to_o say_v than_o our_o reconciler_n have_v and_o when_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o will_v consider_v it_o and_o yet_o those_o private_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o who_o judgement_n our_o reconciler_n appeal_v say_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n not_o a_o man_n of_o they_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v scruple_v as_o any_o one_o may_v observe_v who_o careful_o read_v their_o testimony_n some_o of_o they_o indeed_o do_v think_v it_o advisable_v if_o it_o will_v heal_v our_o present_a schism_n to_o part_v with_o some_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n 1._o those_o who_o think_v this_o may_v be_v do_v be_v there_o good_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o such_o abatement_n will_v cure_v the_o schism_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o last_a peace_n in_o this_o church_n 2._o those_o who_o think_v this_o way_n ought_v to_o be_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v effect_v the_o cure_n or_o no._n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o the_o exchange_n of_o a_o ceremony_n or_o two_o while_o the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n may_v be_v otherwise_o secure_v will_v certain_o heal_v our_o schism_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v ever_o be_v the_o man_n who_o shall_v oppose_v so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v my_o thought_n free_o that_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o great_a man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n in_o declare_v their_o judgement_n unasked_a about_o a_o imaginary_a case_n which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o impossible_a shall_v over_o be_v a_o real_a case_n this_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o present_a temper_n and_o complexion_n of_o the_o schism_n which_o even_o among_o the_o most_o moderote_v dissenter_n be_v improve_v far_o beyond_o the_o dispute_n of_o a_o ceremony_n but_o from_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o their_o principle_n whereon_o they_o demand_v such_o a_o alteration_n be_v schismatical_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o schismatical_a principle_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o ceremony_n may_v for_o the_o present_a quiet_a our_o dispute_n yet_o this_o peace_n will_v last_v no_o long_o than_o the_o man_n be_v in_o a_o good_a humour_n because_o those_o very_a principle_n which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n now_o will_v also_o disturb_v the_o best_a order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v devise_v and_o while_o the_o principle_n remain_v the_o seed_n of_o discord_n remain_v also_o and_o there_o will_v never_o want_v man_n or_o devil_n to_o improve_v they_o into_o open_a contention_n whoever_o believe_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o express_v divine_a law_n for_o that_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v sinful_a when_o they_o be_v command_v though_o by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n that_o neither_o the_o governor_n in_o church_n nor_o state_n have_v any_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n on_o which_o man_n oppose_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n will_v as_o inevitable_o be_v schismatic_n under_o any_o constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n be_v accountable_a to_o the_o people_n will_v be_v rebel_n whenever_o they_o be_v not_o please_v and_o have_v power_n to_o resist_v take_v away_o these_o principle_n and_o we_o may_v keep_v our_o ceremony_n and_o while_o these_o principle_n last_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o part_v with_o the_o least_o ceremony_n 2._o as_o for_o those_o who_o think_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o try_v this_o experiment_n whether_o such_o abatement_n and_o condescension_n will_v reconcile_v dissent_v protestant_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v in_o my_o opinion_n a_o very_a dangerous_a as_o well_o as_o a_o very_a unreasonable_a experiment_n all_o change_n and_o innovation_n unless_o they_o be_v make_v on_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n and_o with_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o caution_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o the_o great_a politician_n can_v always_o foresee_v what_o the_o event_n will_v be_v but_o to_o change_v light_o and_o wanton_o without_o a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o a_o good_a effect_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o gravity_n of_o government_n it_o be_v only_o like_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o a_o sick_a man_n who_o seek_v for_o some_o present_a relief_n by_o change_a side_n though_o when_o he_o have_v do_v he_o find_v himself_o as_o uneasy_a as_o he_o be_v before_o if_o such_o abatement_n do_v not_o take_v effect_n we_o part_v with_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n to_o no_o purpose_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o sectary_n make_v they_o more_o bold_a and_o clamorous_a and_o weaken_v the_o authority_n and_o sinew_n of_o government_n which_o lose_v it_o due_a reverence_n when_o it_o be_v not_o steady_a and_o true_a to_o itself_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n governor_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o few_o experiment_n and_o to_o confess_v the_o few_o fault_n and_o mistake_n if_o there_o be_v any_o much_o less_o to_o seem_v to_o confess_v a_o fault_n when_o there_o be_v none_o for_o government_n ought_v to_o maintain_v its_o own_o reverence_n and_o authority_n and_o nothing_o can_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o government_n but_o a_o great_a opinion_n both_o of_o its_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o it_o can_v defend_v itself_o and_o direct_v other_o whereas_o all_o such_o change_n and_o alteration_n though_o they_o may_v be_v call_v a_o charitable_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o importunity_n of_o other_o be_v always_o expound_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o weakness_n or_o mistake_n of_o government_n that_o it_o can_v defend_v itself_o against_o popular_a clamour_n and_o opposition_n or_o that_o they_o mistake_v their_o rule_n the_o first_o make_v their_o authority_n precarious_a and_o teach_v people_n not_o to_o fear_v their_o governor_n when_o they_o see_v their_o governor_n be_v afraid_a of_o they_o the_o other_o destroy_v the_o reverence_n of_o their_o law_n and_o teach_v people_n not_o to_o obey_v but_o to_o dispute_v and_o of_o all_o mistake_n the_o mistake_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o unpardonable_a and_o the_o great_a blemish_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n because_o here_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o certain_a and_o do_v not_o alter_v with_o accidental_a and_o mutable_a event_n so_o that_o if_o thing_n be_v well_o settle_v at_o first_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n ever_o to_o change_v as_o may_v be_v in_o all_o other_o law_n which_o must_v be_v fit_v to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o other_o changeable_a circumstance_n but_o even_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o vary_v with_o the_o unreasonable_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n in_o every_o age_n or_o if_o it_o do_v religion_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n suffer_v by_o it_o now_o whatever_o private_a doctor_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o for_o those_o who_o assert_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n assert_v it_o without_o authority_n too_o his_o next_o testimony_n be_v borrow_v from_o some_o foreign_a divine_n such_o as_o beza_n zanchy_a junius_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o oppose_v other_o foreign_a divine_n against_o they_o if_o not_o to_o answer_v they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o write_n but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a these_o man_n be_v not_o infallible_a i_o will_v never_o value_v those_o man_n judgement_n about_o ceremony_n who_o can_v be_v content_v to_o change_v the_o apostolical_a order_n of_o bishop_n for_o a_o presbyterian_a parity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o insist_o at_o large_a on_o those_o term_n of_o concord_n which_o have_v be_v propose_v both_o by_o our_o own_o and_o by_o foreign_a divine_n between_o distinct_a church_n and_o hence_o very_o wise_o conclude_v that_o the_o same_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n but_o this_o i_o have_v consider_v already_o and_o refer_v my_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o remark_n upon_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n etc._n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o our_o reconciler_n and_o shall_v conclude_v this_o work_n with_o a_o short_a address_n to_o our_o dissenter_n lest_o they_o shall_v not_o right_o understand_v how_o much_o they_o be_v
significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o any_o other_o church_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o bishop_n do_v not_o think_v so_o and_o when_o the_o reconciler_n allege_v the_o bishop_n authority_n as_o well_o as_o argument_n against_o we_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v urge_v his_o argument_n no_o far_o than_o he_o himself_o do_v or_o to_o have_v tell_v his_o reader_n what_o exception_n the_o bishop_n make_v and_o leave_v it_o to_o he_o to_o judge_v whether_o the_o exception_n be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a or_o not_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n will_v have_v make_v some_o little_a difference_n as_o the_o bishop_n do_v between_o such_o significant_a ceremony_n as_o be_v withal_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n and_o receive_v their_o decency_n from_o their_o signification_n and_o such_o ceremony_n as_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o only_o entertain_v a_o childish_a fancy_n with_o some_o theatrical_a show_n and_o arbitrary_a image_n and_o figure_n of_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o bishop_n there_o speak_v and_o indeed_o all_o his_o other_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n be_v as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n because_o none_o of_o they_o concern_v the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v our_o present_a dispute_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v from_o thence_o learn_v what_o the_o bishop_n judgement_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n as_o to_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o these_o argument_n as_o he_o call_v they_o take_v out_o of_o bishop_n tailor_n be_v ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la his_o first_o argument_n be_v patch_v up_o of_o two_o say_n 212._o at_o the_o distance_n of_o fifteen_o page_n from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v much_o near_o to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o book_n than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o design_n and_o signification_n he_o say_v the_o bishop_n true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o church-ruler_n his_o authority_n for_o trifle_v and_o needless_a purpose_n this_o be_v say_v in_o one_o place_n and_o to_o make_v up_o his_o argument_n he_o tack_n another_o say_v to_o it_o now_o ritual_n say_v he_o and_o external_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a appendage_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v observe_v they_o not_o that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n but_o because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o law_n the_o first_o of_o these_o say_n be_v under_o the_o three_o rule_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o necessary_a duty_n by_o a_o direct_a power_n and_o divine_a authority_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o to_o some_o necessary_a duty_n the_o instance_n the_o bishop_n give_v in_o that_o place_n be_v this_o that_o the_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o command_v his_o subject_a or_o parishioner_n to_o put_v away_o his_o concubine_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o not_o only_a sin_n by_o uncleanness_n but_o by_o disobedience_n too_o this_o sure_a be_v remote_a enough_o from_o the_o dispute_n of_o ceremony_n but_o then_o he_o prove_v that_o such_o man_n sin_n by_o disobey_v the_o bishop_n in_o such_o case_n by_o this_o argument_n among_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o church-ruler_n his_o authority_n for_o trifle_v and_o needless_a purpose_n for_o it_o be_v a_o trifle_a thing_n to_o have_v authority_n to_o command_v if_o that_o authority_n have_v no_o effect_n if_o man_n may_v disobey_v such_o command_n without_o sin_n so_o that_o these_o word_n whereby_o the_o bishop_n prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o command_v and_o that_o those_o sin_n who_o disobey_v our_o reconciler_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n because_o in_o his_o opinion_n they_o be_v trifle_v and_o needless_a thing_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o bishop_n six_o rule_n which_o be_v this_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v by_o the_o tie_n of_o religion_n not_o of_o power_n oblige_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n his_o resolution_n of_o which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o such_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a religion_n can_v be_v neglect_v by_o prince_n without_o some_o strain_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n which_o be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o choice_n of_o man_n determine_v in_o such_o a_o instance_n to_o such_o a_o specification_n but_o in_o external_o and_o ritual_n they_o have_v a_o great_a liberty_n so_o that_o every_o omission_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n in_o they_o though_o it_o may_v be_v in_o subject_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v that_o they_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a appendage_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v observe_v ritual_n because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o law_n not_o that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n since_o therefore_o these_o be_v whole_o matter_n of_o obedience_n king_n be_v free_a save_v only_o when_o they_o become_v bind_v collateral_o and_o accidental_o so_o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o external_o and_o ritual_n as_o such_o trifle_a and_o needless_a thing_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v they_o to_o which_o purpose_n our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o but_o as_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v bind_v on_o we_o only_o by_o humane_a authority_n a_o sovereign_a prince_n who_o own_v no_o high_a humane_a authority_n than_o his_o own_o be_v not_o so_o strict_o oblige_v by_o they_o as_o his_o subject_n be_v but_o may_v dispense_v with_o himself_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a these_o be_v excellent_a premise_n for_o such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o our_o reconciler_n draw_v from_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o the_o external_o or_o ritual_n of_o religion_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n find_v say_v about_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o the_o external_o and_o ritual_n of_o religion_n he_o present_o apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o except_v the_o cross_n be_v only_o decent_a circumstance_n without_o which_o or_o suchlike_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v decent_o or_o reverent_o perform_v that_o be_v without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o external_a worship_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n and_o devotion_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a what_o a_o vast_a difference_n the_o bishop_n make_v between_o these_o two_o thus_o he_o express_o do_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v 6._o and_o from_o it_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v substract_v and_o in_o christianity_n we_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o ceremony_n except_v n._n b._n the_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o very_a ministry_n as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o vessel_n and_o ornament_n and_o necessary_a appendage_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n beside_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n where_o he_o express_o distinguish_v between_o the_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o very_a ministry_n what_o be_v necessary_a or_o convenient_a for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n from_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n whereby_o he_o understand_v exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n that_o be_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o be_v distinct_a act_n themselves_o either_o institute_v as_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o he_o say_v they_o be_v intolerable_a or_o mere_o for_o signification_n and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a little_a thing_n and_o of_o very_o inconsiderable_a use_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o revelation_n evangelical_n such_o he_o reckon_v give_v milk_n and_o honey_n or_o a_o little_a wine_n to_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o present_a milk_n together_o with_o bread_n and_o wine_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o signify_v nutrition_n by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o let_v a_o pigeon_n fly_v to_o signify_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o light_v up_o candle_n to_o represent_v the_o epiphany_n to_o dress_v a_o bed_n to_o express_v the_o secret_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o prepare_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o bury_v a_o image_n to_o describe_v the_o
god_n have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n whereas_o the_o dispute_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v actual_o determine_v by_o god_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v indulge_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o exceed_v their_o authority_n they_o judge_v over_o god_n judgement_n and_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o when_o she_o judge_n and_o censure_v she_o own_o refractory_a and_o dissent_v member_n for_o their_o disobedience_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v subject_a to_o her_o authority_n 3._o the_o apostle_n persuade_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o christian_a communion_n because_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o practice_n yet_o both_o of_o they_o act_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n know_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v repeal_v and_o therefore_o still_o observe_v the_o law_n in_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n which_o first_o give_v it_o the_o convert_a gentile_n know_v that_o the_o law_n be_v never_o give_v to_o they_o and_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o same_o person_n upon_o who_o authority_n they_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o they_o thankful_o accept_v that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o both_o of_o they_o at_o that_o time_n can_v true_o plead_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o not_o mere_o some_o unaccountable_a humour_n and_o prejudice_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o for_o such_o different_a practice_n one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n 6._o and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o which_o will_v be_v a_o profane_a and_o impudent_a mockery_n of_o god_n do_v he_o not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o liberty_n to_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o any_o thing_n and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v our_o reconciler_n represent_v the_o apostle_n argument_n thus_o 88_o these_o person_n say_v the_o apostle_n aught_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n although_o they_o differ_v in_o practice_n and_o in_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v from_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o do_v what_o be_v most_o please_a to_o he_o that_o some_o do_v eat_v and_o other_o not_o that_o some_o do_v regard_v a_o day_n and_o other_o not_o if_o charity_n therefore_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o conclude_v of_o such_o as_o do_v observe_v or_o do_v refuse_v observance_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o these_o inferior_a matter_n that_o as_o they_o outward_o profess_v so_o do_v they_o real_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n which_o they_o who_o can_v know_v man_n conscience_n but_o by_o their_o own_o profession_n can_v well_o deny_v then_o must_v they_o both_o by_o the_o apostle_n rule_v receive_v each_o other_o to_o communion_n and_o not_o reject_v each_o other_o on_o the_o account_n of_o difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o in_o practice_n in_o these_o lesser_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v under_o no_o government_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v usual_o mean_v by_o conscience_n viz._n man_n private_a opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n the_o plain_a english_a of_o it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n must_v do_v as_o he_o list_v and_o thus_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n be_v overrule_v by_o the_o more_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v so_o extreme_o absurd_a that_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o man_n of_o common_a understanding_n shall_v not_o blush_v to_o own_v it_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o condemn_v they_o too_o if_o they_o be_v erroneous_a and_o wicked_a the_o jew_n crucify_v our_o saviour_n and_o persecute_v his_o apostle_n out_o of_o zeal_n for_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n witness_n but_o god_n destroy_v their_o city_n temple_n and_o nation_n for_o it_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o charge_v all_o the_o heathen_a idolater_n even_o after_o the_o empire_n be_v turn_v christian_n with_o be_v a_o pack_n of_o damn_a hypocrite_n many_o of_o they_o no_o doubt_n very_o sincere_o follow_v their_o conscience_n and_o yet_o be_v damn_v not_o for_o hypocrite_n but_o for_o conscientious_a idolater_n all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whatever_o their_o particular_a persuasion_n may_v be_v and_o if_o man_n conscience_n will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n will_v judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o and_o yet_o it_o seem_v as_o hard_a a_o thing_n that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v man_n who_o act_n out_o of_o conscience_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o do_v what_o be_v most_o please_a to_o he_o as_o that_o earthly_a governor_n shall_v condemn_v and_o punish_v they_o no_o you_o will_v say_v god_n be_v the_o sole_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o conscience_n and_o he_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v but_o all_o this_o be_v senseless_a cant_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o conscience_n do_v it_o signify_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o command_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o disobey_v and_o have_v not_o all_o governor_n then_o who_o have_v receive_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o command_v the_o government_n of_o man_n conscience_n too_o as_o far_o as_o their_o authority_n reach_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o question_n who_o have_v authority_n to_o give_v law_n to_o conscience_n for_o whoever_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n for_o conscience_n unless_o they_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n without_o oblige_v any_o body_n to_o obey_v they_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o after_o law_n be_v make_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n every_o man_n may_v equitable_o challenge_v a_o liberty_n to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n though_o his_o conscience_n mistake_v its_o rule_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v this_o liberty_n for_o he_o punish_v such_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o will_v eternal_o damn_v those_o who_o do_v wicked_a action_n out_o of_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n or_o equity_n in_o the_o case_n it_o will_v more_o oblige_v god_n than_o any_o earthly_a governor_n because_o such_o misguide_a zealot_n be_v suppose_v to_o intend_v god_n glory_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o if_o god_n will_v not_o indulge_v such_o man_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n though_o they_o intend_v to_o please_v he_o by_o it_o what_o reason_n have_v earthly_a governor_n to_o do_v it_o who_o receive_v their_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o can_v imitate_v a_o better_a example_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o than_o god_n himself_o 2._o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o man_n conscience_n in_o make_v or_o execute_v law_n for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o nation_n if_o the_o saint_n shall_v think_v it_o their_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n to_o rob_v and_o plunder_v and_o murder_v the_o ungodly_a if_o they_o shall_v think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o pull_v down_o earthly_a prince_n to_o set_v up_o king_n jesus_n on_o his_o throne_n shall_v magistrate_n be_v afraid_a of_o hang_v such_o villain_n as_o these_o as_o commit_v such_o horrid_a outrage_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n nay_o if_o man_n refuse_v to_o give_v security_n to_o the_o government_n or_o a_o legal_a testimony_n in_o any_o civil_a cause_n out_o of_o a_o scruple_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n be_v the_o government_n to_o take_v notice_n or_o to_o make_v any_o allowance_n for_o this_o if_o god_n do_v not_o magistrate_n have_v less_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o because_o god_n know_v what_o man_n conscience_n
the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v but_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o man_n soul_n right_a and_o therefore_o not_o a_o absolute_a and_o necessary_a duty_n otherwise_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o bishop_n authority_n extend_v only_o to_o necessary_n why_o may_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o external_a beauty_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v consider_v in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n why_o may_v not_o spiritual_a advantage_n find_v place_n in_o our_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v bare_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o spiritual_a government_n right_a not_o to_o seize_v man_n estate_n to_o adorn_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o these_o reason_n he_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v more_o authority_n than_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o minister_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o learn_v what_o kind_n of_o authority_n he_o mean_v such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n to_o adorn_v religion_n as_o give_v the_o bishop_n authority_n over_o man_n estate_n for_o such_o prous_a use_n but_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o their_o authority_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o decency_n of_o religion_n 3._o when_o that_o reverend_a bishop_n say_v that_o rule_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n must_v be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o only_o rescue_v from_o confusion_n he_o must_v have_v some_o large_a notion_n of_o confusion_n than_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o that_o word_n will_v justify_v for_o man_n may_v avoid_v all_o confusion_n and_o yet_o neglect_v all_o the_o natural_a decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o meeting_n of_o quaker_n may_v be_v very_o orderly_o without_o any_o confusion_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o decency_n and_o the_o reason_n the_o bishop_n assign_v for_o this_o because_o the_o prelate_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n unless_o thing_n be_v so_o orderly_o that_o there_o be_v no_o confusion_n be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n against_o confusion_n but_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o to_o rescue_v from_o confusion_n in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o there_o be_v something_o more_o require_v in_o religious_a assembly_n than_o mere_o that_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o decent_a manner_n as_o become_v the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o natural_o belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o church-governor_n whether_o there_o have_v be_v any_o law_n for_o it_o or_o no_o much_o more_o when_o they_o be_v command_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o their_o authority_n extend_v to_o whatever_o be_v true_o decent_a in_o religion_n but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o this_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o matter_n do_v in_o confusion_n 4._o and_o disorder_n may_v be_v plain_o gather_v from_o all_o the_o instance_n precede_v which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o rule_n they_o be_v instance_n of_o great_a indecency_n and_o disorder_n commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o tell_v we_o this_o only_o can_v be_v certain_o collect_v that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v perform_v indecent_o and_o disorderly_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n the_o ruler_n of_o it_o shall_v correct_v they_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o urge_v a_o argument_n of_o mr._n jeane_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v not_o disobey_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o indecency_n commit_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n or_o some_o disorder_n in_o it_o for_o decency_n and_o indecency_n order_n and_o disorder_n or_o ataxy_n be_v privative_o opposite_a and_o between_o privative_a opposite_n in_o a_o capable_a subject_n there_o be_v no_o medium_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v decency_n sufficient_a in_o those_o action_n where_o be_v no_o indecency_n but_o now_o by_o the_o omission_n of_o symbolical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n such_o as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n surplice_n in_o prayer_n kneel_v when_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v commit_v no_o indecency_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n precept_n be_v not_o disobey_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o ceremony_n and_o consequent_o this_o precept_n can_v warrant_v the_o impose_v of_o they_o i_o wonder_v how_o learned_a man_n can_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o with_o such_o silly_a sophism_n as_o these_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v 1._o suppose_v this_o precept_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v give_v upon_o occasion_n of_o those_o disorder_n and_o indecency_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o apostle_n require_v no_o other_o decency_n than_o just_o what_o will_v remove_v the_o indecency_n of_o worship_n be_v decency_n a_o thing_n valuable_a for_o itself_o or_o only_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o indecency_n if_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o good_a thing_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o indecency_n can_v be_v a_o fault_n than_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o the_o end_n of_o decency_n be_v only_o to_o prevent_v indecency_n as_o if_o the_o end_n of_o see_v be_v only_o to_o prevent_v blindness_n or_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n only_o to_o prevent_v vice_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v privative_o opposite_a that_o be_v i_o suppose_v that_o indecency_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o decency_n not_o that_o decency_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o indecency_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o indecency_n consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o decency_n yet_o the_o nature_n of_o decency_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n though_o we_o shall_v allow_v that_o to_o be_v decent_a which_o be_v not_o indecent_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a mere_o because_o it_o be_v not_o indecent_a but_o because_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o precept_n upon_o occasion_n of_o these_o indecency_n commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n yet_o the_o command_n extend_v to_o any_o instance_n and_o degree_n of_o decency_n for_o he_o do_v not_o command_v decency_n mere_o out_o of_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n which_o be_v to_o invert_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n but_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n as_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o public_a worship_n as_o he_o who_o reprove_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o exhort_v man_n to_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o shall_v only_o practice_v so_o much_o virtue_n as_o not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o popular_a vice_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v aim_v at_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o instance_n of_o virtue_n 2._o and_o therefore_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v include_v in_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o omission_n of_o which_o be_v not_o disorderly_a and_o indecent_a if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n because_o the_o decency_n of_o our_o action_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n but_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a argument_n on_o which_o our_o reconciler_n and_o mr._n jeane_v rely_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v be_v include_v in_o that_o apostolical_a precept_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n because_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o indecent_a if_o then_o say_v the_o reconciler_n it_o can_v appear_v that_o pray_n without_o a_o surplice_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n without_o kneel_v or_o baptise_v without_o the_o cross_n be_v do_v these_o thing_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o then_o must_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a warrant_n for_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o till_o this_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v it_o must_v be_v vain_o plead_v to_o that_o end_n but_o now_o say_v mr._n jeane_n by_o the_o omission_n of_o symbolical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n such_o as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n surplice_n in_o prayer_n kneel_v when_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v commit_v no_o indecency_n in_o those_o
