A26946:39
The judgment of non-conformists of the interest of reason in matters of religion in…
The judgment of non-conformists of the interest of reason in matters of religion in which it is proved against make-bates, that both conformists, and non-conformists, and all parties of true Protestants are herein really agreed, though unskilful speakers differ in words.
London : s.n., 1676
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Object. 1. But though they all Subscribe the same Bible, and Articles; they all understand them not alike.
Ans. 1. No, nor any two Persons in the World; It is as probable that any two Men have spoken none but the very same words, as that they have had none but the very same thoughts. 2. Let any difference be shown, as to the Point in question, And such as is not equally managed by Conformists against Conformists, as by them against any particular Non-conformists.
Object. 2. You agree not whether the Reason of the Rulers, or Bishops may make, and impose any Form of Churches, National, Patriarchal, or Provincial, which Christ never made; or any new Offices, or Ceremonies of Worship.
Ans. 1. This is nothing to the Point in question, but of another thing. 2. We are all agreed that circa sacra there are many undetermined Particulars, and Circumstances, which some call Ceremonies; for which, Scripture giveth only a general Command, and Rule, (as, Let all be done decently, in order, to edification, in Unity, &c.) which humane Reason (in Rulers where it is their part, and in Consenters where it is left to consent) may, and must determine: And that they that have Power de rebus extrinsecis circa sacra, may make humane Offices for such humane Works, (as Door-keepers, Church-wardens, Magistrates, to keep Church-peace, and Order, &c.) And if they will call any Lawful Assemblies of Pastors, or orderly Associations, by the Name of (humane) Churches, so they will but distinguish them from Churches of proper Divine Institution, and take away none of those Rights from such as Christ hath given them in Scripture; we know no Party of Protestants that differ de re against them, though many wish that the Name [Churches] were not made common to those of Divine, and of Humane Institution, lest it obscure the great difference of the things named; and lest, as in the Papacy, Societies and Matters of Divine Institution should be thought to stand in a direct Subordination to those of Humane Institution; and the Churches which Christ hath Instituted should be thought to be but