ought_v to_o be_v regard_v both_o by_o the_o govern_n and_o govern_v part_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o father_n 7._o the_o last_o rule_n be_v gospel_n liberty_n this_o must_v not_o be_v invade_v by_o any_o imposition_n though_o it_o must_v not_o be_v mistake_v gospel_n liberry_n can_v hardly_o be_v infringe_v if_o these_o rule_n be_v heed_v in_o the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a 1._o that_o nothing_o indifferent_a be_v impose_v that_o any_o way_n check_v with_o the_o former_a rule_n of_o expediency_n peace_n offence_n of_o the_o weak_a edification_n decency_n order_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o impose_v as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o necessary_a which_o divine_v assert_v to_o be_v superstition_n 3._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o require_v with_o equal_a severity_n as_o thing_n necessary_a 4._o that_o such_o thing_n when_o impose_v be_v declare_v by_o the_o imposer_n to_o be_v mutable_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o be_v alter_v upon_o just_a occasion_n 5._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o impose_v in_o so_o great_a a_o number_n as_o be_v real_o burdensome_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v much_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n concern_v the_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n of_o idle_a and_o vain_a nature_n say_v bishop_n apol._n in_o apol._n jewel_n we_o know_v that_o st_n augustine_n do_v much_o complain_v of_o they_o in_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v great_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o they_o because_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v troublesome_a to_o good_a conscience_n and_o burdensome_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o retain_v and_o have_v like_v not_o only_o of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o some_o other_o too_o beside_o which_o we_o think_v may_v be_v suffer_v without_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o we_o affect_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o congregation_n may_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v do_v with_o comeliness_n and_o good_a order_n but_o all_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o perceive_v to_o lean_v to_o superstition_n or_o to_o be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o bald_a or_o toyish_a or_o against_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o else_o unmeet_a for_o sober_a and_o wise_a people_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o confuse_a chaos_n in_o the_o romish_a synagogue_n all_o these_o we_o have_v utter_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o because_o we_o will_v not_o have_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n confound_v and_o cumber_v with_o such_o folly_n thus_o that_o most_o excellent_a man._n the_o sum_n of_o who_o word_n here_o recite_v do_v in_o effect_n contain_v and_o confirm_v all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v expedient_a decent_a and_o orderly_a not_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n not_o troublesome_a to_o good_a conscience_n not_o burdensome_a and_o he_o add_v that_o our_o own_o church_n in_o the_o first_o reformation_n have_v regard_n to_o the_o say_a rule_n let_v i_o conclude_v with_o a_o humble_a petition_n that_o i_o be_v not_o misinterpret_v to_o prescribe_v to_o authority_n in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o have_v only_o mark_v the_o general_a rule_n in_o scripture_n leave_v particular_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o superior_n to_o who_o i_o only_o take_v boldness_n to_o offer_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o these_o rule_n &_o settle_v the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o peace_n and_o order_n with_o all_o comeliness_n and_o expediency_n case_n ix_o how_o be_v private_a person_n to_o demean_v themselves_o under_o such_o imposition_n of_o authority_n in_o religious_a exercise_n resol_n we_o have_v hitherto_o rather_o labour_v to_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o impose_v and_o the_o due_a extent_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a endeavour_v also_o to_o draw_v that_o as_o narrow_a and_o straight_o and_o as_o much_o to_o rule_v as_o may_v be_v yet_o i_o hope_v without_o just_a offence_n to_o the_o same_o we_o be_v now_o descend_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v under_o command_n where_o that_o i_o may_v appear_v impartial_a and_o for_o peace_n indeed_o i_o must_v be_v consonant_a to_o my_o design_n and_o labour_n to_o disentangle_a and_o enlarge_v the_o conscience_n of_o private_a person_n with_o as_o much_o freedom_n towards_o conformity_n as_o lawful_o i_o may_v that_o have_v bring_v the_o injunction_n as_o low_a and_o narrow_a and_o the_o obedience_n as_o high_a and_o large_a as_o we_o may_v the_o commander_n and_o the_o command_v may_v be_v happy_o find_v near_o together_o and_o in_o sweet_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o charity_n sure_o will_v not_o be_v displease_v at_o this_o harmless_a project_n but_o will_v be_v ready_a with_o a_o pardon_n though_o i_o fail_v of_o success_n or_o too_o imprudent_o manage_v the_o attempt_n especial_o while_o my_o aim_n be_v level_v at_o so_o desirable_a a_o end_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n &_o the_o common_a good_a and_o use_v no_o other_o engine_n to_o draw_v down_o the_o one_o and_o raise_v the_o other_o but_o that_o from_o heaven_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o case_n in_o general_n which_o be_v this_o how_o be_v private_a person_n to_o demean_v themselves_o under_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n or_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o religious_a exercise_n i_o shall_v now_o the_o lord_n assist_v i_o betake_v myself_o with_o all_o conscience_n and_o fidelity_n to_o answer_v break_v it_o into_o several_a particular_a case_n according_a as_o the_o object_n of_o humane_a injunction_n may_v be_v distinguish_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a injunction_n or_o that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v or_o command_v may_v be_v proceed_v upon_o by_o a_o gradation_n or_o descent_n of_o five_o step_n for_o that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v be_v either_o necessary_a expedient_a pure_o indifferent_a inexpedient_a or_o unlawful_a according_o there_o may_v be_v offer_v five_o case_n viz._n what_o a_o private_a person_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o thing_n necessary_a or_o thing_n expedient_a or_o thing_n pure_o indifferent_a or_o thing_n inexpedient_a or_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v require_v by_o authority_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o all_o which_o we_o address_v our_o self_n to_o apply_v a_o several_a and_o particular_a satisfaction_n case_n x._o what_o ought_v a_o private_a christian_n to_o do_v when_o thing_n necessary_a in_o themselves_o be_v require_v by_o authority_n resol_n both_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n we_o treat_v proper_o about_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o also_o for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o this_o need_v not_o be_v put_v to_o the_o question_n for_o though_o some_o have_v think_v they_o have_v see_v reason_n enough_o not_o so_o far_o to_o countenance_v a_o usurpation_n as_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n when_o command_v thereunto_o by_o unlawful_a power_n from_o the_o liberty_n of_o that_o trite_a rule_n affirmative_a precept_n do_v not_o bind_v to_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o time_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a perverseness_n in_o any_o not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v because_o his_o vicegerent_n lawful_a authority_n require_v it_o also_o even_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n worship_n optatus_n reckon_v it_o a_o madness_n in_o donatus_n that_o break_v forth_o in_o that_o question_n of_o he_o quid_fw-la imperatori_fw-la cum_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la what_o have_v the_o king_n to_o do_v with_o the_o church_n but_o optatus_n wise_o answer_v the_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o consequent_o he_o that_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v so_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n be_v the_o gospel_n take_v ult_n non_fw-la tollit_fw-la praecepta_fw-la naturae_fw-la &_o legis_fw-la sed_fw-la perficit_fw-la rom._n 3._o ult_n not_o away_o the_o precept_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o establish_v and_o perfect_v they_o and_o rather_o enlarge_v and_o confirm_v than_o any_o way_n weaken_v obedience_n to_o authority_n therefore_o be_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o king_n that_o under_o their_o pious_a and_o religious_a governance_n we_o may_v not_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o honest_o only_a but_o in_o godliness_n in_o all_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n direct_v we_o st_o augustine_n upon_o those_o 51._o contra_fw-la crescon_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 51._o word_n in_o the_o second_o psalm_n say_v king_n not_o only_o as_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v king_n serve_v the_o lord_n if_o in_o their_o kingdom_n they_o command_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o prohibit_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a not_o
