all_o the_o great_a body_n of_o those_o who_o divide_v from_o our_o constitution_n have_v some_o ritual_n of_o their_o own_o so_o the_o dispute_n in_o this_o must_v only_o be_v concern_v the_o degree_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n for_o if_o any_o authority_n be_v allow_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o fix_v any_o other_o bound_n to_o it_o but_o this_o that_o it_o must_v not_o invade_v the_o divine_a authority_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o rule_n and_o limit_n set_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n the_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v must_v carry_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v unlawful_a bare_a unfitness_n though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o great_a weight_n when_o such_o thing_n be_v deliberate_v about_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o conclude_v can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o disobey_v they_o since_o the_o fitness_n of_o order_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o unity_n and_o obedience_n be_v certain_o of_o much_o more_o value_n than_o any_o special_a unfitness_n that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o any_o particular_a instance_n so_o that_o one_o of_o these_o two_o must_v be_v admit_v either_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o sort_n of_o authority_n even_o in_o the_o small_a circumstance_n but_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v only_o execute_v they_o strict_o and_o not_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o a_o title_n or_o this_o authority_n must_v go_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a on_o that_o i_o will_v dwell_v no_o long_o here_o the_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o matter_n belong_v to_o another_o discourse_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v declare_v and_o fix_v their_o doctrine_n and_o have_v settle_v rule_n for_o their_o ritual_n may_v excommunicate_v such_o as_o either_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o constitution_n of_o their_o society_n excommunication_n in_o the_o strictness_n of_o thing_n be_v only_o the_o church_n refuse_v to_o receive_v a_o person_n into_o her_o communion_n now_o as_o every_o private_a man_n be_v the_o master_n of_o his_o own_o action_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o every_o body_n of_o man_n must_v also_o be_v the_o master_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o though_o excommunication_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v declaratory_a it_o be_v a_o solemn_a denunciation_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o person_n who_o live_v in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o its_o law_n so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o authoritative_a act_n by_o which_o a_o church_n refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o such_o a_o person_n in_o this_o it_o be_v true_a church_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o large_a and_o extensive_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o order_n but_o after_o all_o they_o have_v a_o power_n over_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o action_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v likewise_o clothe_v with_o a_o power_n to_o communicate_v with_o other_o person_n or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n in_o which_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o this_o power_n in_o itself_o and_o the_o use_n and_o management_n of_o it_o for_o any_o abuse_n whether_o true_a or_o only_o pretend_v though_o they_o may_v well_o be_v urge_v to_o procure_v a_o proper_a reformation_n of_o they_o yet_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o be_v both_o just_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o clear_a to_o state_n the_o subordination_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v put_v under_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o how_o far_o all_o act_n of_o church_n power_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o policy_n of_o those_o state_n to_o which_o the_o several_a church_n do_v belong_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_a or_o not_o do_v not_o at_o all_o alter_v the_o case_n that_o have_v only_o a_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o salvation_n for_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o same_o whatever_o his_o belief_n may_v be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n his_o design_n to_o protect_v or_o to_o destroy_v religion_n alter_v the_o case_n more_o sensible_o for_o the_o regard_v to_o that_o protection_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o together_o with_o the_o breach_n and_o disorder_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o a_o ill_a understanding_n between_o church_n and_o state_n be_v matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o mere_a prudence_n which_o may_v give_v perhaps_o too_o strong_a a_o bias_n to_o carnal_a fear_n and_o policy_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n which_o oblige_v the_o church_n to_o study_v to_o preserve_v that_o order_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a blessing_n of_o the_o society_n and_o a_o main_a instrument_n of_o do_v much_o good_a great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o a_o authority_n that_o act_n with_o a_o visible_a design_n to_o destroy_v religion_n and_o another_o that_o intend_v to_o protect_v it_o but_o that_o err_v in_o its_o conduct_n and_o do_v often_o restrain_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o impose_v hard_a and_o uneasy_a thing_n certain_o in_o the_o latter_a much_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o that_o may_v be_v otherwise_o uneasy_a because_o the_o main_n be_v still_o safe_a and_o private_a slip_n when_o endure_v and_o submit_v to_o can_v never_o be_v compare_v to_o those_o public_a disorder_n that_o a_o rigid_a maintain_n of_o that_o which_o be_v perhaps_o in_o itself_o good_a must_v occasion_n but_o when_o the_o design_n be_v plain_a and_o that_o the_o conduct_v of_o the_o civil_a power_n go_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o any_o main_a article_n of_o it_o than_o the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o state_n ought_v to_o fortify_v themselves_o by_o maintain_v their_o order_n and_o their_o other_o rule_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o preservation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o state_n but_o mere_o in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o religion_n that_o she_o profess_v be_v plain_a and_o positive_a so_o that_o the_o question_n come_v to_o be_v real_o this_o whether_o be_v it_o better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n there_o the_o rule_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o decision_n be_v soon_o make_v so_o when_o the_o church_n act_v mere_o in_o obedience_n to_o rule_n and_o law_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n such_o as_o in_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n in_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o maintain_v the_o settle_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n she_o be_v upon_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o must_v cast_v herself_o upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n whatever_o may_v happen_v and_o still_o obey_v god_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v arisen_a out_o of_o ancient_a custom_n and_o canon_n in_o every_o thing_n where_o she_o have_v not_o a_o law_n of_o god_n to_o support_v she_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o power_n she_o have_v to_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o law_n and_o to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a authority_n in_o this_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o small_a argument_n who_o be_v sanhedrin_n that_o be_v a_o civil_a court_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o state_n do_v give_v rule_n and_o order_n which_o their_o priest_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v when_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sure_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o it_o be_v never_o censure_v nor_o reprove_v by_o he_o nor_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o argument_n be_v also_o strong_a that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o time_n that_o she_o first_o have_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o papal_a domination_n in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o emperor_n all_o along_o make_v law_n concern_v all_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n we_o find_v they_o receive_v appeal_n in_o all_o church_n matter_n which_o they_o appoint_v such_o bishop_n as_o happen_v to_o be_v about_o their_o court_n to_o examine_v this_o be_v like_o our_o court_n of_o delegate_n for_o the_o bishop_n who_o judge_v those_o matter_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o canon_n or_o by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a