he_o without_o his_o consent_n for_o i_o doubt_v church-authority_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o such_o matter_n which_o be_v pure_o civil_a and_o secular_a and_o though_o when_o such_o thing_n be_v high_o expedient_a for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o bishop_n have_v authority_n to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v and_o that_o man_n sin_n who_o disobey_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o object_n of_o church-censure_n and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n no_o more_o than_o when_o man_n refuse_v to_o do_v some_o pious_a or_o charitable_a act_n at_o the_o bishop_n request_n philemon_n obligation_n to_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v his_o spiritual_a father_n who_o have_v convert_v he_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n give_v he_o a_o peculiar_a authority_n over_o he_o but_o the_o bare_a apostolical_a authority_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o man_n fortune_n and_o servant_n which_o in_o those_o day_n be_v part_n of_o their_o estate_n 3._o in_o those_o thing_n where_o god_n have_v interpose_v no_o command_n though_o the_o rule_n they_o give_v contain_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a and_o decent_a yet_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v they_o gentle_o do_v admonish_v &_o reprove_v they_o &_o let_v they_o alone_o so_o s._n paul_n in_o case_n of_o the_o corinthian_a man_n wear_v long_a hair_n if_o any_o man_n list_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v let_v he_o choose_v it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v we_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o liberty_n but_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o but_o this_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n neither_o for_o wear_v long_a hair_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o uniformity_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v our_o only_a dispute_n but_o be_v a_o indecency_n in_o common_a conversation_n and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n the_o apostle_n indulge_v both_o to_o jew_n and_o heathen_n till_o they_o can_v be_v reform_v by_o reason_n and_o better_a instruction_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o do_v more_o severe_o correct_v the_o disorder_n and_o indecency_n of_o worship_n and_o yet_o i_o confess_v it_o seem_v a_o very_a odd_a comment_n upon_o the_o apostle_n word_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n viz._n let_v he_o choose_v it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v we_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o whereas_o in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o leave_v they_o to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v that_o he_o determine_v the_o controversy_n against_o they_o by_o the_o high_a authority_n to_o a_o christian_a next_o to_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n viz._n the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o do_v not_o here_o threaten_v church-censure_n against_o they_o but_o first_o try_v what_o reason_n and_o argument_n will_v do_v which_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a method_n for_o bishop_n to_o use_v but_o a_o very_a ill_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v not_o censure_v those_o who_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o her_o law_n and_o constitution_n 4._o if_o the_o bishop_n power_n be_v extend_v far_o it_o may_v extend_v to_o tyranny_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o limit_n beyond_o this_o to_o keep_v he_o within_o the_o measure_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o government_n evangelical_n but_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o go_v far_o he_o may_v be_v absolute_a and_o supreme_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o spirit_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o dynasty_a as_o one_o ancient_o complain_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o change_v the_o father_n into_o a_o prince_n and_o the_o church_n into_o a_o empire_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o how_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n shall_v degenerate_v into_o tyranny_n and_o secular_a power_n be_v unintelligible_a to_o i_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o know_v come_v in_o at_o another_o door_n and_o the_o presbyter_n who_o have_v little_a regard_n to_o the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n can_v find_v other_o pretence_n to_o get_v some_o secular_a power_n into_o his_o hand_n but_o what_o limit_n can_v be_v set_v to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n if_o the_o church_n exceed_v what_o be_v bare_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v confusion_n in_o religious_a worship_n i_o answer_v decency_n be_v the_o bind_v of_o it_o and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o what_o be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a in_o religious_a worship_n belong_v to_o church-authority_n what_o be_v more_o be_v a_o irregular_a abuse_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n that_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o shall_v make_v bishop_n secular_a prince_n this_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o i_o that_o this_o learned_a prelate_n intend_v not_o one_o word_n of_o all_o this_o against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o can_v not_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o he_o contradict_v himself_o and_o then_o his_o authority_n be_v good_a on_o neither_o side_n and_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o appear_v once_o for_o all_o and_o thereby_o answer_v the_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n to_o countenance_v this_o reconcile_a design_n all_o together_o i_o observe_v then_o that_o the_o bishop_n himself_o do_v express_o justify_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o not_o offend_v against_o any_o of_o those_o rule_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o ecclesiastical_a law_n 8._o when_o he_o speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o significant_a ceremony_n and_o censure_v such_o ceremony_n which_o be_v mere_o for_o signification_n which_o seem_v to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o case_n there_o he_o design_o not_o only_a vindicate_v the_o practice_n but_o applaud_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o reference_n to_o her_o ceremony_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o celebrate_v and_o honour_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v in_o all_o her_o office_n retain_v but_o one_o ritual_a or_o ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a ordinance_n or_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o that_o be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o significant_a ceremony_n and_o of_o no_o other_o use_n though_o in_o this_o i_o can_v agree_v with_o the_o bishop_n and_o have_v give_v my_o reason_n for_o it_o above_o so_o it_o be_v very_o innocent_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v one_o and_o alone_o be_v in_o no_o regard_n troublesome_a or_o afflective_a to_o those_o who_o understand_v her_o power_n her_o liberty_n and_o reason_n i_o say_v she_o have_v one_o only_a ceremony_n of_o her_o own_o appointment_n for_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o a_o â—ivil_a and_o religious_a contract_n it_o be_v a_o pledge_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n not_o of_o the_o religion_n and_o those_o other_o circumstance_n of_o her_o worship_n be_v but_o determination_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o manner_n of_o a_o duty_n they_o serve_v to_o other_o purpose_n beside_o signification_n they_o be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o but_o for_o order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o a_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o evident_a necessity_n or_o a_o great_a convenience_n now_o if_o beside_o these_o use_n they_o can_v be_v construe_v to_o any_o good_a signification_n or_o instruction_n that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o advantage_n their_o principal_a end_n be_v different_a and_o warrant_v and_o not_o destroy_v by_o their_o superinduce_v and_o accidental_a use_n in_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o figure_n and_o shadow_n be_v for_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o light_n and_o manifestation_n be_v in_o the_o new_a this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n about_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o i_o think_v make_v little_a for_o our_o reconcilers_n purpose_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v transcribe_v that_o large_a discourse_n about_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n mere_o for_o signification_n out_o of_o the_o bishop_n write_n etc._n he_o stop_v when_o he_o come_v to_o this_o as_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o intend_v one_o word_n of_o this_o against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o he_o express_o except_v and_o justify_v well_o but_o though_o the_o bishop_n out_o of_o civility_n to_o the_o church_n make_v such_o a_o exception_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o his_o argument_n be_v as_o strong_a against_o the_o
great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross._n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n our_o reconciler_n himself_o have_v collect_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n or_o religion_n most_o of_o which_o be_v now_o out_o of_o use_n in_o most_o church_n which_o former_o use_v they_o and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v in_o uâ—e_v among_o we_o but_o what_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n ritual_n or_o ceremony_n but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a significant_a but_o a_o profess_v sign_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o for_o such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o which_o serve_v for_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o bishop_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o a_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o evident_a necessity_n or_o a_o great_a convenience_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o bishop_n speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n he_o understand_v by_o they_o exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n something_o which_o be_v like_o the_o ceremonial_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o religious_a rite_n such_o be_v their_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n their_o phylactery_n their_o fast_n and_o festival_n new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n not_o consider_v mere_o as_o circumstance_n of_o time_n but_o as_o have_v such_o a_o sacredness_n and_o religion_n stamp_v on_o they_o that_o the_o very_o observe_v they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o religious_a duty_n observe_v on_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o day_n not_o the_o day_n mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o numerous_a tradition_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o make_v broad_a their_o phylactery_n wash_v their_o cup_n and_o platter_n and_o their_o hand_n before_o dinner_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o superstitious_a observance_n now_o though_o some_o external_a action_n and_o thing_n wise_o choose_v and_o prudent_o use_v may_v be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v unless_o we_o will_v condemn_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o several_a age_n which_o use_v a_o great_a many_o external_a rite_n yet_o every_o one_o see_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o such_o rite_n as_o these_o and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o those_o man_n mistake_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o lie_v the_o controversy_n upon_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a signification_n of_o these_o word_n our_o fast_n and_o festival_n look_v most_o like_a such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o with_o we_o they_o be_v not_o religious_a day_n but_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n do_v from_o a_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o make_v a_o day_n religious_a which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v differ_v from_o appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n may_v do_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o observe_v a_o day_n differ_v from_o those_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v perform_v on_o such_o a_o day_n now_o this_o very_a observation_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n will_v answer_v most_o of_o his_o citation_n which_o he_o have_v impertinent_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o bishop_n write_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o have_v be_v very_o injudicious_o make_v against_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 214._o thus_o he_o observe_v from_o the_o bishop_n that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v mere_o such_o can_v be_v universal_a and_o perpetual_a but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n mere_o such_o that_o be_v say_v he_o those_o which_o do_v not_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n within_o their_o matter_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o they_o all_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o specification_n of_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n and_o include_v those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v and_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v enjoin_v to_o wear_v thesurplice_n it_o signify_v that_o he_o must_v perform_v divine_a office_n in_o a_o surplice_n these_o be_v but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o necessary_a duty_n and_o they_o found_v on_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o decency_n well_o but_o the_o bishop_n add_v when_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o to_o which_o all_o other_o nation_n be_v bind_v if_o they_o come_v into_o that_o communion_n it_o will_v be_v intolerable_a that_o the_o church_n who_o rejoice_v in_o their_o freedom_n from_o that_o yoke_n which_o god_n have_v impose_v shall_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o yoke_n of_o ordinance_n which_o man_n shall_v make_v for_o though_o before_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o now_o they_o may_v exercise_v communion_n and_o use_v the_o same_o religion_n without_o communicate_v in_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n now_o do_v not_o this_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o our_o english_a ceremony_n be_v but_o of_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o answer_v to_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ordinance_n which_o he_o call_v exterior_a thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o different_a rule_n and_o measure_n and_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n be_v so_o unfortunate_a that_o if_o the_o bishop_n have_v mean_v this_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n it_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o he_o add_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n this_o do_v no_o way_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o any_o government_n what_o liberty_n they_o be_v to_o retain_v and_o use_v i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o the_o follow_a number_n but_o it_o concern_v distinct_a church_n under_o distinct_a government_n and_o it_o mean_n as_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n and_o the_o whole_a analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v suffer_v no_o man_n to_o put_v a_o law_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v not_o their_o governor_n for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o must_v not_o be_v universal_a he_o mean_v that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v intend_v to_o oblige_v all_o christendom_n except_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v that_o be_v do_v consent_n that_o no_o church_n or_o company_n of_o christian_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n in_o it_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n which_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o such_o a_o usurpation_n as_o must_v not_o be_v endure_v which_o be_v direct_o level_v against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o though_o one_o church_n can_v impose_v upon_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n have_v power_n over_o she_o own_o member_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o be_v over_o they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o answer_v all_o his_o testimony_n from_o bishop_n davenant_n etc._n and_o bishop_n hall_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o duraeus_n about_o his_o pacificatory_a design_n of_o unite_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n into_o one_o communion_n and_o several_a other_o cite_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n they_o discourse_n upon_o what_o term_n distinct_a church_n which_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o aught_o to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n and_o this_o he_o apply_v to_o particular_a church_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o particular_a church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n and_o dominion_n over_o each_o other_o nor_o deny_v communion_n upon_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n or_o different_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o modes_n of_o worship_n therefore_o no_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o communion_n nor_o give_v law_n to_o her_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o
the_o king_n of_o england_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o law_n of_o england_n on_o italy_n or_o spain_n therefore_o he_o must_v not_o make_v law_n for_o england_n neither_o this_o our_o reconciler_n be_v aware_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o preface_n 53._o to_o strengthen_v these_o authority_n he_o ask_v this_o question_n why_o that_o agreement_n in_o fundamental_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v communion_n betwixt_o church_n disagree_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o doctrine_n of_o inferior_a moment_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a also_o to_o preserve_v communion_n among_o those_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n though_o disagree_v in_o like_a matter_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o christian_a church_n which_o do_v thus_o differ_v shall_v be_v receive_v and_o own_v as_o christian_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o be_v because_o these_o difference_n do_v not_o hinder_v their_o be_v real_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o therefore_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o since_o the_o same_o reason_n prove_v the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o who_o differ_v only_o in_o nonfundamentals_a capable_a of_o be_v real_a christian_n and_o so_o of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o christian_a brethren_n i._n e._n person_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n now_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o wonder_v our_o reconciler_n shall_v miss_v it_o for_o 1._o the_o reason_n of_o communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o hope_n one_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v whatever_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o as_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o since_o no_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o another_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o impose_v their_o own_o rule_n of_o discipline_n or_o worship_n upon_o each_o other_o but_o now_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n without_o submit_v to_o its_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n of_o worship_n though_o one_o church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o member_n and_o direct_v she_o own_o worship_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n nor_o decency_n of_o worship_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o worship_n no_o uniformity_n but_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v and_o yet_o 2._o though_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o do_v not_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o own_o church_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o distinct_a church_n shall_v communicate_v with_o each_o other_o and_o conform_v to_o each_o other_o custom_n where_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v present_a it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o two_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o will_v not_o as_o occasion_n serve_v communicate_v together_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o each_o other_o communion_n for_o calvinist_n to_o call_v the_o lutheran_n or_o lutheran_n the_o calvinist_n brethren_n but_o to_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n when_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o each_o other_o church_n this_o be_v not_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o or_o for_o a_o calvinist_n to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n or_o a_o lutheran_n in_o the_o calvinist_n but_o according_a to_o the_o rite_n of_o their_o own_o church_n not_o of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o communicate_v this_o be_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o but_o public_o to_o affront_v each_o other_o the_o only_a principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v so_o far_o to_o allow_v of_o each_o other_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o conform_v when_o occasion_n serve_v to_o such_o indifferent_a custom_n and_o usage_n though_o very_o different_a from_o their_o own_o rather_o than_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o submit_v to_o its_o authority_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n for_o 3._o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o church-communion_n than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a out_o of_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o if_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v he_o a_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o they_o will_v make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o a_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n but_o obedience_n to_o government_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o church-society_n as_o they_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o form_v a_o church-society_n only_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n consider_v as_o a_o systeme_n of_o doctrine_n and_o law_n which_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o observe_v for_o there_o be_v the_o essential_o of_o christian-communion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christian_a religion_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o publish_v the_o gospel_n but_o institute_v a_o church_n and_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o church-society_n lay_v some_o new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o beyond_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o a_o single_a state_n out_o of_o church-society_n but_o to_o return_v though_o this_o learned_a bishop_n do_v not_o urge_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o against_o any_o other_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n neither_o but_o only_o against_o such_o usurp_a authority_n as_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n yet_o this_o argument_n be_v frequent_o allege_v by_o other_o and_o more_o than_o once_o repeat_v by_o our_o reconciler_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o how_o trifle_n it_o be_v appear_v from_o this_o distinction_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n remove_v those_o burden_n which_o be_v on_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o impose_v new_a one_o but_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n lay_v any_o new_a burden_n upon_o man_n do_v she_o require_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a christ_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v celebrate_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o the_o minister_n shall_v perform_v all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o reverend_a manner_n and_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o more_o do_v she_o institute_v any_o ceremony_n except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o profess_v sign_n and_o relate_v to_o no_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v think_v decent_a to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n but_o what_o be_v decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o be_v decency_n than_o a_o new_a burden_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o impose_v on_o his_o disciple_n be_v decency_n a_o unnecessary_a or_o unreasonable_a thing_n do_v christ_n leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n then_o whether_o his_o disciple_n shall_v worship_v god_n decent_o or_o not_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n and_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n put_v another_o jewish_a yoke_n on_o the_o disciple_n neck_n be_v there_o any_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o have_v the_o least_o affinity_n with_o the_o jewish_a yoke_n do_v christ_n when_o he_o abrogate_a the_o jewish_a law_n abrogate_v all_o decency_n