destroy_v by_o the_o builder_n or_o die_v of_o the_o doctor_n my_o dear_a brethren_n let_v i_o breathe_v out_o my_o soul_n in_o st_n augustine_n word_n ut_fw-la moneor_fw-la ut_fw-la doleo_fw-la ut_fw-la timeo_fw-la procederem_fw-la ad_fw-la pedes_fw-la vestros_fw-la flerem_fw-la quantum_fw-la valerem_fw-la rogarem_fw-la quantum_fw-la amarem_fw-la nunc_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la pro_fw-la seipso_fw-la nunc_fw-la utrumque_fw-la pro_fw-la altero_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la aliis_fw-la &_o maximè_fw-la infirmis_fw-la pro_fw-la quibus_fw-la christus_fw-la mortuus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la vos_fw-la tanquam_fw-la in_o theatro_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la huius_fw-la cum_fw-la magno_fw-la svi_fw-la periculo_fw-la spectant_fw-la ne_fw-fr de_fw-fr vobis_fw-la ea_fw-la conscribendo_fw-la spargatis_fw-la quae_fw-la quandoque_fw-la concordantes_fw-la delere_fw-la non_fw-la poteritis_fw-la qui_fw-la nunc_fw-la concordare_fw-la nolitis_fw-la 2._o to_o my_o dissent_v brethren_n my_o humble_a and_o solemn_a request_n be_v that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v like_a to_o be_v thus_o they_o will_v in_o season_n think_v it_o adviseable_a serious_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v to_o study_v that_o which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v enjoin_v with_o all_o severity_n and_o impartiality_n as_o they_o will_v do_v or_o suffer_v with_o knowledge_n and_o comfort_n the_o great_a case_n will_v be_v upon_o what_o ground_n you_o may_v warrantable_o lay_v down_o your_o ministry_n and_o upon_o what_o not_o or_o how_o far_o you_o may_v lawful_o obey_v the_o imposition_n of_o authority_n for_o your_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n herein_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o after_o the_o scripture_n bucer_n calvin_n melancthon_n zanchy_a polanus_fw-la beza_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o undoubted_a credit_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v confer_v with_o as_o also_o st_n augustine_n his_o 118_o 119._o epist_n ad_fw-la janu._n if_o this_o poor_a piece_n shall_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o your_o perusal_n i_o beseech_v you_o remember_v that_o by_o two_o error_n we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o weigh_v thing_n amiss_o 1._o when_o we_o take_v up_o the_o scale_n &_o weigh_v over-hasty_o 2._o when_o one_o end_n of_o the_o balance_n be_v heavy_a than_o the_o other_o perhaps_o by_o prejudice_n or_o something_o else_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v there_o do_v the_o book_n no_o wrong_n do_v the_o church_n no_o wrong_n do_v yourselves_o no_o wrong_n for_o your_o own_o preservation_n your_o people_n edification_n the_o church_n peace_n prosperity_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o averse_a to_o any_o just_a satisfaction_n let_v no_o society_n no_o condition_n no_o temptation_n with_o error_n and_o suffering_n be_v more_o dear_a and_o pleasant_a with_o you_o then_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o discharge_n of_o your_o trust_n the_o fulfil_n of_o your_o ministry_n with_o duty_n and_o liberty_n truth_n and_o felicity_n farewell_n twenty_o four_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a case_n of_o conscience_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n case_n i._n what_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a resol_n thing_n indifferent_a have_v their_o place_n in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o thing_n necessary_a and_o thing_n sinful_a thing_n that_o aught_o and_o thing_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v for_o as_o to_o their_o simple_a and_o common_a nature_n i._n e._n consider_v naked_o without_o respect_n to_o such_o circumstance_n as_o change_v their_o property_n and_o denominale_fw-la they_o good_a or_o evil_n they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v without_o sin_n they_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a not_o a_o mix_v nature_n not_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o be_v abnegationis_fw-la medium_fw-la abnegationis_fw-la a_o contradiction_n not_o partly_o good_a and_o partly_o bad_a then_o the_o good_a can_v never_o expiate_v the_o bad_a for_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o evil_n render_v the_o action_n evil_a but_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v moral_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a so_o they_o be_v not_o make_v such_o by_o scripture_n be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v they_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o may_v be_v indifferent_o use_v yet_o very_o apt_a by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n to_o tend_v unto_o to_o swerve_v towards_o to_o become_v or_o appear_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n case_n ii_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n resol_n for_o our_o clear_a satisfaction_n herein_o let_v we_o consider_v action_n and_o circumstance_n 1._o touch_v action_n i_o assert_v first_o that_o no_o one_o action_n in_o religious_a exercise_n be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o indifferent_a but_o that_o by_o its_o circumstance_n it_o easy_o become_v good_a or_o evil_n 2._o no_o action_n that_o be_v deliberate_a and_o have_v a_o order_n to_o a_o certain_a end_n distinguish_v from_o action_n of_o fancy_n usual_o so_o call_v which_o be_v unobserved_a by_o the_o agent_n individual_o consider_v and_o as_o perform_v about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v true_o indifferent_a but_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o circumstance_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n 3._o no_o action_n consider_v as_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n can_v possible_o be_v indifferent_a for_o either_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v and_o therefore_o necessary_a or_o invent_v by_o man_n and_o superstitious_a 4._o yet_o four_o there_o be_v divers_a action_n that_o be_v no_o part_n but_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n though_o action_n in_o themselves_o before_o they_o be_v exert_v and_o clothe_v with_o their_o circumstance_n that_o be_v proper_o indifferent_a both_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a as_o to_o the_o scripture_n neither_o command_v or_o forbid_v and_o consequent_o as_o to_o our_o use_n neither_o necessary_a nor_o unlawful_a and_o last_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o action_n that_o may_v as_o lawful_o serve_v in_o the_o same_o stead_n of_o neither_o more_o or_o less_o necessity_n as_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o lift_v up_o or_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n in_o lift_v up_o or_o spread_v abroad_o our_o hand_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o thus_o much_o for_o action_n 2._o as_o for_o circumstance_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v not_o doubt_v i_o think_v by_o any_o but_o there_o be_v some_o viz._n time_n place_n habit_n that_o be_v pure_o indifferent_a i_o mean_v before_o they_o be_v determine_v and_o in_o a_o general_a consideration_n abstract_v from_o conveniency_n and_o not_o complicate_v with_o other_o accident_n that_o may_v vary_v the_o case_n i_o shall_v not_o burden_v this_o unexceptionable_a point_n with_o needless_a authority_n which_o be_v very_o easy_a if_o not_o needless_a i_o shall_v only_o instance_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o under_o one_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n viz._n the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n calvin_n so_o 43._o calv._n iâ—sti_fw-la lib_n 1._o sect._n 43._o much_o say_v he_o as_o concern_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n viz._n whether_o the_o faithful_a receive_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o not_o whether_o they_o divide_v it_o or_o every_o one_o eat_v that_o which_o be_v give_v he_o whether_o they_o put_v the_o cup_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n or_o deliver_v it_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o next_o whether_o the_o bread_n be_v leaven_v or_o unleavened_a whether_o the_o wine_n be_v red_a or_o white_a it_o make_v no_o matter_n these_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o he_o and_o we_o may_v add_v almost_o so_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n about_o every_o other_o ordinance_n if_o occasion_n require_v case_n iii_o whether_o may_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v impose_v and_o require_v by_o authority_n resol_n doubtless_o they_o may_v for_o 1._o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o particular_o teach_v we_o what_o that_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v that_o be_v require_v yet_o the_o rule_v part_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o require_v but_o to_o take_v care_n and_o see_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n example_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 2._o then_o plain_a reason_n demonstrate_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o ruler_n to_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n they_o must_v also_o by_o their_o own_o discretion_n or_o advice_n with_o other_o judge_n and_o prescribe_v what_o be_v such_o 3._o the_o great_a apostle_n therefore_o take_v upon_o he_o not_o only_o to_o press_v the_o general_a command_n of_o decency_n 10._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 34._o &_o 11._o 4._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 10._o and_o order_n but_o to_o reprove_v particular_a disorder_n and_o to_o direct_v unto_o and_o command_v particular_a part_n of_o order_n and_o comeliness_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o yea_o that_o famous_a synod_n and_o true_o apostolical_a in_o act_n 15._o do_v by_o their_o
