Selected quad for the lemma: act_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
act_n circumstance_n command_v lawful_a 3,295 5 9.7889 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62125 A defence of the peaceable and friendly address to the non-conformists against the ansvver lately given to it. In which the obligation to conform to the constitutions of the established church is maintained and vindicated. The answerers objections solv'd; and his calumnies refuted. Synge, Edward, 1659-1741. 1698 (1698) Wing S6377; ESTC R221946 57,215 64

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

know_v not_o his_o last_o argument_n be_v this_o fear_v or_o worship_n of_o god_n teach_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o vain_a matth._n 15._o 9_o but_o bring_v plague_n on_o they_o who_o abuse_v their_o wisdom_n that_o way_n be_v 29._o 14._o where_o though_o he_o very_o crude_o and_o indistinct_o represent_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o text_n which_o he_o allege_n yet_o i_o free_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o assert_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o understand_v but_o where_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o a_o awful_a sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o he_o himself_o have_v teach_v and_o prescribe_v consist_v in_o confession_n prayer_n thanksgiving_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o omit_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o man_n be_v teach_v and_o urge_v thus_o to_o fear_n and_o worship_n god_n because_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o may_v be_v term_v the_o commandment_n of_o alan_n interpose_v no_o far_a but_o only_o to_o enforce_v and_o not_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o settle_v and_o regulate_v the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o this_o worship_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v i_o can_v see_v what_o from_o either_o of_o these_o text_n can_v with_o any_o colour_n be_v object_v against_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o this_o except_o it_o be_v where_o prejudice_n and_o not_o sober_a and_o impartial_a reason_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o they_o to_o strengthen_v these_o his_o proof_n from_o scripture_n which_o of_o themselves_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v very_o weak_a our_o author_n add_v that_o we_o be_v late_o teach_v what_o he_o have_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n by_o the_o b●shop_n of_o derry_n in_o his_o vanity_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o after_o have_v recite_v some_o of_o his_o lordship_n word_n out_o of_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o book_n mention_v he_o conclude_v thus_o now_o if_o cross_n ring_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o express_o contain_v in_o scripture_n or_o warrant_v by_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n therein_o they_o must_v according_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o derry_n reason_n be_v displease_v to_o god_n and_o so_o forbid_v by_o he_o p._n 101_o 102._o but_o here_o sure_a our_o author_n can_v but_o know_v that_o he_o be_v guilty_a in_o a_o most_o palpable_a manner_n of_o a_o double_a piece_n of_o disingenuity_n for_o neither_o do_v my_o lord_n bishop_n of_o derry_n there_o teach_v we_o that_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o word_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o establish_a church_n but_o only_o offer_v his_o own_o judgement_n of_o those_o thing_n as_o be_v high_o reasonable_a nor_o do_v our_o author_n faithful_o recite_v what_o his_o lordship_n have_v say_v but_o omit_v part_n of_o the_o last_o sentence_n without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a full_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n and_o design_n of_o that_o paragraph_n his_o lordship_n conclusion_n be_v this_o s●nce_n god_n have_v vouchsas●d_v we_o a_o certain_a direction_n or_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v displease_v to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o express_o contain_v or_o warrant_v by_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n mention_v therein_o or_o may_v not_o be_v deduce_v by_o plain_a consequence_n or_o by_o partty_n of_o reason_n from_z they_o which_o last_o word_n our_o author_n have_v very_o unfair_o leave_v out_o so_o that_o although_o our_o ceremony_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d express_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o warrant_v in_o particular_a by_o the_o ●xamp●●●_n of_o ●oly_a man_n therein_o yet_o still_o according_a to_o my_o lord_n bishop_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o that_o very_a paragraph_n which_o our_o author_n quote_v they_o may_v 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈…〉_o to_o god_n if_o they_o can_v be_v deduce_v by_o plain_a cons●●●●rce_n or_o by_o 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈…〉_o and_o that_o all_o our_o form_n and_o ceremony_n be_v justify_v by_o plain_a 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o evident_a congruity_n and_o parity_n of_o reason_n either_o from_o the_o rule_n or_o example's_n of_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n be_v what_o his_o lordship_n have_v partly_o prove_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o that_o book_n and_o may_v very_o