of_o worship_n too_o or_o be_v the_o bare_a decency_n of_o worship_n a_o jewish_a yoke_n what_o correspondence_n be_v there_o between_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n between_o new_a and_o distinct_a act_n and_o the_o decent_a modes_n of_o action_n but_o our_o reconciler_n proceed_v ecclesiastical_a law_n must_v not_o be_v perpetual_a 215._o that_o be_v when_o they_o be_v make_v they_o be_v relative_a to_o time_n and_o place_n to_o person_n and_o occasion_n subject_a to_o all_o change_n etc._n etc._n now_o beside_o that_o the_o bishop_n still_v speak_v of_o such_o law_n as_o concern_v ritual_n and_o external_a observance_n not_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v in_o our_o present_a controversy_n yet_o suppose_v it_o do_v relate_v to_o our_o ceremony_n what_o advantage_n can_v he_o make_v of_o it_o they_o must_v not_o be_v perpetual_a that_o be_v they_o be_v alterable_a when_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n see_v fit_a and_o who_o deny_v it_o but_o must_v every_o one_o who_o believe_v these_o ceremony_n alterable_a present_o grant_v that_o they_o must_v be_v alter_v right_a or_o wrong_n this_o be_v much_o like_o another_o mangle_a testimony_n which_o he_o cite_v from_o rule_n 12._o n._n 9_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v the_o whole_a because_o our_o reconciler_n have_v conceal_v the_o sense_n by_o transcribe_v only_a part_n of_o it_o except_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v from_o christ_n in_o which_o they_o be_v minister_n to_o all_o age_n once_o for_o all_o convey_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o generation_n to_o come_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o be_v but_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o leave_v all_o that_o ordinary_a power_n to_o their_o successor_n with_o a_o power_n to_o rule_v their_o church_n such_o as_o they_o have_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o they_o convey_v as_o from_o christ_n a_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v to_o bind_v for_o ever_o all_o this_o our_o reconciler_n leave_v out_o which_o be_v a_o key_n to_o what_o follow_v for_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o what_o he_o say_v be_v to_o bind_v for_o ever_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v not_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o be_v lawgiver_n they_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o order_v by_o their_o own_o wisdom_n be_v to_o abide_v as_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n do_v abide_v but_o still_o with_o the_o same_o liberty_n with_o which_o they_o appoint_v it_o for_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v least_o put_v a_o snare_n upon_o the_o disciple_n or_o tie_v fetter_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n to_o what_o purpose_n he_o cite_v this_o he_o do_v not_o say_v but_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o make_v any_o law_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v because_o he_o be_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o that_o to_o make_v such_o law_n be_v to_o put_v a_o snare_n upon_o the_o disciple_n and_o to_o tie_v fetter_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n of_o all_o man_n will_v not_o do_v but_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o bishop_n all_o that_o he_o say_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o shall_v perpetual_o oblige_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n for_o christ_n only_o be_v so_o our_o lawgiver_n that_o his_o law_n be_v perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a and_o therefore_o what_o they_o teach_v as_o from_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o bind_v for_o ever_o but_o what_o law_n they_o make_v as_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o time_n they_o may_v be_v alter_v when_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o cease_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o follow_a age_n who_o have_v as_o much_o ordinary_a authority_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v so_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n though_o not_o unalterable_a one_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o make_v law_n but_o make_v perpetual_a law_n which_o he_o call_v put_v a_o snare_n upon_o the_o disciple_n and_o tie_v fetter_n on_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o more_o unalterable_a law_n there_o be_v the_o less_o liberty_n the_o church_n enjoy_v and_o those_o law_n which_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n when_o they_o be_v first_o make_v yet_o when_o their_o reason_n and_o use_n cease_v may_v prove_v snare_n to_o christian_n if_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o repeal_v they_o all_o his_o citation_n from_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n about_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n they_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o ritual_n and_o external_a ministery_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o suppose_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n how_o impertinent_a his_o testimony_n about_o fast_n and_o evangelical_n council_n and_o subscription_n to_o article_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o this_o controversy_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n be_v we_o and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o man_n that_o this_o protestant_a reconciler_n be_v either_o a_o very_a ignorant_a and_o careless_a reader_n of_o book_n or_o a_o shameless_a impostor_n in_o suborn_v man_n word_n to_o give_v testimony_n against_o their_o own_o protest_n and_o avow_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n there_o be_v several_a other_o little_a argument_n which_o be_v frequent_o repeat_v by_o our_o reconciler_n and_o confirm_v with_o great_a name_n and_o great_a authority_n though_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o abuse_v other_o great_a man_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o bishop_n and_o i_o have_v not_o leisure_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v all_o and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n when_o the_o argument_n be_v weak_a and_o trifle_a who_o argument_n it_o be_v they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o impose_v such_o ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n be_v to_o come_v after_o christ_n and_o to_o mend_v and_o correct_v his_o law_n and_o to_o require_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o require_v this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n if_o the_o charge_n be_v good_a and_o just_a but_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n guilty_a of_o any_o such_o thing_n do_v she_o require_v any_o new_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o require_v have_v not_o christ_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v god_n decent_o have_v he_o not_o make_v obedience_n to_o our_o ruler_n and_o governor_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n and_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o her_o people_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o have_v not_o christ_n enjoin_v this_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n or_o be_v they_o not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o here_o be_v no_o new_a term_n of_o communion_n here_o be_v no_o mend_v nor_o correct_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o determination_n of_o some_o necessary_a circumstance_n which_o christ_n leave_v undetermined_a and_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o church_n to_o determine_v but_o why_o shall_v church-communion_n be_v suspend_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n why_o be_v not_o that_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v he_o to_o heaven_n no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v no_o more_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o public_a worship_n be_v which_o be_v not_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a decency_n be_v necessary_a and_o though_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a modes_n of_o decency_n be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o some_o decent_a mode_n of_o worship_n be_v and_o therefore_o that_o church_n which_o require_v no_o more_o than_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n require_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o which_o confound_v and_o blunder_v these_o man_n and_o make_v they_o dream_v of_o new_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v this_o that_o they_o distinguish_v the_o act_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o and_o because_o christ_n have_v only_o institute_v and_o command_v the_o act_n but_o the_o church_n direct_v and_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n therefore_o they_o say_v the_o church_n mend_v christ_n law_n and_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n by_o require_v something_o more_o than_o christ_n have_v
institute_v and_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n christ_n have_v institute_v his_o mystical_a supper_n and_o command_v we_o to_o eat_v bread_n and_o drink_n wine_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v break_v and_o of_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o but_o have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o do_v this_o either_o sit_v standing_z or_o kneel_v though_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o one_o posture_n or_o other_o now_o the_o church_n of_o england_n command_v we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v and_o will_v admit_v none_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n who_o will_v not_o receive_v kneel_v this_o say_v they_o be_v to_o mend_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n why_o so_o do_v the_o church_n require_v any_o more_o than_o christ_n have_v require_v yes_o say_v they_o she_o require_v kneel_v which_o christ_n do_v not_o require_v but_o how_o do_v that_o appear_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o require_v it_o because_o say_v they_o he_o have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v no_o say_v i_o that_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o require_v it_o for_o he_o who_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v command_v we_o to_o receive_v in_o some_o posture_n or_o other_o for_o though_o we_o may_v logical_o distinguish_v between_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v and_o the_o posture_n wherein_o we_o receive_v yet_o these_o can_v be_v actual_o separate_v for_o no_o man_n can_v receive_v but_o he_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o posture_n and_o therefore_o he_o who_o command_v do_v such_o a_o act_n include_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o right_o you_o will_v say_v but_o yet_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v what_o posture_n we_o shall_v receive_v in_o but_o leave_v they_o all_o indifferent_a suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o the_o posture_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v determine_v before_o we_o can_v receive_v for_o no_o man_n can_v receive_v but_o in_o some_o particular_a posture_n and_o therefore_o either_o every_o man_n must_v determine_v himself_o or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n must_v determine_v we_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o reasonable_a both_o because_o it_o be_v most_o decent_a and_o orderly_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o uniform_a posture_n of_o receive_v and_o because_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o private_a christian_n have_v the_o sole_a authority_n in_o such_o case_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o but_o now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o to_o determine_v what_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v and_o yet_o what_o must_v be_v determine_v before_o we_o can_v perform_v that_o duty_n which_o christ_n command_v be_v to_o come_v after_o christ_n to_o correct_v his_o law_n and_o to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n if_o it_o be_v than_o whoever_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n whatever_o posture_n he_o receive_v in_o must_v of_o necessity_n correct_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n at_o least_o for_o himself_o because_o he_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o particular_a and_o determine_a posture_n whereas_o christ_n have_v leave_v all_o posture_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a which_o show_v what_o a_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a imputation_n this_o be_v no_o you_o will_v say_v to_o receive_v in_o some_o particular_a posture_n though_o it_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o christ_n be_v no_o correct_v his_o law_n nor_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n because_o christ_n have_v leave_v all_o posture_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a and_o therefore_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o our_o liberty_n to_o use_v which_o we_o please_v and_o when_o we_o do_v so_o we_o only_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o but_o so_o to_o determine_v any_o one_o posture_n of_o receive_v as_o not_o to_o allow_v of_o any_o other_o nor_o to_o admit_v any_o to_o our_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o use_v that_o posture_n this_o be_v to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v for_o if_o he_o have_v leave_v all_o posture_n undetermined_a then_o to_o be_v sure_o he_o have_v not_o say_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n who_o will_v not_o kneel_v and_o though_o every_o man_n may_v determine_v for_o himself_o or_o the_o church_n may_v determine_v for_o we_o all_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v determine_v so_o as_o to_o destroy_v the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o posture_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o christ_n institution_n who_o have_v leave_v all_o posture_n indifferent_a this_o objection_n at_o a_o distance_n i_o confess_v seem_v very_o plausible_a and_o to_o bear_v hard_o upon_o the_o church_n but_o when_o we_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o it_o it_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o for_o 1._o i_o ready_o grant_v shall_v the_o church_n of_o england_n determine_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o other_o posture_n but_o kneel_v in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n she_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o correct_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v some_o thing_n necessary_a and_o other_o thing_n unlawful_a which_o christ_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a 2._o shall_v she_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o any_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n mere_o because_o she_o do_v not_o kneel_v she_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v for_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v to_o other_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v pretend_v her_o authority_n for_o such_o a_o imposition_n but_o must_v pretend_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o be_v no_o term_n of_o christ_n make_n must_v be_v a_o term_n of_o she_o own_o make_n and_o then_o she_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o if_o a_o schism_n follow_v upon_o it_o she_o will_v be_v the_o schismatic_a 3._o but_o yet_o for_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v for_o the_o regulate_v she_o own_o communion_n etc._n what_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v but_o yet_o what_o must_v be_v determine_v before_o that_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v which_o christ_n have_v command_v be_v not_o to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n though_o she_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o her_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o use_v the_o prescribe_a posture_n of_o receive_v and_o my_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v this_o because_o she_o neither_o prescribe_v kneel_v as_o necessary_a in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o a_o decent_a posture_n of_o receive_v nor_o prescribe_v it_o to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o she_o own_o communion_n who_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o govern_v in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o exercise_n a_o just_a authority_n in_o determine_v what_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a and_o in_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o decency_n of_o her_o own_o worship_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v that_o a_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n without_o which_o she_o will_v not_o admit_v any_o man_n to_o communicate_v with_o she_o i_o answer_v no_o this_o do_v not_o always_o follow_v every_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o her_o government_n but_o not_o a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n which_o be_v of_o a_o very_a distinct_a consideration_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o every_o church_n the_o law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n require_v that_o she_o make_v nothing_o a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o she_o can_v never_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v kneel_v a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n while_o she_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o church_n who_o do_v not_o kneel_v at_o receive_v or_o at_o least_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o no_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n but_o now_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n in_o every_o church_n be_v very_o distinct_a from_o the_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n every_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n for_o herself_o to_o prescribe_v the_o form_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o though_o she_o have_v not_o authority_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o other_o church_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o private_a law_n and_o rule_n yet_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o her_o own_o member_n who_o refuse_v to_o obey_v her_o law_n or_o else_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v law_n if_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o so_o that_o here_o be_v two_o distinct_a reason_n
the_o law_n or_o to_o allow_v of_o such_o different_a posture_n when_o man_n scruple_n be_v remove_v 2._o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v neglect_v their_o duty_n so_o they_o will_v manifest_o injure_v their_o authority_n by_o such_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ignorance_n humour_n and_o scruple_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o how_o charitable_a soever_o our_o reconciler_n may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o charity_n as_o become_v governor_n for_o private_a christian_n to_o abridge_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o be_v in_o many_o case_n high_o commendable_a and_o a_o generous_a act_n of_o charity_n but_o for_o governor_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o gratify_v dissenter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v betray_v their_o trust._n either_o christ_n have_v commit_v this_o power_n to_o they_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rule_n of_o worship_n or_o he_o have_v not_o if_o he_o have_v as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v more_o than_o once_o own_v in_o this_o very_a book_n than_o this_o power_n be_v a_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o such_o a_o trust_n as_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o no_o pretence_n of_o charity_n can_v justify_v they_o in_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o reconciler_n indeed_o tell_v we_o 159._o that_o which_o be_v here_o plead_v for_o be_v neither_o a_o denial_n nor_o a_o dissemble_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o superior_n but_o only_o a_o abatement_n of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o towards_o some_o weak_a dissenter_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o power_n and_o a_o profession_n that_o they_o do_v suspend_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o not_o through_o conviction_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_o use_v but_o out_o of_o pure_a commiseration_n and_o howel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o their_o weak_a brethren_n but_o all_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o salve_v this_o matter_n for_o the_o great_a dispute_n about_o ceremony_n turn_v upon_o this_o hinge_n whether_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o express_o institute_v and_o enjoin_v by_o christ._n hence_o all_o such_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v by_o our_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a dissenter_n opprobrious_o call_v will-worship_n and_o humane_a invention_n and_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v be_v next_o to_o nothing_o yet_o their_o not_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o their_o be_v command_v by_o man_n though_o by_o such_o man_n as_o be_v invest_v with_o christ_n authority_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o now_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o dispute_n and_o ceremony_n only_o a_o collateral_a dispute_n as_o depend_v upon_o a_o usurp_a and_o illegal_a authority_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o our_o reconciler_n how_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o can_v give_v up_o these_o ceremony_n to_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o dissenter_n without_o give_v up_o their_o own_o authority_n with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o the_o ceremony_n be_v dispute_v now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n be_v this_o authority_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o it_o seem_v christ_n have_v place_v such_o a_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v not_o for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o this_o charge_v our_o saviour_n himself_o with_o want_n of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o his_o own_o church_n in_o set_v such_o a_o uncharitable_a power_n over_o it_o if_o church-authority_n be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a than_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o it_o as_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o which_o our_o reconciler_n be_v often_o at_o he_o tell_v we_o 323._o that_o the_o scripture-exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v such_o a_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o they_o perfect_o confute_v all_o those_o who_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o lay_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o uniformity_n in_o lesser_a matter_n and_o do_v impose_v they_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n for_o either_o we_o must_v all_o submit_v to_o some_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n as_o r._n h._n think_v it_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o compliance_n with_o these_o precept_n or_o else_o confess_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o it_o be_v visible_o impossible_a to_o bring_v all_o man_n unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o precept_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o papist_n do_v so_o continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o or_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o that_o of_o impose_v and_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n concern_v which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o that_o of_o mutual_a condescension_n and_o forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o lesser_a difference_n god_n help_v that_o church_n which_o meet_v with_o such_o reconciler_n as_o these_o but_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v here_o be_v his_o own_o concession_n and_o his_o dilemma_n upon_o it_o he_o argue_v strong_o that_o while_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v they_o unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o this_o he_o say_v must_v be_v grant_v unless_o we_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n here_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n and_o i_o differ_v a_o little_a about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o judge_n but_o we_o agree_v upon_o the_o main_a point_n that_o without_o a_o judge_n to_o determine_v these_o matter_n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n and_o agreement_n among_o christian_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o demonstration_n in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v how_o strange_a soever_o it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o unity_n and_o his_o dilemma_n be_v a_o very_a sore_a one_o for_o either_o this_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n or_o that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n now_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o last_o first_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church-unity_n without_o unity_n in_o worship_n wherein_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n consist_v and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o this_o which_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n without_o uniformity_n and_o no_o uniformity_n without_o such_o imposition_n what_o follow_v then_o but_o that_o we_o must_v reflect_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o not_o leave_v authority_n in_o his_o church_n sufficient_a to_o determine_v such_o matter_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o mean_n of_o union_n these_o be_v hard_a term_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o grant_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v though_o not_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n yet_o a_o supreme_a authority_n to_o his_o church_n to_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o case_n where_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v not_o contradict_v some_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o principle_n will_v quick_o make_v we_o all_o of_o a_o mind_n in_o such_o matter_n now_o then_o from_o hence_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o institute_v a_o church-society_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o love_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o sacredness_n of_o
church-authority_n that_o without_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n be_v obscure_v and_o expose_v to_o censure_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n render_v impracticable_a protestant_n leave_v destitute_a of_o any_o mean_n of_o union_n and_o occasion_n give_v to_o papist_n to_o cry_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n that_o which_o draw_v so_o many_o fatal_a consequent_n after_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v any_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n and_o yet_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v shall_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o frowardness_n and_o scruple_n of_o schismatic_n give_v up_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n and_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v while_o the_o church_n maintain_v her_o authority_n a_o little_a discipline_n and_o government_n and_o a_o few_o good_a argument_n may_v in_o time_n cure_v the_o schism_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o let_v schismatic_n answer_v for_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o if_o schismatic_n once_o gain_v this_o point_n and_o wheedle_n the_o church_n for_o peace_n sake_n out_o of_o her_o authority_n than_o we_o must_v bid_v a_o eternal_a farewell_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n for_o man_n will_v never_o agree_v in_o these_o matter_n without_o the_o determination_n of_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n to_o decide_v these_o difference_n when_o the_o church_n have_v part_v with_o her_o authority_n and_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v reproach_v and_o censure_v and_o the_o protestant_a name_n and_o religion_n expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o this_o be_v our_o reconciler_n protestant_a charity_n well_o but_o suppose_v this_o compliance_n with_o dissenter_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o renuntiation_n of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o only_o a_o suspension_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o for_o this_o forbearance_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o these_o man_n will_v return_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n leave_v off_o to_o command_v now_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n to_o renounce_v her_o power_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o i_o suppose_v christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o church_n that_o she_o shall_v exercise_v it_o and_o if_o the_o power_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o unity_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sure_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v for_o authority_n be_v a_o mere_a empty_a name_n and_o good_a for_o nothing_o when_o it_o do_v nothing_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n do_v not_o require_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o government_n neither_o in_o the_o authority_n nor_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o ii_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o government_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v our_o present_a dispute_n in_o make_v and_o repeal_n law_n and_o i_o dare_v join_v issue_n here_o with_o our_o reconciler_n and_o challenge_v he_o and_o all_o his_o dissent_v client_n to_o fix_v the_o least_o imputation_n of_o uncharitableness_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n on_o this_o account_n as_o to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n a_o little_a more_o particular_o to_o confound_v all_o such_o unjust_a defamer_n of_o authority_n and_o government_n 1._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o repeal_n law_n and_o alter_v such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v either_o sinful_a superstitious_a or_o inconvenient_a because_o here_o our_o reformation_n begin_v and_o what_o rule_v our_o church_n '_o observe_v in_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o common-prayer_n where_o the_o reason_n be_v assign_v why_o some_o ceremony_n be_v abolish_v as_o 1._o because_o some_o of_o they_o which_o be_v at_o first_o well_o intend_v do_v in_o time_n degenerate_a into_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n 2._o other_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o indiscreet_a devotion_n and_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o daily_o grow_v to_o more_o and_o more_o abuse_n and_o they_o be_v reject_v because_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a blind_v the_o people_n hinder_v they_o from_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 3._o some_o be_v put_v away_o because_o their_o very_a number_n be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o make_v the_o estate_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o worse_a case_n concern_v this_o matter_n than_o be_v the_o jew_n as_o st._n austin_n complain_v in_o his_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o ceremony_n be_v much_o less_o than_o it_o be_v in_o this_o church_n at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o much_o of_o moses_n law_n be_v but_o a_o religion_n to_o serve_v god_n not_o in_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o figure_n or_o shadow_n but_o in_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o last_o the_o most_o weighty_a cause_n of_o the_o abolishment_n of_o certain_a ceremony_n be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o abuse_v partly_o by_o the_o superstitious_a blindness_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a and_o partly_o by_o the_o unsatiable_a avarice_n of_o such_o as_o seek_v more_o their_o own_o lucre_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o the_o abuse_n can_v not_o well_o be_v take_v away_o the_o thing_n remain_v still_o with_o what_o grave_n and_o mature_a consideration_n our_o church_n proceed_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o account_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o wise_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o for_o the_o alteration_n of_o any_o public_a constitution_n here_o be_v charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o deliver_v they_o from_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o case_n and_o liberty_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v oppress_v by_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o be_v hard_a to_o know_v and_o to_o remember_v and_o very_o troublesome_a to_o observe_v and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o understand_v which_o make_v they_o whole_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a here_o be_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v obscure_v by_o these_o ceremony_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v transform_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n into_o a_o mere_a external_a and_o figurative_a worship_n and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o ceremony_n which_o have_v be_v long_o use_v in_o a_o church_n and_o confirm_v by_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a law_n aught_o notwithstanding_o that_o to_o be_v remove_v when_o either_o their_o number_n be_v excessive_a or_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o such_o as_o can_v be_v take_v away_o without_o abolish_n the_o ceremony_n itself_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o may_v be_v give_v as_o to_o name_v only_a image_n in_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v safe_o retain_v at_o that_o time_n without_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n in_o those_o day_n be_v so_o superstitious_o addict_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n that_o have_v they_o be_v leave_v in_o church_n though_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o have_v be_v express_o forbid_v yet_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n will_v have_v worship_v they_o notwithstanding_o this_o very_a reason_n our_o church_n give_v in_o her_o homily_n against_o the_o peril_n of_o idolatry_n part_v 3._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o remove_v image_n out_o of_o church_n that_o as_o well_o by_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o nature_n of_o idol_n and_o image_n themselves_o as_o by_o the_o proneness_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n to_o idolatry_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o image_n if_o they_o be_v public_o set_v up_o can_v be_v separate_v nor_o man_n if_o they_o see_v image_n in_o temple_n and_o church_n can_v be_v stay_v and_o keep_v from_o idolatry_n wherefore_o they_o which_o thus_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o have_v image_n public_o and_o do_v prove_v that_o lawfulness_n by_o a_o few_o pick_v and_o choose_v man_n if_o they_o object_n that_o indifferent_o to_o all_o man_n which_o a_o very_a few_o can_v have_v without_o hurt_n and_o offence_n they_o seem_v to_o take_v the_o multitude_n for_o vile_a soul_n of_o who_o loss_n and_o safeguard_n no_o reputation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o who_o christ_n yet_o pay_v as_o dear_o as_o for_o the_o mighty_a prince_n or_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a learn_v of_o the_o earth_n