either_o impose_v frame_v or_o direct_v yet_o the_o ground_n and_o matter_n thereof_o be_v plain_o there_o and_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v there_o well_o nigh_o by_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o at_o the_o episcopal_a divine_n plead_v the_o necessity_n so_o most_o of_o the_o moderate_a presbyterian_o allow_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o the_o usefulness_n yea_o and_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n of_o catechism_n confirmation_n and_o of_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o of_o reprehend_v offender_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o mart._n bucer_n enumerate_v they_o and_o conclude_v 13._o vid._n m._n â—_o lib._n 1._o de_fw-la reg_fw-la christ_n c._n 13._o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o care_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o three_o thereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o order_v and_o manage_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n as_o to_o the_o time_n manner_n and_o part_n of_o it_o when_o to_o begin_v how_o to_o proceed_v when_o to_o end_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o divine_a service_n as_o also_o to_o appoint_v extraordinary_a time_n of_o fast_v and_o thanksgiving_n all_o which_o see_v scripture_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o church_n liberty_n in_o reason_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o fix_v by_o prudent_a authority_n as_o we_o will_v avoid_v confusion_n and_o ataxy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 2._o second_o thing_n serve_v to_o the_o comeliness_n and_o beauty_n of_o worship_n be_v also_o to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o same_o account_n the_o decency_n of_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n the_o gravity_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o minister_n the_o fitness_n of_o the_o vessel_n for_o both_o sacrament_n the_o kind_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o place_n and_o gesture_n of_o administration_n and_o communion_n and_o such_o like_a which_o the_o scripture_n have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o and_o yet_o all_o sober_a man_n be_v full_o convince_v that_o very_o high_a and_o almost_o indispensable_a convenience_n exact_v a_o settlement_n and_o prudent_a regulation_n of_o they_o and_o in_o all_o which_o methinks_v uniformity_n with_o decency_n shall_v offend_v no_o body_n case_n vi_o whether_o may_v the_o rule_v part_n of_o the_o church_n impose_v upon_o the_o church_n thing_n indifferent_a quatenus_fw-la indifferent_a or_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v such_o resol_n i_o humble_o conceive_v they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n no_o such_o arbitrary_a &_o strange_o unlimited_a power_n which_o if_o exercise_v with_o any_o extent_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o edify_v but_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n for_o 1._o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o impose_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v indifferent_a or_o because_o they_o be_v indifferent_a we_o grant_v they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o consequent_o what_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o please_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o we_o make_v the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o principle_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o reason_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o thing_n fit_a according_a to_o his_o word_n then_o they_o have_v power_n to_o clog_v god_n worship_n with_o thing_n altogether_o incongruous_a to_o it_o provide_v they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o general_n as_o dance_v bowl_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o render_v it_o instead_o of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a then_o may_v they_o add_v ceremony_n upon_o ceremony_n until_o the_o number_n be_v so_o many_o and_o the_o weight_n so_o great_a that_o the_o work_n will_v be_v burdensome_a and_o indeed_o intolerable_a to_o god_n and_o man._n thus_o may_v they_o improve_v their_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n until_o they_o have_v wear_v out_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n the_o power_n of_o devotion_n and_o have_v render_v the_o christian_a liberty_n worse_o complain_v as_o aug._n complain_v than_o the_o jewish_a or_o popish_a bondage_n this_o power_n as_o god_n do_v never_o intrust_v they_o with_o it_o so_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o that_o man_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v unto_o it_o or_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o every_o one_o in_o authority_n still_o grant_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v reason_n for_o their_o imposition_n act_v therein_o as_o man_n as_o well_o as_o governor_n and_o though_o many_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o give_v flatter_v title_n to_o man_n in_o authority_n i_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o write_v high_a for_o conformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o allow_v such_o a_o power_n to_o man_n in_o authority_n to_o require_v what_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o please_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o fitness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o as_o thomas_n rogers_n 4._o against_o seffray_n obi._n 4._o that_o notable_a adversary_n to_o nonconformity_n in_o this_o case_n say_v authority_n in_o make_v law_n must_v always_o respect_v the_o common_a good_n and_o though_o church-governor_n say_v francis_n mason_n 9_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n p._n 8_o 9_o of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o the_o former_a may_v make_v church-law_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o establish_v what_o they_o listen_v god_n have_v inrail_v their_o authority_n with_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v agree_v with_o calvin_n who_o have_v also_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o effraenem_fw-la licentiam_fw-la such_o a_o unbridled_a liberty_n sed_fw-la cancellos_fw-la circundedit_fw-la in_o cor._n 14._o ult_n case_n vii_o what_o then_o do_v render_v thing_n indifferent_a fit_n to_o be_v impose_v resol_n indifferent_a thing_n though_o they_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v particular_o but_o leave_v undecided_a in_o scripture_n yet_o must_v they_o be_v reducible_a to_o and_o agreeable_a with_o some_o general_a rule_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o imposition_n of_o they_o fit_a or_o warrantable_a this_o resolution_n become_v christianity_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v inimicous_a to_o christian_a discipline_n it_o have_v the_o suffrage_n of_o high_a conformity_n which_o afford_v its_o liberty_n still_o to_o challenge_v great_a consideration_n in_o all_o imposition_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a clapham_n a_o earnest_n and_o learned_a opposer_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v thus_o state_v it_o such_o thing_n say_v 9_o chronol_n discourse_v of_o the_o church_n cap._n 9_o he_o we_o say_v to_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o for_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v thereof_o we_o have_v no_o express_a word_n of_o god_n in_o particular_a only_o by_o some_o general_a rule_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o use_v our_o christian_a reason_n francis_n mason_n 9_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 8._o 9_o also_o allow_v that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n must_v be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o general_a canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o word_n i_o never_o read_v a_o denial_n of_o it_o case_n viii_o what_o be_v those_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o liâ—it_v the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a resol_n polanus_n give_v we_o a_o brief_a 70._o syntag._n tom._n 2._o p._n 70._o and_o sound_a though_o a_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o case_n thing_n indifferent_a say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o general_a equity_n which_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o our_o action_n the_o aquinas_n lex_fw-la respicit_fw-la ordinem_fw-la ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la common_a aquinas_n good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la gloriam_fw-la &_o proximi_fw-la salutem_fw-la faciunt_fw-la or_o the_o common_a good_a as_o rogers_n shorten_v it_o marlorate_a do_v more_o ult_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o ult_n full_o explicate_v himself_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v his_o tradition_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reason_n edification_n the_o example_n of_o church_n decency_n and_o order_n and_o he_o add_v with_o which_o same_o argument_n we_o â—â—ght_n to_o examine_v our_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n but_o let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v some_o more_o special_a rule_n as_o we_o easy_o find_v they_o in_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o the_o first_o shall_v be_v that_o catholic_a rule_n of_o expediency_n all_o thing_n say_v 12_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 12_o the_o apostle_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a some_o lawful_a thing_n it_o seem_v be_v not_o expedient_a thing_n not_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v and_o thing_n not_o expedient_a to_o be_v command_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v command_v thus_o there_o fall_v before_o we_o a_o double_a lawfulness_n a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o