christian_n to_o adore_v as_o they_o receive_v it_o now_o in_o a_o course_n of_o many_o age_n this_o difference_n of_o several_a degree_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o posture_n proper_a to_o they_o be_v quite_o wear_v out_o so_o that_o kneel_v be_v become_v the_o common_a posture_n of_o all_o prayer_n whatsoever_o therefore_o we_o receive_v in_o a_o posture_n of_o prayer_n do_v in_o that_o follow_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o the_o best_a age_n kneel_v be_v a_o matter_n mere_o ritual_a and_o be_v now_o grow_v the_o common_a rite_n express_v our_o humility_n in_o prayer_n we_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n since_o we_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n in_o our_o posture_n of_o prayer_n as_o they_o do_v in_o they_o the_o plausible_a exception_n to_o all_o this_o be_v that_o since_o our_o saviour_n do_v institute_v this_o sacrament_n at_o a_o table_n after_o supper_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a depart_n from_o his_o practice_n and_o the_o pattern_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o posture_n if_o this_o objection_n have_v any_o force_n it_o shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v lean_v along_o according_a to_o the_o posture_n of_o sit_v at_o table_n in_o those_o day_n and_o if_o we_o must_v adhere_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o institution_n the_o time_n after_o supper_n and_o the_o place_n a_o upper_a room_n will_v be_v as_o obligatory_a upon_o we_o as_o the_o posture_n since_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o value_n but_o to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o to_o show_v by_o a_o clear_a parity_n the_o just_a reason_n of_o depart_v from_o our_o saviour_n practice_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o when_o moses_n give_v out_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o paschal_n festivity_n he_o limit_v that_o people_n by_o express_a word_n to_o a_o posture_n they_o be_v to_o eat_v it_o with_o their_o loin_n gird_v and_o their_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n with_o staves_z in_o their_o hand_n 11._o thus_o ready_a to_o march_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o institution_n that_o give_v the_o least_o hint_n as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o mean_v to_o be_v a_o last_a precept_n so_o here_o be_v much_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a example_n a_o precept_n give_v in_o very_o plain_a word_n without_o any_o limitation_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o when_o the_o israelite_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n at_o rest_n and_o no_o more_o oblige_v to_o march_v this_o change_n of_o their_o circumstance_n do_v from_o the_o natural_a suitableness_n of_o thing_n bring_v on_o a_o change_n in_o this_o part_n of_o that_o festivity_n they_o sit_v about_o their_o table_n or_o rather_o lean_v and_o so_o they_o do_v eat_v the_o lamb_n in_o that_o lazy_a posture_n that_o express_v the_o rest_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o this_o they_o commit_v no_o error_n since_o our_o saviour_n himself_o justify_v their_o practice_n by_o conform_v to_o it_o so_o here_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a practice_n a_o express_a institution_n in_o a_o ritual_a matter_n be_v change_v by_o a_o church_n that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v much_o more_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o law_n than_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v yet_o a_o great_a alteration_n in_o their_o circumstance_n make_v they_o conclude_v that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v alter_v and_o in_o that_o they_o do_v right_a now_o if_o we_o will_v apply_v this_o to_o the_o christian_a passover_n christ_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o humiliation_n and_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n institute_n it_o and_o do_v it_o in_o a_o familiar_a posture_n of_o equality_n with_o his_o disciple_n at_o table_n but_o give_v no_o rule_n how_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o future_a as_o moses_n have_v do_v afterward_o a_o vast_a change_n happen_v in_o his_o visible_a condition_n he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o exalt_v up_o into_o heaven_n upon_o this_o change_n therefore_o with_o relation_n to_o his_o human_a nature_n that_o be_v vast_o more_o important_a than_o that_o which_o have_v happenen_v to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v high_o congruous_a to_o that_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n can_v not_o be_v unacquainted_a for_o they_o to_o have_v change_v the_o posture_n from_o the_o appearance_n of_o familiarity_n to_o that_o of_o respect_n and_o to_o have_v bring_v it_o to_o the_o posture_n which_o they_o use_v in_o prayer_n and_o their_o other_o devotion_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v object_v to_o our_o posture_n in_o receive_v another_o exception_n some_o have_v to_o our_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o previous_a examination_n of_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o that_o a_o promiscuous_a multitude_n come_v without_o any_o notice_n give_v or_o enquiry_n make_v after_o they_o though_o we_o be_v command_v to_o note_v such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o 3.14_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a nay_o with_o brethren_n that_o be_v christian_n who_o live_v scandalous_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o eat_v to_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v 5.11_o that_o a_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o a_o church_n that_o lie_v yet_o under_o some_o defect_n which_o she_o lament_v and_o can_v get_v they_o to_o be_v effectual_o supply_v and_o a_o church_n that_o be_v vicious_o faulty_a and_o blamable_a in_o any_o thing_n she_o do_v if_o the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o good_a so_o that_o particular_a person_n be_v oblige_v to_o nothing_o that_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o because_o other_o thing_n be_v not_o do_v which_o perhaps_o be_v fit_v and_o may_v seem_v necessary_a but_o a_o further_a distinction_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o thing_n command_v by_o a_o divine_a precept_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o recommend_v by_o the_o practice_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n st._n paul_n do_v only_o prescribe_v this_o that_o every_o man_n examine_v himself_o but_o do_v not_o impose_v it_o upon_o any_o to_o examine_v other_o and_o the_o true_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n render_v examine_v be_v approve_v that_o be_v let_v a_o man_n so_o consider_v himself_o as_o to_o see_v whether_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o this_o give_v no_o other_o person_n a_o authority_n to_o search_v into_o examine_v or_o approve_v