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
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
be_v from_o that_o of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o 3._o another_o material_a difference_n between_o that_o indulgence_n st._n paul_n grant_v to_o believe_v jew_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o liberty_n our_o reconciler_n exact_v from_o the_o church_n for_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o the_o first_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o christian_a worship_n it_o neither_o destroy_v the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n nor_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o second_o must_v do_v one_o or_o tother_o or_o both_o which_o be_v such_o a_o liberty_n or_o forbearance_n as_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o never_o will_v allow_v the_o believe_a jew_n think_v themselves_o still_o oblige_v to_o observe_v that_o difference_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n and_o to_o celebrate_v the_o jewish_a festival_n and_o this_o liberty_n may_v be_v grant_v they_o without_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o disturb_v christian_a worship_n for_o whatever_o private_a rule_n of_o diet_n they_o observe_v believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n may_v all_o worship_n god_n together_o according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n to_o receive_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o that_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o to_o christian_a communion_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o christian_a assembly_n this_o account_n the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n 216._o this_o be_v matter_n of_o diet_n and_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o family_n the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o not_o to_o censure_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o difference_n to_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n in_o the_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n let_v every_o one_o order_n his_o family_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a but_o that_o require_v innocency_n and_o a_o care_n not_o to_o give_v disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o matter_n which_o he_o call_v peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v provoke_v and_o grieve_v by_o the_o dissension_n of_o christian_n and_o he_o say_v he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n than_o the_o apostle_n allow_v of_o no_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a communion_n of_o christian_n 81._o this_o our_o reconciler_n very_o grave_o smile_v at_o as_o if_o the_o business_n here_o discourse_v of_o be_v only_a matter_n of_o diet_n relate_v to_o their_o own_o family_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n receive_v do_v only_o signify_v let_v he_o dine_v with_o you_o this_o with_o submission_n to_o that_o learned_a person_n i_o judge_v a_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n for_o what_o great_a cause_n of_o scandal_n can_v their_o private_a dinner_n give_v to_o a_o weak_a brother_n unless_o they_o search_v into_o their_o kitchen_n or_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o fare_v send_v in_o from_o every_o christian_a family_n this_o be_v such_o lewd_a trifle_n with_o a_o great_a man_n and_o in_o a_o serious_a cause_n as_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o every_o sober_a christian._n for_o do_v not_o the_o law_n concern_v clean_o and_o unclean_a meat_n respect_v their_o ordinary_a diet_n in_o their_o own_o family_n be_v it_o not_o sufficient_o know_v without_o a_o bill_n of_o fare_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v observe_v these_o law_n do_v not_o this_o occasion_n great_a heat_n and_o animosity_n judge_n and_o censuring_n of_o one_o another_o do_v not_o some_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n separate_v from_o each_o other_o upon_o these_o account_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o the_o dean_n expound_v receive_v the_o weak_a by_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n in_o the_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o all_o can_v we_o expound_v meat_n of_o their_o ordinary_a diet_n in_o their_o private_a family_n without_o expound_v receive_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a by_o let_v he_o dine_v with_o you_o and_o yet_o whereas_o he_o say_v what_o great_a cause_n of_o scandal_n can_v their_o private_a dinner_n give_v to_o a_o weak_a brother_n unless_o they_o search_v into_o their_o kitchen_n or_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o fare_v send_v 〈◊〉_d from_o every_o christian_a family_n i_o ready_o grant_v they_o can_v give_v none_o nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n command_v the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o abstain_v from_o such_o meat_n in_o their_o private_a family_n when_o no_o body_n be_v preâ—ent_v who_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o but_o only_o not_o to_o use_v this_o liberty_n public_o nor_o in_o their_o private_a family_n neither_o if_o any_o believe_a jew_n happen_v to_o be_v present_a who_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o well_o but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o eat_v in_o the_o idol-temple_n ibid._n suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n if_o they_o do_v not_o eat_v there_o as_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o as_o at_o a_o common_a feast_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v private_a or_o public_a eat_n it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o it_o be_v innocent_a it_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o can_v break_v church-communion_n while_o man_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o such_o matter_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n can_v here_o mean_v eat_v at_o the_o idol-temple_n but_o their_o ordinary_a diet._n for_o this_o whole_a epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n concern_v the_o dispute_n about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o as_o our_o reconciler_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o ancient_a and_o modern_a expositor_n concern_v this_o very_a chapter_n but_o our_o author_n proceed_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o meat_n 82._o but_o also_o of_o observe_v day_n v_o 6._o now_o that_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o diet_n but_o of_o public_a worship_n teach_v in_o the_o four_o commandment_n and_o so_o the_o dean_n acknowledge_v for_o some_o christian_n go_v then_o on_o jewish_a holy_a day_n to_o the_o synagogue_n other_o do_v not_o but_o for_o such_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v from_o each_o other_o communion_n in_o the_o common_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n their_o go_v to_o the_o synagogue_n on_o jewish_a holy_a day_n do_v not_o hinder_v their_o communion_n in_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v communion_n on_o such_o account_n but_o now_o these_o controversy_n about_o religious_a ceremony_n do_v whole_o concern_v christian_n worship_n it_o be_v not_o what_o clothes_n man_n shall_v ordinary_o wear_v what_o diet_n they_o shall_v use_v or_o how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n wherein_o a_o great_a latitude_n and_o variety_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o breach_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o communion_n but_o how_o we_o shall_v worship_v god_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n whether_o the_o minister_n who_o officiate_n shall_v wear_v a_o white_a linen_n garment_n whether_o the_o child_n that_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n whether_o christian_n who_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n shall_v receive_v the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n kneeling_z sit_v or_o stand_v now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o our_o reconciler_n how_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o two_o be_v parallel_a case_n or_o by_o what_o logic_n he_o can_v fair_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n grant_v a_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n therefore_o the_o same_o liberty_n must_v be_v grant_v in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n itself_o though_o it_o must_v either_o destroy_v the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n or_o divide_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v not_o produce_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v any_o one_o instance_n of_o such_o indulgence_n grant_v to_o private_a christian_n to_o dissent_v from_o the_o public_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o can_v show_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n all_o his_o other_o scripture-proof_n be_v nothing_o to_o our_o case_n and_o that_o these_o case_n be_v so_o different_a that_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v
