An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches.…

And this very Calvin who doth so severely condemn Separation from a true Church as by him stated, did himself quietly and peaceably withdraw and depart from the Church of Geneva, when they refused to admit that Discipline, which he esteemed to be according to the Mind of Christ. It is certain therefore that by the Separation which he condemns, he doth not intend the peaceable Relinquishment of the Communion of any Church, as unto a constant participation of all Ordinances in it, for want of due means of Edification, much less that which hath so many other Causes concurring therewith.

For the other Learned Men whom he quotes unto the same purpose, I see not any thing that gives the least countenance unto his Assertion that our Principles weaken ⟨p. 289⟩the Cause of the Reformation. It is true they plead other Causes of Separation from the Church of Rome, than those insisted on by us, with respect unto the Church of England; and indeed they had been otherwise much to blame▪ having so many things as they had, to plead of greater importance. Did we say that the Reasons which we plead, are all that can be pleaded to justify the Separation of the Reformed Churches from the Church of Rome, it would weaken the Cause of Reformation. For we should then deny that Idolatry and fundamental Errors in Faith, were any Cause or Ground of that Separation. However we know that the Imposition of them on the Faith and Practise of all Christians, is more pleaded in Justification of a Separation from them, then the things themselves. But allowing those greater Reasons to be pleaded against the Roman Communion as we do, it doth not in the least follow that our Reasons for refraining Communion with Parochial Assemblies, doth weaken the Cause of the Reformation.

For the other Learned Men whom he quotes unto the same purpose, I see not any thing that gives the least countenance unto his Assertion that our Principles weaken ⟨p. 289⟩the Cause of the Reformation. It is true they plead other Causes of Separation from the Church of Rome, than those insisted on by us, with respect unto the Church of England; and indeed they had been otherwise much to blame having so many things as they had, to plead of greater importance. Did we say that the Reasons which we plead, are all that can be pleaded to justifie the Separation of the Reformed Churches from the Church of Rome, it would weaken the Cause of Reformation. For we should then deny that Idolatry and fundamental Errors in Faith, were any Cause or Ground of that Separation. However we know that the Imposition of them on the Faith and Practise of all Christians, is more pleaded in Justification of a Separation from them, then the things themselves. But allowing those greater Reasons to be pleaded against the Roman Communion as we do, it doth not in the least follow that our Reasons for refraining Communion with Parochial Assemblies, doth weaken the Cause of the Reformation.