themselves_o when_o they_o see_v no_o hope_n of_o recover_v the_o church_n communion_n if_o they_o once_o fall_v from_o it_o add_v to_o this_o that_o novatus_n or_o novatianus_n for_o the_o greek_n confound_v their_o name_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n 45._o say_v that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v by_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o out_o of_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o loose_a part_n which_o join_v with_o cornelius_n sempron_n and_o therefore_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v their_o bishop_n and_o so_o much_o appear_v by_o pacianus_n that_o novatus_n come_v from_o carthage_n to_o rome_n make_v a_o party_n there_o for_o novatiaâ—us_a in_o opposition_n to_o cornelius_n which_o consist_v chief_o of_o those_o who_o have_v stand_v firm_a in_o the_o persecution_n in_o their_o name_n he_o write_v to_o novatianus_n declare_v that_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o zealous_a party_n at_o rome_n whereas_o cornelius_n have_v admit_v the_o lapse_v to_o communion_n and_o consequent_o corrupt_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n here_o we_o have_v a_o concurrence_n of_o dr._n oh_o plea_n zeal_n for_o reformation_n of_o discipline_n the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o assert_v their_o right_n in_o choose_v such_o a_o pastor_n as_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o promote_v their_o edification_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o fair_a pretence_n 45._o the_o make_v a_o separation_n in_o the_o church_n be_v every_o where_o condemn_v as_o a_o great_a sin_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n cyprian_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n theodoret_n epiphanius_n and_o other_o dionysius_n tell_v the_o author_n of_o the_o schism_n 59_o that_o he_o have_v better_o have_v suffer_v any_o thing_n than_o thus_o to_o have_v make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v as_o glorious_a a_o martyrdom_n to_o die_v to_o prevent_v a_o schism_n as_o to_o avoid_v idolatry_n and_o he_o think_v it_o a_o much_o great_a thing_n the_o one_o be_v a_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o church_n the_o other_o only_o for_o one_o own_o soul_n st._n cyprian_n charge_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o schism_n with_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n and_o do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n by_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o and_o will_v hardly_o allow_v those_o to_o be_v christian_n who_o live_v in_o such_o a_o schism_n when_o as_o epiphanius_n observe_v etc._n they_o still_o plead_v they_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o st._n cyprian_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a faith_n which_o have_v not_o charity_n and_o say_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a charity_n where_o man_n do_v thus_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o meletian_o in_o egypt_n agree_v with_o the_o catholic_n christian_n in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n 68_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o they_o as_o epiphanius_n relate_v the_o story_n and_o their_o schism_n begin_v too_o about_o preserve_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n they_o allow_v a_o restitution_n for_o the_o lapse_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o after_o a_o very_a severe_a discipline_n and_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o those_o in_o order_n as_o to_o any_o part_n of_o their_o function_n but_o peter_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n think_v the_o mild_a way_n the_o better_a whereupon_o a_o separation_n follow_v and_o the_o meletian_o have_v distinct_a church_n which_o they_o call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o martyr_n this_o schism_n grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o they_o will_v not_o pray_v together_o in_o prison_n nor_o in_o the_o quarry_n whither_o they_o be_v send_v meletius_n be_v a_o bishop_n be_v depose_v by_o peter_n of_o alexandria_n 9_o but_o he_o go_v on_o still_o to_o promote_v the_o course_n of_o separation_n in_o thebais_n and_o other_o part_n of_o egypt_n upon_o which_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n deprive_v he_o of_o all_o episcopal_a power_n and_o the_o people_n that_o adhere_v to_o he_o of_o the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n or_o rather_o of_o propose_v the_o name_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o so_o according_a to_o dr._n o._n they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o continue_v their_o separation_n still_o although_o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a audaeus_n begin_v his_o schism_n out_o of_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n 70._o and_o a_o great_a freedom_n which_o he_o use_v in_o reprove_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n but_o meet_v with_o ill_a usage_n he_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n communion_n with_o his_o disciple_n although_o he_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n with_o the_o best_a christian_n 15._o but_o forbear_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o which_o epiphanius_n account_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o dreadful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o upon_o dr._n oh_o principles_n of_o separation_n they_o do_v a_o very_a commendable_a thing_n as_o long_o as_o their_o design_n be_v to_o restore_v the_o church_n discipline_n and_o to_o consult_v their_o own_o great_a edification_n the_o follower_n of_o eustathius_n sebastenus_n be_v on_o this_o account_n likewise_o excuse_v who_o withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a congregation_n on_o a_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n in_o paphlagonia_n and_o stand_v condemn_v in_o several_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n at_o gangrae_n so_o be_v those_o mention_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o carthage_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o his_o brethren_n from_o st._n cyprian_n all_o which_o be_v set_v down_o together_o in_o my_o sermon_n but_o be_v gentle_o pass_v over_o by_o dr._n o._n and_o mr._n b._n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o adversary_n only_o one_o say_v 42._o that_o the_o error_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o eustathius_n sebastenus_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v very_o gross_a which_o the_o council_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o condemn_v yet_o as_o gross_a as_o they_o be_v there_o be_v a_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n in_o they_o for_o their_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n and_o peculiarity_n of_o habit_n and_o separate_a meeting_n be_v all_o carry_v on_o with_o the_o same_o pretence_n to_o proceed_v then_o on_o the_o same_o account_v the_o donatist_n will_v be_v vindicate_v in_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o their_o schism_n although_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v coecilian_n for_o their_o great_a pretence_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n as_o may_v at_o large_a be_v see_v in_o optatus_n and_o st._n augustin_n and_o yet_o they_o frequent_o and_o deliberate_o call_v it_o a_o most_o damnable_a and_o sacrilegious_a schism_n the_o luciferian_o pretend_v such_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o only_a pretence_n for_o their_o schism_n be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o communicate_v with_o those_o who_o have_v subscribe_v to_o arianism_n or_o receive_v ordination_n from_o ariâ—n_n bishop_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o book_n of_o marcellinus_n and_o faustinus_n and_o they_o join_v with_o the_o party_n of_o vrsinus_n at_o rome_n against_o that_o of_o damasus_n and_o complain_v they_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n so_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n there_o have_v scarce_o be_v any_o considerable_a schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o may_v be_v justify_v upon_o dr._n owen_n reason_n for_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n sect._n 26._o 4._o another_o argument_n against_o this_o course_n of_o separation_n be_v that_o these_o ground_n will_v make_v separation_n endless_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o scripture_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n to_o signify_v nothing_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o unity_n than_o division_n and_o separation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v but_o what_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n dictate_v to_o they_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o justify_v division_n and_o separation_n any_o people_n may_v break_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a one_o when_o they_o think_v fit_a which_o will_v leave_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o remediless_a condition_n against_o those_o who_o break_v its_o peace_n and_o communion_n 121._o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n of_o mr._n cotton_v of_o new-england_n that_o they_o that_o separate_v from_o their_o brethren_n far_o than_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n shall_v at_o length_n