effectual_o be_v make_v good_a touch_v those_o other_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o have_v not_o there_o have_v ●ccasion_n to_o speak_v from_o what_o our_o author_n have_v hitherto_o be_v discoursi●●_n he_o p._n 1●2_n ins●rs_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n which_o i_o have_v put_v viz._n can_v a●y_v thing_n be_v call_v a_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v not_o sorbid_v and_o he_o tell_v i_o it_o may_v 〈◊〉_d ●a●s_v he_o uncommand_v worship_n be_v sin_n now_o see_v how_o a_o ill_a cause_n run_v a_o man_n into_o perplexity_n and_o contradiction_n he_o have_v just_a before_o be_v prove_v that_o uncommanded_a worship_n be_v forbid_v and_o yet_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o sin_n although_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d but_o although_o i_o have_v already_o grant_v that_o the_o use_n of_o any_o uncommanded_a thing_n 〈…〉_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o be_v because_o it_o be_v forbid_v yet_o neither_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o nor_o have_v our_o author_n prove_v that_o uncommand_v circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v sinful_a and_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v sinful_a yet_o upon_o what_o other_o account_n they_o can_v be_v so_o beside_o their_o be_v forbid_v i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o learn_v from_o he_o but_o he_o give_v another_o instance_n to_o baptise_v say_v he_o without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n communicate_v without_o kneel_v etc._n etc._n be_v not_o forbid_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o establish_v church_n account_v these_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v very_o easy_a viz._n that_o the_o establish_v church_n account_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v no_o far_o sin_n than_o as_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n disobedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a be_v most_o certain_o forbid_v since_o then_o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n for_o any_o man_n wilful_o to_o omit_v any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o office_n as_o long_o as_o the_o law_n for_o they_o do_v stand_v in_o force_n be_v a_o act_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o high_a power_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o no_o other_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o sin_n by_o we_o but_o nonconformity_n with_o we_o be_v punish_v more_o severe_o than_o some_o gross_a immorality_n i_o answer_v that_o though_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o make_v it_o nothing_o to_o our_o present_a controversy_n nor_o can_v it_o any_o way_n be_v prove_v from_o thence_o that_o conformity_n be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o for_o what_o purpose_n this_o be_v here_o mention_v except_o it_o be_v to_o raise_v the_o passion_n and_o thereby_o more_o effectual_o to_o cloud_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o party_n i_o can_v imagine_v what_o ever_o error_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o a_o church_n as_o no_o humane_a constitution_n perhaps_o be_v ever_o thorough_o perfect_a if_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v too_o strict_a and_o other_o too_o loose_a or_o whatever_o else_o the_o fault_n may_v be_v i_o think_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a fair_o to_o represent_v such_o thing_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o they_o may_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n be_v rectisied_a but_o as_o such_o defect_n as_o these_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o so_o to_o upbraid_v she_o with_o they_o upon_o a_o improper_a occasion_n and_o when_o such_o a_o reproach_n make_v nothing_o to_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n in_o my_o apprehension_n seem_v not_o altogether_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a christian_a spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n that_o this_o hint_n then_o which_o he_o here_o give_v be_v not_o to_o the_o direct_a purpose_n of_o our_o present_a dispute_n be_v most_o plain_a but_o what_o if_o after_o he_o have_v affirm_v it_o so_o positive_o and_o that_o too_o with_o a_o asseveration_n it_o shall_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a a_o truth_n as_o he_o suppose_v it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o for_o nonconformity_n man_n be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v ipso_fw-la
in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a when_o require_v by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o adequate_a matter_n wherein_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v to_o be_v show_v and_o as_o all_o superior_n ought_v to_o exercise_v their_o power_n of_o command_v with_o prudence_n and_o charity_n as_o they_o shall_v answer_v for_o the_o same_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n so_o be_v all_o inferior_n most_o evident_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v conformable_a and_o obedient_a to_o such_o command_n when_o the_o matter_n ●_z be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o nor_o be_v such_o conformity_n any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o our_o christian_a liberty_n but_o christ_n say_v he_o have_v allow_v we_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n