only_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o humane_a society_n verùm_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la divinam_fw-la religionem_fw-la but_o also_o in_o matter_n concern_v religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n who_o dare_v offer_v to_o name_v the_o time_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v the_o time_n of_o persecution_n which_o render_v it_o impossible_a only_o except_v wherein_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v &_o governor_n both_o temporal_a and_o ecclesiastical_a do_v not_o assume_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v &_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o black_a and_o bloody_a cloud_n be_v dispel_v by_o the_o favour_n and_o power_n of_o glorious_a constantine_n he_o assume_v this_o supremacy_n he_o put_v down_o idolatry_n he_o establish_v the_o truth_n he_o compose_v difference_n among_o bishop_n suppress_v heresy_n and_o schism_n call_v council_n and_o give_v his_o suffrage_n in_o they_o he_o hear_v and_o judge_v cause_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o edict_n and_o all_o this_o as_o eusebius_n say_v tanquam_fw-la communis_fw-la episcopus_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la 37._o euseb_n de_fw-fr vita_fw-la constan_n lib._n â—_o cap._n 37._o constitutus_fw-la as_o a_o common_a overseer_n or_o bishop_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o i_o may_v add_v as_o a_o excellent_a example_n to_o all_o christian_a prince_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n doubtless_o if_o he_o that_o resist_v a_o lawful_a power_n shall_v receive_v to_o himself_o damnation_n he_o shall_v hardly_o escape_v that_o resist_v his_o command_n in_o lawful_a yea_o in_o necessary_a thing_n wherein_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n he_o ought_v to_o obey_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o to_o submit_v in_o conscience_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n for_o as_o augustine_n hoc_fw-la jubent_fw-la imperatores_fw-la quod_fw-la jubet_fw-la &_o christus_fw-la quia_fw-la cum_fw-la bonum_fw-la jubent_fw-la per_fw-la illos_fw-la non_fw-la christus_fw-la nisi_fw-la jubet_fw-la so_o that_o when_o king_n command_v what_o christ_n have_v first_o command_v christ_n command_v by_o they_o and_o we_o be_v call_v to_o obey_v not_o only_o they_o but_o christ_n in_o they_o case_n xi_o what_o private_a person_n be_v to_o do_v when_o thing_n expedient_a be_v require_v of_o they_o resol_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v propose_v to_o be_v thing_n expedient_a for_o their_o present_a and_o special_a use_n though_o not_o necessary_a in_o their_o common_a nature_n or_o particular_o command_v by_o god_n and_o the_o question_n be_v when_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v by_o lawful_a authority_n whether_o private_a person_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v or_o not_o some_o person_n i_o believe_v like_v not_o that_o any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o but_o will_v rather_o have_v the_o decent_a order_n of_o god_n worship_n leave_v to_o their_o own_o private_a discretion_n yet_o i_o hope_v better_o of_o my_o brethren_n then_o that_o they_o shall_v refuse_v the_o exercise_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o themselves_o allow_v because_o it_o be_v also_o approve_a by_o other_o and_o command_v by_o authority_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v disorderly_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v thing_n in_o order_n such_o thing_n as_o we_o know_v to_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o god_n worship_n if_o enjoin_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n though_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o their_o common_a nature_n or_o particular_o command_v by_o god_n and_o thus_o though_o they_o want_v a_o primary_n necessity_n yet_o they_o seem_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n to_o contract_v a_o treble_a secundary_a necessity_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o obedience_n viz._n from_o the_o general_a command_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o particular_a injunction_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o urge_v direction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n where_o god_n indeed_o seem_v to_o speak_v thrice_o at_o once_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o own_o convict_a conscience_n such_o constitution_n say_v bullinger_n as_o be_v expedient_a 1_o dec._n 2._o sect._n 1_o and_o draw_v from_o general_a scripture_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n i_o call_v not_o humane_a tradition_n yea_o one_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v put_v it_o 290._o confess_v suev_n in_o harm_n confess_v 8._o 17._o pag._n 290._o into_o their_o very_a confession_n that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v esteem_v divine_a rather_o than_o humane_a constitution_n for_o say_v mr_n calvin_n such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v for_o 14._o calv._n in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o humane_a tradition_n since_o they_o be_v found_v in_o the_o general_a precept_n and_o have_v the_o 16._o zanch._n in_o come_v loc_fw-la 16._o liquid_a approbation_n as_o it_o be_v of_o christ_n own_o mouth_n beza_n therefore_o conclude_v 24._o beza_n epist_n 24._o that_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o order_n be_v command_v by_o authority_n do_v so_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n that_o no_o man_n can_v wilful_o transgress_v they_o without_o sin_n case_n xii_o what_o be_v private_a person_n to_o do_v when_o thing_n that_o be_v pure_o indifferent_a be_v require_v in_o religious_a exercise_n resol_n that_o thing_n i_o here_o call_v pure_o indifferent_a which_o impartial_o retain_v a_o mid_a place_n betwixt_o thing_n necessary_a and_o thing_n sinful_a and_o betwixt_o thing_n inexpedient_a and_o thing_n expedient_a more_o plain_o we_o take_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v pure_o indifferent_a here_o that_o be_v neither_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a in_o its_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o expedient_a or_o inexpedient_a as_o to_o the_o use_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v but_o in_o all_o regard_v pure_o indifferent_a be_v neither_o necessary_a with_o a_o primary_n or_o with_o a_o secundary_a necessity_n as_o we_o late_o distinguish_v nor_o yet_o respective_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a viz._n either_o with_o a_o primary_n or_o secundary_a sinfulness_n now_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o not_o but_o hoc_fw-la supposito_fw-la suppose_v there_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n the_o question_n be_v what_o private_a christian_n be_v to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n for_o my_o part_n though_o as_o i_o have_v say_v such_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n yet_o if_o the_o scale_n be_v even_o before_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n must_v i_o think_v of_o necessity_n turn_v they_o so_o that_o here_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o three_o kind_n of_o necessity_n where_o the_o two_o former_a be_v want_v so_o that_o where_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o necessary_a proper_o or_o occasional_o as_o expedient_a yet_o it_o may_v become_v necessary_a by_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o humane_a law_n which_o also_o circulate_v into_o the_o first_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a humane_a ordinance_n yet_o as_o such_o if_o not_o sinful_a or_o forbid_v by_o god_n you_o seem_v command_v to_o submit_v unto_o it_o consequent_o we_o have_v discover_v a_o three_o kind_n of_o sinfulness_n where_o the_o primary_n and_o secundary_a be_v want_v so_o that_o where_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o sinful_a in_o itself_o or_o by_o any_o inconvenience_n in_o its_o use_n yet_o it_o may_v become_v so_o by_o disobedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o observe_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o reason_n of_o impose_v and_o of_o obey_v for_o before_o a_o thing_n be_v impose_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o authority_n to_o require_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a yea_o rather_o there_o be_v a_o preobligation_n to_o impose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v expedient_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o now_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v once_o require_v though_o not_o expedient_a as_o we_o can_v desire_v we_o be_v under_o in_o obligation_n and_o we_o must_v not_o consult_v our_o liberty_n but_o our_o duty_n or_o if_o our_o liberty_n not_o so_o much_o our_o liberty_n to_o forbear_v as_o our_o liberty_n to_o obey_v and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o whether_o god_n wilâ—_n allow_v we_o to_o do_v it_o or_o not_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n and_o whither_o though_o we_o will_v not_o do_v it_o for_o the_o thing_n sake_n we_o must_v not_o do_v it_o for_o the_o command_v sake_n the_o command_n of_o man_n and_o the_o command_n of_o god_n wherefore_o beza_n to_o who_o i_o may_v add_v the_o learned_a