such_o we_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o rule_n give_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o any_o such_o previous_a enquiry_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a ancient_n 11.28_o and_o be_v upon_o very_a many_o account_v a_o good_a and_o useful_a practice_n so_o to_o do_v but_o how_o criminal_a soever_o a_o defect_n in_o obey_v a_o divine_a law_n may_v be_v it_o can_v be_v no_o such_o matter_n not_o to_o observe_v even_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o after_o all_o do_v rest_n only_o upon_o a_o human_a authority_n those_o rule_n concern_v scandalous_a person_n belong_v to_o the_o body_n in_o general_a and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v error_n and_o male-administrations_a the_o body_n or_o rather_o its_o pastor_n when_o in_o a_o body_n be_v accountable_a for_o that_o and_o not_o the_o the_o individual_n of_o the_o society_n who_o can_v be_v further_o concern_v in_o they_o than_o to_o lament_v such_o defect_n and_o to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o help_v they_o to_o be_v redress_v so_o this_o can_v never_o justify_v a_o separation_n because_o there_o may_v be_v erroneous_a or_o scandalous_a man_n in_o a_o society_n who_o be_v too_o much_o connive_v at_o st._n paul_n find_v great_a fault_n with_o many_o error_n some_o bad_a practice_n and_o scandal_n among_o the_o corinthian_n yet_o though_o in_o one_o case_n he_o thunder_v a_o severe_a sentence_n upon_o a_o more_o eminent_o scandalous_a man_n he_o never_o so_o much_o as_o insinuate_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v separate_v themselves_o from_o those_o erroneous_a or_o irregular_a man_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o press_v the_o obligation_n to_o unity_n most_o vehement_o on_o the_o corinthian_n though_o that_o be_v the_o church_n which_o he_o charge_v the_o most_o severe_o of_o all_o other_o both_o with_o error_n disorder_n in_o worship_n and_o scandalous_a practice_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o after_o
do_v propose_v he_o as_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o adoration_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o command_v the_o world_n to_o renounce_v all_o idolatry_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n st._n paul_n give_v this_o definition_n of_o heathenish_a idolatry_n 1.9_o that_o it_o be_v a_o worship_n give_v to_o those_o who_o by_o nature_n be_v not_o god_n yet_o he_o pray_v to_o christ_n he_o pray_v for_o grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o he_o to_o all_o the_o church_n he_o write_v to_o 8._o he_o give_v he_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o a_o phrase_n express_v the_o high_a act_n of_o adoration_n he_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o serve_v he_o 10._o he_o give_v blessing_n in_o his_o name_n he_o say_v that_o all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n must_v confess_v he_o and_o bow_v before_o he_o a_o phrase_n import_v adoration_n he_o say_v the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_v he_o 1.6_o in_o other_o epistle_n this_o be_v also_o often_o mention_v and_o in_o st._n john_n vision_n 5.8_o all_o the_o host_n above_o be_v represent_v as_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o to_o worship_v he_o now_o the_o bare_a incurvation_n do_v not_o import_v divine_a worship_n but_o may_v be_v make_v â—o_o a_o creature_n yet_o incurvation_n join_v with_o prayer_n act_n of_o faith_n and_o trust_n and_o praise_n be_v certain_o divine_a worship_n since_o than_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o temptation_n say_v to_o the_o devil_n that_o according_a to_o the_o law_n we_o must_v worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o only_o since_o also_o the_o angel_n when_o he_o reprove_v st._n john_n for_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o 10._o bid_v he_o worship_n god_n then_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v lay_v together_o and_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n by_o which_o we_o worship_v god_n be_v also_o ascribe_v to_o christ_n and_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o either_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v true_o god_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n set_v up_o idolatry_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o design_n the_o pull_v it_o down_o every_o where_o as_o if_o idolatry_n have_v only_o be_v to_o be_v change_v in_o its_o object_n and_o to_o be_v transfer_v from_o all_o other_o to_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o point_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o plain_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o chief_a opposer_n of_o the_o article_n of_o his_o divinity_n have_v assert_v it_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n that_o they_o deny_v that_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o to_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v christian_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o point_n that_o be_v more_o full_o and_o frequent_o condemn_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n than_o the_o worship_v a_o creature_n it_o be_v also_o a_o main_a part_n of_o all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n angel_n be_v often_o send_v on_o divine_a deputation_n as_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o great_a god_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v worship_v idolatry_n be_v a_o evil_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v not_o only_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o positive_a precept_n but_o it_o be_v a_o transfer_v of_o the_o honour_n and_o homage_n due_a to_o the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o blessing_n and_o the_o ascribe_v these_o to_o a_o creature_n it_o be_v a_o worship_v the_o creature_n beside_o the_o creator_n and_o if_o the_o same_o act_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o same_o word_n can_v be_v offer_v up_o both_o to_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o creator_n then_o how_o can_v we_o still_o think_v that_o god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o 42.8_o in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v that_o which_o seem_v so_o sensible_a that_o one_o do_v not_o know_v what_o to_o think_v of_o those_o man_n reason_n who_o can_v bring_v themselves_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o differ_v from_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o yet_o can_v swallow_v down_o so_o vast_a a_o absurdity_n that_o be_v more_o open_a to_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o understanding_n as_o that_o the_o same_o act_n in_o which_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v god_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n offer_v up_o to_o a_o creature_n but_o to_o urge_v this_o a_o little_a more_o close_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o averse_a the_o jew_n be_v to_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o idolatry_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n their_o zeal_n against_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o roman_a eagle_n set_v over_o the_o temple-gate_n by_o herod_n and_o against_o the_o statue_n of_o caligula_n beside_o many_o other_o instance_n prove_v this_o beyond_o all_o question_n they_o be_v much_o prejudice_v against_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o they_o have_v be_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o several_a passage_n of_o their_o epistle_n set_v down_o these_o their_o prejudices_fw-la together_o with_o their_o own_o answer_n to_o they_o they_o except_v to_o the_o abrogate_a the_o moysaicall_a ordinance_n and_o to_o their_o call_n in_o the_o gentile_n and_o associate_a themselves_o with_o they_o but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v ever_o charge_v they_o with_o idolatry_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o any_o hint_n ever_o offer_v to_o vindicate_v themselves_o from_o