hard_a case_n as_o such_o case_n will_v happen_v under_o all_o government_n god_n who_o be_v our_o supreme_a governor_n will_v take_v care_n to_o rectify_v it_o when_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n or_o state_n can_v do_v it_o without_o loosen_a the_o sinew_n of_o government_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v take_v care_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n as_o this_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o very_a honest_a but_o weak_a christian_n may_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o best_a and_o most_o prudent_a constitution_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n what_o must_v the_o church_n do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v she_o alter_v her_o law_n as_o often_o as_o any_o christian_n pretend_v to_o scruple_n they_o or_o must_v she_o make_v no_o law_n about_o such_o matter_n but_o suffer_v every_o christian_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v this_o be_v to_o renounce_v their_o government_n because_o some_o christian_n will_v not_o obey_v or_o to_o make_v government_n contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a when_o it_o must_v yield_v to_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o scruple_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v prove_v a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o they_o and_o occasion_n their_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n but_o i_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o either_o of_o these_o governors_n must_v do_v their_o duty_n must_v take_v care_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o just_a offence_n and_o if_o after_o all_o their_o care_n some_o very_a honest_a man_n may_v take_v offence_n and_o fall_v into_o schism_n we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o will_v make_v allowance_n for_o all_o favourable_a case_n the_o church_n can_v give_v no_o relief_n in_o such_o case_n without_o destroy_v her_o authority_n and_o government_n and_o give_v advantage_n to_o knave_n and_o design_v hypocrite_n to_o disturb_v the_o best_a constitution_n of_o thing_n but_o god_n can_v distinguish_v between_o honest_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o if_o man_n be_v sincere_o honest_a and_o do_v fall_v into_o schism_n through_o a_o innocent_a mistake_n god_n will_v be_v merciful_a to_o they_o which_o secure_v the_o final_a happiness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o sacredness_n and_o reverence_n of_o authority_n for_o when_o man_n know_v that_o nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o schism_n and_o nothing_o can_v plead_v their_o pardon_n with_o god_n but_o great_a honesty_n and_o some_o invincible_a mistake_n it_o will_v make_v all_o honest_a man_n careful_a how_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v pass_v with_o almighty_a god_n for_o a_o honest_a separatist_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v man_n convince_v of_o this_o it_o will_v soon_o cure_v our_o schism_n than_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o scrupled_a ceremony_n but_o in_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-governor_n to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o man_n scruple_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a occasion_n for_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o allow_v any_o man_n to_o scruple_n their_o authority_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o weaken_v government_n and_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o eternal_a schism_n to_o enter_v 259._o it_o be_v very_o true_a as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o the_o church_n in_o several_a age_n have_v make_v great_a alteration_n in_o the_o external_o and_o ritual_n of_o religion_n but_o how_o this_o serve_v his_o cause_n i_o can_v tell_v no_o body_n question_n but_o the_o church_n have_v do_v this_o and_o that_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o she_o have_v so_o still_o when_o she_o see_v just_a occasion_n to_o do_v it_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o she_o must_v do_v this_o as_o often_o as_o every_o little_a reconciler_n or_o every_o scrupulous_a christian_a demand_n such_o a_o alteration_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o unreasonable_a scruple_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v a_o necessary_a reason_n for_o the_o church_n to_o make_v such_o alteration_n and_o if_o he_o can_v give_v any_o one_o example_n in_o all_o antiquity_n that_o the_o church_n alter_v her_o constitution_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o scruple_n of_o private_a christian_n he_o will_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n no_o in_o those_o day_n private_a christian_n do_v not_o use_v to_o scruple_n any_o ceremony_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v but_o bishop_n make_v or_o repeal_v law_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o they_o think_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o repeal_v all_o law_n for_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o make_v such_o law_n in_o compliance_n with_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o the_o church_n again_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o in_o the_o same_o church_n they_o allow_v all_o private_a christian_n to_o worship_n god_n after_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o own_o private_a persuasion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o those_o who_o be_v for_o a_o maypole_n may_v have_v a_o maypole_n as_o our_o reconciler_n very_o reverent_o express_v it_o if_o he_o can_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o these_o point_n i_o confess_v it_o will_v be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o now_o he_o know_v what_o he_o be_v to_o prove_v but_o though_o his_o history_n of_o those_o alteration_n which_o the_o church_n in_o several_a age_n have_v make_v in_o the_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o serve_v his_o main_a design_n yet_o it_o high_o gratify_v his_o pride_n and_o insolence_n to_o trample_v upon_o a_o great_a man_n who_o he_o think_v he_o have_v take_v at_o some_o advantage_n the_o reverend_a dean_n of_o st._n paul_n assign_v some_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o england_n still_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n 16._o his_o first_o reason_n be_v out_o of_o a_o due_a reverence_n to_o antiquity_n they_o will_v hereby_o convince_v the_o papist_n they_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o gross_a and_o intolerable_a superstition_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o innocent_a rite_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n before_o 297._o this_o say_v our_o reconciler_n be_v very_o like_a hypocrisy_n to_o pretend_v to_o retain_v three_o ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o their_o suppose_a antiquity_n whilst_o we_o reject_v as_o many_o which_o be_v unquestionable_o of_o a_o divine_a original_n and_o therefore_o sure_a of_o a_o antiquity_n which_o more_o deserve_v to_o be_v reverence_v true_o if_o our_o church_n have_v part_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o divine_a original_n i_o think_v she_o have_v reform_v too_o far_o but_o will_v our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v of_o divine_a original_n bishop_n taylor_n to_o who_o he_o so_o often_o appeal_v will_v have_v teach_v he_o otherwise_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o order_v religious_a assembly_n and_o in_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o receive_v from_o christ_n act_v but_o as_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o they_o prescribe_v oblige_v no_o long_o than_o the_o reason_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n have_v as_o full_a and_o ample_a authority_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o such_o matter_n but_o do_v the_o dean_n say_v that_o these_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v only_o for_o their_o antiquity_n then_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n objection_n have_v be_v strong_a that_o other_o ceremony_n which_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v retain_v also_o but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a reverence_n to_o antiquity_n that_o when_o our_o church_n have_v for_o other_o reason_n determine_v what_o number_n of_o ceremony_n to_o retain_v and_o for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n she_o choose_v to_o use_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v ancient_o use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n rather_o than_o to_o invent_v any_o new_a one_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o ancient_a
disadvantage_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n as_o be_v make_v schismatic_n upon_o this_o account_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o consider_v what_o likeness_n or_o affinity_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o dispute_n be_v here_o be_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n such_o as_o man_n impose_v upon_o themselves_o or_o observe_v in_o imitation_n of_o their_o sect_n and_o party_n or_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o several_a master_n christ_n impose_v no_o such_o fast_n upon_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n though_o in_o such_o matter_n christ_n conform_v himself_o and_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v all_o as_o much_o of_o humane_a institution_n as_o our_o ceremony_n be_v which_o be_v a_o admirable_a way_n of_o argue_v the_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n though_o it_o may_v offend_v some_o superstitious_a pharisee_n be_v no_o affront_n to_o public_a authority_n nor_o make_v any_o alteration_n or_o confusion_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n think_v as_o dissent_v from_o public_a constitution_n this_o christ_n never_o indulge_v his_o disciple_n in_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n any_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o 2._o this_o indulgence_n be_v but_o temporary_a during_o our_o saviour_n abode_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o than_o they_o shall_v fast_v and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n look_v upon_o this_o say_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o institution_n of_o the_o quadrigesimal_n fast_o and_o will_v our_o reconciler_n argue_v â—rom_o a_o short_a indulgence_n for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o grant_v to_o the_o disciple_n by_o christ_n to_o prove_v a_o perpetual_a indulgence_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o dissenter_n for_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v good_a they_o will_v last_v for_o ever_o christ_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v always_o child_n nor_o have_v he_o impose_v upon_o his_o church_n to_o indulge_v such_o childish_a weakness_n and_o fancy_n for_o ever_o 3._o fast_v be_v a_o very_a severe_a duty_n very_o afflictive_a both_o to_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o our_o saviour_n to_o forbear_v command_v it_o for_o some_o time_n but_o what_o severity_n be_v there_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n what_o mighty_a trouble_n be_v it_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n what_o offence_n be_v a_o white_a linen_n garment_n to_o the_o eye_n what_o disturbance_n do_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n make_v with_o the_o gentle_a motion_n of_o the_o finger_n cause_n but_o though_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v burdensome_a to_o the_o conscience_n let_v he_o show_v then_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v any_o regard_n in_o this_o to_o a_o doubtful_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n and_o i_o will_v grant_v it_o a_o good_a proof_n how_o can_v any_o jew_n scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v so_o often_o command_v and_o recommend_v in_o their_o law_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n take_v notice_n only_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o duty_n not_o of_o its_o burdensomness_n to_o the_o conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n indulgence_n 48._o well_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o theophylact_fw-mi and_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v that_o herein_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o rule_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v convert_v the_o world_n they_o also_o shall_v condescend_v and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o with_o the_o great_a meekness_n whether_o christ_n intend_v this_o or_o not_o in_o what_o he_o now_o say_v to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n careful_o observe_v they_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o bear_v with_o many_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n both_o in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o do_v this_o meekness_n extend_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v do_v they_o prescribe_v no_o rule_n or_o order_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n or_o do_v they_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n without_o exact_v obedience_n to_o they_o do_v they_o suffer_v any_o christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o case_n and_o be_v it_o think_v a_o act_n of_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v think_v so_o in_o after-age_n wherein_o the_o church_n exercise_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n and_o no_o christian_a ever_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n but_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v our_o saviour_n as_o one_o who_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o who_o will_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a well_o we_o ready_o grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o most_o kind_a and_o gentle_a master_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o do_v this_o signify_v that_o he_o will_v give_v no_o law_n about_o worship_n or_o that_o if_o any_o person_n scruple_v these_o law_n he_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o give_v they_o their_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o they_o please_v if_o christ_n be_v a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a lord_n without_o this_o his_o minister_n also_o may_v exercise_v great_a lenity_n and_o gentleness_n without_o prostitute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o the_o ignorance_n or_o giddiness_n or_o frowardness_n of_o professor_n christ_n give_v very_o easy_a and_o gentle_a law_n instruct_v his_o hearer_n with_o great_a mildness_n and_o calmness_n bear_v their_o dulness_n and_o infidelity_n their_o indignity_n and_o affront_n with_o admirable_a patience_n converse_v even_o with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o gain_v they_o to_o repentance_n encourage_v the_o least_o beginning_n and_o cherish_v the_o first_o and_o weak_a essay_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n he_o expect_v they_o shall_v submit_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o law_n and_o still_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v submit_v to_o that_o authority_n he_o have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n and_o if_o church-governor_n use_v this_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n in_o their_o law_n and_o in_o their_o behaviour_n though_o they_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n and_o exact_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n which_o our_o reconciler_n so_o charitable_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v 50._o iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v a_o wonderful_a one_o that_o christ_n take_v compassion_n on_o the_o jew_n as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n that_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v himself_o that_o he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v that_o he_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v send_v forth_o more_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o query_n then_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v conform_v to_o this_o example_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o prayer_n who_o do_v exclude_v so_o many_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o labour_v in_o his_o harvest_n for_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a true_o i_o think_v they_o may_v though_o they_o exclude_v the_o reconciler_n into_o the_o bargain_n for_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o now_o with_o we_o asit_fw-la be_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v now_o send_v out_o numerous_a labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n man_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o diligence_n more_o indeed_o than_o there_o be_v entertainment_n or_o employment_n for_o and_o the_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o this_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o scruple_v cast_v schismatical_a presbyter_n out_o of_o christ_n vineyard_n but_o have_v our_o reconciler_n the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o mere_o for_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o themselves_o give_v another_o account_n of_o it_o renounce_v of_o the_o covenant_n keep_v they_o out_o a_o great_a while_n reordination_n episcopal_a government_n a_o national_a church_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v all_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o the_o dissent_v preacher_n
be_v not_o so_o much_o behold_v to_o he_o but_o the_o present_a clergy_n be_v as_o little_a to_o who_o he_o have_v by_o very_o broad_a sign_n and_o intimation_n apply_v theophylact_n observation_n upon_o the_o text_n that_o our_o lord_n complain_v the_o labourer_n be_v but_o few_o because_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o present_a labourer_n not_o only_o do_v not_o profit_n but_o do_v hurt_v the_o people_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o good_a pastor_n to_o be_v merciful-towards_a they_o he_o know_v very_o well_o this_o objection_n oâ—_n the_o paucity_n of_o labourer_n can_v not_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o who_o have_v such_o a_o numerous_a clergy_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v room_n for_o dissenter_n he_o fair_o insinuate_v that_o the_o present_a minister_n do_v no_o good_a but_o hurt_n such_o a_o impudent_a calumny_n as_o need_v no_o confutation_n and_o let_v other_o consider_v what_o censure_n it_o deserve_v iv._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o our_o saviour_n command_n 51._o not_o to_o scandalize_v or_o despise_v little_a one_o 18_o mat._n where_o by_o little_a one_o he_o understand_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o well_o instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n or_o mistake_v in_o it_o though_o very_o obstinate_a and_o peremptory_a in_o their_o mistake_n for_o so_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o will_v apply_v it_o to_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n and_o by_o scandalize_a offend_a or_o despise_v they_o he_o understand_v do_v any_o action_n which_o occasion_n their_o ruin_n and_o thus_o he_o tâ—inks_v church-governor_n fall_v under_o this_o woe_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o offend_v these_o little_a one_o when_o they_o impose_v such_o ceremony_n which_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o which_o occasion_n the_o schism_n and_o consequent_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o weak_a brother_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o want_v argument_n who_o have_v such_o a_o admirable_a faculty_n not_o at_o find_v but_o make_v they_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o remote_a from_o our_o saviour_n intention_n in_o these_o word_n than_o such_o a_o inference_n as_o this_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o little_a one_o our_o saviour_n understand_v those_o who_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o modest_a who_o be_v as_o void_a of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o earthly_a ambition_n as_o a_o little_a child_n as_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v to_o correct_v the_o ambition_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o a_o little_a child_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o they_o for_o their_o imitation_n thus_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o st._n jerom_n expound_v the_o word_n though_o the_o latter_a observe_v also_o that_o those_o who_o be_v scandalize_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n also_o little_a one_o for_o great_a and_o strong_a christian_n will_v not_o receive_v scandal_n that_o be_v though_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a etc._n etc._n yet_o these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o so_o well_o root_v and_o confirm_v in_o they_o but_o that_o the_o ill_a usage_n they_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n may_v turn_v they_o out_o of_o their_o bias_n and_o occasion_n their_o fall_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o dissenter_n who_o be_v neither_o in_o one_o sense_n nor_o other_o little_a one_o who_o neither_o have_v the_o modesty_n humility_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o child_n nor_o their_o soft_a and_o ductile_a nature_n but_o be_v stiff_a and_o inflexible_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o conceit_n that_o they_o will_v neither_o hearken_v to_o reason_n nor_o yield_v to_o conviction_n 〈◊〉_d 2._o to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v these_o little_a one_o st._n chrysostom_n tell_v we_o be_v to_o dishonour_n to_o reproach_n to_o vilify_v they_o to_o despise_v they_o as_o it_o be_v express_v v._n 10._o which_o as_o he_o observe_v be_v a_o great_a temptation_n and_o scandal_n to_o man_n of_o weak_a mind_n our_o reconciler_n observe_v that_o st._n jerom_n say_v we_o be_v say_v to_o scandalize_v when_o by_o our_o action_n we_o give_v occasion_n to_o their_o ruin_n i_o find_v no_o such_o say_n in_o st._n jerom_n upon_o the_o place_n but_o however_o the_o say_n be_v a_o very_a good_a one_o if_o we_o apply_v it_o right_n to_o action_n of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o which_o both_o st._n jerom_n and_o st._n chrysostom_n speak_v which_o be_v apt_a to_o spoil_v this_o good_a temper_n of_o mind_n when_o man_n see_v themselves_o only_o scorn_v and_o deride_v for_o it_o and_o expose_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o violence_n and_o injury_n this_o be_v the_o usual_a reward_n of_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n secure_v these_o little_a one_o from_o contempt_n by_o denounce_v severe_a woe_n against_o those_o who_o offer_v it_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o church_n which_o offer_v no_o contempt_n to_o the_o mean_a christian_n much_o less_o to_o man_n of_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n she_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o of_o the_o rich_a and_o despise_v no_o man_n who_o have_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v save_v and_o will_v submit_v to_o wise_a instruction_n must_v the_o church_n be_v charge_v with_o scandalize_a little_a one_o because_o she_o will_v not_o renounce_v she_o own_o authority_n nor_o suffer_v these_o little_a one_o to_o give_v law_n to_o she_o certain_o our_o saviour_n never_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n and_o upon_o this_o very_a occasion_n he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n even_o in_o the_o point_n of_o scandal_n and_o command_v we_o not_o to_o converse_v with_o those_o man_n who_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o her_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o 18._o shall_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thâ—u_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o or_o two_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n but_o of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n our_o reconciler_n have_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o discourse_v more_o in_o another_o place_n v._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v as_o wise_a as_o the_o rest_n he_o tell_v we_o 13._o our_o lord_n denounce_v woe_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n because_o they_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n but_o he_o shall_v have_v add_v the_o whole_a verse_n for_o you_o neither_o go_v in_o yourselves_o neither_o suffer_v you_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o go_v in_o st._n jerom_n expound_v this_o two_o way_n 1._o they_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n by_o hinder_v their_o belief_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o will_v neither_o believe_v themselves_o nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o believe_v who_o be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o it_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o true_a exposition_n of_o the_o word_n but_o then_o he_o add_v 2._o that_o these_o teacher_n and_o rabbi_n may_v be_v say_v to_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o scandalize_v their_o disciple_n with_o their_o wicked_a life_n that_o be_v who_o tempt_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o their_o example_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o dispute_n about_o ceremony_n do_v the_o imposition_n of_o ceremony_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n shut_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n can_v none_o be_v save_v then_o who_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n about_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o no_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n christ_n condemn_v the_o pharisee_n for_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n our_o reconciler_n draw_v up_o the_o same_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n because_o some_o man_n take_v unjust_a offence_n against_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o her_o worship_n and_o will_v not_o enter_v though_o she_o use_v all_o manner_n of_o entreaties_n and_o argument_n and_o wise_a art_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o enter_v
that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o which_o the_o church_n have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v allow_v to_o each_o other_o therefore_o the_o church_n itself_o must_v not_o impose_v the_o observance_n of_o any_o indifferent_a ceremony_n on_o dissenter_n or_o must_v alter_v or_o abate_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o scruple_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n here_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v decree_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n acts._n shall_v not_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v circumcise_v or_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o leave_v the_o believe_a jew_n at_o their_o liberty_n to_o observe_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o law_n still_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o determination_n the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n despise_v the_o weakness_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o continue_v zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v mighty_o scandalize_v and_o offend_v at_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o gentile_a convert_v take_v and_o make_v great_a scruple_n of_o converse_v with_o they_o or_o of_o worship_v god_n together_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o council_n easy_o foresee_v will_v be_v take_v and_o give_v on_o both_o side_n do_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o make_v a_o peremptory_a decree_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o when_o such_o scandal_n as_o these_o do_v arise_v between_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o grant_v that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o without_o mutual_a censure_n contempt_n and_o scandal_n which_o the_o church_n have_v already_o decree_v shall_v be_v grant_v for_o he_o plead_v for_o no_o other_o forbearance_n than_o what_o be_v express_o decree_v by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o the_o church_n allow_v a_o latitude_n and_o permit_v different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n certain_o it_o become_v all_o christian_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n offend_v or_o scandalize_v each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o only_a case_n the_o apostle_n mention_n but_o will_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n hence_o infer_v that_o the_o church_n must_v make_v no_o law_n nor_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o private_a christian_n and_o that_o if_o she_o do_v she_o sin_n against_o these_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n to_o observe_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v exercise_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o may_v determine_v what_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o advice_n they_o judge_v fit_a or_o necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v whatever_o scruple_n some_o christian_n have_v entertain_v about_o it_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o it_o become_v christian_a bishopâ—_n and_o minister_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o do_v to_o persuade_v private_a christian_n to_o obey_v such_o constitution_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o turn_v reconciler_n and_o to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o dissenter_n against_o church-authority_n which_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o it_o become_v private_a christian_n to_o submit_v to_o such_o determination_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n if_o there_o be_v any_o not_o those_o who_o do_v the_o gentile_a convert_v be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n if_o they_o despise_v the_o jew_n for_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o the_o council_n have_v still_o permit_v they_o to_o observe_v the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o scandalize_a the_o gentile_n if_o they_o judge_v and_o censure_v they_o and_o deny_v communion_n to_o they_o for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o the_o council_n have_v deliver_v the_o gentile_n from_o any_o such_o necessity_n but_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o criminal_a scandal_n by_o obey_v the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n whoever_o be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o but_o scandal_n always_o lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o disobedience_n the_o christian_a jew_n give_v no_o offence_n by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n nor_o the_o christian_a gentile_a by_o not_o observe_v it_o because_o they_o both_o herein_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n to_o justify_v they_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o exhort_v the_o jew_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n nor_o the_o gentile_n to_o observe_v it_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n which_o have_v be_v somewhat_o like_o our_o reconciler_n address_n to_o the_o church_n not_o to_o impose_v and_o to_o the_o dissenter_n to_o obey_v such_o imposition_n to_o avoid_v schism_n but_o he_o exhort_v they_o both_o to_o grant_v that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o which_o the_o church_n have_v grant_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o despise_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o for_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n which_o in_o both_o of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o express_a violation_n of_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n governors_n indeed_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o uncharitableness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v 2._o and_o vindicate_v our_o church_n from_o any_o such_o imputation_n but_o subject_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n and_o private_a christian_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o the_o imprudent_a use_n of_o their_o just_a liberty_n but_o this_o can_v never_o extend_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o gentile_a convert_v the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o yet_o have_v not_o lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o they_o to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o any_o other_o meat_n which_o be_v unclean_a by_o the_o law_n when_o a_o jew_n be_v present_a and_o therefore_o herein_o it_o become_v they_o to_o use_v their_o liberty_n without_o offence_n and_o to_o exercise_v a_o generous_a charity_n towards_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o believe_a jew_n in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o the_o 13_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o yet_o it_o become_v the_o church_n to_o allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o they_o may_v use_v uncharitable_o for_o to_o have_v abridge_v it_o have_v be_v to_o impose_v on_o they_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o as_o the_o reconciler_n observe_v do_v plain_o assert_v 73._o that_o the_o thing_n scruple_v by_o the_o weak_a be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o that_o he_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a determination_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o believe_a gentile_n to_o exercise_v great_a charity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a instance_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n in_o such_o case_n where_o public_a authority_n can_v make_v no_o such_o determination_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n determine_v against_o the_o scruple_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o they_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o and_o yet_o st._n paul_n require_v private_a christian_n to_o use_v this_o liberty_n without_o offence_n and_o to_o exercise_v such_o charity_n to_o their_o jewish_a brethren_n as_o the_o church_n itself_o do_v not_o and_o can_v not_o exercise_v 71._o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n fall_v under_o our_o reconciler_n lash_n as_o well_o as_o dr._n womack_n as_o if_o church-governor_n be_v not_o as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o reason_n lay_v down_o as_o be_v the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n and_o be_v strong_a to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a that_o they_o may_v judge_v another_o man_n servant_n that_o they_o may_v put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o their_o brother_n way_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v uncharitable_o may_v grieve_v and_o even_o destroy_v he_o with_o their_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o they_o may_v let_v their_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o may_v for_o meat_n destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o though_o it_o be_v good_a for_o private_a person_n not_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n