not_o expedient_a or_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o not_o expedient_a and_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o because_o expedient_a and_o thus_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o not_o lawful_a more_o plain_o there_o be_v a_o lawfulness_n more_o remote_a from_o we_o which_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o first_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o lawfulness_n that_o be_v more_o immediate_a and_o near_o to_o we_o which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o common_a essence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o some_o extrinsic_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n occasion_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o the_o thing_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o present_a service_n this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o expediency_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a now_o where_o you_o speak_v of_o this_o latter_a lawfulness_n of_o expediency_n the_o former_a viz._n of_o indifferency_n be_v shut_v out_o so_o that_o though_o in_o one_o sense_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a be_v lawful_a yet_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a and_o not_o expedient_a be_v not_o lawful_a but_o sinful_a and_o it_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o aposte_n and_o indeed_o against_o common_a reason_n it_o be_v not_o warrantable_a for_o church-governor_n to_o impose_v any_o thing_n about_o god_n worship_n that_o be_v only_o indifferent_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o expedient_a thus_o that_o great_a defender_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o it_o extend_v and_o limit_n her_o power_n church-governor_n say_v he_o have_v liberty_n to_o establish_v whatsoever_o be_v in_o itself_o 13._o authority_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 13._o indifferent_a shall_v to_o their_o wisdom_n seem_v most_o expedient_a 2._o the_o second_o special_a ruâ—e_n be_v the_o public_a peace_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o peace_n as_o well_o as_o order_n and_o as_o the_o order_n so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o order_n be_v precious_a with_o he_o and_o with_o all_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o any_o care_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v any_o thing_n give_v way_n to_o peace_n and_o shall_v not_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o these_o indifferent_a be_v not_o peace_n necessary_a be_v it_o not_o necessary_a by_o command_n yea_o it_o be_v necessary_a as_o a_o mean_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o prevent_v our_o fear_n of_o obtain_v our_o hope_n our_o hope_n of_o settlement_n our_o hope_n of_o unity_n our_o hope_n of_o plenty_n of_o prosperity_n and_o glory_n in_o church_n and_o state_n who_o can_v think_v it_o wisdom_n without_o some_o other_o great_a inconvenience_n urge_v to_o it_o to_o force_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o indifferent_a to_o the_o endanger_n so_o necessary_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n or_o the_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o provoke_v any_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o to_o separate_v from_o we_o let_v we_o rather_o with_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n weigh_v the_o present_a necessity_n in_o this_o regard_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v in_o the_o like_a case_n follow_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n rom._n 14._o 19_o 3._o the_o three_o special_a rule_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o offence_n of_o weak_a brethren_n who_o though_o weak_a be_v not_o to_o be_v throw_v to_o the_o wall_n without_o any_o regard_n yea_o the_o scripture_n reason_n cap._n vid._n rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 7_o 9_o 10._o cap._n we_o to_o a_o great_a tenderness_n to_o the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o more_o care_n of_o that_o and_o in_o this_o very_a case_n have_v give_v we_o divers_a and_o weighty_a consideration_n that_o we_o wilful_o offend_v not_o our_o weak_a brethren_n by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a indeed_o when_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v once_o command_v the_o case_n be_v alter_v as_o to_o private_a christian_n as_o at_o large_a hereafter_o but_o otherwise_o where_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n example_n and_o command_n be_v find_v the_o obligation_n of_o both_o will_v hardly_o be_v escape_v as_o polanus_fw-la say_v that_o 376._o syntag._n tom_n 2._o p_o 376._o ceremony_n may_v be_v observe_v for_o peace_n sake_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a so_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o rigour_n of_o imposition_n may_v be_v warrantable_o abate_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n mr_n rogers_n be_v more_o peremptory_a 4._o against_o seffray_n object_n 4._o though_o as_o i_o note_v before_o a_o sufficient_a defender_n of_o ceremony_n he_o that_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a meaning_n before_o they_o be_v command_v have_v not_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o weak_a christian_n in_o his_o do_v show_v that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o charity_n in_o he_o nor_o regard_n of_o his_o brethren_n which_o god_n require_v upon_o this_o ground_n no_o doubt_n the_o learned_a doctor_n gardner_n stand_v when_o he_o say_v if_o the_o law_n in_o these_o case_n viz._n of_o ceremony_n have_v not_o be_v already_o make_v i_o shall_v never_o for_o my_o own_o part_n wish_v to_o have_v they_o make_v dialogue_n about_o ceremony_n neither_o can_v we_o refer_v to_o any_o other_o topick_n the_o care_n and_o pain_n that_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n use_v for_o the_o just_a satisfaction_n of_o nonconformist_n in_o the_o age_n before_o we_o to_o the_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 22_o 13._o weak_a become_v i_o as_o weak_a that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o weak_a and_o this_o i_o do_v say_v the_o great_a apostle_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n 4._o the_o four_o special_a rule_n may_v be_v edification_n the_o grand_a level_n of_o all_o church_n power_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o its_o destruction_n in_o the_o whole_a or_o if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v it_o in_o any_o part_n therefore_o the_o great_a 10._o rom._n 14._o 15._o in_o quo_fw-la charitas_fw-la moderatrix_fw-la est_fw-la calv._n rom._n 14._o 10._o principle_n of_o all_o such_o imposition_n must_v be_v charity_n and_o love_n to_o our_o brethren_n not_o envy_n at_o or_o desire_v of_o revenge_n upon_o any_o person_n or_o party_n otherwise_o mind_v not_o to_o show_v victory_n over_o they_o or_o dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n or_o action_n thing_n i_o doubt_v not_o sincere_o abhor_v by_o our_o present_a governor_n as_o well_o as_o by_o our_o former_a but_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o forgive_a one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o have_v give_v we_o example_n show_v all_o bowel_n and_o tenderness_n in_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o a_o happy_a accord_n and_o accommodation_n 5._o five_o the_o most_o note_a rule_n of_o all_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n a_o stand_a rule_n never_o to_o be_v cross_v by_o any_o authority_n under_o heaven_n yea_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n will_v never_o reverse_v it_o then_o nothing_o that_o be_v either_o indecent_a or_o disorderly_a in_o god_n worship_n can_v warrantable_o be_v impose_v upon_o his_o church_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o i_o think_v have_v never_o hitherto_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v assert_v clapham_n speak_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a touch_v 9_o chron._n c._n 9_o which_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o decency_n and_o order_n must_v be_v observe_v but_o for_o particular_n he_o have_v no_o particular_a injunction_n from_o the_o lord_n chron._n cap._n 9_o provide_v always_o say_v mr_n mason_n that_o all_o thing_n 13._o pag._n 13._o be_v do_v honest_o and_o in_o order_n 6._o the_o six_o rule_n be_v custom_n of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o indicate_v what_o be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a see_v by_o the_o force_n of_o custom_n that_o be_v comely_a in_o one_o country_n that_o be_v plain_o absurd_a in_o another_o custom_n be_v the_o umpire_n 26._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 26._o in_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a say_v the_o apostle_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o introduce_v innovation_n and_o by_o new_a imposition_n to_o force_v against_o the_o usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n where_o we_o live_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o much_o weight_n ambrose_n augustine_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n lay_v upon_o this_o both_o for_o themselves_o and_o their_o advice_n to_o other_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n doubtless_o the_o more_o extensive_a a_o usage_n be_v the_o more_o ancient_a the_o more_o universal_a the_o long_o and_o far_o a_o thing_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o more_o it_o