submit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o other_o pastor_n but_o justice_n hobart_n can_v not_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o antiquity_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n amount_v but_o to_o one_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o consult_v justice_n hobart_n be_v honour_n or_o his_o own_o i_o advise_v he_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o for_o the_o future_a as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n paul_n it_o only_o concern_v the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o wonder_v how_o it_o come_v into_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o due_a season_n sect._n 3_o i_o come_v therefore_o to_o consider_v now_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n concern_v which_o 26._o these_o be_v my_o word_n it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n for_o worship_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v credible_a to_o any_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o 5000_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n not_o if_o we_o make_v all_o the_o allowance_n for_o stranger_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v but_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v where_o be_v the_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o company_n become_v too_o great_a for_o one_o particular_a assembly_n they_o must_v become_v a_o new_a church_n under_o peculiar_a officer_n and_o a_o independent_a authority_n to_o this_o dr._n o._n answer_n in_o four_o particular_n 1._o that_o a_o account_n may_v ever_o long_o be_v give_v of_o the_o insensible_a deviation_n of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n which_o although_o at_o first_o it_o begin_v in_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n yet_o still_o they_o increase_v until_o they_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n or_o as_o he_o after_o express_v it_o leave_v their_o infant_n state_n by_o degree_n they_o at_o last_o bring_v forth_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n but_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o this_o at_o all_o answer_v the_o former_a paragraph_n of_o my_o sermon_n concern_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n but_o be_v i_o suppose_v intend_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o answer_v to_o the_o evidence_n out_o of_o antiquity_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o so_o far_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o when_o that_o be_v do_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v find_v sufficient_a advocate_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o i_o desire_v that_o undertaker_n to_o consider_v what_o a_o blot_n and_o dishonour_v it_o will_v be_v to_o christian_a religion_n if_o the_o primitive_a church_n can_v not_o hold_v to_o their_o first_o institution_n not_o for_o one_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n i_o know_v what_o abominable_a heresy_n there_o be_v soon_o after_o if_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v these_o but_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a church_n and_o about_o they_o not_o whether_o some_o trifle_a controversy_n may_v not_o arise_v and_o humane_a infirmity_n be_v discover_v but_o whether_o they_o do_v deviate_v from_o the_o plain_a institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o government_n which_o he_o have_v fix_v in_o his_o church_n this_o seem_v utter_o incredible_a to_o i_o upon_o this_o consideration_n among_o many_o other_o that_o government_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o tender_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o one_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o share_n in_o it_o that_o man_n be_v not_o easy_o induce_v to_o part_v with_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v democratical_a at_o first_o as_o dr._n o._n seem_v to_o do_v be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o people_n will_v have_v be_v wheadle_v out_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n so_o soon_o and_o make_v no_o noise_n about_o it_o yea_o dr._n o._n tell_v we_o that_o in_o cyprian_n time_n it_o continue_v at_o carthage_n 41._o and_o other_o say_v a_o great_a deal_n long_o there_o be_v then_o no_o such_o change_n as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o government_n so_o soon_o after_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o imagine_v it_o otherwise_o as_o to_o extent_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n suppose_v christ_n have_v limit_v the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n to_o one_o congregation_n the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n can_v have_v no_o more_o pretence_n over_o any_o other_o congregation_n than_o dr._n o._n by_o be_v pastor_n over_o one_o congregation_n in_o london_n can_v challenge_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v all_o the_o independent_a congregation_n in_o london_n or_o about_o it_o and_o appoint_v their_o several_a teacher_n and_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o proceed_n i_o appeal_v now_o to_o any_o man_n of_o consideration_n whether_o there_o be_v the_o least_o probability_n that_o such_o a_o alteration_n can_v be_v make_v without_o great_a noise_n and_o disturbance_n will_v not_o mr._n g._n mr._n b._n mr._n c._n and_o many_o more_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o their_o own_o right_n and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v draw_v into_o the_o design_n will_v the_o people_n submit_v let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n as_o to_o new-england_n suppose_v the_o apostle_n a_o age_n or_o two_o since_o have_v plant_v such_o congregational_a church_n there_o as_o have_v be_v form_v within_o these_o last_o 50_o year_n at_o plymouth_n boston_n hereford_n newhaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v invest_v every_o congregation_n with_o the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o execution_n whereof_o they_o have_v entrust_v with_o the_o several_a eldership_n within_o their_o own_o congregation_n but_o so_o as_o not_o to_o have_v any_o power_n or_o authority_n over_o the_o elder_n or_o member_n of_o any_o other_o congregation_n let_v we_o then_o suppose_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o church_n gradual_o decline_v so_o far_o that_o in_o this_o age_n mr._n cotton_n at_o boston_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o appoint_v pastor_n over_o other_o congregation_n and_o keep_v a_o great_a number_n of_o elder_n under_o he_o and_o challenge_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o the_o whole_a colony_n of_o massachuset_n of_o which_o boston_n be_v the_o chief_a town_n and_o so_o three_o other_o do_v the_o same_o at_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o the_o other_o colony_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o wonderful_a alteration_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o conceive_v such_o a_o change_n shall_v be_v bring_v about_o insensible_o without_o any_o complaint_n of_o the_o subordinate_a elder_n or_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v rob_v of_o their_o inherent_a right_n by_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o late_a a_o establishment_n by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n may_v be_v insensible_o change_v by_o continue_v the_o name_n and_o alter_a opinion_n through_o the_o carelessness_n and_o unskilfulness_n of_o people_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n the_o mean_a people_n be_v sensible_a and_o look_v big_a with_o a_o opinion_n of_o it_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a in_o this_o case_n the_o government_n shall_v be_v thus_o change_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n let_v the_o same_o consideration_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o age_n which_o real_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n sect._n 4._o i_o shall_v to_o prevent_v all_o cavil_n choose_v that_o very_a church_n which_o dr._n o._n mention_n and_o i_o find_v mr._n cotton_n and_o other_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o saint_n cyprian_n time_n here_o dr._n o._n find_v the_o community_n of_o member_n determine_v church_n affair_n 99_o but_o mr._n cotton_n have_v further_a discover_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o neighbour_n minister_n in_o short_a he_o have_v find_v there_o the_o express_a and_o lively_a lineament_n of_o the_o very_a body_n of_o congregational_a discipline_n and_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n wherein_o they_o walk_v as_o he_o call_v it_o at_o this_o day_n hitherto_o
will_v destroy_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n if_o not_o the_o very_o be_v of_o any_o parochial_a church_n whatsoever_o 5._o that_o want_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v in_o parochial_a church_n be_v never_o think_v by_o the_o most_o zealous_a nonconformist_n of_o old_a destructive_a to_o the_o be_v of_o they_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o cartwright_n hildersham_n giffard_n and_o many_o other_o sect._n 17._o and_o suppose_v all_o person_n leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o their_o own_o fitness_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n we_o may_v observe_v these_o thing_n which_o may_v serve_v towards_o the_o vindication_n of_o our_o parochial_a church_n 1._o that_o the_o great_a offender_n do_v general_o excommunicate_v themselves_o not_o dare_v to_o venture_v upon_o so_o hazardous_a a_o thing_n as_o they_o account_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o the_o damnation_n follow_v unworthy_a receive_v so_o that_o the_o most_o constant_a communicant_n be_v the_o most_o pious_a and_o sober_a and_o devout_a christian_n 2._o that_o if_o any_o such_o do_v voluntary_o come_v it_o be_v upon_o some_o great_a awakening_n of_o conscience_n some_o fresh_a resolution_n they_o have_v make_v of_o amendment_n of_o life_n after_o some_o dangerous_a sickness_n or_o under_o some_o great_a affliction_n when_o they_o be_v best_a incline_v and_o have_v strong_a conviction_n and_o hope_v for_o great_a strength_n of_o grace_n against_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o whether_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n or_o not_o by_o god_n institution_n yet_o the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n before_o it_o put_v they_o into_o the_o fit_a capacity_n for_o divine_a grace_n if_o they_o be_v not_o look_v on_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o those_o who_o be_v well_o prepare_v if_o those_o who_o be_v not_o do_v come_v to_o it_o any_o more_o than_o in_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n with_o they_o and_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o person_n who_o deserve_v excommunication_n and_o be_v not_o excommunicate_v do_v overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o make_v a_o church_n when_o judas_n be_v present_a with_o they_o as_o in_o probability_n he_o be_v at_o his_o last_o supper_n at_o least_o if_o this_o kind_n of_o discipline_n have_v be_v so_o necessary_a it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v leave_v so_o doubtful_a as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o evangelist_n since_o it_o have_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o have_v set_v it_o down_o express_o not_o only_o that_o he_o be_v not_o present_a but_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v cast_v out_o before_o 4._o that_o several_a presbyterian_a church_n for_o many_o year_n have_v no_o discipline_n at_o all_o among_o they_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n administer_v and_o be_v these_o true_a church_n all_o that_o while_n and_o be_v not_o we_o so_o now_o 243._o nay_o mr._n baxter_n say_v that_o some_o nonconformist_n have_v these_o seventeen_o or_o eighteen_o year_n forbear_v to_o baptise_v serm._n or_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o to_o be_v pastor_n of_o any_o church_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o church_n these_o man_n be_v of_o some_o or_o other_o they_o must_v own_v if_o they_o be_v christian_n new_a church_n they_o have_v