conceive_v non_fw-la enim_fw-la carnes_z secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la sed_fw-la sola_fw-la olera_fw-la manducabant_fw-la because_o the_o weak_a person_n mention_v here_o only_o do_v eat_v herb_n abstain_v from_o all_o flesh_n and_o not_o from_o that_o alone_a which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o commentator_n we_o must_v understand_v also_o one_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o body_n who_o have_v a_o ill_a stomach_n or_o ill_a digestion_n and_o therefore_o eat_v herb_n because_o he_o can_v eat_v flesh_n through_o sickness_n or_o old_a age_n infirmus_fw-la aetate_fw-la aut_fw-la corporis_fw-la vigore_fw-la which_o be_v the_o word_n immediate_o before_o and_o then_o how_o this_o will_v reach_v the_o case_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n i_o can_v tell_v as_o for_o his_o reason_n that_o these_o weak_a person_n eat_v only_a herb_n it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o the_o text._n herb_n may_v be_v take_v synecdochical_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n allow_v by_o the_o law_n no_o sort_n of_o herb_n be_v forbid_v or_o it_o may_v signify_v that_o rather_o than_o eat_v any_o meat_n forbid_v by_o their_o law_n they_o choose_v to_o live_v on_o herb_n which_o may_v be_v often_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jew_n who_o live_v among_o heathen_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n who_o be_v primary_o concern_v in_o this_o epistle_n do_v and_o st._n chrysostom_n who_o positive_o assert_n that_o this_o concern_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n assign_v another_o reason_n for_o their_o eat_a herb_n loc._n because_o if_o they_o have_v only_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n and_o other_o forbid_a meat_n they_o will_v have_v discover_v their_o reverence_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n still_o which_o he_o suppose_v they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o conceal_v and_o therefore_o to_o palliate_v the_o business_n they_o abstain_v from_o all_o flesh_n and_o eat_v only_a herb_n that_o it_o may_v look_v more_o like_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n than_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n or_o not_o i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v it_o plain_o show_n what_o st._n chrysostom_n opinion_n be_v in_o the_o case_n which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v think_v as_o considerable_a as_o this_o commentator_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n about_o this_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v v_o 14._o for_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d common_a the_o word_n peculiar_o use_v to_o signify_v the_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n that_o ever_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n for_o though_o the_o pythagorean_n do_v forbid_v eat_v of_o flesh_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o inconsiderable_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n which_o can_v not_o occasion_v such_o a_o general_a dispute_n as_o this_o be_v and_o they_o do_v not_o forbid_v flesh_n upon_o this_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o for_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o their_o philosophy_n which_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o superstitious_a that_o we_o can_v imagine_v the_o apostle_n will_v grant_v any_o indulgence_n to_o such_o fancy_n 2._o his_o next_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o colossion_n speak_v severe_o against_o their_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a festival_n and_o therefore_o here_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n indifferent_a concern_v which_o it_o be_v only_o needful_a that_o the_o observer_n or_o not_o observer_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o assure_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o practice_n as_o st._n ambrose_n say_v the_o apostle_n here_o assert_n nor_o be_v it_o like_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n he_o will_v permit_v they_o to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n which_o last_o assertion_n direct_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a hypothesis_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n may_v have_v require_v of_o they_o to_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o whatever_o scruple_n they_o pretend_v and_o then_o how_o do_v it_o become_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n in_o church-governor_n to_o renounce_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o gratify_v and_o humour_v every_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o be_v favourable_a to_o scruple_n it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o scruple_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v be_v abrogate_a and_o out_o of_o date_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o apostle_n shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v much_o less_o reason_n to_o expect_v this_o from_o church-governor_n in_o other_o matter_n where_o no_o such_o authority_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o justify_v their_o scruple_n but_o of_o the_o different_a behaviour_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n i_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o account_n in_o what_o follow_v as_o will_v not_o be_v much_o to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n 3._o because_o the_o apostle_n confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o meat_n not_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v now_o abolish_v that_o law_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v unto_o and_o so_o can_v not_o oblige_v the_o gentile_a world_n or_o any_o thing_n which_o seem_v proper_a to_o oppose_v unto_o those_o judaize_v christian_n but_o only_o say_v that_o meat_n do_v not_o commend_v to_o god_n and_o suchlike_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o proper_a to_o be_v speak_v unto_o those_o who_o understand_v of_o their_o liberty_n free_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o eat_v of_o the_o idol-sacrifice_n now_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o apostle_n confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o meat_n and_o day_n not_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o his_o whole_a epistle_n treat_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o he_o do_v not_o repeat_v all_o that_o he_o say_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n about_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n and_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n in_o this_o 14_o chapter_n therefore_o these_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o day_n must_v not_o refer_v to_o moysaicall_a observance_n the_o whole_a epistle_n concern_v the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o other_o meat_n and_o day_n which_o the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o observe_v and_o the_o gentile_n think_v themselves_o free_v from_o by_o christ_n he_o will_v say_v something_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o whereas_o he_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o urge_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o prove_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o his_o business_n in_o this_o chapter_n but_o he_o prove_v what_o he_o intend_v to_o prove_v how_o reasonable_a mutual_a forbearance_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n which_o suppose_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n already_o prove_v as_o indeed_o he_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o before_o for_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o forbearance_n against_o a_o positive_a law_n 4._o his_o last_o reason_n be_v as_o good_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a because_o have_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o strong_a jewish_a christian_n and_o declare_v his_o freedom_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a law_n he_o will_v have_v contradict_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o his_o own_o practice_n there_o 24._o for_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o do_v esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o be_v and_o do_v not_o judge_v he_o a_o strong_a but_o a_o disorderly_a christian_a who_o be_v a_o jew_n observe_v not_o their_o law_n and_o custom_n now_o if_o this_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o dispute_v against_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o jewish_a convert_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o new_a commentator_n upon_o most_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o deliver_v he_o from_o that_o scandal_n which_o all_o expositor_n hitherto_o have_v cast_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v in_o many_o place_n industrious_o prove_v that_o neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o it_o be_v
in_o which_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v and_o another_o thing_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v the_o dispute_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o which_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o st._n paul_n exhort_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n now_o let_v our_o reconciler_n speak_v his_o conscience_n free_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n alike_o in_o these_o two_o case_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o indulge_v a_o dissenter_n in_o his_o scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o never_o be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o any_o divine_a law_n as_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o indulge_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o know_v be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n till_o that_o day_n religious_o observe_v by_o they_o from_o the_o time_n it_o be_v first_o give_v and_o which_o they_o think_v do_v â—till_o as_o much_o oblige_v they_o as_o ever_o the_o dispute_n be_v not_o about_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o indulge_v the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n in_o observe_v the_o law_n till_o it_o shall_v be_v repeal_v in_o such_o a_o evident_a manner_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o reasonable_a scruple_n about_o it_o yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_a to_o indulge_v man_n in_o their_o scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v any_o such_o reason_n for_o these_o scruple_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v indulge_v but_o our_o reconciler_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o dr._n falkner_n have_v urge_v 77._o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n 14_o rom._n be_v not_o treat_v about_o and_o therefore_o not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n mean_v by_o that_o expression_n the_o impose_v ceremony_n add_v that_o still_o the_o sequel_n be_v firm_a for_o the_o apostle_n may_v dispute_v upon_o another_o subject_n and_o yet_o lie_v down_o such_o principle_n and_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o equal_o confute_v the_o press_a or_o impose_v of_o those_o ceremony_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n when_o such_o a_o imposition_n will_v silence_v many_o able_a minister_n and_o involve_v many_o myriad_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o may_v be_v sometime_o true_a but_o then_o the_o subject_n must_v be_v near_o of_o kin_n and_o there_o must_v be_v something_o contain_v in_o the_o argument_n which_o indifferent_o relate_v to_o all_o other_o case_n which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n 2._o but_o yet_o whatever_o the_o argument_n be_v it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n and_o can_v challenge_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o any_o other_o case_n as_o it_o have_v in_o that_o to_o which_o it_o be_v immediate_o apply_v the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o persuade_v jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o upon_o account_n of_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v st._n paul_n argument_n as_o apply_v to_o that_o case_n but_o be_v only_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n as_o apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o he_o have_v nor_o any_o great_a strength_n than_o his_o reason_n give_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v against_o the_o imposition_n of_o our_o church_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o confess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o say_v one_o word_n about_o the_o matter_n he_o ought_v plain_o to_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n which_o express_o condemn_v the_o imposition_n of_o our_o church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o argument_n use_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n upon_o other_o occasion_n which_o he_o think_v by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n condemn_v these_o imposition_n but_o to_o pretend_v scripture_n against_o we_o when_o he_o can_v produce_v any_o one_o scripture_n which_o primary_o relate_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v to_o set_v up_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v general_o such_o as_o few_o man_n will_v allow_v to_o be_v senâ—e_n our_o saviour_n and_o st._n paul_n argument_n be_v scripture_n when_o apply_v to_o those_o case_n to_o which_o they_o apply_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o purpose_n though_o the_o word_n be_v scripture_n still_o yet_o this_o new_a application_n of_o they_o be_v not_o and_o i_o will_v desire_v my_o reader_n to_o observe_v this_o that_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v allege_v numerous_a place_n of_o scripture_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o one_o scripture-proof_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n be_v scripture_n but_o apply_v by_o he_o to_o other_o purpose_n than_o the_o scripture_n intend_v 3._o but_o yet_o parity_n of_o reason_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n and_o therefore_o here_o i_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o he_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n can_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a part_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o argument_n proper_a to_o each_o and_o though_o our_o reconciler_n confound_v they_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o distinct_o first_o the_o first_o part_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n or_o break_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o different_a custom_n he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v 1._o that_o be_v receive_v to_o communion_n which_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o judge_v of_o each_o other_o differ_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o thing_n for_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n 2._o another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n this_o be_v the_o matter_n about_o which_o they_o differ_v the_o gentile_a convert_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o therefore_o may_v eat_v any_o thing_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o persuade_v of_o his_o freedom_n from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n abstain_v from_o all_o forbid_a meat_n and_o feed_v on_o herb_n let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v 3._o despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o let_v not_o the_o gentile_a despise_v the_o jew_n as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v let_v not_o the_o jew_n condemn_v and_o reject_v the_o gentile_n as_o profane_v and_o unclean_a person_n with_o who_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o converse_v much_o less_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o communion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n design_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o prevent_v that_o schism_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v occasion_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o either_o jew_n shall_v yield_v to_o gentile_n or_o gentile_n to_o jew_n but_o each_o of_o they_o retain_v their_o own_o liberty_n in_o these_o matter_n they_o shall_v still_o own_v each_o other_o as_o christian_a brethren_n and_o live_v in_o christian_a communion_n together_o which_o show_v how_o remote_a this_o case_n be_v from_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n notwithstanding_o their_o dispute_n about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n may_v join_v together_o in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a worship_n whereas_o the_o dispute_v between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v about_o the_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o while_o this_o difference_n last_v they_o can_v join_v in_o one_o communion_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a case_n but_o before_o i_o consider_v the_o apostle_n reason_n for_o
of_o it_o viz._n the_o miraculous_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o pass_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o concern_v those_o man_n internal_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o forsake_v the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o god_n receive_v they_o into_o visible_a church-communion_n must_v the_o church_n alter_v the_o most_o prudent_a and_o wholesome_a constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o every_o one_o who_o she_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o damn_a hypocrite_n may_v we_o not_o hope_v charitable_o that_o god_n will_v be_v merciful_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o some_o well-meaning_a man_n without_o destroy_v all_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n to_o let_v such_o man_n into_o our_o communion_n when_o god_n shall_v as_o visible_o declare_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o those_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o its_o worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n as_o he_o do_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o reconciler_n argument_n may_v be_v worth_a consider_v but_o till_o then_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n our_o reconciler_n have_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o guilt_n of_o schism_n who_o believe_v that_o such_o schismatic_n as_o wilful_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v still_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n this_o his_o present_a argument_n necessary_o suppose_v for_o otherwise_o it_o do_v no_o way_n appear_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o and_o than_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n must_v receive_v they_o and_o yet_o certain_o schism_n can_v be_v so_o damn_v a_o sin_n as_o at_o other_o time_n he_o pretend_v it_o be_v if_o such_o schismatic_n be_v still_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n so_o that_o great_a part_n of_o his_o book_n be_v nothing_o but_o put_v trick_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o when_o he_o declaim_v mostt_v ragical_o about_o involve_v so_o many_o precious_a soul_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o damn_v schism_n and_o destroy_v those_o with_o our_o ceremony_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v he_o secret_o laugh_v in_o his_o sleeve_n at_o those_o silly_a people_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o believe_v it_o for_o he_o believe_v no_o such_o matter_n himself_o but_o think_v it_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o believe_v that_o schismatic_n be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n nor_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n so_o that_o whatever_o strength_n those_o may_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o his_o book_n who_o believe_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o strength_n in_o it_o himself_o for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v as_o well_o in_o a_o schism_n as_o in_o church-communion_n as_o certain_o all_o those_o shall_v who_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a dispute_v about_o these_o matter_n the_o church_n may_v keep_v her_o constitution_n and_o schismatic_n may_v divide_v and_o subdivide_v into_o infinite_a faction_n and_o no_o great_a hurt_n do_v but_o that_o it_o make_v protestant_a reconciler_n of_o no_o use_n it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o more_o honourable_a undertake_n in_o he_o to_o have_v convince_v the_o church_n of_o her_o mistake_n about_o the_o damn_v nature_n of_o schism_n and_o to_o have_v satisfy_v dissenter_n that_o they_o may_v continue_v in_o their_o schism_n without_o any_o danger_n than_o to_o scare_v they_o both_o with_o panic_n fear_n and_o to_o pelt_v they_o with_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v not_o worth_a half_a a_o farthing_n if_o this_o argument_n be_v worth_a any_o thing_n for_o if_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v receive_v such_o schismatic_n into_o communion_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o be_v concern_v about_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o next_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v or_o rather_o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o verse_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n 4._o to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n v_o 10_o 12._o but_o why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n that_o be_v who_o god_n have_v make_v thy_o brother_n and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v so_o by_o visible_a effect_n though_o thou_o refuse_v to_o own_v he_o for_o such_o or_o why_o do_v thou_o set_v at_o nought_o thy_o brother_n for_o we_o shall_v all_o stand_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ._n so_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n this_o argument_n our_o reconciler_n think_v fit_a to_o pass_v over_o for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o he_o for_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n be_v not_o private_a christian_n subject_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v judge_v and_o censure_v by_o their_o governor_n no_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o christ_n have_v establish_v any_o government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n as_o no_o man_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o judge_v in_o but_o be_v reserve_v whole_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o the_o plain_a case_n be_v this_o god_n have_v public_o declare_v his_o will_n by_o the_o visible_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n both_o on_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o he_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o will_v not_o impose_v that_o yoke_n on_o the_o believe_a gentile_n now_o when_o god_n have_v so_o visible_o determine_v this_o controversy_n neither_o private_a christian_n nor_o church-governor_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v it_o otherwise_o or_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n or_o deny_v communion_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o god_n may_v accept_v jew_n and_o gentile_n upon_o what_o term_n he_o please_v and_o to_o judge_v and_o reject_v the_o jew_n for_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o indulge_v they_o in_o it_o or_o to_o judge_v and_o reject_v the_o gentile_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n when_o god_n have_v so_o manifest_o declare_v that_o he_o receive_v they_o without_o it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v another_o man_n servant_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v what_o his_o own_o master_n either_o allow_v or_o permit_v in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o as_o st._n james_n speak_v 12._o he_o that_o speak_v evil_a of_o his_o brother_n and_o judge_v his_o brother_n speak_v evil_a of_o the_o law_n and_o judge_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o judge_v the_o law_n thou_o be_v not_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o a_o judge_n there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o that_o be_v when_o we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o brother_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n or_o some_o other_o public_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n allow_v they_o to_o do_v or_o to_o omit_v we_o be_v not_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v do_v not_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o those_o who_o be_v to_o receive_v law_n and_o to_o obey_v they_o but_o as_o judge_n as_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n or_o to_o censure_n and_o control_v they_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n against_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n relate_v only_o to_o such_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n unless_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v plain_o determine_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n what_o god_n have_v leave_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v judge_v and_o censure_n and_o reject_v the_o disobedient_a because_o private_a christian_n in_o all_o such_o case_n be_v subject_a to_o church-authority_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o exceed_v her_o authority_n in_o judge_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n whether_o they_o shall_v obey_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o
be_v which_o magistrate_n can_v never_o know_v hypocrite_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sincere_a and_o government_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a if_o justice_n must_v be_v administer_v not_o by_o know_a and_o stand_a law_n but_o in_o compliance_n with_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v no_o body_n know_v what_o 3._o the_o only_a doubt_n than_o be_v about_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o in_o make_v law_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v more_o bind_v than_o either_o god_n or_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o various_a and_o different_a pretension_n of_o conscience_n if_o there_o be_v any_o equity_n in_o it_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o hold_v in_o other_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o these_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o be_v of_o what_o religion_n he_o please_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o will_v to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v a_o image_n or_o the_o host_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o yet_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a imposition_n it_o be_v upon_o conscience_n i_o have_v rather_o submit_v to_o twenty_o ceremony_n than_o to_o be_v require_v to_o subscribe_v to_o one_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o our_o reconciler_n pretend_v only_o to_o this_o indulgence_n in_o inferior_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v his_o reason_n for_o that_o for_o certain_o the_o less_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o less_o need_n there_o be_v and_o the_o less_o reason_n to_o humour_v man_n conscience_n about_o they_o the_o only_a reason_n he_o assign_v for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o do_v observe_v or_o do_v refuse_v observance_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o these_o inferior_a matter_n do_v real_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v good_a in_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o such_o inferior_a matter_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v st._n paul_n argument_n not_o the_o reconciler_n no_o say_v i_o it_o be_v the_o reconciler_n argument_n not_o st._n paul_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v yes_o i_o grant_v that_o these_o be_v st._n paul_n word_n and_o do_v not_o this_o signify_v that_o they_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o eat_v act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n yes_o i_o grant_v that_o too_o the_o convert_a gentile_n do_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o the_o convert_a jew_n abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n forbid_v by_o their_o law_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o their_o law_n which_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o legal_a pollution_n but_o this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o case_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o dissenter_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o observe_v our_o ceremony_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n god_n have_v give_v a_o positive_a law_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n which_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n and_o other_o festival_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o though_o this_o law_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o repeal_v in_o as_o public_a a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v give_v and_o god_n have_v no_o way_n declare_v that_o they_o shall_v observe_v this_o law_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o those_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n dare_v not_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o therefore_o these_o believe_a jew_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o observe_v day_n and_o not_o to_o eat_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v that_o law_n the_o believe_a gentile_n be_v never_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o god_n declare_v by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o in_o their_o uncircumcision_n and_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v by_o these_o divine_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o jewish_a observation_n of_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v day_n to_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n which_o have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n nor_o any_o public_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n whatever_o our_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o opinion_n may_v be_v we_o do_v not_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n or_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o therefore_o unless_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v any_o positive_a law_n either_o against_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n in_o general_a or_o against_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n the_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o particular_a how_o much_o soever_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n pretend_v to_o conscience_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n nor_o do_v conformist_n observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o foundation_n for_o conscience_n but_o either_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v may_v not_o that_o man_n also_o be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n who_o do_v or_o forbear_v do_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o persuasion_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o he_o can_v produce_v no_o law_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n while_o man_n design_v to_o please_v god_n in_o what_o they_o do_v sure_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n i_o answer_v i_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o any_o man_n but_o let_v they_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o use_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n in_o scripture_n say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v produce_v a_o plain_a law_n for_o what_o he_o do_v other_o man_n may_v intend_v god_n glory_n in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o they_o may_v miss_v of_o their_o aim_n when_o they_o have_v no_o rule_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n instead_o of_o please_a god_n and_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n can_v grant_v any_o indulgence_n to_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o this_o but_o when_o both_o contend_v party_n can_v produce_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o never_o do_v and_o never_o can_v happen_v but_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o because_o they_o both_o act_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n in_o a_o word_n two_o contrary_a party_n as_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v in_o this_o controversy_n can_v never_o both_o of_o they_o