that_o aspersion_n now_o if_o christ_n have_v be_v only_o a_o man_n defy_v advance_v to_o divine_a honour_n or_o if_o he_o have_v be_v ever_o so_o noble_a a_o part_n and_o even_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o have_v be_v now_o make_v the_o object_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_n let_v any_o man_n see_v if_o it_o be_v conceivable_a that_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v such_o implacable_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n shall_v not_o have_v hold_v to_o this_o as_o their_o main_a strength_n &_o chief_a objection_n since_o as_o this_o be_v a_o very_a popular_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o draw_v in_o all_o their_o country_n man_n so_o it_o be_v the_o easy_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o their_o plea_n they_o may_v have_v yield_v that_o all_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o upon_o this_o pretence_n of_o idolatry_n they_o have_v the_o express_a word_n of_o their_o law_n on_o their_o side_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n 2._o and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n this_o be_v such_o a_o express_a and_o full_a decision_n of_o the_o case_n that_o he_o may_v imagine_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v have_v pass_v it_o by_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v object_v it_o or_o that_o the_o apostle_n if_o their_o doctrine_n have_v be_v either_o that_o of_o the_o arian_n or_o of_o the_o socinian_o shall_v not_o have_v either_o answer_v or_o prevent_v the_o objection_n since_o they_o dwell_v long_o upon_o thing_n that_o be_v much_o less_o important_a several_a that_o join_v themselves_o to_o christianity_n be_v scandalize_v and_o fall_v back_o to_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o charge_v they_o with_o idolatry_n or_o that_o the_o jew_n ever_o reproach_v they_o with_o it_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v think_v they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o the_o christian_n have_v offer_v divine_a adoration_n to_o a_o creature_n to_o one_o that_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n new_o dignify_v or_o that_o have_v be_v make_v by_o god_n before_o all_o his_o other_o work_n here_o a_o creature_n be_v make_v a_o god_n and_o the_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o serve_v other_o god_n who_o their_o father_n have_v not_o know_v this_o can_v be_v retort_v on_o we_o who_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o indwel_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n in_o he_o the_o jew_n can_v make_v no_o objection_n to_o this_o who_o know_v that_o their_o father_n have_v worship_v the_o cloud_n of_o glory_n because_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o it_o so_o the_o adore_v the_o messiah_n upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwelling_n bodily_a in_o he_o 9_o can_v bear_v no_o debate_n among_o the_o jew_n
world_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v authorize_v to_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o to_o confirm_v such_o part_n of_o they_o as_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_o bind_v which_o the_o apostle_n shall_v do_v with_o such_o visible_a character_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n empower_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o what_o they_o do_v on_o earth_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n thus_o understand_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o plain_a sense_n which_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v their_o sense_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o here_o peculiar_o give_v to_o st._n peter_n as_o for_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o st._n peter_n that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v and_o his_o restore_v he_o to_o his_o apostolate_a by_o a_o threefold_a charge_n 32._o feed_v my_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n it_o have_v such_o a_o visible_a relation_n to_o his_o fall_n and_o threefold_a denial_n that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o enlarge_v on_o 15._o or_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o signification_n and_o can_v be_v carry_v further_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v from_o the_o scripture_n for_o assert_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v i_o hope_v full_o show_v that_o they_o can_v bear_v that_o sense_n but_o that_o they_o must_v genuine_o bear_v a_o plain_o different_a sense_n which_o do_v no_o way_n differ_v from_o our_o doctrine_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o clear_v all_o this_o for_o though_o as_o be_v before_o make_v out_o it_o be_v no_o proper_a way_n for_o they_o to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n by_o passage_n out_o of_o scripture_n yet_o these_o be_v very_o good_a objection_n to_o we_o who_o upon_o other_o reason_n do_v submit_v to_o their_o authority_n there_o remain_v but_o one_o thing_n now_o to_o be_v clear_v which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o infallible_a it_o do_v not_o easy_o appear_v what_o certainty_n we_o can_v have_v concern_v the_o scripture_n since_o we_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o knowledge_n concern_v they_o but_o what_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o by_o tradition_n if_o therefore_o this_o be_v fallible_a we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o our_o persuasion_n even_o concern_v they_o but_o here_o a_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o carry_v down_o a_o book_n to_o we_o and_o the_o oral_a deliver_v of_o a_o doctrine_n it_o be_v almost_o as_o hard_o to_o suppose_v how_o the_o one_o can_v sail_v as_o how_o the_o other_o shall_v not_o fail_v the_o book_n be_v in_o many_o hand_n spread_v over_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o read_v in_o all_o their_o assembly_n make_v this_o to_o be_v a_o very_a different_a thing_n from_o discourse_n that_o be_v in_o the_o air_n and_o to_o which_o every_o man_n that_o report_v they_o be_v apt_a to_o give_v his_o own_o cue_n a_o great_a difference_n be_v also_o to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o witness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n if_o in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n council_n have_v examine_v controvert_v write_n and_o have_v upon_o that_o past_a sentence_n this_o have_v be_v in_o deed_n a_o judge_v the_o matter_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n ever_o be_v the_o codex_fw-la of_o the_o scripture_n be_v settle_v some_o age_n before_o any_o provincial_a council_n give_v out_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n which_o they_o hold_v as_o canonical_a for_o no_o ancient_a general_n council_n ever_o do_v it_o and_o though_o the_o canonical_a epistle_n of_o which_o there_o not_o be_v such_o a_o certain_a standard_n they_o not_o be_v address_v to_o any_o particular_a body_n that_o have_v preserve_v the_o original_n be_v not_o so_o early_a nor_o so_o universal_o receive_v as_o the_o other_o be_v yet_o the_o matter_n be_v settle_v without_o any_o authoritative_a judgement_n only_o by_o examine_v original_n and_o such_o other_o method_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v only_o be_v make_v out_o but_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v so_o full_o consider_v and_o state_v in_o another_o discourse_n i_o shall_v dwell_v no_o long_o on_o it_o in_o this_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n which_o be_v bring_v from_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o tradition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o word_n tradition_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v in_o book_n of_o controversy_n import_v a_o sense_n opposite_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o tradition_n be_v of_o its_o own_o signification_n a_o general_a word_n that_o import_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v be_v natural_o