not_o they_o say_v either_o than_o they_o must_v own_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a notwithstanding_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n or_o they_o must_v be_v of_o no_o church_n at_o all_o 5._o that_o our_o church_n be_v but_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n and_o other_o church_n be_v in_o when_o nectarius_n change_v the_o discipline_n of_o it_o or_o rather_o take_v it_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o poenitentiary_n who_o he_o remove_v for_o the_o scandal_n give_v be_v the_o person_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o look_v after_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o see_v that_o all_o know_a offender_n perform_v the_o penance_n enjoin_v they_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o socrates_n say_v be_v 19_o that_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a mystery_n and_o this_o socrates_n say_v he_o have_v from_o eudaemon_n himself_o who_o give_v the_o counsel_n to_o nectarius_n to_o take_v that_o office_n away_o which_o be_v according_o do_v 16._o and_o no_o more_o restore_v say_v sozomen_n the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v say_v he_o that_o every_o one_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o his_o conscience_n give_v he_o leave_v and_o as_o he_o be_v assure_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o this_o example_n of_o nectarius_n be_v soon_o follow_v in_o other_o church_n say_v sozomen_n and_o so_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n decay_v but_o i_o hope_v all_o those_o church_n do_v not_o lose_v their_o be_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o much_o in_o vindication_n of_o our_o diocesan_n church_n government_n sect._n 18._o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o national_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n 19_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o say_v we_o mean_v that_o society_n of_o christian_a people_n which_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v unite_v under_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o faith_n the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a consistent_a and_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o national_a church_n i_o prove_v from_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o since_o the_o low_a kind_n of_o that_o society_n viz._n congregation_n for_o worship_n be_v call_v church_n since_o the_o large_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v account_v a_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o both_o from_o their_o union_n and_o consent_n in_o some_o common_a thing_n i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v why_o a_o national_a society_n agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o same_o government_n and_o discipline_n may_v not_o be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o church_n as_o any_o particular_a congregation_n because_o the_o narrowness_n or_o largeness_n of_o extent_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n be_v as_o true_o a_o kingdom_n as_o the_o small_a kingdom_n of_o ivetot_n and_o as_o several_a family_n make_v one_o kingdom_n so_o several_a lesser_a church_n make_v one_o national_a and_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v not_o disagree_v with_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o show_v that_o at_o athens_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n be_v take_v it_o do_v comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o several_a tribe_n when_o meet_v together_o although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o tribe_n in_o its_o particular_a assembly_n may_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d too_o and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n and_o people_n of_o whole_a city_n and_o therefore_o may_v by_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v extend_v to_o many_o city_n unite_v together_o under_o one_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o deliver_v upon_o this_o subject_n against_o which_o all_o my_o adversary_n have_v something_o to_o say_v though_o not_o with_o equal_a strength_n clearness_n or_o temper_n dr._n owen_n say_v 1._o that_o since_o i_o make_v national_a church_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n 16._o it_o fall_v out_o a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o because_o he_o suppose_v congregational_a church_n to_o be_v entire_a church_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v a_o just_a right_a to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o independent_o as_o to_o any_o national_a constitution_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n institution_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v than_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o church_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v national_a do_v not_o alter_v any_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o those_o church_n must_v limit_v and_o determine_v that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o else_o nothing_o but_o disorder_n
and_o confusion_n will_v follow_v if_o every_o congregation_n may_v have_v a_o several_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o account_n to_o any_o superior_a church_n authority_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o family_n may_v govern_v itself_o because_o a_o kingdom_n be_v make_v up_o of_o family_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o kingdom_n no_o 17._o say_v dr._n o._n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o god_n never_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o government_n but_o that_o of_o family_n and_o where_o have_v he_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o particular_a congregation_n but_o god_n by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n by_o express_a revelation_n in_o his_o word_n have_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o civil_a government_n so_o say_v i_o that_o god_n by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o express_a institution_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o many_o church_n do_v declare_v that_o he_o do_v appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o church_n government_n beside_o that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n for_o if_o god_n upon_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o nation_n after_o the_o flood_n have_v appoint_v twelve_o prince_n to_o have_v rule_v the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a dispersion_n it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o several_a family_n to_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o independent_a power_n within_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o their_o appointment_n so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church_n since_o christ_n do_v appoint_v twelve_o apostle_n to_o plant_v settle_v and_o govern_v church_n and_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o they_o but_o still_o under_o their_o authority_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o these_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o settle_v with_o a_o entire_a power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v those_o twelve_o prince_n to_o have_v lead_v out_o their_o several_a division_n and_o to_o have_v place_v they_o in_o convenient_a seat_n and_o give_v they_o general_a rule_n for_o govern_v themselves_o in_o peace_n and_o order_n under_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v and_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o decay_v shall_v nominate_v so_o many_o successor_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o the_o roll_a the_o several_a colony_n be_v they_o not_o then_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o governor_n without_o break_v in_o piece_n into_o so_o many_o family_n every_o master_n govern_v his_o family_n by_o himself_o which_o will_v certain_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o because_o they_o can_v not_o have_v strength_n and_o union_n to_o defend_v themselves_o so_o it_o be_v again_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church_n the_o apostle_n plant_v they_o and_o settle_v such_o officer_n in_o they_o as_o be_v then_o fit_a to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o still_o reserve_v the_o main_a care_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o but_o give_v excellent_a rule_n of_o charity_n peace_n obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o governor_n and_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o particular_a church_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n as_o crete_n be_v they_o appoint_v some_o who_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o those_o church_n and_o to_o constitute_v inferior_a officer_n to_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v no_o more_o independency_n in_o particular_a congregation_n than_o in_o the_o other_o as_o to_o private_a family_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a design_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mutual_a preservation_n and_o defence_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n in_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o civil_a government_n to_o be_v from_o god_n although_o no_o monarch_n can_v now_o derive_v his_o title_n from_o such_o prince_n at_o the_o first_o dispersion_n and_o will_v it_o not_o then_o seem_v unreasonable_a to_o question_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o most_o early_o know_v honest_a and_o impartial_a witness_n last_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n several_a of_o those_o lesser_a prince_n may_v unite_v themselves_o together_o by_o joynt-consent_n for_o their_o common_a interest_n and_o security_n and_o become_v one_o kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n several_a bishop_n with_o the_o church_n under_o they_o may_v for_o promote_a the_o common_a end_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o their_o church_n join_v together_o under_o the_o same_o common_a bond_n and_o become_v one_o national_a church_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a so_o unite_v and_o no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o not_o usurp_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o other_o nor_o assume_v more_o than_o can_v be_v manage_v as_o a_o universal_a pastor_n must_v do_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o any_o particular_a command_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_n of_o universal_a dominion_n over_o the_o church_n be_v which_o i_o therefore_o mention_v that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_v will_v never_o justify_v the_o papal_a usurpation_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n national_a