distinguish_v there_o be_v a_o evil_a surmise_n and_o a_o evil_a appearance_n and_o the_o first_o be_v condemn_v as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a many_o may_v judge_n that_o to_o be_v superstition_n that_o be_v not_o their_o error_n do_v not_o make_v it_o to_o be_v so_o indeed_o or_o in_o appearance_n for_o then_o what_o shall_v escape_v when_o you_o have_v try_v it_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o man_n therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v superstitious_a that_o have_v not_o the_o appearance_n of_o superstition_n or_o evil_n proper_o so_o call_v indeed_o when_o upon_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o general_a practice_n it_o appear_v to_o the_o sober_a and_o unbiased_a sort_n of_o christian_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v use_v superstitious_o that_o be_v as_o before_z with_o a_o superstitious_a conceit_n either_o of_o merit_n worship_n perfection_n or_o necessity_n than_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o appearance_n of_o superstition_n but_o i_o say_v ground_n of_o general_a practice_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o superstitious_a use_n of_o some_o few_o particular_a private_a person_n among_o we_o much_o less_o of_o other_o country_n that_o make_v a_o thing_n appear_v superstitious_a the_o practice_n must_v be_v general_a with_o we_o or_o rather_o will_v you_o have_v a_o undoubted_a rule_n in_o this_o case_n look_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n whence_o the_o ground_n of_o imposition_n and_o practice_n be_v draw_v if_o that_o as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v false_a and_o superstitious_a and_o it_o appear_v that_o upon_o those_o false_a and_o superstitious_a ground_n the_o imposition_n be_v raise_v then_o there_o be_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v avoid_v but_o if_o you_o find_v otherwise_o you_o must_v otherwise_o judge_v if_o it_o shall_v be_v possible_a that_o private_a christian_n have_v reason_n to_o reply_v we_o know_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o ruler_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v require_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o scruple_n upon_o some_o superstitious_a ground_n unknown_a to_o we_o to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v 1._o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n declar_n the_o ground_n of_o such_o imposition_n in_o general_n that_o be_v visible_a and_o that_o must_v be_v your_o rule_n in_o judge_v the_o ground_n of_o particular_a thing_n impose_v till_o the_o contrary_n be_v declare_v or_o till_o you_o have_v some_o unquestionable_a reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o design_n of_o your_o governor_n to_o betray_v the_o church_n to_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o nothing_o savour_v of_o superstition_n aforesaid_a be_v declare_v in_o the_o imposition_n as_o augustine_n say_v quod_fw-la neque_fw-la januar._n epist_n 118._o ad_fw-la januar._n contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la &c_n &c_n that_o which_o be_v neither_o against_o faith_n or_o holiness_n ought_v to_o be_v hold_v indifferent_a and_o for_o the_o society_n of_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v to_o be_v conform_v unto_o suppose_v you_o do_v not_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o your_o ruler_n yet_o you_o owe_v they_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o obedience_n and_o that_o think_v no_o harm_n but_o welcome_n every_o thing_n especial_o from_o superior_n with_o the_o best_a interpretation_n there_o be_v say_v augustine_n full_a to_o our_o purpose_n mont._n aug._n l._n 2._o de_fw-fr serm._n in_o mont._n certain_a middle_a or_o indifferent_a action_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a with_o what_o mind_n they_o be_v do_v because_o they_o may_v be_v do_v either_o with_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a intent_n de_fw-fr quibus_fw-la temerarium_fw-la est_fw-la judicare_fw-la maxim_n ut_fw-la condemnemus_fw-la which_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o rashness_n to_o judge_v much_o more_o to_o condemn_v case_n ii_o whether_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v use_v superstitious_o must_v be_v reckon_v superstitious_a still_o resol_n this_o doubt_n be_v also_o resolve_v upon_o the_o former_a ground_n for_o 1_o if_o superstition_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o superstitious_a conceit_n and_o use_v of_o it_o than_o superstition_n cleave_v no_o long_o to_o any_o thing_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v purge_v and_o free_v from_o the_o superstitious_a doctrine_n and_o use_n opinion_n and_o practice_n aforesaid_a 2_o none_o can_v reasonable_o doubt_v but_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n superstition_n be_v separable_a from_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v thus_o abuse_v as_o one_o say_v well_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o far_o go_v into_o the_o devil_n power_n but_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o god_n glory_n 3._o therefore_o as_o have_v be_v say_v we_o must_v still_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o usage_n at_o present_a and_o the_o present_a ground_n of_o the_o imposition_n will_v you_o judge_v righteous_a in_o this_o weighty_a particular_a superstition_n be_v reformable_a two_o way_n either_o by_o abolish_n the_o thing_n or_o remove_v the_o abuse_n now_o which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o be_v take_v must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o zeal_n of_o governor_n yet_o reason_v judge_n so_o far_o frustra_fw-la fit_a per_fw-la plura_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o the_o end_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o more_o ado_n i._n e._n if_o by_o instruction_n and_o injunction_n the_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o lawful_a and_o laudable_a use_n what_o need_v of_o the_o abolition_n of_o it_o ad_fw-la eundem_fw-la finem_fw-la multis_fw-la mediis_fw-la pervenitur_fw-la we_o may_v arrive_v at_o the_o same_o end_n by_o divers_a mean_n the_o mean_n be_v of_o no_o moment_n as_o such_o further_o than_o they_o advance_v the_o end_n if_o superstition_n be_v remove_v no_o great_a matter_n which_o way_n as_o appeareth_z in_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a hezekias_n he_o take_v away_o the_o high_a place_n break_v the_o image_n cut_v down_o the_o grove_n break_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n thus_o he_o endeavour_v with_o all_o pious_a zeal_n to_o reform_v by_o the_o first_o course_n the_o abolition_n of_o the_o thing_n abuse_v yet_o he_o spare_v the_o chapel_n which_o solomon_n build_v for_o ashtore_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o sydonian_o and_o for_o the_o chemosh_fw-mi the_o idol_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o for_o milcom_a the_o abomination_n of_o the_o child_n of_o ammon_n in_o hope_n no_o doubt_n to_o sever_v the_o idolatry_n from_o the_o place_n and_o by_o a_o mild_a course_n of_o government_n 71._o vid._n greg._n l._n 10._o ep._n 71._o to_o reduce_v these_o by_o his_o wisdom_n to_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n yet_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n can_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o very_o hardly_o do_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n must_v have_v no_o indulgence_n the_o serpent_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n here_o that_o famous_a rule_n of_o pope_n stephen_n be_v appprove_v by_o all_o per_fw-la hoc_fw-la magna_fw-la authoritas_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o this_o cause_n that_o authority_n be_v esteem_v great_a in_o the_o church_n that_o if_o some_o of_o our_o predecessor_n have_v do_v some_o thing_n which_o at_o that_o time_n may_v be_v without_o fault_n and_o afterward_o be_v turn_v into_o error_n and_o superstition_n without_o any_o delay_n and_o with_o great_a authority_n they_o may_v be_v destroy_v by_o posterity_n yet_o to_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v oppose_v that_o excellent_a observation_n 154._o ad_fw-la publi_fw-la col._n 154._o of_o st_n augustine_n cum_fw-la templa_fw-la idola_fw-la luci_n etc._n etc._n when_o temple_n idol_n grove_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o like_a qualily_n by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v ruinate_v if_o they_o be_v translate_v into_o common_a not_o proper_a use_v and_o convert_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n that_o fall_v out_o in_o they_o which_o happen_v also_o in_o man_n when_o as_o of_o sacriledgious_a and_o ungodly_a they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o god_n say_v he_o command_v that_o the_o wood_n which_o grow_v in_o the_o grove_n of_o strange_a god_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o the_o holocaust_n and_o that_o all_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n of_o jericho_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o lord_n treasury_n nop_n de_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d vest_n ad_fw-la nop_n because_o as_o the_o learned_a bucer_n teach_v to_o be_v a_o legal_a or_o antichristian_a rite_n stick_v in_o no_o creature_n of_o god_n in_o no_o garment_n in_o no_o figure_n in_o no_o colour_n or_o in_o any_o work_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o profession_n of_o those_o that_o abuse_v the_o good_a creature_n of_o god_n ad_fw-la impias_fw-la significationes_fw-la to_o wicked_a or_o ungodly_a purpose_n hereupon_o scio_fw-la inquit_fw-la beza_n nonnullos_fw-la sublata_fw-la crucis_fw-la adoratione_n aliquem_fw-la signi_fw-la crucis_fw-la usum_fw-la retinnisse_fw-la utuntur_fw-la igitur_fw-la