in_o its_o policy_n and_o will_v not_o always_o hinder_v its_o stability_n and_o increase_v ans._n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o church_n against_o her_o popish_a adversary_n to_o unite_v all_o protestant_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o into_o one_o body_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o probable_a that_o a_o little_a church_n which_o have_v not_o many_o member_n nor_o any_o worldly_a strength_n and_o interest_n to_o support_v it_o shall_v be_v soon_o destroy_v than_o a_o numerous_a flourish_a and_o potent_a church_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v so_o model_v as_o to_o receive_v all_o protestant_n and_o papist_n also_o into_o our_o communion_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v have_v no_o enemy_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n but_o this_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v while_o both_o of_o they_o recede_v so_o far_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n 2._o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n within_o itself_o how_o small_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v a_o better_a security_n to_o it_o than_o schism_n and_o discord_n in_o its_o own_o bowel_n and_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o large_a as_o you_o please_v if_o the_o building_n be_v not_o close_o unite_v in_o all_o its_o part_n it_o will_v fall_v with_o its_o own_o weight_n while_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o schismatical_a principle_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o last_a union_n to_o remove_v those_o particular_a thing_n about_o which_o they_o differ_v at_o present_a for_o when_o man_n be_v give_v to_o quarrel_n they_o will_v never_o want_v occasion_n for_o it_o take_v away_o every_o thing_n which_o our_o dissenter_n quarrel_v at_o and_o you_o leave_v no_o remains_o of_o a_o church_n of_o england_n and_o thus_o indeed_o you_o may_v enlarge_v the_o church_n by_o pull_v it_o down_o by_o pluck_v up_o all_o its_o hedge_n and_o fence_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o a_o enclosure_n but_o a_o common_a a_o church_n which_o make_v no_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n nor_o reject_v any_o old_a one_o which_o set_v up_o no_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a worship_n which_o observe_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o secure_v the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o exercise_n her_o authority_n for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a society_n and_o the_o act_n of_o discipline_n prudent_o and_o charitable_o have_v lay_v her_o foundation_n as_o wide_o as_o she_o can_v and_o as_o she_o lawful_o may_v and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o embrace_v her_o communion_n upon_o these_o term_n must_v stay_v out_o 3._o for_o at_o best_o this_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o carnal_a policy_n to_o think_v to_o secure_v the_o church_n by_o our_o strength_n and_o number_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n but_o to_o the_o protection_n of_o christ._n his_o flock_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n but_o all_o the_o unite_a strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v destroy_v it_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o 4._o when_o we_o speak_v of_o enlarge_a the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o to_o encompass_v all_o true_a christian_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o principal_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o those_o who_o take_v any_o other_o compass_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n though_o they_o shall_v enclose_v a_o whole_a nation_n of_o dissenter_n they_o will_v mighty_o straiten_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o reject_v all_o external_a rite_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n as_o unlawful_a in_o christian_a worship_n and_o reform_v and_o enlarge_v the_o church_n upon_o these_o principle_n reject_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o 1500_o year_n and_o of_o most_o church_n at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v enlarge_v the_o church_n in_o england_n the_o catholic_n church_n will_v gain_v little_a by_o it_o when_o it_o unchurche_n most_o other_a church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v model_v by_o such_o principle_n that_o she_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o all_o sound_n and_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v now_o or_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o catholic_n church_n may_v have_v communion_n with_o she_o which_o be_v as_o large_a a_o compass_n as_o she_o ought_v to_o take_v for_o that_o church_n be_v a_o little_a too_o large_a which_o take_v in_o schismatic_n to_o her_o communion_n and_o too_o narrow_a which_o exclude_v any_o true_a catholic_n church_n thus_o i_o have_v answer_v those_o question_n which_o our_o reconciler_n borrow_v from_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n barret_n and_o to_o these_o he_o have_v add_v some_o of_o his_o own_o which_o i_o must_v consider_v also_o q._n 9_o whether_o baptism_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o new_a birth_n of_o infant_n 207._o and_o their_o regeneration_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v not_o hardship_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o unnecessary_a condition_n on_o the_o parent_n who_o have_v power_n to_o offer_v or_o withhold_v the_o child_n from_o baptism_n which_o shall_v cause_v they_o to_o deprive_v their_o infant_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n may_v not_o such_o child_n complain_v in_o the_o language_n of_o st._n cyprian_n nos_fw-la parvuli_fw-la quid_fw-la fecimus_fw-la ans._n now_o though_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v by_o observe_v that_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n child_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v baptize_v private_o without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o no_o child_n in_o ordinary_a case_n can_v die_v without_o baptism_n but_o by_o the_o great_a neglect_n and_o carelessness_n of_o parent_n how_o scrupulous_a soever_o they_o be_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v so_o much_o in_o fashion_n to_o ask_v question_n i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o may_v not_o ask_v a_o few_o question_n too_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v our_o reconciler_n to_o resolve_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o very_o short_a one_o as_o 1._o how_o do_v child_n come_v to_o have_v any_o right_n to_o baptism_n be_v it_o a_o original_a right_n of_o their_o own_o or_o in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o parent_n 2._o if_o child_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n only_o in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o parent_n how_o do_v the_o child_n of_o schismatic_n who_o though_o they_o be_v baptize_v themselves_o yet_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n come_v to_o have_v any_o right_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n 3._o how_o be_v the_o church_n oblige_v to_o receive_v those_o child_n into_o communion_n