provincial_a church_n must_v first_o be_v prove_v of_o christ_n institution_n 17._o before_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o case_n of_o congregational_a church_n he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n 42._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o such_o church_n be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o national_a church_n viz._n what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o do_v require_v for_o whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o support_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o preserve_a peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n to_o the_o prevent_v dangerous_a error_n and_o endless_a confusion_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n become_v a_o duty_n for_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o government_n lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o advance_v the_o end_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o take_v for_o grant_v among_o all_o christian_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n or_o founder_n of_o this_o society_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n 2._o that_o he_o design_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o best_a way_n of_o its_o preservation_n be_v by_o a_o union_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o provide_v the_o union_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o it_o we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o whatever_o tend_v to_o promote_v this_o union_n and_o to_o prevent_v any_o notable_a inconvenience_n or_o mischief_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o it_o be_v within_o the_o design_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n although_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o express_a word_n sect._n 19_o we_o be_v now_o therefore_o to_o consider_v whether_o single_a congregation_n disperse_v and_o disunite_v over_o a_o nation_n or_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o together_o under_o some_o common_a bond_n as_o to_o faith_n government_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o promote_v religion_n to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o church_n let_v we_o then_o compare_v these_o two_o hypothesis_n together_o in_o point_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o these_o end_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o religion_n as_o church_n i_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v but_o we_o be_v argue_v now_o upon_o what_o may_v be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v then_o every_o congregation_n to_o have_v a_o entire_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n within_o itself_o what_o hinder_v but_o of_o ten_o congregation_n one_o may_v be_v of_o socinian_o another_o of_o papist_n another_o of_o arian_n another_o of_o quaker_n another_o of_o anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o two_o of_o they_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o be_v mere_a chance_n and_o good_a hap_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o have_v any_o more_o
about_o that_o visible_a church_n whereof_o particular_a church_n be_v part_n and_o they_o be_v visible_a part_n do_v require_v a_o visible_a constitutive_a regent_n part_n as_o essential_a to_o they_o therefore_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n must_v have_v likewise_o a_o visible_a constitutive_a regent_n part_n i._n e._n a_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o a_o troop_n have_v a_o inferior_a officer_n a_o army_n must_v have_v a_o general_n if_o a_o city_n have_v a_o mayor_n a_o kingdom_n must_v have_v a_o king_n that_o be_v equal_o present_a and_o visible_a as_o the_o other_o be_v this_o be_v indeed_o to_o make_v a_o key_n for_o catholic_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o they_o may_v enter_v and_o take_v possession_n 2._o the_o plain_a resolution_n be_v that_o we_o deny_v any_o necessity_n of_o any_o such_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n or_o one_o formal_a ecclesiastical_a head_n as_o essential_a to_o a_o national_a church_n for_o a_o national_a consent_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n as_o a_o universal_a consent_n to_o make_v a_o catholic_n church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v by_o what_o way_n this_o national_a consent_n be_v to_o be_v declare_v then_o we_o answer_v far_o that_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n the_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v summon_v by_o the_o king_n be_v write_v be_v to_o advise_v and_o declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v receive_v allow_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o national_a consent_v as_o be_v require_v to_o any_o law_n and_o all_o bishop_n minister_n and_o people_n take_v together_o who_o profess_v the_o faith_n so_o establish_v and_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n so_o appoint_v make_v up_o this_o national_a church_n of_o england_n which_o notion_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v thus_o explain_v i_o see_v no_o manner_n of_o difficulty_n remain_v in_o all_o mr._n baxter_n '_o s_z query_n and_o objection_n about_o this_o matter_n sect._n 22._o 3._o that_o which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o difficulty_n be_v 3._o concern_v the_o common_a tie_n or_o rule_n which_o make_v this_o national_a church_n for_o mr._n b._n will_v know_v 34._o whether_o by_o the_o common_a rule_n i_o mean_v a_o divine_a rule_n or_o a_o mere_a humane_a rule_n if_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a rule_n they_o be_v of_o the_o national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o we_o if_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a rule_n how_o come_v consent_n in_o this_o to_o make_v a_o national_a church_n how_o come_v they_o not_o to_o be_v of_o it_o for_o not_o consent_v how_o can_v such_o a_o consent_n appear_v when_o there_o be_v difference_n among_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o object_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o our_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a rule_n viz._n the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o own_v as_o the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o according_a to_o which_o all_o other_o rule_v of_o order_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v agreeable_a 2._o our_o church_n require_v a_o conformity_n to_o those_o rule_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o it_o as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n do_v to_o the_o order_n of_o church_n government_n among_o themselves_o by_o all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n and_o annex_v civil_a privilege_n to_o they_o and_o their_o magistrate_n impose_v civil_a punishment_n on_o the_o breaker_n and_o disturber_n of_o they_o and_o although_o they_o profess_v agreement_n in_o other_o thing_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o church_n they_o do_v not_o own_v they_o as_o member_n of_o their_o church_n why_o shall_v it_o then_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a with_o we_o not_o to_o account_v those_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o contemn_v and_o disobey_v the_o order_n of_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o submission_n to_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o difference_n they_o be_v not_o material_a as_o to_o this_o business_n and_o i_o believe_v be_v no_o other_o than_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o explain_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o best_a society_n in_o the_o world_n without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o as_o about_o the_o difference_n of_o order_n the_o sense_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n the_o true_a explication_n of_o one_o or_o two_o article_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o mention_n 39_o a_o multitude_n of_o such_o difference_n will_v never_o overthrow_v such_o a_o consent_n among_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o national_a church_n sect._n 23._o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n which_o be_v object_v by_o my_o more_o weighty_a adversary_n the_o weak_a assault_n of_o the_o rest_n in_o what_o they_o differ_v from_o these_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o quick_a dispatch_n mr._n a._n object_n 27._o 1._o that_o if_o national_a church_n have_v power_n to_o reform_v themselves_o than_o so_o have_v congregational_a and_o therefore_o i_o do_v amiss_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o separation_n i_o grant_v it_o if_o he_o prove_v that_o no_o congregational_a church_n have_v any_o more_o power_n over_o it_o than_o a_o national_a church_n have_v i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o evidence_n against_o both_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o there_o be_v against_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n when_o he_o do_v prove_v that_o ibid._n he_o may_v have_v a_o far_a answer_n 2._o that_o national_a church_n destroy_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n under_o they_o this_o i_o utter_o deny_v and_o there_o want_v nothing_o but_o proof_n as_o erasmus_n say_v one_o andrelinus_n be_v a_o good_a poet_n only_o his_o verse_n want_v one_o syllable_n and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 29._o 3._o by_o my_o description_n the_o parliament_n may_v be_v a_o national_a church_n for_o they_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o do_v i_o not_o immediate_o before_o say_v that_o national_a church_n be_v national_a society_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o next_o word_n when_o i_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v national_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n i_o use_v such_o a_o general_a description_n as_o be_v common_a to_o any_o kind_n of_o church_n and_o not_o proper_a to_o a_o national_a church_n 30._o 4._o he_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o consent_n shall_v not_o make_v national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o congregational_a because_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o agreement_n as_o the_o gospel_n warrant_v and_o that_o be_v only_o for_o worship_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v their_o own_o be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o horse_n in_o a_o mill_n still_o round_o about_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o answer_n may_v serve_v 31._o 5._o out_o come_v mr._n b.'s_n objection_n against_o a_o visible_a head_n of_o this_o national_a church_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o union_n and_o the_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o as_o though_o mr._n b._n can_v not_o manage_v his_o own_o argument_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v they_o and_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o heavy_a and_o rusty_a armour_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v again_o in_o the_o field_n in_o another_o dress_n and_o if_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v the_o field_n in_o the_o former_a habit_n they_o can_v much_o less_o do_v it_o in_o this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n say_v 24._o i_o only_o prove_v a_o national_a church_n a_o possible_a thing_n he_o clear_o mistake_v my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o national_a church_n than_o no_o single_a congregation_n have_v such_o a_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o separate_v from_o other_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n where_o there_o be_v a_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n i_o show_v that_o if_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n do_v agree_v to_o it_o then_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o own_o a_o national_a church_n so_o that_o the_o design_n of_o that_o discourse_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o 25._o but_o say_v he_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v