call_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n say_v by_o ancient_n to_o magnify_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o way_n of_o appeal_n to_o it_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n beside_o when_o man_n be_v so_o near_o the_o apostolical_a age_n that_o they_o can_v name_v the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o have_v such_o or_o such_o hint_n who_o have_v receive_v they_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o from_o apostolical_a man_n tradition_n be_v of_o another_o sort_n of_o authority_n and_o may_v have_v be_v much_o more_o safe_o appeal_v to_o than_o at_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v bring_v either_o from_o irenaeus_n or_o tertullian_n that_o sound_v this_o way_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a difference_n to_o be_v observe_v between_o their_o age_n and_o we_o which_o do_v total_o diversify_v it_o but_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n how_o early_a tradition_n may_v either_o vary_v or_o misrepresent_v matter_n let_v the_o tradition_n not_o only_o in_o but_o before_o st._n irenaeus_n time_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n be_v consider_v which_o go_v up_o as_o high_a as_o st._n polycarps_n time_n we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o several_a church_n adhere_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o apostle_n that_o found_v they_o so_o they_o have_v quite_o forget_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o seem_v these_o various_a observation_n be_v found_v since_o though_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o those_o who_o keep_v easter_n on_o the_o jewish_a day_n do_v it_o that_o by_o their_o condescendence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o that_o matter_n they_o may_v gain_v upon_o they_o and_o soften_v their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o their_o successor_n think_v of_o that_o at_o all_o for_o they_o vouch_v their_o custom_n and_o resolve_v to_o adhere_v to_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n mention_v on_o either_o side_n that_o give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o those_o early_a but_o different_a observation_n if_o then_o tradition_n fail_v so_o near_o its_o fountain_n we_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o account_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o it_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n many_o thing_n be_v bring_v with_o great_a pomp_n out_o of_o st._n augustine_n write_n magnify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o term_n which_o after_o all_o the_o allowance_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o his_o diffuse_v and_o african_a eloquence_n can_v hardly_o be_v justify_v yet_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o write_v against_o the_o donatist_n who_o have_v break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o ordainer_n of_o cecilian_a which_o have_v be_v as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o fact_n often_o judge_v against_o they_o and_o yet_o as_o they_o have_v distract_v the_o whole_a african_a church_n so_o they_o be_v man_n of_o fierce_a and_o implacable_a temper_n that_o break_v out_o daily_o into_o act_n of_o great_a fury_n and_o violence_n and_o have_v set_v up_o a_o principle_n that_o must_v for_o ever_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o all_o the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n of_o sacrament_n and_o ordinance_n depend_v upon_o the_o personal_a worth_n of_o he_o that_o officiate_v so_o that_o his_o error_n or_o vice_n do_v make_v void_a all_o that_o past_a through_o his_o hand_n now_o when_o so_o warm_a a_o man_n as_o st._n austin_n have_v so_o bad_a a_o principle_n and_o so_o ill_a a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o view_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o bring_v out_o all_o that_o he_o can_v think_v on_o upon_o the_o subject_n so_o
authority_n which_o have_v put_v the_o church_n in_o a_o state_v line_n of_o subordination_n according_a to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o province_n of_o the_o empire_n they_o act_v only_o by_o a_o imperial_a authority_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v bishop_n they_o act_v by_o the_o emperor_n commission_n such_o authority_n as_o these_o draw_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v at_o least_o strong_a inducement_n to_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v true_a but_o the_o argument_n that_o seem_v to_o determine_v it_o be_v that_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v two_o different_a authority_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o contradict_v one_o another_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a distraction_n in_o man_n thought_n and_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n have_v put_v they_o under_o such_o a_o divide_a authority_n for_o all_o temporal_n will_v easy_o be_v fetch_v within_o a_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la since_o then_o every_o soul_n be_v bind_v under_o the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n to_o obey_v the_o supreme_a power_n we_o must_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v their_o law_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a limitation_n that_o this_o can_v admit_v of_o that_o settle_v this_o whole_a matter_n which_o otherwise_o must_v be_v ravel_v out_o into_o vast_a intricacy_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v for_o certain_a that_o the_o rule_n for_o man_n obedience_n must_v be_v distinct_a and_o fix_a to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a matter_n the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n for_o preserve_v the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o its_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n be_v for_o the_o clergy_n to_o live_v and_o labour_v so_o to_o be_v so_o humble_a and_o modest_a so_o self-denied_n and_o heavenly-minded_n that_o from_o thence_o the_o laity_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o see_v that_o whatsoever_o power_n they_o have_v will_v be_v employ_v for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a this_o will_v make_v they_o to_o be_v less_o jealous_a and_o more_o submissive_a and_o this_o will_v secure_v to_o they_o most_o common_o the_o protection_n and_o encouragement_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n who_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v regard_n to_o their_o clergy_n according_a to_o the_o esteem_n which_o they_o observe_v their_o other_o subject_n have_v for_o they_o discourse_n iu._n concern_v the_o obligation_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o concern_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o church_n and_o indeed_o the_o quiet_a and_o good_a government_n of_o mankind_n more_o than_o right_o to_o understand_v our_o obligation_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v or_o which_o be_v the_o main_a body_n of_o that_o society_n of_o christian_n among_o who_o we_o live_v the_o extreme_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v dangerous_a on_o both_o hand_n a_o lazy_a compliance_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v uppermost_a because_o of_o the_o law_n and_o advantage_n that_o may_v be_v on_o its_o side_n and_o a_o implicit_a believe_v and_o receive_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o do_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n depress_v our_o faculty_n render_v we_o so_o easy_a to_o every_o form_n in_o religion_n that_o we_o become_v at_o last_o indifferent_a to_o all_o and_o concern_v in_o none_o it_o make_v way_n for_o tyranny_n in_o those_o that_o govern_v and_o sink_v those_o that_o be_v govern_v into_o a_o sottish_a stupidity_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o wanton_a cavil_v at_o every_o thing_n thebreaking_a of_o a_o establish_v order_n the_o make_v division_n and_o the_o draw_v of_o party_n the_o quarrel_v about_o nice_a point_n of_o