by_o baptism_n who_o she_o certain_o know_v if_o their_o parent_n live_v will_v be_v nurse_v up_o in_o a_o schism_n 4._o how_o be_v the_o church_n more_o concern_v to_o alter_v her_o constitution_n for_o the_o child_n of_o schismatic_n than_o for_o their_o schismatical_a parent_n when_o he_o have_v answer_v these_o question_n i_o will_v answer_v he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v proceed_v q._n 10._o if_o man_n conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v for_o the_o secure_n and_o restore_v of_o the_o civil_a peace_n when_o it_o be_v once_o disturb_v and_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o lay_v aside_o a_o civil_a if_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o civil_a broil_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o christian_a blood_n how_o frivolous_a soever_o be_v the_o exception_n of_o the_o seditious_a against_o it_o must_v they_o not_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o ecclesiastical_a confusion_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n ans._n no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o wise_a prince_n ought_v not_o to_o part_v with_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v civil_a war_n and_o confusion_n for_o the_o future_a only_o that_o he_o may_v allay_v and_o prevent_v some_o present_a heat_n and_o commotion_n no_o more_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o heal_v a_o present_a schism_n by_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o eternal_a schism_n the_o example_n of_o our_o late_a martyr_a sovereign_a will_v teach_v all_o prince_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o one_o and_o those_o infinite_a schism_n which_o follow_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v convince_v any_o man_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n q._n 11._o will_v not_o our_o
thing_n be_v doubtful_a though_o some_o man_n may_v be_v very_o confident_a both_o way_n and_o nothing_o that_o be_v doubtful_a can_v be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n nor_o can_v the_o final_a decision_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o the_o argument_n on_o one_o hand_n to_o a_o unbiased_a and_o disinterest_v judgement_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a and_o the_o objection_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n nothing_o but_o empty_a and_o trifle_a cavil_n which_o be_v the_o true_a case_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n in_o the_o dispute_n of_o ceremony_n if_o the_o dissent_n of_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o render_v this_o matter_n uncertain_a we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a and_o unavoidable_a scepticism_n but_o our_o reconciler_n say_v let_v any_o man_n peruse_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o dissenter_n against_o conformity_n to_o symbolical_a ceremony_n and_o he_o will_v find_v they_o strengthen_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o many_o grave_n and_o learned_a divine_n both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o church_n as_o for_o the_o grave_a divine_n of_o other_o church_n let_v they_o mind_v their_o own_o business_n for_o their_o authority_n be_v nothing_o to_o we_o and_o as_o for_o the_o divine_n of_o our_o own_o church_n who_o strengthen_v the_o dissenter_n argument_n against_o ceremony_n who_o they_o be_v or_o how_o many_o or_o how_o grave_a and_o learned_a they_o be_v i_o can_v tell_v he_o have_v indeed_o transcribe_v several_a say_n out_o of_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o relaxation_n of_o such_o imposition_n but_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o to_o strengthen_v the_o dissenter_n argument_n which_o no_o divine_a in_o our_o church_n can_v do_v who_o honest_o conform_v himself_o well_o but_o how_o do_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o irenicum_fw-la countenance_n this_o reconcile_a design_n suppose_v there_o be_v probable_a reason_n on_o both_o side_n where_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o act_v one_o way_n what_o must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v so_o say_v the_o reconciler_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o peace_n but_o the_o irenicum_fw-la say_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o the_o way_n to_o peace_n can_v be_v by_o leave_v a_o absolute_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n 3._o for_o that_o be_v to_o build_v a_o babel_n instead_o of_o salem_n confusion_n instead_o of_o peace_n it_o must_v be_v then_o by_o convince_a man_n that_o neither_o of_o those_o way_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n which_o they_o contend_v about_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o divine_a command_n though_o some_o be_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n but_o which_o particular_a way_n or_o form_v it_o must_v be_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o those_o in_o who_o power_n and_o trust_v it_o be_v to_o see_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v secure_v on_o last_a foundation_n which_o be_v a_o peremptory_a determination_n against_o our_o reconciler_n who_o very_o rare_o quote_v any_o author_n without_o wrest_v his_o word_n to_o another_o sense_n than_o what_o be_v intend_v if_o every_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a of_o which_o some_o man_n doubt_v and_o nothing_o must_v be_v determine_v which_o be_v thus_o doubtful_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o external_a form_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n or_o any_o external_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a because_o some_o man_n doubt_v of_o it_o methinks_v it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n that_o that_o be_v not_o doubtful_a which_o no_o body_n doubt_n of_o and_o thus_o symbolical_a ceremony_n as_o our_o reconciler_n call_v they_o be_v past_o all_o doubt_n for_o no_o christian_a ever_o have_v any_o doubt_n about_o they_o for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n which_o be_v time_n enough_o in_o this_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o though_o some_o christian_n begin_v to_o doubt_v and_o to_o invent_v argument_n to_o countenance_v their_o doubt_n after_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o the_o church_n to_o doubt_v also_o well_o but_o if_o man_n doubt_a be_v not_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v be_v doubtful_a how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o be_v doubtful_a and_o what_o not_o i_o answer_v where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a evidence_n and_o the_o probability_n or_o difficulty_n be_v great_a on_o both_o side_n there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o doubt_v and_o in_o such_o case_n i_o think_v the_o church_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o determine_v either_o way_n when_o the_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n nor_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v that_o to_o be_v lawful_a which_o it_o be_v equal_o probable_a may_v be_v unlawful_a nor_o that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o have_v equal_a proof_n of_o its_o be_v false_a but_o this_o can_v concern_v the_o controversy_n about_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o which_o we_o have_v as_o plain_a and_o positive_a evidence_n as_o we_o can_v desire_v for_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o any_o man_n doubt_v of_o this_o make_v it_o no_o more_o doubtful_a than_o their_o doubt_n about_o any_o plain_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n render_v that_o also_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a 2._o though_o the_o church_n must_v not_o command_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a nature_n yet_o the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n or_o mistake_n of_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o act_n of_o government_n there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a imposition_n upon_o governor_n than_o this_o which_o make_v all_o government_n the_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o