treat_v i_o with_o that_o civility_n and_o decent_a language_n that_o i_o can_v but_o return_v he_o thanks_o for_o it_o however_o i_o be_v far_o from_o be_v satisfy_v with_o his_o reason_v as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o book_n itself_o the_o next_o be_v mr._n baxter_n who_o appear_v with_o so_o much_o anger_n and_o unbecoming_a passion_n that_o i_o true_o pity_v he_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v transport_v by_o it_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o cure_v a_o inclination_n to_o a_o indecent_a passion_n to_o see_v how_o ill_o it_o become_v a_o man_n of_o his_o age_n profession_n and_o reputation_n at_o first_o he_o send_v i_o some_o captious_a question_n for_o a_o trial_n of_o skill_n i_o return_v he_o answer_n they_o be_v not_o to_o the_o business_n but_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o answer_v my_o sermon_n as_o i_o perceive_v by_o his_o letter_n he_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o and_o i_o know_v how_o hardly_o he_o can_v abstain_v from_o write_v however_o i_o desire_v he_o not_o to_o make_v too_o hasty_a a_o reply_n but_o he_o who_o seldom_o take_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n be_v i_o suppose_v the_o more_o provoke_v by_o this_o good_a counsel_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v write_v his_o whole_a book_n in_o one_o continue_v fit_a of_o anger_n and_o by_o some_o rule_n of_o civility_n peculiar_a to_o himself_o he_o publish_v my_o private_a letter_n without_o so_o much_o as_o let_v i_o know_v that_o he_o intend_v it_o whatever_o injurious_a and_o spiteful_a reflection_n he_o have_v make_v upon_o i_o through_o his_o book_n i_o can_v more_o easy_o forgive_v he_o than_o he_o can_v forgive_v himself_o when_o he_o look_v they_o over_o again_o with_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o therefore_o i_o pass_v over_o the_o scurrility_n of_o his_o preface_n wherein_o after_o he_o have_v in_o 20_o particular_n describe_v the_o most_o unskilful_a proud_a partial_a obstinate_a cruel_a impertinent_a adversary_n he_o can_v think_v of_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o similitude_n for_o he_o than_o conclude_v but_o although_o all_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o reverend_a doctor_n what_o a_o malicious_a way_n of_o reproach_v be_v this_o to_o name_v so_o many_o very_a ill_a thing_n and_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o apply_v as_o much_o as_o he_o please_v and_o when_o he_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o one_o to_o say_v he_o mean_v not_o that_o for_o he_o add_v although_o all_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o r._n dr._n if_o this_o be_v the_o justice_n the_o charity_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o mr._n b._n and_o his_o brethren_n who_o put_v he_o upon_o write_v they_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o think_v there_o be_v some_o nonconformist_a minister_n that_o be_v not_o the_o wise_a the_o meek_a nor_o the_o most_o self-denying_a man_n upon_o earth_n he_o seem_v much_o concern_v about_o my_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v the_o last_o word_n which_o i_o be_o very_o willing_a to_o let_v he_o have_v hope_v he_o may_v come_v to_o himself_o before_o he_o die_v and_o may_v live_v to_o repent_v of_o the_o injury_n he_o have_v do_v to_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o mischief_n he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o so_o industrious_o expose_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o endless_a separation_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o three_o who_o enter_v the_o list_n be_v one_o who_o seem_v to_o write_v more_o like_o a_o well-disposed_n gentleman_n than_o like_o a_o divine_a he_o wish_v very_o well_o to_o the_o cause_n he_o undertake_v he_o discourse_v gravely_n and_o pious_o without_o bitterness_n and_o rancour_n or_o any_o sharp_a reflection_n and_o sometime_o with_o a_o great_a mixture_n of_o kindness_n towards_o one_o for_o which_o and_o his_o prayer_n for_o i_o i_o do_v hearty_o thank_v he_o what_o i_o find_v material_a to_o the_o business_n in_o his_o book_n i_o have_v consider_v in_o its_o due_a place_n the_o four_o come_v forth_o with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a briskness_n and_o seem_v to_o set_v up_o rather_o for_o a_o sort_n of_o wit_n than_o a_o grave_a divine_a his_o book_n resemble_v the_o bird_n of_o athens_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o face_n and_o feather_n for_o set_v aside_o his_o bold_a say_n his_o impertinent_a trifling_n his_o hunt_n up_o and_o down_o for_o any_o occasion_n of_o vent_v his_o little_a story_n and_o similitude_n there_o be_v very_o little_a of_o substance_n leave_v in_o he_o but_o what_o he_o have_v borrow_v from_o dr._n o._n or_o mr._n b._n methinks_v such_o a_o light_n vain_a scurrilous_a way_n of_o write_v do_v not_o become_v such_o a_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n as_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n pretend_v to_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o pleasantness_n of_o wit_n which_o serve_v to_o entertain_v the_o reader_n in_o the_o rough_a and_o deep_a way_n of_o controversy_n but_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o raillery_n and_o good_a humour_n of_o gentleman_n and_o the_o jest_n of_o porter_n and_o waterman_n but_o this_o author_n seem_v to_o be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o second_o martin_n who_o way_n he_o imitate_v and_o who_o wit_n he_o equal_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o his_o great_a fault_n for_o he_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v run_v down_o without_o regard_n to_o common_a ingenuity_n for_o suppose_v i_o have_v mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o my_o text_n which_o i_o be_o certain_a i_o do_v not_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n that_o talk_v impertinent_o suppose_v there_o have_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o my_o reason_v methinks_v the_o sense_n of_o humane_a frailty_n shall_v make_v man_n not_o grow_v insolent_a upon_o such_o a_o discovery_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o know_v one_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v it_o in_o as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o but_o will_v nothing_o serve_v but_o to_o represent_v i_o to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o atheistical_a hypocrite_n i._n e._n as_o a_o secret_a underminer_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o prove_v it_o yet_o this_o he_o do_v more_o than_o once_o which_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o his_o business_n that_o nothing_o but_o a_o wretched_a malicious_a design_n of_o expose_v i_o can_v make_v he_o draw_v it_o in_o he_o give_v a_o gentle_a touch_n at_o it_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o prepare_v the_o reader_n appetite_n but_o p._n 70._o he_o charge_v i_o with_o proceed_v upon_o such_o principle_n as_o plain_o render_v it_o impossible_a by_o any_o certain_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n mr._n b._n have_v unhappy_o say_v and_o without_o the_o least_o ground_n that_o my_o principle_n overthrow_v all_o religion_n and_o mr._n a._n vouch_v it_o and_o undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o he_o mr._n b._n begin_v his_o plea_n for_o peace_n with_o a_o say_n of_o st._n augustin_n he_o mean_v st._n hierom_n that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v patient_a under_o the_o accusation_n of_o heresy_n what_o shall_v a_o man_n then_o be_v under_o the_o accusation_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o overthrow_v all_o religion_n and_o render_v it_o impossible_a by_o any_o certain_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n according_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o justice_n a_o charge_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v against_o any_o man_n without_o such_o evidence_n as_o appear_v clear_a and_o convince_a to_o he_o that_o bring_v it_o but_o i_o very_o much_o mistrust_v in_o this_o case_n that_o mr._n a._n in_o his_o conscience_n know_v his_o proof_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o insufficient_a what_o then_o can_v we_o think_v of_o he_o that_o charge_v another_o with_o so_o high_a a_o crime_n when_o he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o his_o first_o proof_n he_o take_v from_o my_o popish_a adversary_n about_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o prove_v a_o deity_n by_o such_o infallible_a argument_n as_o must_v suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o what_o we_o prove_v as_o all_o infallibility_n from_o divine_a assistance_n must_v do_v but_o do_v i_o ever_o say_v there_o be_v no_o certainty_n without_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o yet_o this_o whole_a matter_n about_o certainty_n etc._n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o have_v so_o late_o clear_v in_o my_o last_o answer_n to_o the_o papist_n which_o he_o refer_v to_o in_o this_o very_a place_n that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o impertinency_n of_o it_o his_o main_a argument_n he_o pretend_v to_o bring_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o my_o own_o for_o his_o word_n be_v he_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o principle_n that_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o