speculation_n or_o some_o lesser_a matter_n in_o ritual_n do_v occasion_n much_o passion_n and_o animosity_n they_o take_v man_n much_o off_o from_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n they_o divide_v christian_n from_o one_o another_o and_o sharpen_v they_o against_o one_o another_o all_o which_o be_v evil_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o consequence_n that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o find_v so_o true_a a_o mean_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o in_o it_o we_o may_v avoid_v the_o mischief_n of_o both_o extreme_n the_o foundation_n then_o to_o be_v lay_v here_o be_v first_o to_o consider_v the_o natural_a obligation_n that_o all_o man_n who_o be_v unite_v by_o any_o common_a bond_n come_v under_o to_o maintain_v a_o cordial_a affection_n and_o a_o mutual_a good_a understanding_n among_o themselves_o both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n to_o preserve_v and_o strengthen_v their_o body_n and_o as_o it_o make_v such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n easy_a and_o happy_a but_o this_o that_o be_v a_o consideration_n common_a to_o all_o joint_a body_n of_o man_n become_v much_o strong_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n one_o of_o its_o main_a design_n be_v to_o knit_v man_n heart_n to_o one_o another_o by_o a_o tenderness_n of_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n our_o saviour_n have_v make_v this_o the_o distinction_n 35._o by_o which_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v who_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n have_v in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o epistle_n not_o except_v the_o short_a press_v this_o in_o such_o a_o variety_n of_o copious_a and_o most_o earnest_a direction_n that_o whosoever_o read_v the_o new_a testament_n careful_o must_v see_v that_o this_o be_v enlarge_v on_o beyond_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o press_v in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a word_n and_o with_o the_o most_o enforce_v consideration_n possible_a the_o chief_a of_o all_o be_v the_o love_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o bear_v to_o we_o in_o imitation_n of_o which_o he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o love_v one_o another_o to_o love_v enemy_n to_o pass_v by_o and_o to_o forgive_v injury_n do_v good_a for_o evil_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessitous_a and_o have_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n for_o all_o man_n this_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o advance_v this_o and_o to_o endear_v we_o to_o one_o another_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o one_o another_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o that_o by_o our_o see_v of_o one_o another_o and_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n our_o love_n and_o union_n may_v become_v strong_a and_o more_o firm_o cement_v sacrament_n be_v sacred_a rite_n institute_v not_o only_o to_o maintain_v our_o devotion_n towards_o god_n as_o act_n of_o homage_n and_o solemn_a vow_n make_v to_o he_o but_o likewise_o as_o bond_n to_o knit_v we_o together_o as_o well_o as_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o our_o head_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o all_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o last_o and_o long_a prayer_n to_o the_o father_n when_o he_o be_v intercede_v for_o his_o church_n have_v repeat_v this_o prayer_n so_o often_o no_o less_o than_o five_o time_n 23._o in_o no_o very_a long_a prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o and_o be_v keep_v and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o and_o the_o unity_n pray_v for_o be_v so_o sublime_a that_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o that_o unconceivable_a unity_n or_o union_n that_o be_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o by_o this_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n 23._o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o more_o need_v not_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o maintain_v a_o entire_a union_n among_o its_o member_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a mean_a of_o do_v this_o be_v their_o unite_n themselves_o in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n now_o the_o only_a question_n that_o will_v remain_v will_v be_v how_o far_o must_v this_o go_v and_o the_o only_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v to_o it_o be_v that_o it_o must_v go_v till_o the_o body_n in_o which_o we_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v impose_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n on_o its_o member_n in_o that_o case_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n and_o that_o we_o must_v seek_v peace_n and_o truth_n since_o a_o union_n on_o unlawful_a term_n be_v a_o combination_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o christian_a charity_n this_o will_v be_v agree_v to_o on_o all_o hand_n in_o the_o general_a so_o i_o will_v go_v
next_o to_o examine_v the_o pretence_n for_o disjoint_v this_o union_n among_o ourselves_o and_o see_v whether_o the_o main_a body_n among_o we_o i_o mean_v our_o church_n have_v impose_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n on_o her_o member_n for_o if_o that_o be_v true_a we_o by_o so_o do_v have_v break_v this_o union_n or_o whether_o any_o who_o have_v separate_v from_o we_o have_v not_o do_v it_o upon_o less_o bind_a consideration_n for_o than_o they_o have_v break_v the_o union_n this_o i_o will_v manage_v with_o all_o possible_a fairness_n and_o without_o the_o least_o reflection_n on_o person_n and_o party_n i_o will_v state_n their_o ground_n and_o put_v their_o argument_n with_o the_o utmost_a force_n that_o i_o can_v apprehend_v belong_v to_o they_o and_o when_o i_o have_v weigh_v they_o i_o will_v leave_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o a_o impartial_a consideration_n the_o first_o point_n in_o which_o every_o man_n must_v fix_v his_o thought_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o free_a to_o he_o to_o choose_v to_o which_o body_n he_o will_v join_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v free_a to_o he_o to_o choose_v in_o which_o parish_n he_o will_v settle_v himself_o for_o since_o all_o parish_n make_v but_o one_o communion_n and_o church_n the_o one_o can_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o other_o and_o if_o all_o that_o be_v say_v before_o be_v true_a then_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o break_v the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o upon_o unlawful_a term_n therefore_o except_o a_o man_n be_v under_o this_o persuasion_n he_o sin_n if_o he_o depart_v from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n but_o since_o conscience_n be_v a_o word_n that_o may_v be_v use_v in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n its_o true_a notion_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o settle_v which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o natural_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o language_n a_o inward_a persuasion_n found_v upon_o some_o reason_n apprehend_v to_o be_v true_a concern_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o this_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o a_o bare_a aversion_n or_o dislike_n to_o a_o thing_n without_o any_o reason_n on_o which_o that_o dislike_n be_v ground_v can_v be_v call_v conscience_n since_o thing_n with_o which_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v or_o that_o be_v uncouth_a to_o we_o which_o we_o have_v often_o hear_v speak_v against_o be_v dislike_v by_o we_o through_o a_o habit_n or_o prejudice_n conceive_v against_o they_o but_o unless_o this_o be_v found_v upon_o some_o reason_n that_o appear_v to_o we_o true_a draw_v either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o conscience_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o man_n under_o these_o conviction_n