indifferent_o as_o christian_a prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v determine_v i_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o i_o will_v know_v why_o the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n may_v not_o in_o some_o case_n as_o well_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o christian_a prudence_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o in_o other_o case_n by_o those_o of_o every_o private_a man_n for_o himself_o except_o it_o be_v that_o some_o man_n have_v a_o very_a strong_a inclination_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o their_o own_o fancy_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n but_o this_o say_v he_o will_v be_v so_o to_o determine_v our_o practice_n as_o to_o destroy_v its_o indifferency_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o indeed_o will_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a man_n to_o conform_v his_o practice_n in_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o the_o law_n that_o be_v over_o he_o as_o long_o as_o that_o law_n remain_v in_o force_n in_o which_o i_o see_v not_o the_o least_o inconvenience_n or_o absurdity_n but_o will_v not_o so_o far_o destroy_v the_o indifferency_n either_o of_o the_o thing_n or_o our_o practice_n but_o that_o upon_o the_o repeal_n of_o that_o law_n which_o bind_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o much_o at_o liberty_n as_o ever_o we_o be_v but_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o main_a violation_n of_o christian_a liberty_n lie_v in_o a_o fix_a state_v and_o perpetual_a compulsion_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v permit_v we_o to_o omit_v or_o a_o prohibition_n to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v make_v lawful_a for_o we_o i_o answer_v if_o 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o this_o compulsion_n or_o prohibition_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a if_o 2._o the_o compulsion_n or_o prohibition_n proceed_v from_o lawful_a authority_n and_o if_o 3._o it_o be_v by_o that_o authority_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o this_o same_o compulsion_n or_o prohibition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o anexpress_v or_o immediate_a part_n of_o god_n law_n but_o only_o as_o a_o humane_a constitution_n to_o which_o while_o it_o remain_v in_o force_n and_o no_o long_o we_o be_v in_o conscience_n oblige_v to_o give_v obedience_n on_o account_n of_o the_o general_a command_n of_o god_n which_o require_v we_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o our_o lawful_a governor_n such_o a_o compulsion_n or_o prohibition_n as_o this_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o violation_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v and_o that_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o thus_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 12._o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n in_o matter_n indifferent_a but_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o thus_o teach_v and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o most_o disingenuous_a but_o even_o a_o impious_a presumption_n in_o this_o bold_a man_n thus_o to_o falsify_v the_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o to_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whatever_o his_o design_n therein_o may_v be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o place_n quote_v be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o these_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a unto_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o where_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o follow_a verse_n that_o he_o speak_v only_o concern_v the_o eat_n or_o forbear_v of_o such_o meat_n as_o some_o indeed_o scruple_v out_o of_o weakness_n but_o which_o be_v not_o command_v or_o enjoin_v by_o any_o law_n or_o constitution_n either_o of_o god_n or_o man._n and_o our_o author_n can_v not_o but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o far_o to_o extend_v st._n paul_n own_o word_n as_o to_o bring_v they_o in_o the_o least_o to_o countenance_n disobedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o must_v either_o add_v to_o they_o or_o else_o not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v so_o much_o as_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o with_o so_o much_o assurance_n he_o have_v assert_v but_o if_o he_o have_v a_o power_n give_v he_o to_o make_v scripture_n where_o he_o have_v it_o not_o ready_a to_o serve_v his_o purpose_n i_o must_v confess_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o dispute_v with_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o here_o pretend_v that_o he_o set_v down_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o above_o mention_v quotation_n not_o as_o a_o part_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n but_o only_o as_o his_o own_o paraphrase_n upon_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n own_o word_n there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o foundation_n for_o the_o insert_v of_o the_o word_n person_n the_o whole_a sentence_n as_o i_o have_v above_o recite_v it_o be_v all_o alike_o print_v in_o the_o italic_a character_n and_o all_o of_o it_o equal_o refer_v to_o those_o forego_v word_n thus_o the_o apostle_n teach_v which_o i_o think_v most_o plain_o show_v that_o it_o be_v our_o author_n