harrison_n his_o example_n be_v soon_o follow_v by_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n who_o write_v the_o admonition_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o brown_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o that_o admonition_n when_o barrow_n and_o greenwood_n publish_v their_o four_o reason_n for_o separation_n three_o of_o which_o they_o take_v out_o of_o the_o admonition_n to_o the_o parliament_n viz._n unlawful_a ministry_n antichristian_a government_n and_o false_a worship_n gifford_n a_o nonconformist_a at_o maldon_n in_o essex_n undertake_v to_o answer_v they_o in_o several_a treatise_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o these_o nonconformist_n charge_n the_o brownist_n with_o make_v a_o vile_a notorious_a and_o damnable_a schism_n because_o they_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o set_v up_o new_a one_o of_o their_o own_o gifford_n not_o only_o call_v they_o schismatic_n preface_n but_o say_v they_o make_v a_o vile_a schism_n rend_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o condemn_v by_o their_o assertion_n the_o whole_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n even_o as_o the_o donatist_n do_v of_o old_a time_n and_o he_o add_v that_o the_o end_n of_o brownism_n as_o it_o be_v then_o call_v be_v infinite_a schism_n heresy_n atheism_n and_o barbarism_n and_o the_o same_o author_n preface_n in_o his_o second_o book_n reckon_v up_o the_o ill_a effect_n of_o this_o separation_n among_o the_o people_n have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n now_o look_v also_o on_o the_o people_n where_o we_o may_v see_v very_o many_o who_o not_o regard_v the_o chief_a christian_a virtue_n and_o godly_a duty_n as_o namely_o to_o be_v meek_a to_o be_v patient_n to_o be_v lowly_a to_o be_v full_a of_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o deal_v upright_o and_o just_o to_o guide_v their_o family_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n with_o wholesome_a instruction_n and_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o call_v in_o which_o god_n have_v set_v they_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o this_o even_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o pith_n of_o religion_n namely_o to_o argue_v and_o talk_v continual_o against_o matter_n in_o the_o church_n against_o bishop_n and_o minister_n and_o one_o against_o another_o on_o both_o side_n some_o be_v proceed_v to_o this_o that_o they_o will_v come_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o hear_v the_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o preacher_n but_o not_o to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o book_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o more_o grievous_a sin_n than_o many_o do_v suppose_v but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a for_o sundry_a be_v go_v further_o and_o fall_v into_o a_o damnable_a schism_n and_o the_o same_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a in_o that_o many_o do_v not_o see_v the_o foulness_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o hold_v they_o as_o godly_a christian_n and_o but_o a_o little_a over-shot_a in_o these_o matter_n but_o that_o this_o man_n go_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n appear_v by_o his_o state_v the_o question_n in_o the_o same_o preface_n for_o i_o show_v say_v he_o in_o express_a word_n that_o i_o do_v not_o meddle_v at_o all_o in_o these_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v corruption_n and_o fault_n in_o our_o church_n condemn_v by_o god_n word_n whether_o they_o be_v many_o or_o few_o whether_o they_o be_v small_a or_o great_a but_o only_o thus_o far_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o or_o so_o great_a as_o make_v our_o church_n antichristian_a preface_n barrow_n say_v that_o this_o gifford_n be_v one_o that_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faction_n in_o the_o petition_n to_o the_o parliament_n against_o the_o english_a hierarchy_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o several_a passage_n of_o his_o book_n that_o he_o be_v a_o nonconformist_a and_o he_o be_v join_v with_o cartwright_n hildersham_n brightman_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n by_o the_o prefacer_n to_o the_o desence_n of_o bradshaw_n against_o johnson_n 5._o and_o i_o find_v his_o name_n in_o one_o of_o the_o class_n in_o essex_n at_o that_o time_n the_o author_n of_o the_o second_o answer_n for_o communicate_v 1588._o who_o defend_v t._n cs._n letter_n to_o harrison_n brown_n colleague_n against_o separation_n prove_v join_v with_o the_o church_n a_o duty_n necessary_o enjoin_v he_o of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n through_o his_o be_v and_o place_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o just_o require_v of_o he_o by_o the_o church_n or_o spiritual_a body_n through_o that_o same_o enforce_a law_n of_o the_o coherence_n and_o be_v together_o of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n which_o be_v the_o express_a ordinance_n of_o god_n so_o that_o say_v he_o unless_o i_o hold_v the_o congregation_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o disannul_v and_o become_v no_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o not_o separate_v a_o unworthy_a member_n i_o can_v voluntary_o either_o absent_v myself_o from_o their_o assembly_n to_o holy_a exercise_n or_o yet_o depart_v away_o be_v come_v together_o without_o breach_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n sunder_v the_o cement_n of_o love_n impair_n the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n 46._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v elsewhere_o 13._o richard_n bernard_n call_v it_o a_o uncharitable_a and_o lewd_a schism_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o i_o need_v not_o mention_v more_o particular_a author_n since_o in_o the_o grave_a confutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o separatist_n 57_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n it_o be_v say_v that_o because_o we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n conâ—â—ting_v of_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o a_o faithful_a people_n therefore_o they_o can_v separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o but_o they_o must_v needs_o incur_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o odious_a reproach_n of_o manifest_a schism_n 17._o and_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n who_o live_v in_o separation_n they_o say_v we_o hold_v they_o all_o to_o be_v in_o a_o dangerous_a estate_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v in_o a_o damnable_a estate_n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o schism_n sect._n 9_o but_o for_o our_o far_a understanding_n the_o full_a state_n of_o this_o controversy_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o thing_n be_v agree_v on_o both_o side_n and_o where_o the_o main_a point_n of_o difference_n lay_v 1._o the_o separatist_n do_v yield_v the_o doctrine_n or_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n true_a and_o sound_a and_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o in_o their_o apology_n present_v to_o king_n james_n 1604._o thus_o they_o speak_v we_o testify_v by_o these_o present_n unto_o all_o man_n and_o desire_v they_o to_o take_v knowledge_n hereof_o that_o we_o have_v not_o forsake_v any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o true_a ancient_n catholic_n and_o 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 still_o 1599_o and_o the_o publisher_n of_o the_o dispute_n about_o separation_n between_o johnson_n and_o jacob_n say_v that_o the_o first_o separatist_n never_o deny_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o to_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o always_o hold_v profess_a and_o acknowledge_v the_o contrary_n 240._o barrow_n say_v that_o they_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o english_a martyr_n and_o deem_v they_o save_v notwithstanding_o the_o false_a office_n and_o great_a corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n exercise_v 92._o and_o in_o the_o letter_n to_o a_o lady_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n he_o say_v he_o have_v reverend_a estimation_n of_o sundry_a and_o good_a hope_n of_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o in_o england_n though_o he_o utter_o dislike_v the_o present_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o present_a communion_n ministry_n worship_n government_n and_o ordinance_n ecclesiastical_a of_o these_o cathedral_n and_o parishional_a assembly_n 2._o the_o separatist_n grant_v 7._o that_o separation_n be_v not_o justifiable_a from_o a_o church_n for_o all_o blemish_n and_o corruption_n in_o it_o thus_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o their_o apology_n neither_o count_v we_o it_o lawful_a for_o any_o member_n to_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n which_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o call_v shall_v studious_o seek_v to_o cure_v and_o to_o expect_v and_o further_o it_o until_o either_o there_o follow_v redress_n or_o the_o disease_n be_v grow_v incurable_a and_o in_o the_o 36_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n write_v by_o johnson_n and_o ainsworth_n they_o have_v these_o word_n none_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n right_o gather_v and_o establish_v for_o fault_n and_o corruption_n which_o may_v and_o so_o
christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o any_o prophet_n either_o command_v to_o deal_v otherwise_o than_o by_o persuasion_n in_o public_a reformation_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v it_o or_o reprove_v for_o the_o contrary_n four_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o answer_v two_o thing_n i._o that_o though_o they_o set_v up_o church-government_n without_o the_o magistrate_n leave_v yet_o not_o contrary_a to_o his_o like_n or_o when_o he_o oppose_v his_o authority_n direct_o and_o inhibit_v it_o they_o never_o erect_v the_o discipline_n when_o there_o be_v so_o direct_a a_o opposition_n make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ii_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o then_o yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o now_o for_o neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a magistrate_n altogether_o so_o much_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v neither_o have_v our_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o so_o full_a and_o absolute_a a_o power_n to_o pull_v down_o and_o set_v up_o order_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n those_o wise_a master-builder_n have_v five_o as_o to_o their_o minister_n preach_v being_n silence_v they_o declare_v 1._o so_o long_o as_o the_o bishop_n suspend_v 41._o and_o deprive_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n we_o account_v of_o the_o action_n herein_o as_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reverence_n and_o yield_v unto_o if_o they_o do_v otherwise_o we_o have_v liberty_n give_v we_o by_o the_o law_n to_o appeal_v from_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v when_o it_o suspend_v and_o deprive_v we_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n know_v to_o be_v insufficient_a we_o answer_v that_o it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o depose_v who_o may_v ordain_v and_o they_o may_v shut_v that_o may_v open_v and_o as_o he_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n execute_v a_o ministry_n by_o the_o ordination_n and_o call_v of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o some_o unfitness_n if_o the_o church_n will_v press_v he_o to_o it_o so_o may_v he_o who_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o no_o fault_n that_o deserve_v deprivation_n cease_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n when_o he_o be_v press_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o if_o a_o guiltless_a person_n put_v out_o of_o his_o charge_n by_o the_o church_n authority_n may_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o what_o proceed_n can_v there_o be_v against_o guilty_a person_n who_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n be_v always_o guiltless_a or_o will_v at_o least_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v see_v they_o will_v be_v ready_a always_o to_o object_n against_o the_o church_n judgement_n that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o may_v not_o therefore_o give_v over_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o the_o will_n of_o bishop_n quaere_fw-la 2._o that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o different_a from_o they_o in_o three_o respect_n first_o they_o that_o inhibit_v the_o apostle_n be_v know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n second_o the_o apostle_n be_v charge_v not_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o publish_v any_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o commandment_n may_v more_o hardly_o be_v yield_v unto_o than_o this_o of_o our_o bishop_n who_o though_o they_o can_v endure_v they_o which_o teach_v that_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o concern_v the_o good_a government_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o only_o content_a that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v but_o be_v also_o preacher_n of_o it_o themselves_o three_o the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o their_o call_v and_o authority_n from_o man_n nor_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o also_o may_v not_o be_v restrain_v or_o depose_v by_o man_n whereas_o 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this_o way_n of_o answer_v be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o curcellaeus_n his_o greek_a testament_n and_o another_o shall_v reply_v if_o curcellaeus_n say_v so_o it_o have_v be_v no_o proof_n can_v mr._n b._n satisfy_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o answer_n when_o fr._n johnson_n say_v 89._o that_o our_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v silence_v and_o depose_v from_o their_o public_a ministry_n no_o not_o by_o lawful_a magistrate_n mr._n bradshaw_n answer_v this_o assertion_n be_v false_a and_o seditious_a and_o when_o johnson_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o make_v their_o immediate_a call_v from_o god_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o refusal_n but_o this_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n require_v of_o all_o minister_n and_o christian_n bradshaw_n a_o person_n former_o in_o great_a esteem_n with_o mr._n baxter_n and_o high_o commend_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o dispute_n with_o johnson_n give_v this_o answer_n 1._o though_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o assign_v their_o immediate_a call_v from_o god_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o refusal_n in_o so_o many_o letter_n and_o syllable_n yet_o that_o which_o they_o do_v assign_v be_v by_o implication_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v god_n himself_o have_v impose_v this_o call_v upon_o we_o and_o not_o man_n and_o therefore_o except_o we_o shall_v rather_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n we_o may_v not_o forbear_v this_o office_n which_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o for_o oppose_v the_o obedience_n of_o god_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o man_n they_o therein_o plead_v a_o call_v from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o man_n otherwise_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o call_v from_o man_n there_o have_v be_v incongruity_n in_o the_o answer_n consider_v that_o in_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n they_o ought_v so_o far_o forth_o to_o obey_v man_n forbid_v they_o to_o exercise_v a_o call_v as_o they_o exercise_v the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o call_v else_o by_o this_o reason_n a_o minister_n shall_v not_o cease_v to_o preach_v upon_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v choose_v he_o but_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o give_v they_o also_o the_o same_o answer_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v which_o be_v absurd_a so_o that_o by_o this_o gross_a conceit_n of_o mr._n johnson_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n whosoever_o to_o depose_v a_o minister_n from_o his_o ministry_n but_o that_o nowithstand_v any_o commandment_n of_o church_n or_o state_n the_o minister_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o ministry_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a answer_n of_o this_o his_o ignorant_a conceit_n plain_o tend_v to_o sedition_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n preach_v public_o where_o they_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o open_a violence_n and_o do_v not_o nor_o may_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n upon_o any_o human_a authority_n or_o commandment_n whatsoever_o because_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o or_o exercise_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o yet_o they_o never_o erect_v and_o plant_v public_a church_n and_o ministery_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o magistrate_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o or_o in_o despite_n of_o they_o but_o such_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v as_o private_a and_o invisible_a as_o may_v be_v 3._o neither_o be_v some_o of_o the_o apostle_n only_o forbid_v so_o as_o other_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v the_o same_o gospel_n in_o their_o place_n but_o the_o utter_a abolish_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v manifest_o
intend_v in_o silence_v of_o they_o but_o our_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v minister_n be_v no_o private_a and_o secret_a assembly_n such_o as_o hide_v themselves_o from_o the_o face_n of_o a_o persecute_v magistrate_n and_o state_n but_o be_v public_a profess_v their_o worship_n and_o do_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o state_n yea_o and_o by_o his_o countenance_n authority_n and_o protection_n and_o we_o be_v set_v over_o those_o church_n not_o only_o by_o a_o call_v of_o our_o people_n but_o also_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o arm_a power_n to_o hinder_v any_o such_o public_a action_n who_o be_v willing_a also_o to_o permit_v and_o maintain_v other_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o place_n where_o he_o forbid_v some_o if_o therefore_o after_o our_o public_a call_n to_o minister_v to_o such_o a_o know_a and_o public_a church_n not_o by_o the_o church_n only_o but_o by_o the_o magistrate_n 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not_o preach_v minister_n for_o one_o that_o there_o be_v now_o and_o what_o be_v there_o which_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n more_o complain_v of_o than_o the_o want_n of_o a_o more_o preach_a ministry_n this_o then_o can_v not_o be_v mr._n bradshaw_n reason_n and_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o second_o thought_n can_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n i_o have_v yet_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n which_o be_v mr._n sprint_n argument_n for_o conformity_n in_o case_n of_o deprivation_n 2._o which_o be_v that_o where_o two_o duty_n do_v meet_v a_o great_a and_o a_o less_o whereof_o both_o can_v be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o lesser_a duty_n must_v yield_v unto_o the_o great_a but_o this_o doctrine_n of_o suffer_a deprivation_n for_o not_o conform_v teach_v and_o the_o practice_n thereof_o cause_v to_o neglect_v a_o great_a duty_n for_o perform_v of_o a_o less_o therefore_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o a_o sin_n in_o practice_n the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o minister_n deprive_v by_o law_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a function_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n be_v and_o to_o confirm_v this_o several_a nonconformist_n undertake_v to_o answer_v this_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o disparity_n of_o the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o we_o for_o mr._n sprint_v have_v urge_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n since_o they_o submit_v to_o jewish_a ceremony_n rather_o than_o lose_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o ought_v to_o yield_v to_o our_o ceremony_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o which_o they_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v far_o great_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v 232_o because_o their_o ministry_n be_v of_o far_o great_a excellency_n and_o usefulness_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v of_o much_o great_a weight_n with_o the_o apostle_n than_o it_o can_v be_v with_o they_o for_o say_v they_o what_o one_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o that_o dare_v be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o say_v that_o his_o preach_a and_o ministry_n can_v be_v of_o that_o necessity_n and_o use_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o his_o church_n as_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n the_o work_n whereunto_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o separate_v the_o apostle_n viz._n the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o preach_a the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o any_o other_o but_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o in_o deprivation_n of_o our_o minister_n that_o refuse_v conformity_n there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n and_o of_o their_o preach_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o necessity_n imagine_v though_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v still_o and_o that_o sound_o and_o fruitful_o do_v these_o man_n think_v the_o apostle_n woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n do_v reach_v to_o their_o case_n can_v mr._n b._n imagine_v that_o such_o man_n think_v themselves_o still_o bind_v to_o preach_v although_o they_o be_v silence_v by_o our_o law_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v evident_o true_a which_o mr._n b._n say_v be_v notorious_o false_a but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o mr._n b._n will_v persist_v in_o say_v that_o he_o know_v those_o who_o do_v otherwise_o all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o be_v that_o i_o hope_v mr._n bs._n acquaintance_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o party_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o he_o represent_v be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v not_o very_o happy_a in_o either_o part_n