be_v say_v to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v to_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o in_o such_o case_n where_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a positive_a law_n or_o a_o divine_a indulgence_n permission_n or_o liberty_n on_o both_o side_n which_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o have_v no_o parallel_n that_o i_o know_v of_o our_o dissenter_n indeed_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o justify_v their_o nonobservance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n for_o put_v our_o saviour_n to_o death_n so_o do_v all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o even_a rebel_n themselves_o and_o if_o the_o government_n must_v take_v notice_n of_o every_o foolish_a reasoner_n who_o pretend_v scripture_n it_o be_v in_o as_o ill_a a_o case_n as_o if_o every_o unscriptural_a dream_n and_o fancy_n must_v pass_v for_o a_o oracle_n this_o will_v make_v no_o difference_n before_o god_n whether_o man_n pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n or_o follow_v the_o wild_a enthusiasm_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o governor_n have_v to_o make_v a_o difference_n neither_o by_o these_o argument_n st._n paul_n persuade_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n at_o rome_n notwithstanding_o their_o dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o they_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o this_o purpose_n but_o can_v by_o no_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n as_o i_o hope_v abundant_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v second_o the_o apostle_n by_o these_o argument_n have_v persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o christian_a communion_n proceed_v to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a convert_v or_o those_o strong_a jewish_a christian_n who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n not_o to_o give_v any_o needless_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n 13._o from_o v_o 13._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n these_o two_o to_o receive_v into_o communion_n and_o not_o to_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n though_o our_o reconciler_n make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o state_n this_o matter_n also_o and_o show_v how_o remote_a it_o be_v from_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o the_o scandal_n which_o he_o suppose_v the_o church_n give_v to_o the_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o by_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o they_o or_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a she_o tempt_v they_o to_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o rather_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n than_o to_o submit_v to_o such_o unscriptural_a imposition_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o that_o scandal_n be_v of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v and_o by_o what_o argument_n he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o it_o and_o how_o â—ar_v it_o be_v applicable_a to_o our_o case_n 1._o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o this_o scandal_n be_v 2._o by_o what_o argument_n he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n first_o what_o this_o scandal_n be_v now_o the_o person_n who_o be_v scandalize_v be_v the_o weak_a that_o which_o give_v this_o scandal_n to_o they_o be_v as_o they_o apprehend_v a_o open_a contempt_n and_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n the_o danger_n of_o this_o scandal_n be_v lest_o it_o shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v christianity_n let_v we_o then_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n 1._o the_o weak_a jew_n be_v scandalize_v and_o offend_v so_o far_o you_o will_v say_v the_o parallel_n hold_v good_a for_o whatever_o the_o dissenter_n think_v of_o themselves_o i_o suppose_v the_o church_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o sort_n of_o weak_a christian_n and_o it_o be_v not_o what_o they_o think_v but_o what_o they_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n for_o these_o jew_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o weak_a no_o more_o than_o our_o dissenter_n do_v and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v weak_a and_o require_v the_o strong_a to_o treat_v they_o as_o weak_a brethren_n so_o far_o i_o agree_v but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o this_o weakness_n be_v for_o all_o weakness_n be_v not_o alike_o nor_o equal_o the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n some_o man_n be_v weak_a because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v instruct_v other_o be_v weak_a out_o of_o prejudice_n and_o some_o vicious_a inclination_n some_o weakness_n be_v to_o be_v chastise_v and_o correct_v not_o indulge_v and_o therefore_o because_o st._n paul_n require_v they_o not_o to_o offend_v the_o weak_a jew_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n must_v use_v the_o same_o indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a dissenter_n unless_o their_o weakness_n be_v alike_o pityable_a now_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o though_o they_o have_v embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v out_o of_o date_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o that_o law_n nor_o omit_v do_v what_o the_o law_n command_v nor_o can_v they_o endure_v to_o see_v other_o do_v so_o so_o that_o their_o weakness_n consist_v in_o a_o profound_a reverence_n for_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n which_o all_o man_n agree_v be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o repeal_v in_o so_o visible_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o satiâ—fie_v the_o believe_a jew_n that_o it_o be_v repeal_v now_o this_o be_v a_o very_a favourable_a case_n 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that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o st._n paul_n who_o plead_v for_o such_o charity_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n will_v himself_o have_v censure_v our_o dissenter_n for_o both_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o private_a christian_n be_v in_o a_o ill_a state_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o humour_v those_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o man_n ignorance_n folly_n interest_n prejudice_n or_o unteachable_a and_o refractory_a disposition_n 2._o these_o weak_a jew_n take_v offence_n at_o the_o open_a violation_n of_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o gentile_a christian_n do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o act_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o it_o now_o this_o be_v a_o just_a matter_n of_o offence_n to_o the_o jew_n while_o he_o retain_v such_o a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o at_o least_o he_o have_v some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a the_o strong_a christian_a in_o 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only_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n themselves_o but_o scorn_v and_o despise_v the_o jew_n for_o do_v it_o and_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o a_o open_a contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o law_n this_o will_v have_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o have_v alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o call_v lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o brother_n way_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n by_o tempt_v he_o to_o infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v thus_o st._n chrysostom_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v afraid_a locum_fw-la lest_o this_o contemptuous_a usage_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v they_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o 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they_o be_v not_o yet_o capable_a of_o be_v govern_v they_o must_v be_v humour_v for_o a_o while_n as_o child_n be_v who_o must_v be_v manage_v by_o art_n not_o by_o rule_n of_o discipline_n but_o when_o man_n be_v well_o root_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v humour_v but_o govern_v they_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o submit_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o obey_v not_o to_o dispute_v the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n when_o there_o be_v no_o plain_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o they_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o man_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n and_o turn_v schismatic_n it_o be_v at_o their_o own_o peril_n and_o this_o indeed_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n command_v the_o strong_a christian_n to_o treat_v with_o so_o much_o tenderness_n without_o give_v they_o the_o least_o offence_n those_o who_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o his_o stumble_n and_o be_v offend_v and_o make_v weak_a signify_v his_o be_v shake_v and_o unsettle_a in_o the_o faith_n every_o one_o who_o be_v a_o ignorant_a and_o uninstruct_v be_v not_o therefore_o a_o weak_a christian_a his_o understanding_n may_v be_v weak_a but_o his_o faith_n may_v be_v strong_a that_o be_v he_o may_v very_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o weak_a person_n be_v to_o be_v use_v very_o different_o you_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o you_o must_v instruct_v and_o govern_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o understanding_n or_o else_o you_o prostitute_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o christian_n to_o every_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v conceit_v obstinate_a and_o censorious_a professor_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o those_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v in_o this_o chapter_n not_o to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n can_v concern_v our_o dissenter_n who_o though_o they_o be_v weak_a enough_o as_o that_o signify_v ignorant_a yet_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o that_o signify_v those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o christianity_n or_o not_o well_o confirm_v in_o that_o belief_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v humour_v like_o child_n but_o train_v up_o to_o great_a attainment_n by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o a_o prudent_a discipline_n second_o have_v see_v what_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v by_o what_o argument_n the_o apostle_n persuade_v those_o who_o be_v strong_a not_o to_o offend_v the_o weak_a now_o our_o reconciler_n have_v turn_v almost_o every_o word_n into_o a_o argument_n one_o argument_n be_v etc._n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o our_o brother_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o charity_n and_o evil_a in_o itself_o that_o it_o cause_v christianity_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o concern_v of_o peace_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o have_v no_o dispute_n with_o our_o reconciler_n about_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n and_o very_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n if_o we_o be_v as_o well_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v offence_n as_o that_o give_v this_o offence_n be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n the_o dispute_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o yet_o by_o this_o artifice_n he_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n be_v very_o copious_a and_o rhetorical_a in_o his_o harangue_n on_o this_o argument_n and_o transcribe_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a writer_n to_o show_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o manifold_a aggravation_n of_o scandal_n which_o every_o one_o will_v grant_v he_o to_o be_v very_o good_a when_o right_o apply_v but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guilty_a of_o give_v offend_v to_o the_o dissenter_n in_o that_o sense_n in_o which_o st._n paul_n and_o other_o ancient_a writer_n mean_v it_o and_o if_o our_o reconciler_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v find_v enough_o in_o st._n paul_n argument_n to_o have_v convince_v he_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o case_n very_o different_a from_o we_o which_o because_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o overlook_v i_o shall_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o mind_v he_o of_o it_o now_o i_o take_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o jew_n by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n be_v because_o their_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v of_o no_o concernment_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n for_o when_o we_o discourse_v of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a inquiry_n be_v of_o what_o moment_n and_o consequence_n the_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o exercise_v our_o charity_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v nor_o leave_v undo_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o any_o man_n whatever_o offence_n be_v take_v at_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o charitable_a condescension_n and_o compliance_n than_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n against_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n be_v very_o seasonable_o and_o proper_o urge_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o as_o will_v appear_v from_o consider_v the_o series_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o 13_o verse_n he_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o their_o brother_n way_n and_o to_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n he_o add_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a that_o be_v all_o distinction_n of_o
of_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n the_o gentile_a christian_n who_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n which_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n be_v perfect_o at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o that_o law_n and_o this_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o no_o body_n be_v direct_o concern_v but_o themselves_o neither_o any_o other_o particular_a man_n except_v the_o case_n of_o scandal_n nor_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o any_o man_n what_o be_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whether_o i_o eat_v such_o meat_n or_o not_o when_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v either_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n for_o charity_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v exercise_v only_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v perfect_o in_o our_o power_n and_o therefore_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v lawful_o extend_v his_o charity_n any_o far_a than_o his_o own_o private_a liberty_n extend_v whatever_o other_o be_v concern_v in_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o especial_o whatever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v in_o be_v the_o object_n neither_o of_o private_a liberty_n nor_o of_o private_a charity_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o private_a christian._n and_o whether_o we_o say_v that_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v only_o particular_a christian_n or_o church-governor_n also_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o concern_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n now_o if_o any_o such_o case_n shall_v happen_v again_o which_o i_o think_v can_v possible_o be_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o private_a liberty_n in_o our_o diet_n or_o clothes_n or_o way_n of_o live_v we_o shall_v give_v such_o offence_n to_o weak_a christian_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o endanger_v their_o final_a apostasy_n this_o 14_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n will_v be_v a_o admirable_a text_n to_o preach_v on_o to_o correct_v such_o uncharitable_a abuse_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o use_n of_o decent_a but_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n concern_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n not_o every_o christian_n private_a liberty_n every_o instance_n of_o our_o private_a liberty_n may_v indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v call_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o that_o signify_v what_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v not_o do_v as_o we_o please_v but_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a as_o the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a for_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n and_o the_o particular_a rite_n of_o worship_n the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a prudence_n and_o authority_n and_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n this_o make_v in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n will_v appear_v from_o my_o second_o observation_n on_o st._n paul_n discourse_n which_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o this_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n must_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o religion_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o concern_v for_o by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n persuade_v they_o to_o this_o forbearance_n because_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n their_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o act_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v the_o charity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o give_v such_o great_a scandal_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n for_o thing_n in_o which_o religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v those_o who_o expound_v meat_n and_o drink_n in_o this_o place_n to_o signify_v all_o the_o external_o of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o all_o such_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n as_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a institution_n and_o command_n as_o our_o reconciler_n plain_o do_v do_v mighty_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n 59_o and_o affix_v such_o doctrine_n to_o he_o as_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unaccountable_a when_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n it_o plain_o signify_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o or_o such_o meat_n that_o no_o man_n be_v the_o better_a christian_a for_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o other_o prohibit_v meat_n nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n mere_o for_o not_o eat_v they_o no_o man_n question_n whether_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n signify_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v that_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o must_v mean_v not_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o dream_v of_o but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o no_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v to_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n how_o mean_a and_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v think_v can_v be_v comprehend_v under_o those_o general_a term_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n because_o this_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v no_o act_n nor_o part_n nor_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n nor_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v necessary_a to_o public_a worship_n now_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o exercise_v forbearance_n and_o condescension_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o matter_n by_o this_o very_a argument_n because_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o our_o reconciler_n will_v be_v a_o very_a wonderful_a man_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o we_o must_v exercise_v the_o same_o indulgence_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o do_v concern_v religious_a worship_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v indulge_v private_a christian_n in_o the_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o religious_a worship_n because_o private_a christian_n must_v indulge_v each_o other_o in_o such_o different_a practice_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o relate_v to_o religion_n i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o dispute_v more_o with_o he_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n able_a to_o make_v good_a the_o great_a paradox_n in_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o christian_n not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o nor_o to_o divide_v the_o unity_n or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o dispute_n as_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o religion_n for_o where_o it_o be_v pure_o matter_n of_o our_o own_o liberty_n there_o be_v room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o where_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v what_o we_o please_v in_o such_o matter_n nor_o to_o allow_v other_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v what_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v any_o such_o liberty_n which_o will_v effectual_o undermine_v all_o order_n decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n add_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v neither_o that_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n or_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v about_o as_o the_o reconciler_n understand_v it_o for_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o these_o but_o these_o be_v plain_a and_o acknowledge_v duty_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o violate_v a_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o be_v no_o duty_n at_o all_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n as_o
of_o these_o thing_n unlawful_a they_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a by_o any_o art_n to_o force_v he_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v only_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v in_o it_o especial_o while_o they_o be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o use_v their_o innocent_a liberty_n innocent_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o guide_v we_o but_o what_o the_o apostle_n give_v let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 5._o which_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o sure_a rule_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o for_o this_o must_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o case_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n for_o if_o in_o all_o case_n we_o must_v suffer_v every_o man_n to_o act_v according_a as_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n this_o will_v subvert_v all_o law_n and_o government_n but_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o such_o case_n as_o only_o concern_v man_n private_a liberty_n and_o be_v under_o the_o restraint_n and_o government_n of_o no_o law_n but_o what_o man_n make_v or_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v true_a all_o man_n who_o act_n upon_o any_o principle_n will_v in_o all_o case_n do_v as_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v give_v in_o all_o case_n it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n only_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o let_v a_o man_n judgement_n and_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_v he_o act_v safe_o while_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n which_o can_v never_o be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o beside_o our_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n for_o though_o we_o act_v with_o never_o so_o full_a a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n if_o we_o break_v the_o divine_a law_n we_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v judge_v for_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o he_o urge_v the_o danger_n a_o weak_a brother_n be_v in_o of_o sin_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v persuade_v or_o force_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o sin_n if_o he_o follow_v his_o own_o judgement_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a danger_n of_o sin_n both_o way_n this_o argument_n have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o prove_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o a_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n for_o if_o this_o weak_a brother_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o sin_n by_o follow_v his_o judgement_n if_o we_o do_v forbear_v he_o as_o he_o will_v by_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n if_o we_o do_v not_o the_o danger_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o determine_v we_o either_o way_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o such_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o only_o in_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n that_o be_v only_o to_o such_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o but_o only_o our_o own_o private_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o this_o danger_n of_o scandal_n can_v affect_v governor_n who_o have_v authority_n to_o command_v nor_o extend_v to_o such_o case_n which_o be_v determine_v by_o divine_a or_o humane_a law_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o whatever_o our_o own_o persuasion_n be_v if_o we_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n by_o follow_v a_o misguide_a and_o erroneous_a conscience_n we_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n appear_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o to_o exercise_v this_o forbearance_n out_o of_o charity_n to_o their_o weak_a brother_n but_o what_o charity_n be_v it_o to_o suffer_v our_o brother_n to_o sin_n in_o follow_v a_o misguide_a conscience_n if_o our_o brother_n sin_n as_o much_o in_o follow_v a_o misguide_a conscience_n as_o in_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v as_o uncharitable_a a_o man_n who_o patient_o suffer_v his_o brother_n to_o sin_n in_o follow_v his_o conscience_n as_o he_o who_o compel_v he_o to_o sin_n by_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n or_o rather_o by_o not_o suffer_v he_o to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n nay_o since_o external_a force_n and_o restraint_n may_v and_o very_o often_o do_v make_v man_n consider_v better_a of_o thing_n and_o help_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistate_n it_o be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o give_v check_n to_o man_n than_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v quiet_o on_o in_o sin_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n very_o free_o and_o plain_o about_o that_o perplex_a dispute_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n it_o seem_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o force_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o voluntary_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o no_o man_n be_v religious_a who_o be_v religious_a against_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v himself_o of_o any_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o suffer_v under_o heathen_a persecution_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o their_o apology_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v monstrous_o unreasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o the_o wild_a fancy_n of_o man_n that_o every_o one_o who_o please_v may_v have_v liberty_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n with_o enthusiastic_a conceit_n and_o new-fangled_a heresy_n and_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n with_o infinite_a schism_n and_o faction_n the_o patron_n of_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n declaim_v large_o on_o the_o first_o of_o these_o head_n those_o who_o be_v for_o preserve_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n on_o the_o second_o and_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v my_o mind_n free_o i_o think_v they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n and_o have_v divide_v the_o truth_n between_o they_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v force_v to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n whether_o turk_n or_o jew_n or_o christian_a though_o idolatry_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o though_o man_n may_v not_o be_v force_v to_o worship_n god_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v not_o to_o worship_v the_o devil_n nor_o to_o blaspheme_v or_o do_v any_o public_a dishonour_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o restraint_n that_o christian_a emperor_n lay_v upon_o the_o pagan_a idolater_n they_o demolish_v their_o temple_n and_o forbid_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o though_o no_o man_n must_v be_v compel_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n yet_o if_o they_o voluntary_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n they_o become_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n and_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n either_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n or_o worship_n of_o it_o or_o prove_v refractory_a and_o disobedient_a to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v censure_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v to_o thrust_v a_o member_n out_o of_o any_o society_n who_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o this_o distinction_n st._n paul_n himself_o make_v between_o judge_v those_o who_o be_v without_o and_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o church_n they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o force_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n but_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o profess_a christian_n to_o judge_v and_o censure_v they_o as_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v proper_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o condemn_v heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o cast_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o all_o disorderly_a christian_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o govern_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o so_o much_o authority_n as_o this_o come_v to_o as_o for_o temporal_a restraint_n and_o punishment_n they_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o if_o we_o