precarious_a and_o useless_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n if_o this_o rule_n be_v allow_v what_o work_n will_v it_o make_v in_o kingdom_n and_o family_n when_o prince_n parent_n and_o master_n must_v command_v nothing_o which_o their_o subject_n child_n or_o servant_n scruple_n to_o do_v that_o which_o make_v government_n necessary_a be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v themselves_o but_o this_o principle_n make_v all_o man_n their_o own_o governor_n and_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o any_o authority_n to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o their_o subject_n which_o they_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o for_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o scruple_n or_o to_o pretend_v to_o scruple_n whatever_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o do_v and_o yet_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o reconciler_n here_o be_v no_o distinction_n to_o be_v make_v between_o man_n who_o be_v real_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o it_o etc._n for_o it_o be_v a_o uncharitable_a thing_n it_o seem_v whatever_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o it_o to_o charge_v those_o man_n with_o obstinacy_n malice_n or_o perverseness_n who_o pretend_v to_o scruple_n and_o tender_a conscience_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n have_v god_n commit_v any_o authority_n to_o some_o certain_a person_n in_o church_n or_o state_n if_o they_o must_v not_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o best_a judgement_n they_o have_v of_o thing_n but_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o mistake_v or_o scruple_n of_o those_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o govern_v if_o they_o must_v not_o command_v what_o be_v innocent_a useful_a and_o convenient_a when_o those_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o command_v do_v not_o think_v it_o so_o this_o all_o man_n will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v intolerable_a in_o the_o state_n and_o i_o challenge_v our_o reconciler_n to_o show_v i_o any_o wise_a reason_n wâ—â—_n the_o secular_a power_n must_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o man_n scruple_n in_o make_v useful_a law_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v whoever_o consider_v how_o wild_a unreasonable_a and_o fantastical_a some_o man_n mistake_n and_o scruple_n be_v must_v needs_o think_v it_o a_o very_a ridiculous_a constitution_n of_o government_n which_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o they_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n and_o as_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o all_o government_n those_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o govern_v must_v take_v care_n to_o do_v it_o wise_o and_o charitable_o and_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a must_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a without_o cavil_v at_o their_o superior_n command_n where_o they_o be_v not_o manifest_o contrary_a to_o some_o divine_a law_n and_o if_o there_o happen_v any_o
a_o long_a debate_n determine_v against_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o gentile_n notwithstanding_o the_o jewish_a scruple_n about_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o lay_v a_o burden_n for_o so_o the_o council_n call_v it_o upon_o the_o gentile_a christian_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o any_o scruple_n they_o may_v have_v about_o it_o though_o as_o dr._n falkner_n show_v there_o be_v a_o fair_a colour_n and_o pretence_n for_o many_o 309._o the_o reconciler_n indeed_o answer_v those_o pretence_n of_o scruple_n which_o the_o doctor_n say_v the_o gentile_a christian_n may_v have_v though_o he_o sufficient_o blunder_v in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o doctor_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v unanswerable_a but_o express_o say_v 429._o that_o though_o these_o be_v far_o from_o solid_a argument_n yet_o to_o a_o indifferent_a person_n for_o he_o do_v not_o dream_v of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n may_v possible_o seem_v as_o plausible_a as_o many_o exception_n use_v by_o some_o man_n in_o other_o case_n that_o be_v by_o the_o dissenter_n in_o the_o dispute_n of_o ceremony_n but_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o our_o reconciler_n conceal_v because_o he_o can_v not_o answer_v it_o be_v this_o that_o notwithstanding_o such_o plausible_a exception_n and_o scruple_n that_o apostolical_a sanction_n be_v both_o lawful_a and_o honourable_a yea_o though_o it_o concern_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o be_v establish_v as_o many_o think_v by_o that_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o they_o commit_v to_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o what_o the_o reconciler_n urge_v that_o this_o decree_n be_v only_o about_o necessary_a thing_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v already_o for_o the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n and_o i_o think_v a_o little_a more_o necessary_a than_o abstain_v from_o blood_n which_o be_v part_n of_o that_o decree_n and_o whereas_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o abate_v our_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a upon_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o make_v that_o apostolical_a decree_n necessary_a viz._n in_o order_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o offence_n i_o shall_v large_o show_v how_o different_a these_o case_n be_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o four_o chapter_n i_o observe_v far_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o who_o certain_o know_v as_o well_o as_o our_o reconciler_n what_o indulgence_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v to_o man_n scruple_n and_o mistake_n and_o in_o what_o case_n charity_n do_v oblige_v to_o such_o a_o indulgence_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o from_o comply_v with_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v do_v many_o thing_n on_o purpose_n to_o oppose_v their_o superstitious_a conceit_n this_o argument_n be_v urge_v by_o dr._n falkner_n and_o propose_v as_o a_o objection_n by_o the_o reconciler_n 317._o though_o not_o in_o the_o doctor_n be_v word_n as_o he_o will_v have_v his_o reader_n believe_v by_o put_v they_o into_o a_o different_a character_n the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n in_o his_o own_o word_n be_v these_o it_o be_v true_o observe_v by_o ursin_n 415._o to_o add_v confirmation_n to_o erroneous_a opinion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o weak_a about_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v a_o give_v offence_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o active_a scandal_n upon_o this_o account_n though_o our_o saviour_n know_v that_o his_o heal_n and_o command_v the_o man_n who_o be_v heal_v to_o take_v up_o his_o bed_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n his_o eat_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o his_o disciple_n eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n be_v thing_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n offensive_a to_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n he_o practise_v and_o allow_v these_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o in_o their_o censure_n of_o he_o proceed_v upon_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n vent_v by_o they_o for_o divine_a dictate_v our_o reconciler_n seem_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o this_o be_v a_o untoward_a argument_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o the_o doctor_n and_o therefore_o in_o his_o margin_n he_o refex_v his_o reader_n to_o the_o place_n where_o these_o word_n be_v find_v which_o i_o have_v now_o cite_v but_o yet_o he_o dare_v not_o trust_v his_o reader_n with_o they_o but_o put_v the_o objection_n into_o his_o own_o word_n which_o he_o think_v he_o can_v better_o deal_v with_o and_o that_o every_o one_o may_v see_v how_o unlike_a they_o be_v to_o dr._n falkner_n argument_n i_o shall_v transcribe_v they_o also_o which_o