design_n that_o the_o whole_a sentence_n shall_v pass_v upon_o his_o unwary_a reader_n as_o if_o it_o be_v every_o syllable_n take_v out_o of_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v quote_v it_o but_o i_o ought_v not_o thus_o to_o bind_v up_o myself_o from_o opportunity_n of_o use_v my_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o another_o i_o answer_v that_o where_o a_o humane_a law_n be_v make_v concern_v any_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o be_v indifferent_a obedience_n ordinary_o and_o general_o aught_o to_o be_v give_v to_o that_o law_n nor_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o swerve_v from_o it_o to_o gratify_v the_o humour_n of_o such_o as_o only_o resolve_v to_o be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a but_o where_o a_o case_n arise_v to_o which_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n either_o do_v not_o or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v extend_v and_o where_o by_o act_v otherwise_o than_o the_o law_n prescribe_v some_o great_a good_a may_v be_v do_v or_o evil_o avoid_v or_o remedy_v if_o all_o even_a seem_a contempt_n of_o authority_n be_v meek_o and_o prudent_o avoid_v and_o just_a occasion_n of_o scandal_n careful_o prevent_v and_o obviate_v i_o for_o my_o part_n shall_v no_o way_n condemn_v that_o man_n who_o upon_o such_o a_o emergency_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o caution_n as_o this_o shall_v act_v otherwise_o than_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o humane_a law_n shall_v prescribe_v in_o which_o opinion_n the_o generality_n of_o learned_a casuist_n that_o i_o have_v happen_v to_o look_v into_o do_v unanimous_o concur_v with_o i_o and_o therefore_o what_o present_o follow_v be_v speak_v without_o any_o other_o ground_n but_o his_o own_o fancy_n viz._n that_o by_o such_o impose_v and_o determine_v in_o matter_n indifferent_a more_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o positive_a precept_n of_o man_n than_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n for_o i_o challenge_v our_o author_n to_o produce_v i_o but_o one_o man_n of_o any_o repute_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n who_o ever_o maintain_v that_o obedience_n to_o our_o ecclesiastical_a or_o to_o any_o humane_a law_n may_v not_o pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la be_v suspend_v to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o great_a good_a as_o well_o as_o obedience_n to_o the_o positive_a moral_a law_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o make_v that_o a_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v make_v lawful_a by_o not_o forbid_v it_o which_o be_v another_o of_o his_o objection_n i_o have_v already_o answer_v it_o and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o disobey_v lawful_a authority_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v indifferent_a from_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o be_v discourse_v upon_o this_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o may_v clear_o be_v gather_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o our_o author_n have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o obligation_n of_o maintain_v our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v no_o far_o
at_o all_o before_o he_o shall_v lie_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o give_v obedience_n to_o it_o but_o church-governor_n say_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o observe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o christ_n command_v they_o mat._n 28._o 20._o act_n 10._o 33._o i_o grant_v it_o but_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o first_o governor_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n do_v teach_v all_o man_n to_o observe_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n and_o will_v our_o author_n say_v that_o they_o have_v no_o command_n from_o christ_n for_o do_v this_o but_o say_v he_o again_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o impose_v thing_n needless_a i_o answer_v that_o they_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o impose_v thing_n altogether_o useless_a to_o any_o good_a purpose_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o of_o our_o church_n constitution_n but_o what_o if_o they_o be_v due_o respect_v and_o observe_v will_v tend_v very_o much_o to_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o also_o to_o keep_v out_o unnecessary_a innovatious_a and_o therefore_o they_o can_v just_o be_v term_v needless_a thing_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v altogether_o needless_a yet_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v innocent_a this_o will_v be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o i_o shall_v refuse_v obedience_n to_o they_o as_o well_o because_o i_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n word_n for_o so_o do_v as_o that_o the_o government_n in_o their_o wisdom_n may_v have_v very_o good_a reason_n for_o command_v such_o thing_n although_o it_o may_v be_v i_o be_o not_o able_a thorough_o to_o comprehend_v it_o and_o that_o such_o a_o modest_a compliance_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v judge_v no_o less_o than_o a_o conspiracy_n with_o man_n usurp_v power_n be_v such_o a_o imagination_n as_o no_o man_n of_o reason_n or_o charity_n can_v ever_o entertain_v well!