will_v allow_v that_o christian_a prince_n ought_v to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o must_v grant_v they_o so_o much_o authority_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o censure_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n how_o far_o this_o may_v extend_v be_v another_o question_n i_o think_v all_o protestant_n with_o great_a reason_n reject_v sanguinary_a law_n in_o this_o case_n but_o whoever_o grant_v any_o authority_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o christian_a prince_n must_v grant_v what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n thus_o i_o have_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n about_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n i_o grant_v st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a writer_n do_v accommodate_v this_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n to_o other_o case_n some_o of_o which_o passage_n our_o reconciler_n have_v transcribe_v from_o they_o that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o scandalize_v our_o weak_a brother_n by_o use_v our_o innocent_a liberty_n much_o less_o by_o our_o wicked_a example_n by_o do_v thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o which_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o i_o grant_v such_o accommodation_n as_o these_o be_v very_o allowable_a in_o popular_a harangue_n but_o i_o hope_v our_o reconciler_n do_v not_o take_v they_o for_o argument_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v he_o can_v no_o more_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n than_o he_o can_v the_o case_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v but_o because_o this_o discourse_n have_v be_v somewhat_o long_o though_o as_o plain_a and_o methodical_a as_o i_o can_v contrive_v it_o i_o shall_v reduce_v some_o of_o the_o most_o material_a thing_n in_o it_o into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o compare_v the_o apostle_n argument_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o reconciler_n which_o will_v enable_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n to_o judge_v how_o unlike_a they_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n 14_o rom._n the_o dispute_n between_o the_o believe_a jew_n &_o gentile_n be_v concern_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o about_o thing_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v indifferent_a the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o occasion_v their_o scruple_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o a_o express_a law_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n as_o visible_o repeal_v as_o it_o be_v give_v the_o offence_n the_o jew_n take_v against_o the_o gentile_n be_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o still_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o so_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v as_o they_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o law_n which_o be_v so_o much_o as_o to_o render_v forbearance_n reasonable_a that_o weakness_n which_o plead_v for_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v tender_o use_v and_o indulge_v as_o be_v neither_o capable_a at_o present_a of_o better_a instruction_n nor_o severe_a government_n for_o the_o danger_n which_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v in_o and_o which_o st._n paul_n endeavour_v to_o prevent_v be_v lest_o they_o shall_v reject_v christianity_n if_o christianity_n reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o while_n till_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n before_o they_o give_v they_o any_o disturbance_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o will_v endanger_v their_o apostasy_n while_o they_o more_o firm_o believe_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n than_o they_o do_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n and_o indeed_o god_n himself_o have_v by_o visible_a sign_n instruct_v both_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o nor_o to_o break_v christian_a communion_n upon_o theâ—e_n dispute_n because_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o one_o catholic_n church_n by_o the_o visible_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o both_o though_o one_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o it_o become_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o christian_a brethren_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a office_n and_o whoever_o after_o this_o visible_a determination_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o undertake_v to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o deprive_v each_o other_o of_o communion_n for_o such_o matter_n usurp_v a_o authority_n to_o judge_v over_o god_n judgement_n to_o reject_v those_o who_o god_n receive_v which_o be_v like_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n which_o god_n allow_v who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o we_o all_o beside_o this_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o observe_v and_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n act_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n observe_v the_o law_n because_o god_n give_v they_o this_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o have_v not_o so_o visible_o repeal_v it_o as_o to_o remove_v all_o just_a scruple_n about_o it_o the_o gentile_n never_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o church_n without_o impose_v that_o burden_n on_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n out_o of_o reverence_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o and_o therefore_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v reason_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o since_o it_o be_v not_o humour_n peevishness_n or_o faction_n which_o make_v they_o differ_v but_o a_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o a_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n which_o they_o both_o pretend_v and_o which_o at_o that_o time_n they_o both_o have_v and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a gentile_n not_o to_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v very_o kind_a to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n if_o they_o please_v it_o be_v only_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o no_o body_n be_v concern_v but_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o every_o thing_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n have_v forbid_v but_o we_o may_v abstain_v if_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n not_o to_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v especial_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v great_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n which_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o especial_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o man_n may_v keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o enjoy_v the_o private_a exercise_n of_o their_o liberty_n without_o offence_n whereas_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n can_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o gentile_a christian_n without_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o make_v it_o very_o reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o charitable_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n where_o they_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o restraint_n of_o no_o other_o law_n neither_o of_o god_n nor_o man_n for_o in_o this_o
case_n if_o they_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o any_o body_n but_o themselves_o in_o a_o unnecessary_a restraint_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n but_o neither_o offend_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o hurt_v man_n but_o if_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o compliance_n with_o other_o they_o sin_n in_o it_o for_o every_o man_n private_a conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v he_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o dispute_n between_o dissenter_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n the_o scruple_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o ground_v on_o any_o express_a law_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o party_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n but_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o pervert_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o better_a instruction_n the_o dissenter_n can_v produce_v any_o plain_a positive_a law_n which_o be_v oâ—_n ever_o be_v in_o force_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n and_o so_o have_v no_o reasonable_a pretence_n to_o be_v offend_v the_o weakness_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o a_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o at_o best_a a_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v indulge_v but_o to_o be_v rectify_v by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o prudent_a restraint_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o every_o ignorant_a christian_a must_v give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v his_o own_o ignorant_a and_o childish_a prejudices_fw-la whatever_o offence_n the_o dissenter_n take_v at_o our_o ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o only_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o make_v they_o forsake_v the_o church_n for_o a_o conventicle_n but_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o in_o itself_o for_o any_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n to_o be_v sure_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reaâ—on_n there_o must_v be_v no_o authority_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o no_o exercise_n of_o it_o lest_o those_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v shall_v turn_v schismatic_n but_o now_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o those_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o communion_n without_o mutual_a offence_n and_o scandal_n who_o observe_v such_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o god_n have_v never_o by_o any_o such_o visible_a sign_n declare_v that_o dissenter_n shall_v be_v receive_v to_o communion_n notwithstanding_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o for_o our_o reconciler_n invisible_a communion_n with_o god_n which_o he_o grant_v to_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n who_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n st._n paul_n never_o think_v of_o it_o and_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o our_o reconciler_n shall_v know_v it_o especial_o if_o schism_n as_o he_o assert_n be_v a_o damn_v sin_n for_o no_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o case_n of_o schismatic_n can_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o when_o the_o church_n judge_n and_o censure_n and_o excommunicate_v those_o who_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o her_o worship_n she_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v for_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o though_o our_o dissenter_n pretend_v conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o nonconformity_n yet_o these_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o not_o to_o be_v allow_v of_o because_o there_o be_v no_o plain_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o it_o and_o neither_o governor_n nor_o private_a christian_n be_v concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o to_o make_v any_o allowance_n for_o every_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o will_v bring_v eternal_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o first_o require_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n for_o our_o rule_n which_o will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v what_o we_o do_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o man_n private_a conscience_n if_o they_o misguide_v they_o may_v deserve_v our_o pity_n but_o can_v challenge_v our_o indulgence_n our_o reconciler_n exhort_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n for_o public_a worship_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_a dissenter_n but_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o prudent_a and_o charitable_a but_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a government_n and_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o religious_a office_n which_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o other_o measure_n than_o a_o private_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o private_a christian_n to_o dispense_v in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o nor_o absolute_o in_o the_o power_n of_o church-governor_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n whoever_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n in_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n wherein_o religion_n be_v near_o concern_v for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o act_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n wherein_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n consist_v which_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o external_a worship_n be_v and_o therefore_o can_v refer_v to_o the_o public_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o they_o be_v practise_v at_o all_o must_v be_v practise_v public_o because_o they_o concern_v the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v offence_n in_o this_o case_n by_o dissemble_v our_o faith_n or_o by_o a_o private_a exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o governor_n must_v part_v with_o their_o authority_n and_o private_a christian_n with_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o the_o apostle_n nowhere_o require_v any_o man_n to_o do_v no_o not_o to_o avoid_v offence_n now_o though_o our_o dissenter_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o our_o reconciler_n plead_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a argument_n in_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o their_o mistake_n do_v not_o mere_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a liberty_n but_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o every_o man_n private_a conscience_n but_o to_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o where_o there_o be_v for_o if_o they_o sin_n in_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n which_o no_o man_n can_v force_v they_o to_o do_v so_o they_o sin_v also_o in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n which_o governor_n ought_v to_o hinder_v if_o they_o can_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n from_o that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n the_o dispute_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o those_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v and_o which_o be_v very_o proper_a argument_n in_o that_o case_n can_v by_o no_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o dispute_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o there_o be_v several_a other_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v at_o which_o plain_o show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n
not_o unite_v we_o in_o one_o body_n and_o to_o countenance_v such_o scruple_n as_o these_o by_o the_o least_o indulgence_n will_v lay_v a_o eternal_a foundation_n of_o schism_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o hold_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n because_o forbearance_n in_o one_o case_n will_v cure_v the_o schism_n in_o other_o it_o will_v increase_v it_o 5._o this_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o christian_a worship_n but_o a_o indulgence_n of_o dissenter_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o so_o our_o reconciler_n prove_v from_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o use_n of_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o that_o in_o charity_n to_o dissenter_n they_o must_v alter_v such_o rule_n and_o canon_n when_o as_o often_o as_o there_o be_v any_o who_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v they_o must_v part_v with_o their_o authority_n or_o for_o ever_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v much_o at_o one_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n when_o there_o be_v any_o person_n so_o ignorant_a or_o so_o humoursome_a as_o to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o they_o command_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o principle_n i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a 118._o but_o yet_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v a_o example_n of_o such_o condescension_n as_o this_o i_o will_v ready_o submit_v as_o not_o dare_v to_o dispute_v against_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n but_o if_o this_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n than_o it_o be_v no_o precedent_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v up_o their_o authority_n to_o dissenter_n now_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n here_o the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n nor_o the_o government_n of_o christian_a assembly_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o man_n private_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n may_v grant_v and_o may_v exhort_v to_o this_o forbearance_n without_o injure_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o prescribe_v the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v indulge_v the_o scruple_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o diminution_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o assert_v as_o high_a as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o give_v several_a direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a assembly_n for_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o prophesy_a for_o their_o demeanour_n and_o deportment_n of_o themselves_o that_o man_n shall_v pray_v and_o prophesy_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v that_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o love-feast_n for_o their_o holy_a kiss_n beside_o his_o general_a direction_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o after_o these_o particular_a direction_n reserve_v the_o final_a order_n of_o thing_n to_o himself_o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v 11.34_o this_o same_o power_n he_o commit_v to_o titus_n in_o crete_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v that_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o which_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n the_o apostle_n allow_v private_a christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o command_n and_o give_v indulgence_n to_o every_o one_o to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v who_o do_v not_o like_a to_o do_v what_o be_v command_v it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o may_v just_o be_v think_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o church-governor_n but_o the_o apostle_n understand_v their_o authority_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n their_o duty_n better_a than_o so_o none_o dispute_v their_o command_n in_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o decency_n nor_o will_v they_o suffer_v their_o command_n to_o be_v dispute_v without_o censure_n st._n paul_n commend_v the_o corinthian_n upon_o this_o account_n 7.15_o i_o praise_v you_o brethren_z that_o you_o remember_v i_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o i_o deliver_v they_o to_o you_o he_o commend_v they_o for_o their_o obedience_n to_o titus_n and_o give_v the_o thessalonian_n this_o general_a rule_n 13._o to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o high_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o what_o that_o mean_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o 17._o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n and_o he_o command_v the_o thessalonian_n if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n 3.14_o note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a which_o show_v a_o true_a apostolical_a spirit_n and_o power_n which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o he_o exercise_v in_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v there_o mention_v now_o if_o this_o forbearance_n towards_o the_o believe_a jew_n which_o st._n paul_n plead_v for_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n if_o it_o appear_v from_o other_o place_n that_o he_o do_v assert_v his_o authority_n and_o require_v obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o it_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o the_o reconciler_n shall_v hence_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v up_o their_o authority_n to_o the_o dissenter_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o not_o impose_v any_o thing_n which_o through_o ignorance_n or_o scrupulosity_n or_o from_o some_o worse_a cause_n they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v which_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v where_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o impose_v for_o as_o for_o his_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n of_o which_o more_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n it_o refer_v only_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a liberty_n not_o of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o this_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n plead_v for_o be_v only_o temporary_a it_o be_v a_o prudent_a expedient_a for_o that_o time_n which_o be_v such_o a_o critical_a period_n as_o never_o happen_v before_o nor_o can_v ever_o hap_v again_o nor_o can_v continue_v long_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o but_o what_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o out_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o weak_a brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o at_o that_o time_n believe_v in_o christ_n can_v not_o present_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v abrogate_a or_o out_o of_o date_n but_o st._n paul_n see_v a_o time_n a_o come_n which_o will_v effectual_o convince_v they_o of_o this_o when_o god_n shall_v suffer_v the_o roman_n to_o destroy_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v they_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a thorough_o inform_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v thus_o mind_v 15._o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o now_o when_o we_o see_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o such_o dispute_n and_o have_v a_o expedient_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o christian_a charity_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n but_o now_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o this_o they_o raise_v scruple_n and_o dispute_n after_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n prescription_n against_o they_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o such_o principle_n as_o condemn_v the_o best_a and_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o former_a age_n and_o if_o their_o scruple_n be_v indulge_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o peace_n
and_o unity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o they_o may_v entertain_v and_o multiply_v such_o dispute_n for_o ever_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v now_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v always_o reason_n to_o suppress_v those_o scruple_n which_o cannot_v be_v cure_v or_o outwear_v by_o time_n when_o indulgence_n will_v not_o cure_v the_o disease_n nor_o time_n remove_v it_o it_o must_v be_v stifle_v and_o suppress_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n whether_o our_o reconciler_n will_v think_v this_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o his_o four_o chapter_n i_o can_v tell_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o do_v chap._n vi_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n or_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n so_o particular_o answer_v our_o reconciler_n argument_n take_v as_o he_o pretend_v from_o that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o in_o that_o great_a dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o seem_v little_a occasion_n to_o answer_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n may_v do_v from_o the_o principle_n already_o lay_v down_o but_o that_o our_o reconciler_n may_v not_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v not_o answer_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o needless_a answer_n if_o my_o reader_n will_v be_v please_v to_o pardon_v it_o his_o first_o argument_n be_v from_o st._n paul_n discourse_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 122._o where_o he_o condemn_v the_o corinthian_n because_o they_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o minister_v scandal_n to_o the_o heathen_n and_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o christian_n be_v covetous_a contentious_a and_o prone_a to_o injure_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n since_o therefore_o our_o contention_n about_o these_o lesser_a matter_n do_v minister_v far_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o atheist_n the_o sceptic_a etc._n etc._n our_o governor_n shall_v rather_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v restrain_v a_o little_a and_o even_o injure_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o just_a power_n about_o thing_n unnecessary_a than_o by_o their_o stiffness_n to_o assert_v and_o to_o exert_v it_o to_o continue_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o so_o great_a a_o scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a argument_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o christian_n must_v not_o go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_a judge_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v the_o argument_n be_v good_a because_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n let_v we_o then_o suppose_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v make_v these_o two_o case_n parallel_v it_o must_v be_v thus_o to_o go_v to_o law_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v avoid_v to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o church-governor_n must_v not_o exercise_v this_o authority_n will_v our_o reconciler_n now_o stand_v to_o this_o proposition_n no_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v scandalous_a but_o the_o contention_n about_o such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o governor_n must_v not_o insist_v on_o their_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v they_o but_o now_o this_o way_n of_o state_v it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o case_n parallel_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v argue_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_a judge_n because_o it_o be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o christian_a profession_n to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o reconciler_n will_v make_v a_o parallel_a case_n he_o must_v instance_n only_o in_o something_o which_o be_v scandalous_a and_o then_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n he_o may_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v also_o but_o neither_o the_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n nor_o the_o prudent_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v prove_v this_o to_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n but_o contention_n indeed_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n whatever_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o therefore_o all_o scandalous_a contention_n be_v forbid_v as_o all_o scandalous_a go_v to_o law_n be_v for_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n tell_v they_o there_o be_v utter_o a_o fault_n among_o you_o because_o you_o go_v to_o law_n one_o with_o another_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v go_v to_o law_n as_o that_o signify_v use_v some_o fair_a and_o lawful_a mean_n of_o right_v ourselves_o when_o we_o suffer_v wrong_v even_o from_o our_o christian_a brethren_n but_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unbeliever_n or_o heathen_a magistrate_n for_o he_o require_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v their_o cause_n hear_v and_o try_v before_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v either_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n who_o by_o joint_a consent_n they_o shall_v make_v judge_n and_o arbitrator_n among_o they_o but_o to_o go_v to_o law_n in_o those_o day_n do_v proper_o signify_v to_o implead_v one_o another_o before_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o magistrate_n at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v any_o legal_a authority_n and_o this_o go_n to_o law_n be_v scandalous_a thus_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v only_o that_o contention_n which_o be_v scandalous_a that_o can_v be_v forbid_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n in_o order_v the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o for_o private_a christian_n to_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n though_o with_o some_o vehemence_n and_o earnestness_n be_v not_o scandalous_a for_o it_o be_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o to_o contend_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a scandalous_a contention_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o duty_n which_o private_a christian_n owe_v to_o their_o superior_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o scandal_n be_v give_v by_o such_o contention_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o scandalous_a contender_n that_o be_v to_o the_o dissenter_n who_o scandalous_o oppose_v the_o authority_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o our_o reconciler_n ought_v to_o have_v reprove_v the_o dissenter_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o leave_v off_o their_o scandalous_a contention_n not_o to_o lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n which_o these_o man_n so_o scandalous_o oppose_v as_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o very_a place_n turn_v the_o edge_n of_o his_o reproof_n against_o those_o who_o do_v the_o wrong_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o scandalous_a contention_n you_o do_v wrong_a and_o defraud_v and_o that_o your_o brethren_n contention_n either_o about_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o scandalous_a but_o be_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n not_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n not_o to_o oppose_v heresy_n and_o schism_n because_o these_o dispute_n represent_v christianity_n as_o a_o very_a uncertain_a thing_n and_o give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n then_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n do_v very_o ill_a to_o meet_v in_o such_o frequent_a council_n to_o condemn_v arianism_n and_o other_o pestilent_a heresy_n where_o there_o be_v a_o scandal_n only_o on_o one_o side_n and_o contention_n be_v the_o only_a scandal_n this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n against_o such_o contentious_a dispute_n but_o when_o it_o be_v more_o scandalous_a to_o suffer_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n to_o see_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n despise_v to_o permit_v any_o indecency_n and_o disorder_n different_a custom_n and_o practice_n in_o christian_a worship_n than_o it_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o order_n and_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o contend_v for_o these_o thing_n the_o only_a scandalous_a contention_n be_v to_o contend_v against_o they_o his_o second_o argument_n 2._o which_o he_o draw_v out_o to_o a_o great_a length_n 123._o be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n grant_v it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o touch_v a_o wife_n