ipsi_fw-la sicut_fw-la par_fw-fr est_fw-la suâ_fw-la libertate_fw-la but_o last_o admit_v that_o our_o ruler_n ought_v to_o abolish_v the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v so_o use_v to_o superstition_n but_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v it_o &_o enjoin_v we_o by_o their_o command_n to_o leave_v the_o superstitious_a use_n and_o to_o use_v it_o as_o we_o lawful_o may_v it_o need_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o question_n whether_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o superstition_n and_o also_o to_o obey_v authority_n in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o that_o thing_n without_o fear_n of_o superstition_n case_n iii_o whether_o the_o impute_v of_o significancy_n to_o thing_n impose_v render_v they_o superstitious_a resol_n true_o some_o reverend_a and_o learned_a man_n seem_v so_o affright_v at_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o sacred_a mystical_a ceremony_n significant_a symbolical_a rite_n of_o humane_a institution_n that_o i_o can_v but_o fear_n rhat_o they_o have_v apprehend_v some_o very_a great_a danger_n in_o they_o shall_v we_o once_o grant_v that_o ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n may_v be_v appoint_v to_o signify_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o receive_v any_o blessing_n from_o god_n no_o doubt_n there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n in_o it_o that_o if_o corrupt_a and_o superstitious_a man_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n rule_v the_o church_n we_o may_v quick_o have_v not_o only_o seven_o but_o seventy_o time_n seven_o if_o not_o entire_a yet_o semi-sacrament_n the_o church_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v thereby_o obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o antic_a and_o conceit_a crotcher_n that_o the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o overcurious_a man_n can_v cumber_v they_o with_o until_o they_o become_v stench_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o staid_a man_n and_o of_o god_n himself_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o if_o by_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n we_o mean_v only_o the_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o scripture_n leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n and_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o significancy_n of_o they_o we_o intend_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o commend_v the_o exercise_n with_o order_n and_o decency_n to_o express_v the_o gravity_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o worshipper_n tend_v also_o as_o such_o thing_n be_v capable_a to_o unity_n and_o edification_n if_o this_o be_v all_o true_o i_o can_v discover_v so_o much_o danger_n yea_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v that_o to_o quarrel_v with_o they_o because_o they_o be_v such_o seem_v to_o be_v angry_a with_o these_o ceremony_n which_o be_v better_a and_o because_o they_o be_v better_a than_o other_o and_o to_o quarrel_v with_o their_o very_a fitness_n and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o alone_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v measure_v again_o if_o nothing_o that_o be_v so_o pure_o indifferent_a as_o to_o be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o service_n and_o not_o to_o be_v more_o expedient_a than_o inexpedient_a aught_o to_o be_v impose_v as_o all_o moderate_a man_n allow_v and_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n in_o hand_n nothing_o that_o have_v its_o use_n or_o significancy_n may_v be_v require_v who_o see_v not_o but_o the_o church_n be_v crucify_v between_o two_o opinion_n that_o open_o rob_v she_o of_o all_o power_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a some_o very_a wise_a and_o unsuspected_a person_n have_v free_o declare_v themselves_o not_o to_o discover_v any_o such_o danger_n in_o the_o bare_a significancy_n of_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n as_o other_o be_v affright_v with_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v peter_n martyr_n to_o hooper_n to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o that_o liberty_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o by_o her_o action_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n aliquid_fw-la significare_fw-la signify_v something_o yea_o further_o say_v he_o the_o very_a apostle_n himself_o use_v that_o liberty_n when_o he_o teach_v ut_fw-la illis_fw-la signis_fw-la that_o with_o those_o sign_n they_o shall_v be_v admonish_v of_o their_o duty_n again_o rerum_fw-la significationes_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o signification_n of_o thing_n call_v to_o our_o mind_n quid_fw-la nos_fw-la deceat_fw-la what_o be_v expedient_a ministri_fw-la magis_fw-la memores_fw-la sint_fw-la svi_fw-la officii_fw-la vid._n aret._n in_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 10._o &_o 16._o 16._o pet._n mart._n in_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 26._o geneva_n annotation_n in_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 20._o perkins_n case_n consci_fw-la cap._n 3._o sect._n 3._o calvin_n also_o be_v nothing_o 29._o calv._n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 10._o 28_o 29._o fearful_a to_o the_o iver_n his_o mind_n in_o the_o point_n there_o be_v say_v he_o rite_n which_o draw_v veneration_n to_o holy_a thing_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o little_a help_n we_o be_v provoke_v to_o piety_n they_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o reverence_n of_o holy_a mystery_n thereby_o the_o exercise_n be_v suit_v to_o holiness_n they_o be_v not_o without_o fruit_n thereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v admonish_v with_o what_o modesty_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v to_o worship_v god_n kneel_v say_v beza_n when_o we_o receive_v the_o sign_n have_v a_o show_n of_o godly_a and_o christian_a veneration_n case_n iu._n whether_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a betray_v our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n resol_n this_o question_n seem_v to_o engage_v god_n and_o cesar_n and_o to_o cause_v a_o quarrel_n betwixt_o duty_n and_o liberty_n which_o neither_o god_n or_o cesar_n duty_n or_o liberty_n will_v own_v or_o defend_v the_o doubt_n apparent_o result_v out_o of_o a_o too_o gross_a mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a gospel-liberty_n the_o internal_a part_n whereof_o though_o it_o indeed_o free_v we_o from_o inward_a bondage_n yet_o bind_v we_o the_o fast_a in_o service_n to_o god_n so_o the_o external_a part_n thereof_o do_v also_o deliver_v we_o from_o outward_a slavery_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o the_o more_o oblige_v we_o in_o duty_n to_o superior_n polanus_fw-la place_v external_n christian_n liberty_n which_o indeed_o be_v proper_o christian_a as_o it_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o gospel-liberty_n in_o two_o thing_n a_o liberty_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 2._o a_o liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n now_o though_o the_o first_o branch_n may_v not_o be_v touch_v yet_o he_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o the_o latter_a may_v be_v determine_v upon_o just_a occasion_n of_o the_o church_n order_n by_o lawful_a authority_n libertas_n christiana_n est_fw-la duplex_fw-la à _fw-la legibus_fw-la mosis_fw-la &_o in_o adiaphoris_n quales_fw-la sunt_fw-la ceremoniae_fw-la humanâ_fw-la autoritate_fw-la institutae_fw-la boni_fw-la ordinis_fw-la causâ_fw-la christian_n liberty_n say_v polanus_fw-la be_v twofold_a from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a of_o which_o sort_n mean_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v ceremony_n appoint_v by_o humane_a authority_n for_o order_n sake_n now_o neither_o of_o these_o branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n can_v be_v sober_o think_v to_o make_v void_a the_o law_n as_o moral_a or_o natural_a in_o any_o one_o jot_n or_o tittle_n of_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o fulfil_v matth._n 5._o and_o establish_v rom._n 3._o ult_n but_o to_o assert_v that_o ruler_n have_v no_o power_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a because_o of_o christian_a liberty_n seem_v to_o weaken_v he_o arm_v of_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a civil_a political_n oeconomical_a and_o even_o to_o raze_v out_o the_o five_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n yea_o what_o unnatural_a consequence_n of_o all_o disorder_n be_v like_a to_o ensue_v in_o church_n in_o state_n in_o family_n and_o all_o society_n in_o the_o world_n the_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o all_o which_o lie_v not_o a_o little_a in_o the_o due_a order_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a yea_o how_o often_o be_v the_o apostle_n himself_o the_o great_a assert_v of_o christian_a liberty_n thus_o make_v a_o invader_n of_o it_o how_o injurious_o do_v that_o famous_a synod_n act._n 15._o bind_v the_o church_n to_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n what_o council_n father_n scholman_n church_n nay_o what_o wise_a man_n be_v ever_o of_o this_o opinion_n or_o who_o be_v that_o solid_a writer_n in_o any_o age_n almost_o that_o have_v not_o declare_v the_o contrary_a give_v i_o leave_v therefore_o to_o repeat_v it_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v much_o mistake_v it_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o it_o even_o consist_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a by_o lawful_a authority_n it_o be_v one_o part_n of_o this_o liberty_n as_o calvin_n assert_n legibus_fw-la libertas_n aufertur_fw-la ablato_fw-la jure_fw-la &_o legibus_fw-la that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o regulate_v the_o circumstantes_fw-la of_o worship_n for_o peace_n and_o unity_n order_n and_o decency_n