_o but_o do_v not_o paul_n withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o face_n in_o his_o impose_v unnecessary_a thing_n on_o the_o jew_n gal._n 2._o 11._o but_o will_v this_o man_n never_o make_v any_o conscience_n of_o impose_v not_o only_o impertinent_a but_o false_a allegation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o his_o unwary_a reader_n s._n paul_n in_o the_o place_n mention_v do_v indeed_o withstand_v s._n peter_n but_o not_o on_o account_n of_o his_o impose_v any_o thing_n on_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o there_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o suggestion_n but_o pure_o for_o his_o dissimulation_n in_o that_o by_o withdraw_a and_o separate_n himself_o from_o the_o gentile_n for_o fear_v of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n he_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o though_o not_o by_o his_o doctrine_n yet_o by_o his_o example_n seem_v to_o put_v a_o sort_n of_o compulsion_n upon_o they_o to_o live_v as_o do_v the_o jew_n to_o which_o no_o law_n either_o of_o god_n or_o man_n do_v oblige_v they_o and_o as_o to_o what_o he_o immediate_o add_v i_o grant_v with_o he_o that_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o to_o which_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o that_o a_o settle_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o a_o little_a conduce_v i_o grant_v also_o that_o where_o a_o church_n cease_v to_o follow_v christ_n we_o ought_v not_o therein_o to_o follow_v that_o church_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o but_o where_o the_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o follow_v christ_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o therein_o to_o the_o utmost_a to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o all_o her_o member_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o comply_v with_o that_o church_n for_o peace_n and_o unity_n sake_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v indifferent_a and_o therefore_o lawful_a or_o why_o a_o man_n shall_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n on_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n even_o in_o case_n they_o be_v needless_a i_o can_v in_o the_o least_o gather_v from_o either_o of_o those_o place_n and_o whereas_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusilem_fw-la act_n 15_o think_v fit_a to_o impose_v nothing_o but_o necessary_a thing_n verse_n 28._o i_o desire_v to_o know_v in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o from_o blood_n and_o from_o thing_n strangle_v at_o that_o time_n necessary_a if_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n law_n how_o come_v s._n paul_n to_o teach_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v that_o which_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n provide_v it_o be_v do_v without_o any_o worship_n to_o the_o idol_n or_o scandal_n give_v to_o weak_a brethren_n 1_o cor._n chap_n 8._o and_o chap_n 10._o and_o how_o come_v our_o saviour_n so_o express_o to_o assure_v we_o and_o in_o such_o general_a term_n that_o not_o that_o which_o go_v into_o the_o mouth_n desil●th_v a_o man_n matt._n 15._o 11._o but_o if_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o necessary_a only_o in_o order_n to_o reconcile_v the_o jew_n who_o lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o gentile_a christian_n which_o i_o believe_v our_o author_n will_v not_o deny_v how_o can_v the_o example_n of_o this_o synod_n be_v allege_v to_o condemn_v and_o not_o rather_o to_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n which_o have_v retain_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o use_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o themselves_o likewise_o indifferent_a because_o they_o conceive_v they_o necessary_a and_o proper_a to_o reconcile_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o by_o long_a custom_n have_v entertain_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o they_o and_o to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o better_a opinion_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o last_o as_o to_o what_o he_o quote_v out_o of_o my_o lord_n primate_n bramhall_n vindication_n i_o free_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o suffer_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o he_o because_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v erroneous_a so_o to_o prosess_v what_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v will_v be_v a_o lie_n and_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o consequence_n which_o he_o will_v suggest_v from_o a_o suppose_a parity_n between_o a_o erroncous_a opinion_n and_o a_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o innocent_a ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n be_v altogether_o weak_a and_o groundless_a the_o four_o main_a proposition_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o in_o my_o address_n be_v that_o since_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a in_o it●●●_n ●●●_z which_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v now_o abundant_o prove_v against_o all_o that_o our_o author_n ●●s_o object_v to_o the_o contrary_a there_o can_v be_v any_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o nonc●●_n sormist_n shall_v refuse_v to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o and_o although_o our_o author_n nibble_v a_o little_a a●_n some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v touch_v