be_v these_o our_o saviour_n know_v that_o his_o heal_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n give_v great_a offence_n unto_o the_o pharisee_n and_o also_o minister_v unto_o they_o a_o occasion_n to_o traduce_v his_o mission_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o he_o be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n although_o he_o can_v as_o well_o have_v do_v it_o on_o the_o follow_a day_n and_o therefore_o his_o ambassador_n may_v still_o persist_v in_o the_o impose_v of_o our_o ceremony_n though_o other_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o where_o we_o see_v he_o dare_v instance_n only_o in_o his_o heal_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n which_o he_o think_v he_o can_v say_v something_o to_o but_o slip_v over_o those_o other_o instance_n which_o the_o doctor_n give_v and_o conceal_v the_o force_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a by_o his_o compliance_n with_o man_n in_o their_o error_n and_o mistake_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o such_o superstitious_a conceit_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o our_o reconciler_n answer_v to_o it_o i._o he_o say_v touch_v the_o act_n itself_o 318._o our_o saviour_n declare_v affirmative_o that_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a goodness_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v to_o do_v well_o to_o do_v good_a to_o save_v life_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n be_v there_o any_o moral_a goodness_n too_o in_o command_v the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v cure_v to_o take_v up_o his_o bed_n and_o walk_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n which_o we_o know_v give_v equal_a offence_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o tell_v the_o man_n that_o be_v cure_v it_o be_v the_o sabbath-day_n 10._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o carry_v thy_o bed_n be_v there_o any_o moral_a goodness_n in_o his_o disciple_n eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n which_o give_v as_o great_a offence_n as_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o yet_o be_v public_o justify_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v there_o any_o moral_a goodness_n in_o christ_n eat_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n can_v not_o he_o have_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o such_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o they_o as_o he_o know_v give_v great_a offence_n to_o the_o pharisee_n be_v there_o any_o moral_a goodness_n in_o heal_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o do_v it_o just_a on_o that_o day_n for_o our_o saviour_n may_v have_v heal_v they_o at_o any_o other_o time_n as_o well_o yes_o say_v our_o reconciler_n our_o saviour_n add_v that_o the_o neglect_n of_o do_v this_o on_o the_o sabbath_n be_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o destroy_v life_n but_o where_o do_v our_o saviour_n say_v this_o he_o propose_v this_o question_n indeed_o to_o they_o 9_o be_v it_o lawful_a on_o the_o sabbath-day_n to_o do_v good_a or_o to_o do_v evil_a to_o save_v life_n or_o to_o destroy_v it_o and_o from_o hence_o our_o reconciler_n infer_v that_o not_o to_o heal_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n have_v be_v to_o destroy_v life_n a_o inference_n worthy_a of_o his_o great_a and_o profound_a judgement_n for_o i_o will_v ask_v he_o whether_o our_o saviour_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o destroy_v those_o man_n life_n who_o he_o do_v not_o heal_v whether_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n or_o on_o any_o other_o day_n whether_o he_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v sick_a if_o he_o be_v not_o than_o he_o may_v have_v choose_v his_o time_n of_o heal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n who_o he_o will_v heal_v without_o be_v guilty_a of_o destroy_v any_o man_n life_n and_o so_o may_v have_v forbear_v heal_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n nay_o whether_o our_o saviour_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o destroy_v life_n by_o neglect_v to_o heal_v a_o wither_a hand_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n which_o do_v not_o endanger_v life_n and_o the_o cure_n of_o which_o may_v have_v be_v defer_v till_o the_o next_o day_n without_o any_o hazard_n and_o therefore_o st._n matthew_n represent_v the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n only_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v well_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n 12._o and_o if_o we_o compare_v what_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n luke_n say_v we_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o whole_a meaning_n
evident_a in_o this_o very_a place_n that_o those_o who_o our_o reconciler_n call_v the_o strong_a jewish_a christian_n st._n paul_n call_v the_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v his_o true_a christian_a liberty_n and_o write_v neither_o to_o strong_a jewish_a nor_o to_o strong_a gentile_a christian_n but_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o consist_v of_o both_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n in_o the_o first_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n he_o impose_v no_o necessity_n on_o the_o jew_n to_o renounce_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o on_o the_o gentile_n to_o observe_v it_o and_o lest_o such_o different_a manner_n and_o custom_n may_v occasion_v schism_n and_o division_n among_o they_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o mutual_a forbearance_n not_o to_o judge_v nor_o censure_n nor_o reproach_v each_o other_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n may_v do_v without_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o contradict_v his_o own_o practice_n for_o he_o be_v charge_v at_o jerusalem_n not_o with_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n with_o respect_n to_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o gentile_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a that_o he_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v dissemble_v it_o but_o with_o forbid_v the_o jewish_a christian_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n which_o indeed_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n which_o deliver_v the_o gentile_n from_o that_o necessity_n but_o indulge_v the_o jew_n in_o it_o thus_o jame_v the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o in_o great_a number_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o law_n be_v inform_v of_o he_o that_o he_o teach_v all_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o forsake_v moses_n 21._o say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n neither_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o custom_n now_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o do_v this_o and_o another_o to_o say_v they_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o not_o do_v it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o apostle_n constant_a doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o to_o that_o liberty_n he_o everywhere_o indulge_v the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o chapter_n under_o debate_n have_v thus_o clear_v the_o way_n and_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v here_o discourse_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o that_o neither_o believe_v jew_n nor_o gentile_n ought_v to_o judge_v censure_n or_o condemn_v each_o other_o for_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v such_o custom_n i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o this_o case_n and_o those_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n and_o that_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o methinks_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n can_v but_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o difference_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v for_o the_o dispute_v here_o be_v not_o about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o proposition_n our_o reconciler_n undertake_v to_o prove_v