duty_n but_o the_o power_n of_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o the_o power_n of_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o power_n as_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o office_n be_v a_o trust_n and_o a_o duty_n the_o prudent_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o when_o they_o please_v either_o part_n with_o the_o power_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n be_v content_v to_o part_v with_o the_o temporal_a reward_n of_o his_o ministry_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o successful_o discharge_v the_o ministry_n itself_o therefore_o church-governor_n must_v not_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o humour_n dissenter_n st._n paul_n do_v more_o than_o his_o strict_a duty_n require_v that_o he_o may_v have_v something_o to_o glory_n in_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v neglect_v their_o duty_n and_o lose_v their_o reward_n indeed_o our_o reconciler_n talk_v as_o if_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v only_o a_o personal_a right_n a_o compliment_n to_o church-governor_n a_o ornamental_a power_n which_o they_o may_v use_v or_o may_v let_v alone_o as_o they_o please_v and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v present_o be_v of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n but_o i_o believe_v they_o have_v no_o such_o kind_n of_o useless_a authority_n as_o this_o christ_n have_v not_o complemented_a his_o minister_n with_o any_o power_n which_o be_v not_o for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o useful_a power_n and_o that_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v when_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o whoever_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o another_o reason_n why_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospsl_n free_o at_o corinth_n he_o give_v we_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 12_o 13._o what_o i_o do_v that_o i_o will_v do_v that_o i_o may_v cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o wherein_o they_o glory_v they_o may_v be_v find_v even_o as_o we_o for_o such_o be_v false_a apostle_n deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o there_o be_v several_a false_a teacher_n who_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o and_o use_v all_o manner_n of_o art_n to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o among_o other_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o to_o they_o only_o as_o they_o pretend_v out_o of_o love_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o very_a popular_a art_n especial_o to_o that_o people_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o to_o they_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o be_v to_o disappoint_v those_o art_n of_o deceit_n whereby_o these_o false_a teacher_n endeavour_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o that_o wherein_o they_o glory_v they_o may_v be_v find_v even_o as_o we_o that_o whereas_o they_o glory_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o this_o may_v give_v they_o no_o advantage_n since_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o myself_o have_v all_o along_o do_v and_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v our_o reconciler_n paraphrase_v these_o word_n thus_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o be_v lest_o his_o enemy_n shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o his_o liberty_n to_o charge_n 138._o or_o to_o traduce_v he_o as_o one_o who_o more_o consult_v his_o own_o profit_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o occasion_n have_v there_o be_v for_o this_o though_o he_o have_v take_v wage_n of_o they_o as_o he_o say_v he_o do_v of_o other_o church_n to_o supply_v his_o necessity_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a notwithstanding_o that_o he_o do_v exact_v nothing_o from_o they_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n for_o certain_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v the_o supply_n of_o his_o want_n without_o be_v charge_v with_o covetousness_n but_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o suffer_v these_o false_a prophet_n by_o a_o pretend_a and_o hypocritical_a zeal_n to_o outdo_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n now_o the_o apostle_n care_n to_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o false_a teacher_n be_v a_o good_a example_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n not_o to_o do_v so_o neither_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v give_v they_o great_a advantage_n than_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o order_n and_o decency_n to_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n well_o but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n do_v give_v occasion_n to_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n to_o traduce_v they_o as_o man_n who_o more_o regard_v a_o ceremony_n than_o a_o immortal_a soul_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o command_a power_n than_o the_o preserve_n of_o poor_a soul_n from_o damn_v schism_n and_o the_o church_n from_o sad_a division_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v very_o spiteful_a but_o very_o foolish_a insinuation_n as_o for_o schism_n and_o division_n we_o have_v already_o consider_v where_o that_o charge_n must_v rest_v and_o then_o how_o do_v ceremony_n come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v the_o appointment_n of_o some_o ceremony_n for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n hinder_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n can_v man_n be_v save_v who_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n then_o indeed_o our_o reconciler_n may_v well_o complain_v that_o those_o who_o impose_v such_o damn_v ceremony_n have_v more_o regard_n to_o a_o ceremony_n than_o to_o a_o immortal_a soul_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n between_o ceremony_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v schismatic_n for_o a_o ceremony_n will_v be_v schismatic_n without_o it_o and_o will_v be_v damn_v for_o their_o schism_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o ceremony_n or_o not_o all_o that_o remain_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v his_o answer_n to_o meisner_n argument_n which_o i_o have_v already_o consider_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o purpose_n chap._n vii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o motive_n to_o mutual_a condescension_n urge_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n i_o find_v nothing_o in_o this_o chapter_n beside_o some_o harangue_n and_o popular_a declamation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v already_o the_o whole_a proceed_v upon_o those_o general_a topic_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o these_o thing_n the_o danger_n man_n soul_n be_v in_o by_o these_o imposition_n the_o obligation_n to_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v particular_o discourse_v above_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v particular_o examine_v but_o however_o i_o will_v brief_o try_v whether_o i_o can_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o all_o this_o which_o may_v be_v as_o popular_a as_o his_o objection_n be_v i._o his_o first_o argument_n or_o motive_n be_v from_o consider_v how_o small_a the_o thing_n be_v which_o cause_n our_o discord_n and_o division_n 166._o when_o they_o be_v set_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o love_n peace_n and_o the_o church_n union_n and_o edification_n and_o the_o avoid_v the_o offence_n and_o scandal_n of_o jew_n gentile_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o very_o pompous_o prove_v to_o be_v great_a gospel-duty_n now_o suppose_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v never_o so_o small_a if_o they_o be_v of_o any_o use_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n as_o our_o reconciler_n own_v they_o be_v what_o will_v he_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o little_a thing_n must_v not_o be_v enjoin_v what_o not_o when_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o enjoin_v they_o do_v christ_n then_o give_v any_o authority_n to_o his_o church_n which_o she_o must_v not_o use_v must_v nothing_o be_v enjoin_v which_o be_v little_a in_o comparison_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n or_o must_v they_o be_v enjoin_v and_o leave_v indifferent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n must_v the_o church_n appoint_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o command_v no_o body_n to_o observe_v they_o but_o those_o who_o please_v in_o all_o well-governed_a society_n there_n must_v be_v law_n about_o little_a as_o well_o as_o about_o great_a thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v the_o least_o matter_n both_o in_o
it_o on_o the_o second_o month_n by_o those_o who_o be_v unclean_a or_o in_o a_o journey_n on_o the_o first_o month_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o what_o god_n have_v prescribe_v when_o god_n himself_o have_v express_o prescribe_v it_o and_o let_v he_o consider_v once_o more_o whether_o work_v of_o necessity_n and_o mercy_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o that_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v exclude_v such_o work_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o reconciler_n can_v produce_v any_o one_o instance_n wherein_o god_n permit_v and_o allow_v the_o violation_n of_o any_o ceremonial_a law_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n without_o express_a order_n for_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n be_v very_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a in_o exact_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o do_v give_v as_o signal_n example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o upon_o any_o other_o whatever_o witness_v the_o man_n who_o gather_v stick_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n for_o it_o the_o fate_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n who_o quarrel_v with_o moses_n and_o aaron_n which_o be_v more_o like_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o offer_v incense_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o a_o fire_n consume_v the_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o man_n that_o offer_v incense_n numb_a to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o case_n of_o vzzah_n who_o be_v strike_v dead_a upon_o the_o place_n for_o touch_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v though_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o very_a pious_a intention_n to_o preserve_v it_o from_o fall_v 7._o thus_o saul_n offering_n sacrifice_n in_o samuel_n absence_n etc._n though_o he_o have_v a_o very_a plausible_a excuse_n for_o it_o and_o his_o spare_a agag_n the_o king_n of_o the_o amalakite_n etc._n and_o the_o best_a of_o the_o sheep_n and_o ox_n etc._n etc._n cost_v he_o his_o kingdom_n this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o god_n be_v so_o little_o concern_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o ceremonial_a law_n or_o think_v any_o thing_n little_a which_o he_o command_v when_o he_o so_o severe_o revenge_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o god_n indeed_o do_v prefer_v true_a and_o real_a righteousness_n before_o any_o ceremonial_a observance_n but_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o countenance_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o mean_a law_n what_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n who_o pay_v thythe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v 23._o and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o stand_a rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v they_o shall_v observe_v they_o both_o the_o great_a and_o the_o less_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o neglect_v or_o despise_v either_o so_o that_o god_n example_n in_o theâ—e_n matter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v our_o reconciler_n cause_n that_o it_o make_v against_o he_o god_n do_v not_o equal_a the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n of_o judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n equal_v a_o ceremony_n with_o the_o dear_a interest_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n but_o yet_o god_n institute_v these_o ceremony_n and_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o even_o when_o the_o whole_a congregation_n mutinied_a and_o rebel_v upon_o it_o as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o corah_n that_o be_v when_o they_o come_v as_o much_o in_o competition_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n as_o the_o reconciler_n pretend_v our_o ceremony_n at_o this_o day_n do_v 2._o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v our_o reconciler_n have_v another_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dissenter_n among_o we_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o 1._o the_o example_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n 178._o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o who_o be_v command_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n refuse_v to_o part_v with_o their_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n and_o to_o refrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n will_v give_v i_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o i_o will_v tell_v he_o why_o they_o shall_v god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n but_o still_o they_o must_v be_v save_v in_o that_o method_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o this_o end_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o his_o law_n institute_v a_o church-society_n appoint_a steward_n of_o his_o family_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o household_n and_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o renounce_v this_o authority_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o in_o its_o rank_n and_o order_v it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contribute_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o that_o it_o destroy_v they_o what_o destroy_v they_o the_o use_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n no_o man_n may_v observe_v these_o ceremony_n without_o prejudice_v their_o salvation_n what_o then_o be_v it_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n nor_o that_o neither_o for_o to_o command_v that_o which_o will_v not_o destroy_v man_n soul_n can_v destroy_v they_o what_o be_v it_o then_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o obey_v such_o imposition_n right_o for_o this_o make_v man_n schismatic_n and_o will_v damn_v they_o and_o thus_o disobedience_n to_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n law_n will_v damn_v man_n though_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v god_n who_o do_v so_o infinite_o love_v sinner_n as_o to_o send_v christ_n to_o save_v they_o aught_o to_o have_v give_v they_o no_o law_n nor_o make_v any_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o fear_v man_n shall_v break_v they_o and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a thing_n to_o give_v his_o son_n for_o sinner_n than_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o some_o little_a folly_n and_o extravagance_n will_v god_n who_o love_v sinner_n so_o as_o to_o give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o they_o damn_v they_o for_o steal_v a_o shilling_n or_o two_o for_o play_v the_o goodfellow_n sometime_o or_o for_o some_o kind_n and_o amorous_a embrace_n sure_o he_o be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v repeal_v all_o these_o soul-destroying_a law_n and_o when_o we_o see_v this_o do_v it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n too_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n ibid._n ii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a to_o weak_a and_o err_a person_n as_o not_o to_o judge_v condemn_v or_o exclude_v they_o from_o his_o favour_n for_o any_o error_n of_o their_o judgement_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o true_a love_n to_o he_o and_o which_o they_o do_v not_o wilful_o embrace_v nor_o do_v persist_v in_o against_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o will_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o their_o unknown_a sin_n receive_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n though_o they_o live_v and_o die_v under_o such_o error_n and_o mistake_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v command_v to_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a reject_v they_o from_o communion_n who_o god_n will_v receive_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o forbear_v to_o condemn_v and_o censure_v they_o who_o god_n will_v absolve_v this_o be_v so_o fulsom_o ridiculous_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o answer_v it_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a to_o expose_v such_o popular_a cant._n for_o 1._o though_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n do_v incline_v we_o to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o invincible_a error_n yet_o we_o know_v
authority_n and_o aught_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n than_o the_o schism_n can_v be_v charge_v only_o upon_o the_o disobey_v schismatic_a but_o this_o i_o have_v large_o discourse_v in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o those_o shrewd_a question_n which_o our_o reconciler_n say_v he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o dissenter_n â—02_n to_o which_o he_o find_v no_o answer_n in_o the_o reply_v of_o any_o of_o their_o adversary_n and_o which_o he_o entreat_v the_o champion_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o respect_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o church-governor_n the_o reputation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o her_o discipline_n not_o to_o pass_v by_o without_o the_o least_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v now_o though_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o character_n of_o a_o champion_n yet_o i_o have_v such_o a_o hearty_a love_n and_o reverence_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o i_o can_v deny_v so_o easy_a a_o request_n as_o this_o the_o most_o troublesome_a task_n be_v to_o transcribe_v all_o these_o question_n quest._n 1._o the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o do_v well_o that_o unnecessary_o bring_v subject_n into_o such_o a_o straight_o by_o needless_a law_n for_o addition_n in_o religion_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n must_v unavoidable_o be_v perplex_v between_o a_o fear_n of_o treason_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n and_o disobedience_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n ans._n i_o answer_v such_o man_n do_v certain_o very_o ill_o in_o it_o but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o she_o have_v make_v no_o needless_a law_n for_o law_n to_o direct_v and_o determine_v the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v not_o needless_a but_o necessary_a as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v our_o reconciler_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o authority_n and_o if_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v needless_a the_o authority_n be_v so_o too_o and_o than_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n a_o needless_a authority_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v not_o own_o that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n but_o what_o she_o have_v from_o christ._n nor_o do_v the_o church_n make_v any_o addition_n in_o religion_n for_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o addition_n to_o external_a worship_n but_o as_o necessary_a to_o it_o as_o decency_n be_v unless_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o command_v we_o to_o reverence_v our_o prince_n and_o parent_n and_o superior_n to_o command_v child_n servant_n or_o subject_n to_o stand_v bare_a before_o they_o nor_o need_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n be_v unavoidable_o perplex_v between_o a_o fear_n of_o treason_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n and_o of_o disobedience_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n for_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o fear_n god_n be_v not_o thus_o perplex_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unavoidable_a i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o if_o he_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o reckon_v he_o among_o those_o man_n who_o either_o fear_n god_n or_o reverence_v their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v another_o good_a reason_n why_o this_o be_v not_o unavoidable_a because_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n in_o this_o case_n between_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o prince_n and_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n need_v to_o be_v perplex_v about_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a competition_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v thus_o perplex_v neither_o because_o all_o man_n who_o fear_n god_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o understand_v that_o where_o christ_n command_v one_o thing_n and_o our_o prince_n another_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n quest._n 2._o whether_o ruler_n may_v command_v any_o indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n which_o will_v notable_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a or_o make_v a_o unnecessary_a necessary_a thing_n a_o mean_n or_o occasion_n of_o exclude_v the_o necessary_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n ans._n if_o by_o indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n he_o mean_v thing_n whole_o useless_a and_o by_o their_o notable_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n hurtful_a as_o well_o as_o useless_a it_o be_v certain_a governor_n ought_v not_o to_o command_v such_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n though_o upon_o some_o account_n they_o may_v be_v call_v indifferent_a yet_o be_v very_o useful_a as_o contribute_v to_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o public_a worship_n be_v and_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o do_v any_o hurt_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o with_o what_o face_n can_v our_o reconciler_n pretend_v that_o they_o exclude_v the_o necessary_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n when_o god_n be_v still_o worship_v and_o the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o all_o the_o parish-church_n of_o england_n unless_o he_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o worship_v nor_o the_o gospel_n preach_v any_o where_o but_o at_o a_o conventicle_n quest._n 3._o whether_o be_v it_o more_o to_o common_a good_a and_o the_o interest_n of_o honesty_n and_o conscience_n that_o all_o the_o parson_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v imprison_v banish_a or_o silence_v that_o dare_v not_o swear_v say_v and_o practice_v all_o that_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o unnecessary_a imposition_n be_v alter_v or_o forbear_v now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o ask_v our_o reconciler_n a_o question_n now_o and_o then_o i_o ask_v therefore_o whether_o be_v most_o for_o the_o common_a good_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o settle_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o whether_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o order_n or_o government_n without_o reject_v and_o censure_v those_o who_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o it_o whether_o be_v most_o for_o the_o public_a good_a to_o maintain_v and_o encourage_v a_o loyal_a and_o conformable_a clergy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o such_o man_n or_o to_o nourish_v shism_n and_o schismatic_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o quest._n 4._o have_v image_n be_v lawful_o use_v in_o place_n or_o exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o whether_o be_v it_o not_o inhuman_a and_o unchristian_a in_o those_o bishop_n and_o council_n who_o anathematise_v all_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o eject_v and_o silence_v the_o dissenter_n ans._n the_o bare_a lawfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o fit_a matter_n for_o a_o law_n but_o whatever_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o useful_a if_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o just_a authority_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v by_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o be_v censure_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n but_o why_o he_o particular_o instance_n in_o image_n i_o can_v tell_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o but_o our_o church_n which_o retain_v ceremony_n remove_v image_n as_o just_a matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n quest._n 5._o whether_o christ_n who_o make_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n the_o test_n and_o stand_a term_n of_o entrance_n do_v set_v up_o pastor_n over_o his_o church_n to_o make_v new_a and_o strict_a term_n and_o law_n or_o to_o preserve_v concord_n on_o the_o term_n that_o he_o have_v found_v it_o and_o to_o see_v that_o man_n live_v in_o unity_n and_o piety_n according_a to_o those_o term_n and_o when_o they_o as_o christ_n minister_n have_v receive_v man_n on_o christ_n term_n whether_o they_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n again_o for_o want_n of_o more_o or_o only_o for_o violate_v these_o 104._o ans._n the_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n but_o church-communion_n require_v our_o submission_n to_o church-authority_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o to_o say_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o society_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o society_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o the_o
term_n of_o admission_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n that_o a_o man_n have_v serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n to_o a_o trade_n and_o be_v make_v free_a by_o his_o master_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o corporation_n but_o though_o he_o understand_v his_o trade_n very_o well_o and_o behave_v himself_o honest_o in_o it_o yet_o if_o he_o prove_v a_o disobedient_a and_o refractory_a member_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o society_n he_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o again_o and_o i_o wonder_v what_o the_o master_n and_o warden_n of_o such_o a_o company_n will_v say_v to_o the_o reconciler_n shall_v he_o come_v and_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o such_o a_o disobedient_a member_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o his_o continuance_n in_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o society_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o first_o admission_n the_o charter_n whereon_o the_o society_n be_v found_v be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o the_o society_n whereby_o it_o be_v govern_v as_o it_o must_v be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o power_n of_o make_v law_n commit_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n have_v commit_v such_o a_o power_n of_o make_v law_n to_o his_o church_n as_o our_o reconciler_n himself_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o excommunicate_v or_o cast_v any_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o live_v a_o virtuous_a life_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n how_o disobedient_a soever_o he_o be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o quest._n 6._o his_o six_o query_n whether_o anathematise_v man_n for_o doubtful_a action_n or_o for_o such_o fault_n as_o consist_v with_o true_a christianity_n and_o continue_a subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a church-dividing_a mean_n only_o i_o shall_v observe_v far_o that_o as_o he_o have_v state_v this_o query_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o england_n she_o anathematize_n no_o man_n for_o doubtful_a action_n for_o she_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v doubtful_a though_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o pretend_v some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n about_o it_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o doubtful_a action_n etc._n and_o a_o action_n which_o some_o man_n doubt_v of_o the_o first_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v command_v the_o second_o may_v and_o then_o our_o church_n excommunicate_v no_o man_n who_o live_v in_o a_o continue_a subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n which_o no_o schismatic_a do_v whatever_o pretence_n he_o make_v to_o holiness_n of_o life_n for_o subjection_n to_o christ_n require_v subjection_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n as_o well_o as_o obedience_n to_o his_o other_o law_n quest._n 7._o as_o for_o his_o next_o question_n about_o impose_v heavy_a burden_n etc._n and_o intolerable_a yoke_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o take_v they_o away_o it_o have_v be_v at_o large_a answer_v already_o quest._n 8._o whether_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v law_n sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n and_o whether_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o it_o who_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o church-unity_n and_o communion_n ans._n christ_n have_v make_v law_n sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a bond_n of_o union_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n while_o nothing_o be_v enjoin_v which_o contradict_v the_o other_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v be_v say_v to_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o church-unity_n or_o communion_n for_o they_o break_v that_o law_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o union_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o break_v no_o other_o law_n of_o christ._n quest._n 9_o whether_o if_o many_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v injudicious_o scrupulous_a when_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o hell_n be_v the_o cause_n a_o tender_a pastor_n will_v not_o abate_v they_o a_o ceremony_n in_o such_o a_o case_n when_o his_o abate_n it_o have_v no_o such_o danger_n ans._n a_o tender_a pastor_n in_o such_o case_n ought_v to_o instruct_v such_o child_n but_o not_o to_o suffer_v such_o childish_a fancy_n to_o impose_v upon_o church-authority_n for_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o countenance_v man_n injudicious_a scruple_n by_o such_o indulgence_n be_v a_o much_o great_a mischief_n and_o more_o unpardonable_a in_o a_o governor_n than_o the_o severe_a censure_n on_o private_a person_n if_o a_o private_a connivance_n for_o a_o time_n in_o some_o hard_a case_n will_v do_v any_o good_a it_o may_v be_v think_v reasonable_a and_o charitable_a but_o to_o alter_v public_a law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o injudicious_a people_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o sacrifice_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o humour_n of_o child_n which_o will_v not_o be_v think_v either_o prudent_a or_o charitable_a in_o any_o other_o government_n quest._n 10._o if_o diversity_n in_o religion_n be_v such_o a_o evil_a whether_o shall_v man_n cause_v it_o by_o their_o unnecessary_a law_n and_o canon_n and_o make_v engine_n to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n which_o by_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n and_o command_v mutual_a forbearance_n will_v live_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v ans._n whoever_o cause_n a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n by_o their_o law_n and_o canon_n or_o make_v engine_n to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n be_v certain_o very_o great_a schismatic_n but_o law_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n can_v never_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n nor_o occasion_n it_o neither_o unless_o every_o thing_n produce_v its_o contrary_a heat_n produce_v cold_a peace_n war_n and_o love_v hatred_n man_n may_v quarrel_v indeed_o about_o law_n of_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n but_o it_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o religion_n or_o opinion_n which_o man_n have_v already_o espouse_v not_o the_o law_n of_o unity_n which_o make_v the_o quarrel_n the_o plain_a case_n then_o be_v this_o whether_o when_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v worship_v god_n in_o different_a way_n according_a to_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o persuasion_n it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o church-governor_n to_o make_v law_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n because_o whatever_o they_o be_v some_o man_n will_v quarrel_v at_o they_o or_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v law_n to_o cure_v and_o restrain_v that_o diversity_n of_o religion_n which_o man_n have_v already_o make_v to_o themselves_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v man_n all_o of_o a_o mind_n the_o law_n of_o unity_n can_v not_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o therefore_o these_o law_n and_o canon_n be_v not_o the_o engine_n which_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n but_o that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o man_n have_v wanton_o take_v up_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o tear_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n into_o a_o thousand_o conventicle_n but_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o these_o canon_n by_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n they_o will_v live_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v but_o what_o ancient_a simplicity_n do_v he_o mean_a the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o best_a pattern_n this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a simplicity_n for_o a_o fanatic_a simplicity_n be_v never_o know_v till_o of_o late_a day_n there_o never_o be_v a_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n without_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n till_o of_o late_a when_o man_n pretend_v to_o reform_v religion_n by_o destroy_v all_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o take_v in_o a_o command_v mutual_a forbearance_n to_o patch_v up_o church-unity_n that_o be_v if_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o they_o please_v and_o be_v command_v not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o cut_v