under_o this_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n yet_o since_o every_o thing_n which_o he_o there_o say_v be_v either_o not_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o else_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a in_o itself_o which_o clear_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n and_o the_o contrary_a whereto_o i_o have_v hitherto_o be_v assert_v against_o all_o his_o weak_a and_o trifle_a objection_n i_o will_v not_o give_v either_o myself_o or_o the_o reader_n the_o trouble_n of_o make_v any_o remark_n upon_o the_o particular_n of_o what_o he_o offer_v on_o this_o occasion_n only_o as_o to_o that_o passage_n of_o dr._n holden_n which_o he_o cite_v out_o of_o my_o lord_n primate_n bramhall_n p_o 113._o i_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o although_o it_o may_v be_v less_o criminal_a for_o one_o national_a church_n upon_o account_n of_o some_o doubtful_a opinion_n or_o such_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n to_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o another_o church_n the_o obligation_n of_o who_o particular_a law_n or_o canon_n can_v only_o extend_v to_o its_o own_o member_n than_o for_o subject_n to_o disobey_v those_o law_n which_o be_v enact_v by_o their_o own_o lawful_a superior_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o very_a body_n of_o that_o national_a church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n yet_o since_o the_o obligation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a union_n and_o communion_n be_v universal_a and_o extend_v unto_o all_o christian_n and_o church_n whatsoever_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o separation_n or_o
part_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o as_o the_o mean_n way_n or_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o provide_v that_o such_o impose_v proceed_v from_o lawful_a authority_n i_o have_v already_o show_v not_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o have_v answer_v all_o our_o author_n pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o can_v i_o upon_o his_o assertion_n believe_v that_o such_o a_o submission_n for_o peace_n and_o unity_n sake_n be_v any_o way_n a_o give_v up_o of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n until_o i_o see_v some_o good_a proof_n for_o it_o either_o express_o contain_v in_o or_o evident_o consequent_a from_o god_n word_n of_o which_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o spare_v if_o the_o bible_n will_v have_v afford_v he_o any_o text_n upon_o which_o to_o have_v ground_v a_o argument_n or_o if_o our_o liturgy_n be_v on_o this_o account_n a_o infringement_n of_o christian_a liberty_n not_o only_o all_o other_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o but_o even_o the_o directory_n itself_o which_o impose_v some_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a can_v be_v excuse_v from_o it_o which_o passage_n of_o my_o address_n he_o have_v thought_n sit_v to_o slip_v over_o with_o a_o very_a lame_a and_o imperfect_a answer_n three_o to_o impose_v any_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o condition_n of_o communion_n if_o it_o be_v do_v either_o with_o a_o express_a declaration_n or_o any_o evident_a implication_n or_o supposition_n that_o no_o communion_n can_v lawful_o be_v keep_v up_o in_o or_o hold_v with_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o impose_v this_o indeed_o will_v be_v to_o impose_v such_o thing_n as_o essential_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o worship_n and_o religion_n and_o consequent_o on_o the_o imposer_n part_n a_o unlawful_a attempt_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o be_v none_o of_o our_o church_n case_n who_o express_o own_v such_o her_o constitution_n to_o be_v alterable_a as_o just_a cause_n shall_v require_v and_o neither_o reject_v the_o communion_n nor_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o other_o church_n which_o differ_v from_o she_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o so_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v even_o thus_o itself_o yet_o if_o any_o private_a christian_n shall_v for_o peace_n and_o unity_n so_o far_o comply_v with_o the_o church_n as_o to_o submit_v to_o what_o she_o have_v require_v and_o practice_v what_o she_o have_v thus_o prescribe_v but_o yet_o with_o a_o express_a declaration_n and_o open_a protestation_n that_o he_o do_v this_o not_o out_o of_o any_o necessity_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o he_o still_o assert_v to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a but_o only_o for_o peace_n sake_n and_o as_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v to_o prevent_v all_o schism_n or_o division_n i_o can_v see_v how_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o can_v be_v condemn_v as_o therein_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n or_o any_o way_n a_o betrayer_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n and_o if_o in_o this_o my_o opinion_n i_o be_o perhaps_o mistake_v i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o be_v better_o inform_v provide_v it_o be_v do_v with_o clear_a and_o solid_a argument_n from_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o with_o such_o perplex_a and_o trisle_a suggestion_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o from_o our_o author_n but_o four_o since_o as_o our_o author_n grant_v p._n 103_o