be_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v without_o sin_n or_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v by_o superior_n as_o condition_n of_o communion_n and_o this_o he_o prove_v from_o st._n paul_n indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n now_o what_o relation_n be_v there_o between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o indifferent_a circumstance_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n do_v st._n paul_n allow_v the_o jew_n this_o liberty_n of_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n upon_o this_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n if_o he_o do_v not_o than_o this_o example_n be_v impertinent_o allege_v as_o not_o relate_v to_o this_o present_a dispute_n about_o impose_v or_o not_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n if_o he_o do_v than_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v indifferent_a still_o for_o that_o which_o be_v once_o indifferent_a must_v continue_v so_o without_o some_o new_a law_n to_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o i_o know_v of_o none_o in_o this_o case_n if_o st._n paul_n think_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n so_o indifferent_a why_o do_v he_o dispute_v so_o earnest_o against_o it_o in_o this_o whole_a epistle_n why_o do_v he_o contend_v so_o earnest_o even_o with_o st._n peter_n himself_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o maintain_v their_o liberty_n from_o the_o jewish_a yoke_n for_o if_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v so_o to_o the_o gentile_a and_o according_a to_o our_o reconciler_n way_n it_o do_v not_o become_v such_o great_a apostle_n to_o contend_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o why_o do_v st._n paul_n so_o severe_o chide_v the_o galatian_n who_o chief_o consist_v of_o gentile_n convert_v for_o their_o warp_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o passionate_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o not_o to_o be_v entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n 1._o why_o do_v he_o so_o diligent_o caution_n the_o colossian_n both_o against_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a superstition_n etc._n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n this_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n think_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n a_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o though_o he_o indulge_v the_o jew_n in_o it_o he_o will_v not_o indulge_v the_o gentile_a convert_v especial_o those_o gentile_a church_n which_o be_v pant_v by_o himself_o and_o be_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o his_o different_a treatment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o galatia_n at_o rome_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v great_a number_n both_o of_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v and_o as_o he_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_a christian_a from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n so_o he_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n in_o such_o observation_n and_o exhort_v they_o both_o to_o bear_v patient_o and_o charitable_o with_o one_o another_o without_o despise_v or_o judge_v but_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n consist_v of_o gentile_n convert_v and_o either_o have_v none_o or_o very_o few_o jew_n original_o among_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o st._n paul_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n have_v free_o and_o open_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v there_o be_v any_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n there_o who_o be_v all_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n therefore_o when_o in_o his_o absence_n some_o jewish_a christian_n have_v get_v in_o among_o they_o and_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o legal_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n he_o deal_v very_o sharp_o with_o they_o and_o chide_v they_o for_o their_o apostasy_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o indulge_v they_o in_o this_o case_n as_o to_o indulge_v the_o jew_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o from_o st._n paul_n severity_n to_o the_o galatian_n prove_v that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v church-governor_n to_o indulge_v the_o wantonness_n and_o superstitious_a conceit_n and_o scrupulous_a fancy_n of_o private_a christian_n as_o from_o his_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jewish_a christian_n at_o rome_n prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o with_o much_o better_a reason_n too_o to_o be_v sure_a since_o he_o so_o sharp_o reprove_v the_o galatian_n for_o their_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o so_o charitable_o indulge_v the_o jewish_a roman_n in_o he_o do_v neither_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o this_o example_n do_v not_o concern_v our_o present_a dispute_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o these_o thing_n indifferent_a do_v not_o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v i_o know_v 14._o and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o be_v not_o the_o law_n abrogate_a which_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o be_v they_o not_o at_o liberty_n then_o to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v yes_o no_o doubt_n of_o it_o as_o we_o be_v at_o this_o day_n but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v as_o a_o instance_n of_o natural_a liberty_n
prove_v by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n himself_o make_v a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o a_o offence_n offer_v to_o private_a and_o particular_a man_n and_o that_o public_a offence_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n 10.32_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o different_a regard_n to_o particular_a man_n in_o their_o single_a or_o private_a capacity_n whether_o they_o be_v believe_v or_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o to_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a community_n of_o christian_n for_o this_o be_v a_o eternal_a law_n in_o all_o society_n to_o prefer_v the_o public_a good_a before_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o must_v have_v a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o particular_a man_n and_o have_v a_o great_a care_n lest_o we_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o a_o private_a nature_n and_o use_n yet_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n i._n e._n in_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v christian_a communion_n we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o offend_v the_o church_n than_o particular_a christian_n though_o their_o number_n may_v be_v great_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v argue_v that_o because_o we_o must_v grant_v all_o reasonable_a indulgence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v church-communion_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n therefore_o the_o public_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n must_v be_v make_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o private_a fancy_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n and_o submit_v to_o unreasonable_a scruple_n our_o reconciler_n own_v this_o consequence_n as_o to_o dissenter_n 154._o see_v the_o refusal_n of_o submission_n to_o these_o thing_n give_v great_a offence_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o equal_o concern_v the_o dissenter_n upon_o these_o motive_n to_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o concern_v they_o both_o to_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n careful_a to_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v their_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o why_o can_v not_o our_o reconciler_n observe_v that_o this_o rule_n equal_o concern_v governor_n as_o it_o do_v dissenter_n not_o to_o offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n when_o he_o so_o earnest_o dispute_v that_o church-governor_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o