must_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v those_o his_o reason_n to_o other_o to_o be_v just_a and_o good_a for_o then_o a_o better_a arguer_n who_o can_v silence_v he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o alter_v his_o conscience_n but_o though_o he_o can_v answer_v objection_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o his_o persuasion_n appear_v to_o be_v well_o ground_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o man_n be_v still_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o conscience_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o examine_v how_o far_o a_o err_a conscience_n oblige_v or_o at_o least_o excuse_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v state_v in_o general_a the_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o every_o man_n that_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o deceive_v himself_o may_v certain_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v real_o under_o the_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n or_o if_o he_o be_v only_o guide_v by_o humour_n conceit_n or_o the_o power_n of_o education_n and_o prejudice_n the_o main_a foundation_n out_o of_o which_o most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o some_o of_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v raise_v be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o empower_v to_o execute_v those_o rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v set_v christian_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o pretend_v to_o add_v to_o these_o be_v to_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n as_o defective_a that_o all_o addition_n to_o those_o rule_n set_v we_o in_o scripture_n be_v superstitious_a usage_n that_o they_o impose_v a_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o so_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n that_o if_o some_o rite_n may_v be_v add_v other_o upon_o the_o like_a reason_n may_v be_v also_o add_v to_o these_o and_o so_o on_o without_o bound_n as_o in_o fact_n it_o appear_v that_o when_o the_o church_n go_v once_o off_o from_o the_o first_o simplicity_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o new_a rite_n be_v invent_v to_o beautify_v the_o worship_n these_o addition_n do_v at_o last_o swell_v up_o to_o that_o intolerable_a height_n in_o which_o they_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o religious_a matter_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n rule_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v lawful_a it_o must_v also_o be_v expedient_a but_o for_o that_o pretend_a expediency_n which_o be_v allege_v for_o some_o rite_n that_o they_o be_v expressive_a and_o significant_a it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o for_o a_o significant_a ceremony_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n the_o common_a definition_n of_o which_o 10.23_o that_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o invisible_a grace_n agree_v to_o it_o and_o certain_o the_o appoint_v sacrament_n be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o can_v belong_v only_o to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v its_o head_n and_o founder_n but_o all_o this_o be_v in_o appearance_n the_o strong_a if_o rite_n so_o enjoin_v have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n and_o be_v part_n of_o a_o idolatrous_a worship_n to_o retain_v these_o be_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o it_o though_o the_o scripture_n command_v we_o to_o come_v out_o from_o among_o all_o such_o and_o not_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o they_o hezekiâ—_n break_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n though_o a_o memorial_n of_o a_o signal_n miracle_n 18.4_o in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n a_o instrument_n yet_o when_o even_o that_o be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n a_o good_a king_n break_v it_o to_o piece_n this_o will_v hold_v strong_a against_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o of_o human_a institution_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v away_o how_o innocent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o after_o they_o be_v gross_o abuse_v to_o keep_v up_o the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o scandalize_v and_o offend_v the_o weak_a christian_n though_o st._n paul_n lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o this_o and_o charge_v all_o christian_n not_o to_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o one_o another_o way_n â—_o he_o call_v the_o do_v otherwise_o the_o destroy_v a_o weak_a brother_n and_o in_o conclusion_n since_o st._n paul_n say_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n these_o rite_n therefore_o not_o be_v warrant_v from_o scripture_n 23._o can_v be_v of_o faith_n the_o object_n of_o which_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n they_o must_v therefore_o be_v sinful_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v set_v down_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o plea_n against_o ceremony_n with_o as_o much_o advantage_n as_o i_o can_v imagine_v belong_v to_o they_o i_o go_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o take_v it_o to_o piece_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o every_o part_n of_o this_o reason_v that_o as_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v want_v not_o fair_a and_o specious_a colour_n the_o main_a stress_n lie_v upon_o this_o whether_o the_o church_n in_o her_o ritual_n be_v so_o limit_v to_o the_o scripture_n that_o she_o have_v no_o power_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o they_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n rule_v of_o life_n foederal_n act_v together_o with_o the_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o some_o ritual_a appointment_n such_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o those_o institute_v act_n the_o form_n for_o the_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n together_o with_o some_o other_o institution_n which_o be_v help_n to_o devotion_n and_o do_v fix_v or_o raise_v the_o attention_n for_o the_o former_a sort_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v this_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n it_o must_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o state_n in_o which_o they_o settle_v it_o without_o addition_n or_o variation_n but_o since_o all_o institute_v action_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o person_n place_n time_n word_n and_o posture_n these_o must_v be_v all_o manage_v with_o such_o
personal_a and_o can_v be_v derive_v or_o descend_v the_o only_a holiness_n that_o he_o can_v derive_v be_v a_o right_a to_o consecrate_v the_o common_a issue_n to_o god_n which_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n a_o sanctify_a of_o one_o another_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o natural_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n and_o though_o they_o shall_v not_o seem_v to_o imâ—port_v it_o so_o necessary_o but_o that_o other_o gloss_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o they_o yet_o the_o early_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n mention_v by_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o most_o copious_o by_o st._n cyprian_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o sure_a commentary_n upon_o they_o this_o be_v a_o ritual_a and_o visible_a thing_n in_o which_o we_o may_v much_o more_o safe_o have_v recourse_n to_o tradition_n than_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n it_o be_v here_o remember_v that_o a_o practice_n without_o warrant_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o regard_v as_o a_o practice_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v favourable_a if_o not_o clear_a warrant_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n this_o also_o agree_v with_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o the_o world_n child_n be_v put_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o