without_o circumstance_n worship_n can_v be_v perform_v and_o all_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o prescribe_v by_o god_n it_o must_v follow_v either_o that_o some_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v determine_v and_o appoint_v by_o man_n or_o else_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o be_v perform_v suppose_v then_o that_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o determine_v some_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o circumstance_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o require_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o her_o member_n and_o yet_o that_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o authority_n in_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o must_v every_o particular_a m●n_z be_v leave_v to_o his_o liberty_n to_o introduce_v what_o circumstance_n he_o please_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o inclination_n this_o will_v be_v the_o direct_a way_n to_o confound_v that_o order_n and_o destroy_v that_o decency_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n particular_o provide_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 40_o as_o i_o have_v say_v in_o my_o address_n and_o to_o exclude_v the_o directory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o liturgy_n or_o must_v the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n alter_v and_o new_a model_n her_o constitution_n concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n until_o matter_n be_v so_o settle_v as_o that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v please_v and_o full_o satisfy_v this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o most_o excellent_a way_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v at_o all_o practicable_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o relate_v to_o order_n and_o decency_n only_o we_o have_v not_o always_o a_o fix_a and_o certain_a rule_n as_o to_o particular_n but_o man_n have_v different_a opinion_n of_o such_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o custom_n temper_n and_o education_n i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o perhaps_o a_o impossible_a thing_n so_o to_o frame_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n how_o different_a soever_o in_o their_o temper_n or_o education_n shall_v be_v well_o please_v and_o satisfy_v with_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v then_o it_o may_v be_v if_o any_o church_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o make_v alteration_n in_o such_o thing_n to_o please_v and_o gratify_v some_o people_n they_o may_v hereby_o displease_v and_o disgust_v many_o other_o and_o so_o in_o the_o end_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a by_o such_o alteration_n what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o every_o church_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o must_v act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o her_o prudence_n and_o if_o man_n will_v still_o be_v refractory_a and_o not_o submit_v to_o such_o constitution_n as_o lawful_a authority_n enjoin_v and_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n or_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o other_o course_n be_v at_o last_o to_o be_v take_v with_o they_o but_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o society_n who_o thus_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o it_o and_o if_o our_o author_n judge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o infringement_n of_o christian_a liberty_n i_o desire_v he_o will_v not_o only_o say_v it_o but_o also_o clear_o and_o solid_o prove_v it_o but_o christ_n have_v free_v we_o from_o all_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o institution_n he_o have_v so_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o those_o ceremony_n which_o i_o have_v plain_o prove_v to_o be_v no_o part_n or_o parcel_n but_o only_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n he_o have_v free_v we_o also_o from_o all_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o prescribe_v very_o right_n but_o then_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o one_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o christ_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o submit_v ourselves_o heb._n 13._o 17._o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n rom._n 13._o 1._o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o and_o whosoever_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o perform_v this_o condition_n be_v just_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o disobeyer_n of_o christ_n command_n now_o the_o question_n be_v wherein_o and_o in_o what_o sort_n of_o thing_n be_v this_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o be_v show_v not_o in_o thing_n immediate_o or_o direct_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o those_o our_o obedience_n be_v pay_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o our_o earthly_a superior_n and_o the_o obligation_n be_v the_o same_o if_o my_o inferior_a inform_v i_o that_o such_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o if_o my_o superior_a lay_n his_o command_n therein_o upon_o i_o nor_o yet_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n for_o if_o our_o superior_n shall_v command_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n act_n 5._o 29._o it_o remain_v then_o that_o thing_n