by_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o if_o not_o as_o a_o eminent_a person_n assert_n only_o unto_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n the_o apostle_n give_v why_o we_o must_v not_o use_v our_o liberty_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o weak_a brother_n be_v lest_o we_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n 13._o rom._n 14._o 13_o 15_o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o before_o he_o whereat_o he_o may_v fall_v that_o be_v lest_o he_o presume_v after_o our_o example_n to_o do_v something_o against_o his_o conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o christ_n and_o be_v likely_a to_o perish_v or_o to_o be_v destroy_v the_o danger_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o offend_v our_o brother_n in_o the_o english_a sense_n as_o in_o one_o make_v he_o by_o our_o evil_a example_n to_o offend_v wherefore_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o but_o now_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o ensue_v upon_o our_o conformity_n be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n there_o be_v little_a fear_n of_o draw_v our_o offend_a brethren_n to_o like_v the_o way_n of_o conformity_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o conformist_n but_o rather_o they_o will_v like_o conformity_n and_o the_o person_n conform_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o and_o grow_v the_o more_o bitter_a against_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n i_o conceive_v lie_v thus_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n those_o be_v general_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o strong_a disciple_n that_o know_v their_o liberty_n best_a and_o the_o other_o that_o be_v weak_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v offend_v but_o now_o those_o that_o pretend_v offence_n be_v the_o strong_a in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o they_o judge_v it_o a_o weakness_n in_o those_o that_o do_v conform_v and_o no_o doubt_n if_o any_o be_v likely_a to_o follow_v our_o example_n in_o conformity_n out_o of_o a_o opinion_n of_o our_o ability_n to_o judge_n better_o than_o themselves_o they_o will_v as_o easy_o follow_v our_o judgement_n too_o if_o we_o first_o use_v due_a mean_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o they_o and_o then_o all_o the_o scruple_n be_v vanish_v and_o go_v 2._o second_o let_v we_o weigh_v they_o one_o against_o another_o and_o compare_v the_o offence_n receive_v by_o our_o weak_a brethren_n upon_o our_o obedience_n with_o that_o receive_v by_o authority_n upon_o our_o disobedience_n if_o we_o only_o do_v that_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v and_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o do_v we_o do_v not_o give_v our_o weak_a brother_n any_o offence_n though_o he_o take_v it_o there_o be_v not_o that_o peruse_v or_o natural_o flow_v out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o my_o liberty_n or_o the_o do_n of_o my_o duty_n that_o will_v hurt_v my_o brother_n or_o tempt_v he_o to_o sin_n he_o take_v occasion_n of_o himself_o not_o at_o all_o give_v by_o i_o but_o now_o by_o disobedience_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a that_o be_v enjoin_v we_o give_v offence_n to_o authority_n direct_o and_o proper_o so_o and_o as_o we_o have_v show_v we_o can_v hardly_o escape_v sin_n herein_o against_o the_o five_o commandment_n which_o in_o every_o iota_fw-la as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n our_o very_a liberty_n itself_o establish_v the_o sum_n be_v this_o by_o refuse_v to_o conform_v in_o such_o a_o lawful_a case_n lest_o we_o shall_v offend_v our_o weak_a brother_n seem_v direct_o to_o sin_n ourselves_o to_o avoid_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o he_o to_o offend_v god_n the_o king_n the_o law_n the_o church_n and_o conscience_n too_o by_o not_o do_v our_o duty_n lest_o we_o shall_v offend_v our_o brother_n by_o do_v it_o therefore_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o be_v not_o under_o the_o actual_a command_n of_o authority_n and_o such_o as_o be_v before_o they_o be_v command_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v in_o our_o liberty_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n rule_n hold_v we_o must_v not_o use_v our_o liberty_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o what_o be_v require_v by_o authority_n if_o it_o be_v no_o long_o in_o our_o liberty_n we_o must_v mind_v our_o duty_n this_o rule_n therefore_o great_o concern_v magistrate_n in_o thâ—ir_a imposition_n who_o ought_v still_o to_o follow_v the_o weighty_a advice_n of_o mr_n calvin_n let_v charity_n submit_v to_o faith_n and_o liberty_n to_o charity_n but_o subject_n must_v not_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v please_v their_o prince_n much_o less_o their_o brother_n beside_o we_o may_v distinguish_v of_o offence_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o brother_n offend_v if_o we_o offend_v he_o by_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o oneâ—y_v tempt_v he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n though_o against_o his_o conscience_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o omit_v our_o duty_n lest_o we_o offend_v our_o brother_n do_v not_o we_o offend_v he_o more_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n by_o tempt_v he_o to_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o to_o embolden_v himself_o in_o sin_n with_o a_o worse_a conscience_n case_n the_o apostle_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o rule_n how_o we_o be_v to_o use_v our_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a towards_o our_o weak_a brother_n can_v man_n by_o his_o command_n alter_v this_o rule_n or_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o it_o resol_n the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v absolute_o unalterable_a where_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o hold_v and_o the_o object_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v where_o the_o matter_n be_v still_o indifferent_a 2._o man_n can_v make_v thing_n indifferent_a to_o become_v necessary_a in_o their_o nature_n yet_o lawful_a authority_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o judge_v when_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a as_o to_o its_o present_a use_n or_o forbearance_n these_o necessary_a thing_n say_v that_o council_n act._n 15._o though_o 28._o v._o 28._o they_o be_v not_o all_o necessary_a in_o their_o nature_n yet_o the_o council_n judge_v they_o necessary_a as_o to_o the_o present_a good_a of_o the_o church_n 3._o in_o such_o case_n for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n governor_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o determine_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n by_o their_o prudent_a imposition_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o 28._o 28._o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n and_o no_o less_o remarkable_o we_o find_v st_n paul_n power_n put_v forth_o in_o 1_o cor._n 11._o and_o oâ—her_a place_n in_o determine_v many_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 4._o but_o what_o do_v all_o this_o signify_v if_o these_o apostolical_a injunction_n have_v no_o force_n when_o a_o discontent_a person_n shall_v say_v he_o be_v offend_v put_v case_n that_o after_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o act._n 15._o a_o particular_a member_n shall_v have_v be_v offend_v that_o his_o brother_n refuse_v to_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n plead_v that_o it_o be_v superstition_n in_o he_o or_o a_o lose_n or_o betray_v the_o christian_a liberty_n or_o that_o other_o have_v be_v offend_v at_o those_o particular_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n enjoin_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n urge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o command_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v humane_a invention_n new_a ordinance_n addition_n to_o god_n word_n and_o will-worship_n can_v any_o imagine_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n have_v be_v discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n either_o to_o that_o famous_a synod_n or_o that_o excellent_a governor_n the_o apostle_n paul_n or_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o suspend_v their_o obedience_n lest_o they_o shall_v offend_v such_o scrapulous_a person_n i_o can_v think_v it_o we_o must_v not_o oppose_v liberty_n to_o necessity_n charity_n to_o duty_n or_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a to_o the_o high_a power_n case_n i._n but_o it_o be_v vehement_o urge_v by_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n that_o even_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o conform_v they_o shall_v thus_o become_v vile_a to_o the_o people_n as_o man_n that_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o save_v their_o liveing_n and_o then_o their_o ministry_n will_v be_v fruitless_a and_o do_v no_o good_a among_o they_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n resol_n 1._o this_o case_n seem_v to_o arise_v from_o prudence_n and_o not_o conscience_n herein_o we_o not_o pretend_v to_o fly_v from_o sin_n to_o suffering_n but_o from_o one_o sort_n of_o suffer_v to_o another_o that_o be_v judge_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v from_o suffer_v in_o our_o reputation_n by_o conformity_n to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n for_o disobedience_n which_o when_o all_o