parent_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n who_o consider_v their_o incapacity_n must_v act_v in_o their_o name_n and_o may_v both_o procure_v right_n and_o privilege_n to_o they_o and_o also_o lay_v tie_n and_o engagement_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v then_o suitable_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o parent_n may_v offer_v up_o their_o child_n to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v tie_v by_o they_o to_o his_o religion_n and_o receive_v into_o the_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o when_o this_o whole_a matter_n be_v thus_o lay_v together_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n will_v evident_o appear_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a then_o according_a to_o what_o be_v at_o first_o make_v out_o the_o church_n may_v oblige_v all_o her_o member_n to_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o have_v sponsor_n be_v but_o a_o increase_n of_o the_o security_n give_v for_o the_o person_n be_v education_n in_o christianity_n the_o care_n of_o the_o parent_n be_v suppose_v as_o already_o bind_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o natural_a relation_n to_o their_o child_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mean_a if_o well_o manage_v of_o knit_a neighbour_n together_o in_o new_a and_o christian_a bond_n all_o exception_n to_o such_o a_o custom_n seem_v very_o ill-grounded_a and_o their_o answer_v so_o positive_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n do_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o infant_n import_v only_o that_o as_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o infant_n shall_v make_v good_a those_o engagement_n in_o due_a time_n our_o affirm_v so_o positive_o that_o all_o child_n who_o be_v baptise_a and_o die_v before_o they_o grow_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v any_o actual_a sin_n be_v certain_o save_v do_v not_o only_o agree_v with_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n but_o also_o with_o this_o declaration_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o their_o child_n 39_o the_o most_o general_a scruple_n against_o our_o form_n in_o baptism_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v discuss_v that_o we_o have_v add_v to_o it_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o popish_a superstition_n indeed_o if_o we_o use_v it_o as_o be_v former_o observe_v as_o they_o do_v with_o a_o adjuration_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o go_v out_o and_o not_o to_o presume_v to_o violate_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n if_o we_o breathe_v cross-way_n and_o pretend_v by_o that_o to_o infuse_v divine_a virtue_n and_o blessing_n here_o be_v just_a objection_n for_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v assume_v a_o power_n to_o make_v sacrament_n and_o to_o affix_v divine_a power_n to_o institution_n of_o our_o own_o therefore_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v retain_v among_o we_o all_o the_o papistical_a and_o superstitious_a use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v throw_v out_o but_o since_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v so_o glory_n in_o the_o cross_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o they_o use_v it_o upon_o most_o occasion_n our_o reformer_n design_v to_o restore_v primitive_a christianity_n thought_n that_o though_o the_o abuse_n of_o this_o to_o so_o much_o superstition_n make_v they_o supercede_v the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o first_o initiation_n to_o christianity_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o use_v it_o once_o for_o all_o but_o with_o word_n that_o show_v they_o retain_v none_o of_o the_o superstitious_a conceit_n of_o popery_n and_o mean_v only_o thereby_o to_o own_o the_o receive_n all_o christian_n into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o a_o obligation_n to_o follow_v christ_n bear_v his_o cross._n and_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o practice_n be_v in_o itself_o not_o only_o innocent_a but_o decent_a and_o that_o there_o be_v very_o plausible_a reason_n to_o say_v no_o more_o for_o enjoin_v it_o so_o that_o the_o not_o use_v it_o be_v the_o disobey_v a_o just_a authority_n in_o a_o lawful_a injunction_n kneel_v in_o the_o eucharist_n seem_v not_o only_o liable_a to_o a_o imputation_n of_o idolatry_n but_o be_v also_o under_o this_o further_a prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v in_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a ritual_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o for_o many_o age_n they_o do_v communicate_v stand_v since_o all_o kneel_v in_o church_n on_o sunday_n or_o in_o the_o time_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n be_v esteem_v a_o crime_n in_o tertullian_n time_n and_o be_v forbidded_a by_o a_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a this_o be_v that_o of_o all_o the_o objection_n raise_v against_o we_o that_o touch_v in_o the_o tender_a part_n since_o this_o be_v the_o great_a symbol_n of_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o in_o which_o most_o formal_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v it_o very_o narrow_o it_o be_v then_o first_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o outward_a action_n do_v signify_v only_o that_o which_o by_o a_o general_a consent_n or_o a_o express_a declaration_n be_v agree_v on_o as_o their_o sense_n and_o importance_n kneel_v to_o king_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v only_o the_o high_a act_n of_o civil_a respect_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o no_o imputation_n of_o idolatry_n therefore_o if_o there_o be_v a_o express_a declaration_n make_v of_o the_o importance_n of_o this_o action_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o a_o adoration_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n nor_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o suppose_v corporal_o present_a but_o only_o a_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n there_o exibit_v to_o we_o than_o this_o posture_n can_v be_v stretch_v beyond_o this_o express_a declaration_n nor_o be_v this_o that_o kneel_v which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o that_o be_v only_o a_o fall_n down_o at_o the_o elevation_n in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o miraculous_a change_n then_o make_v whereas_o we_o be_v a_o continue_a posture_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o we_o continue_v during_o the_o whole_a office_n so_o that_o kneel_v as_o use_v by_o we_o do_v in_o many_o respect_n differ_v from_o the_o knoel_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o for_o that_o specious_a pretence_n that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n they_o do_v not_o kneel_v at_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v only_o a_o appearance_n of_o a_o reason_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n they_o have_v a_o notion_n of_o kneel_v as_o a_o abject_a posture_n which_o only_o become_v penitent_n or_o the_o time_n of_o fast_v they_o think_v that_o upon_o other_o occasion_n stand_v in_o prayer_n have_v a_o appearance_n of_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o agree_v with_o those_o comfortable_a assurance_n and_o that_o joy_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o full_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o stand_v up_o at_o prayer_n which_o be_v most_o indispensable_o observe_v on_o sunday_n and_o the_o fifty_o day_n from_o easter_n to_o pentecost_n but_o stand_v be_v then_o their_o posture_n of_o prayer_n so_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o posture_n appropriate_v to_o prayer_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v from_o those_o weary_a father_n who_o mention_n stand_v as_o the_o posture_n in_o which_o the_o eucharist_n be_v receive_v that_o they_o do_v consider_v it_o as_o a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n and_o so_o require_v all_o