all_o these_o rule_n of_o charity_n forbearance_n avoid_v offence_n and_o scandal_n as_o private_a christian_n and_o st._n paul_n urge_v this_o exhortation_n from_o his_o own_o example_n even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n now_o if_o church-governor_n must_v not_o offend_v the_o church_n they_o can_v grant_v a_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o private_a scruple_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n only_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o public_a communion_n of_o christian_n the_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o method_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n must_v be_v fix_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o general_a direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o the_o please_a and_o humour_v some_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a christian_n for_o it_o be_v a_o just_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o church_n to_o make_v some_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o groundless_a scruple_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o christian_a worship_n second_o this_o will_n more_o plain_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v a_o very_a material_a difference_n between_o indulge_v man_n private_a scruple_n which_o concern_v matter_n of_o private_a use_n and_o observance_n and_o indulge_v such_o scruple_n as_o affect_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o the_o first_o case_n christian_n communion_n may_v be_v secure_v man_n may_v worship_v god_n together_o according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n though_o believe_v jew_n be_v allow_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o believe_v gentile_n indifferent_o to_o eat_v of_o all_o but_o when_o man_n differ_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a worship_n one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n must_v happen_v either_o 1._o that_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o these_o matter_n must_v divide_v communion_n and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o or_o 2._o that_o christian_a worship_n must_v be_v make_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o groundless_a fancy_n of_o scrupulous_a christian_n or_o 3._o that_o man_n of_o differ_v opinion_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o observe_v different_a modes_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o same_o christian_a assembly_n each_o of_o which_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1._o that_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n must_v divide_v communion_n and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a effect_n of_o such_o dispute_n about_o the_o modes_n of_o worship_n as_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n witness_v but_o this_o our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o plead_v for_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a st._n paul_n never_o intend_v as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o present_o 2._o christian_n worship_n than_o must_v be_v make_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o groundless_a fancy_n of_o scrupulous_a christian_n that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v no_o rule_n give_v for_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o what_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o most_o humoursome_a professor_n will_v ready_o submit_v to_o which_o be_v both_o absurd_a in_o itself_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o government_n and_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o secure_v the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a care_n of_o church-governor_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 3._o as_o for_o the_o three_o that_o man_n of_o differ_v opinion_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o observe_v different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o same_o christian_a assembly_n this_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o the_o other_o as_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v at_o this_o rate_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n in_o take_v care_n of_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o who_o can_v foresee_v what_o indecency_n will_v be_v commit_v when_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v nay_o this_o very_a thing_n in_o itself_o be_v extreme_o indecent_a for_o what_o order_n what_o decency_n can_v there_o be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o one_o rule_n of_o worship_n uniformity_n in_o worship_n be_v like_o the_o proportion_n and_o symmetry_n of_o part_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n wherein_o the_o external_a grace_n and_o beauty_n of_o it_o consist_v though_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o as_o to_o external_a reverence_n in_o the_o several_a posture_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n whether_o kneel_v standing_z or_o sit_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v indecent_a and_o disorderly_a in_o the_o communicant_o who_o receive_v together_o not_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o posture_n for_o some_o to_o kneel_v other_o to_o stand_v other_o to_o sit_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v think_v it_o so_o at_o any_o ordinary_a and_o common_a feast_n shall_v some_o of_o the_o guest_n sit_v at_o the_o table_n on_o chair_n other_o stand_v and_o eat_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o corner_n other_o sit_v on_o the_o ground_n other_o lean_a on_o couch_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o indecent_a in_o any_o of_o these_o posture_n according_a to_o the_o different_a mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o different_a country_n yet_o such_o a_o odd_a and_o humoursome_a variety_n itself_o be_v indecent_a and_o disorderly_a at_o the_o same_o feast_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o at_o a_o common_a table_n i_o think_v the_o indecency_n be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o unpardonable_a at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o require_v the_o most_o universal_a harmony_n and_o consent_n nay_o such_o a_o variety_n as_o this_o must_v needs_o give_v mutual_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o receive_v 124._o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v the_o only_a reason_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v pretend_v why_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o think_v best_o be_v because_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o the_o mode_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n one_o think_v that_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a which_o another_o think_v necessary_a one_o think_v that_o posture_n or_o habit_n etc._n etc._n
partaker_n of_o these_o thing_n v_o 7_o 9_o he_o therefore_o grant_v that_o the_o weak_a brother_n be_v mistake_v and_o that_o the_o strong_a give_v he_o no_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n which_o be_v every_o word_n false_a as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o weak_a conscience_n to_o be_v such_o a_o conscience_n as_o do_v abstain_v from_o eat_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o text_n which_o affirm_v that_o they_o do_v eat_v for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n unto_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v unto_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v encourage_v and_o embolden_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gnostic_n to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v this_o with_o a_o fearful_a timorous_a scrupulous_a doubt_v conscience_n but_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o weakness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o tenderness_n but_o in_o the_o corruption_n and_o debauchery_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o believe_v they_o may_v still_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o heathen_a god_n and_o that_o christianity_n do_v allow_v they_o to_o do_v so_o in_o which_o