separate_v upon_o their_o judgement_n of_o their_o minister_n ability_n and_o fitness_n you_o can_v never_o secure_v they_o from_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n or_o minister_n whatsoever_o and_o no_o settle_a church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o subsist_v long_o without_o infinite_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n if_o this_o be_v allow_v for_o mr._n b._n think_v they_o uncapable_a of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o the_o people_n judgement_n 1._o who_o have_v not_o tolerable_a ministerial_a knowledge_n 50._o or_o utterance_n 2._o who_o be_v heretical_a 3._o who_o malignant_o oppose_v serious_a religion_n as_o hypocrisy_n or_o a_o needless_a thing_n 4._o who_o by_o their_o wicked_a life_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o they_o do_v good_a from_o such_o say_v he_o st._n paul_n bid_v turn_v away_o and_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n and_o so_o may_v separate_a 1._o when_o they_o be_v unsatisfy_v about_o the_o ministerial_a knowledge_n or_o utterance_n of_o their_o minister_n as_o for_o their_o utterance_n we_o may_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o that_o but_o i_o never_o hear_v before_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v bid_v people_n turn_v away_o from_o their_o minister_n if_o their_o utterance_n be_v not_o think_v to_o be_v tolerable_a for_o he_o intimate_v that_o some_o complain_v of_o his_o utterance_n and_o have_v he_o in_o contempt_n for_o it_o but_o as_o to_o ability_n and_o knowledge_n fit_a for_o minister_n be_v not_o the_o people_n admirable_a judge_n how_o few_o how_o very_a few_o even_o of_o those_o of_o the_o people_n who_o pretend_v most_o to_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n have_v any_o tolerable_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a principle_n and_o right_a notion_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v only_o of_o artificer_n and_o tradesman_n but_o of_o those_o of_o better_a education_n who_o either_o by_o prejudices_fw-la or_o want_v of_o due_a application_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o such_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o great_a mistake_n about_o religion_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v very_o good_a man_n if_o such_o as_o these_o be_v so_o unfit_a to_o judge_n of_o ministerial_a knowledge_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o raw_a and_o injudicious_a professor_n of_o religion_n mr._n b_n experience_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o little_a as_o not_o to_o know_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o among_o the_o people_n most_o apt_a to_o divide_v and_o separate_a be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o strange_a thing_n he_o shall_v thus_o subject_v the_o judgement_n of_o ministerial_a knowledge_n to_o such_o a_o company_n of_o trier_n as_o these_o but_o suppose_v they_o do_v allow_v their_o minister_n to_o pass_v for_o man_n of_o tolerable_a ability_n and_o reasonable_a good_a utterance_n there_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n yet_o behind_o and_o that_o be_v to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o people_n to_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n for_o say_v mr._n b._n 2_o if_o they_o be_v heretical_a they_o may_v without_o sin_n separate_v from_o they_o but_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n escape_v be_v think_v heretical_a by_o the_o people_n if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v he_o so_o i.e._n if_o he_o cross_v their_o humour_n and_o deliver_v such_o doctrine_n as_o do_v not_o please_v they_o for_o that_o be_v general_o their_o standard_n for_o heresy_n and_o they_o can_v well_o have_v any_o other_o unless_o you_o will_v suppose_v all_o the_o people_n to_o be_v learned_a divine_n and_o every_o man_n oblige_v to_o read_v and_o understand_v epiphanius_n and_o binius_fw-la and_o then_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v competent_a judge_n of_o heresy_n and_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v even_o with_o the_o divine_n for_o have_v be_v their_o judge_n so_o long_o in_o that_o matter_n let_v we_o now_o suppose_v a_o person_n of_o great_a value_n and_o esteem_v among_o they_o for_o his_o other_o ministerial_a ability_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v think_v unsound_a in_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n and_o to_o draw_v too_o near_o to_o the_o papist_n in_o it_o and_o this_o not_o only_o be_v say_v by_o the_o common_a people_n but_o they_o be_v abet_v and_o encourage_v in_o it_o by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o teacher_n who_o tell_v they_o this_o be_v a_o fundamental_a point_n articulus_fw-la stantis_fw-la &_o cadentis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n as_o yield_v in_o that_o matter_n as_o some_o have_v say_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v in_o this_o case_n whether_o upon_o mr._n b_n principle_n the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o separate_a from_o such_o a_o man_n notwithstanding_o his_o other_o ability_n the_o like_a may_v happen_v as_o to_o many_o other_o doctrine_n which_o the_o people_n be_v as_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o as_o they_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o yet_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o man_n may_v pass_v for_o sound_n in_o the_o main_a among_o the_o people_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o he_o if_o under_o pretence_n of_o cure_v division_n he_o expose_v good_a people_n and_o lay_v open_a with_o great_a freedom_n and_o plainness_n their_o factious_a turbulent_a censorious_a vngovernable_a humour_n not_o omit_v their_o injudiciousness_n but_o forget_v all_o the_o while_n that_o these_o same_o injudicious_a people_n with_o all_o their_o other_o fault_n be_v once_o his_o elector_n and_o be_v still_o his_o judge_n suppose_v that_o he_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o for_o their_o ignorance_n injudiciousness_n pride_n and_o selfconceitedness_a they_o be_v their_o grief_n and_o their_o shame_n that_o they_o be_v endanger_v by_o division_n principal_o because_o the_o selfconceited_a part_n of_o the_o religious_a people_n will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o their_o pastor_n that_o it_o be_v they_o that_o tempt_v the_o papist_n to_o use_v fire_n and_o faggot_n that_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v nor_o keep_v in_o concord_n by_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a and_o most_o self-denying_a minister_n upon_o earth_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o very_a kind_a word_n of_o themselves_o do_v not_o we_o think_v such_o people_n will_v call_v all_o this_o revile_v and_o reproach_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o say_v that_o such_o man_n do_v malignant_o oppose_v serious_a godliness_n as_o hypocrisy_n and_o let_v their_o life_n be_v what_o they_o will_v they_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a and_o therefore_o by_o mr._n b_n own_o rule_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o seprate_a from_o the_o wise_a the_o holy_a the_o most_o self-denying_a minister_n upon_o earth_n which_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a to_o show_v the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o put_v so_o great_a a_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o separation_n upon_o it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n sect._n 10._o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o encouragement_n to_o separation_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n by_o their_o power_n of_o judge_v and_o withdraw_v from_o their_o minister_n for_o 2._o they_o insinuate_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o conform_v clergy_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o fault_n as_o the_o people_n may_v lawful_o separate_a from_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o particular_n first_o they_o make_v conformity_n itself_o to_o be_v a_o very_a scandalous_a thing_n and_o then_o tell_v the_o people_n over_o and_o over_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o scandalous_a priest_n especial_o when_o the_o scandal_n be_v notorious_a as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n 108._o mr._n b._n go_v about_o to_o prove_v this_o by_o many_o argument_n when_o he_o write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o judgement_n they_o pass_v upon_o conformity_n in_o one_o place_n he_o say_v that_o the_o love_n of_o peace_n 43._o and_o the_o fear_n of_o frightning_n any_o far_o from_o parish_n communion_n than_o i_o desire_v as_o though_o such_o suggestion_n do_v not_o do_v it_o enough_o do_v oblige_v i_o to_o forbear_v so_o much_o as_o to_o describe_v or_o name_v the_o additional_a conformity_n and_o that_o sin_n which_o nonconformist_n fear_n and_o fly_v from_o which_o make_v it_o hard_o to_o we_o that_o desire_v it_o to_o draw_v many_o good_a people_n to_o communion_n with_o conformist_n than_o it_o be_v of_o old_a no_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o you_o give_v such_o broad_a intimation_n as_o these_o be_v what_o a_o horrible_a scandalous_a sin_n conformity_n be_v nay_o he_o make_v it_o a_o inexcusable_a sin_n when_o he_o say_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o plea_n that_o more_o like_a truth_n have_v be_v say_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o anabaptistry_n polygamy_n drunkenness_n steal_v and_o lie_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n than_o any_o thing_n he_o ever_o yet_o read_v of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v there_o describe_v i.e._n full_a conformity_n 46._o he_o charge_v we_o