persuasion_n they_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o example_n of_o those_o profess_a christian_n who_o they_o see_v sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n nor_o therefore_o be_v their_o conscience_n defile_v as_o our_o reconciler_n assert_n only_o because_o they_o want_v knowledge_n or_o be_v not_o well_o persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o christian_n have_v a_o liberty_n or_o power_n to_o eat_v of_o these_o thing_n for_o they_o be_v too_o well_o persuade_v not_o of_o this_o truth_n but_o of_o this_o great_a and_o fatal_a error_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o thus_o their_o conscience_n be_v defile_v not_o by_o act_v doubtful_o but_o by_o commit_v idolatry_n so_o that_o the_o weak_a brother_n be_v mistake_v indeed_o but_o the_o mistake_n lie_v quite_o on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o those_o gnostick_n heretic_n who_o our_o reconciler_n call_v the_o strong_a christian_n do_v give_v just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n not_o by_o persuade_v much_o less_o compel_v the_o weak_a to_o do_v what_o he_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o by_o confirm_v he_o in_o these_o idolatrous_a practice_n to_o which_o he_o be_v so_o strong_o addict_v by_o their_o example_n and_o therefore_o when_o as_o he_o observe_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v those_o christian_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o this_o knowledge_n or_o rather_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n which_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o not_o to_o use_v it_o so_o as_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o their_o brother_n who_o have_v this_o knowledge_n his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v indulge_v such_o person_n in_o their_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o care_n by_o their_o example_n of_o confirm_v they_o in_o such_o mistake_n they_o must_v not_o use_v their_o liberty_n which_o they_o suppose_v they_o have_v of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n not_o because_o some_o ignorant_a christian_n scruple_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o but_o because_o those_o imperfect_a weak_a christian_n who_o be_v still_o addict_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o country_n god_n will_v be_v confirm_v in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n by_o see_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o heathen_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v a_o know_v and_o venerable_a part_n of_o the_o pagan_a worship_n and_o how_o this_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n to_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_n of_o dissenter_n i_o can_v guess_v when_o the_o only_a scandal_n the_o apostle_n here_o mention_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o avoid_v be_v the_o confirm_v such_o weak_a christian_n in_o their_o error_n and_o wicked_a practice_n which_o our_o reconciler_n who_o have_v contribute_v so_o much_o to_o harden_v these_o man_n in_o their_o schism_n shall_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v but_o let_v we_o proceed_v in_o st._n paul_n discourse_n about_o eat_v those_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n have_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n dispute_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o for_o how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a when_o hereby_o they_o confirm_v their_o weak_a brother_n in_o his_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v have_v prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n notwithstanding_o that_o pretence_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n he_o come_v to_o give_v a_o more_o particular_a decision_n of_o this_o controversy_n to_o prevent_v those_o scruple_n which_o otherwise_o may_v disturb_v very_o good_a christian_n for_o in_o that_o age_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v without_o infinite_a care_n and_o scrupulosity_n they_o can_v not_o avoid_v eat_v of_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n for_o what_o be_v not_o spend_v in_o the_o idol_n feast_n be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n or_o spend_v at_o their_o private_a house_n and_o therefore_o they_o neither_o can_v buy_v any_o meat_n in_o the_o market_n nor_o eat_v at_o the_o private_a house_n of_o any_o pagan_a or_o heathen_a idolater_n but_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n to_o salve_v this_o difficulty_n the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o 27._o that_o they_o shall_v eat_v any_o meat_n which_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n or_o set_v before_o they_o at_o private_a house_n without_o ask_v any_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o be_v without_o inquire_v whether_o that_o meat_n have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o a_o idol_n or_o make_v any_o scruple_n about_o such_o matter_n for_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o that_o be_v all_o creature_n be_v god_n who_o have_v free_o give_v they_o to_o we_o for_o our_o use_n and_o we_o may_v as_o free_o use_v they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o any_o idolatrous_a worship_n as_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o have_v not_o when_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o sale_n in_o the_o shambles_n or_o use_v for_o private_a entertainment_n but_o yet_o if_o any_o person_n present_v acquaint_v you_o that_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n 28._o than_o you_o must_v abstain_v for_o his_o sake_n that_o show_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a damage_n in_o this_o since_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o god_n have_v make_v such_o ample_a provision_n for_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o one_o dish_n but_o when_o it_o be_v inexpedient_a to_o eat_v of_o one_o thing_n we_o need_v not_o be_v a_o hungry_a for_o all_o that_o have_v such_o variety_n of_o provision_n which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o scruple_n about_o to_o support_v and_o refresh_v we_o who_o these_o be_v for_o who_o sake_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o corinthian_n to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v of_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n even_o at_o a_o private_a entertainment_n which_o yet_o he_o assert_v they_o may_v lawful_o do_v be_v not_o plain_a in_o the_o text_n if_o any_o man_n say_v unto_o you_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n eat_v not_o but_o whether_o this_o man_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o shall_v abstain_v be_v a_o christian_n or_o a_o infidel_n be_v not_o say_v the_o unbeliever_n at_o who_o house_n the_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o eat_v may_v accidental_o take_v notice_n that_o such_o meat_n have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o such_o a_o god_n and_o in_o this_o case_n the_o christian_a may_v be_v oblige_v to_o forbear_v to_o show_v his_o abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n of_o idol_n that_o he_o may_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o seem_v never_o so_o little_a to_o countenance_v idolatry_n if_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n who_o give_v this_o information_n it_o may_v either_o be_v one_o who_o do_v real_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o â—ating_v any_o meat_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n though_o out_o of_o the_o idol_n temple_n and_o then_o he_o who_o understand_v his_o liberty_n aught_o to_o forbear_v for_o his_o sake_n who_o do_v not_o or_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a christian_n who_o the_o apostle_n mention_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o scruple_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v such_o meat_n at_o a_o private_a house_n that_o he_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o sacrifice_v to_o these_o heathen_a god_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_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