that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o which_o the_o church_n have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v allow_v to_o each_o other_o therefore_o the_o church_n itself_o must_v not_o impose_v the_o observance_n of_o any_o indifferent_a ceremony_n on_o dissenter_n or_o must_v alter_v or_o abate_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o scruple_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n here_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v decree_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n acts._n shall_v not_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v circumcise_v or_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o leave_v the_o believe_a jew_n at_o their_o liberty_n to_o observe_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o law_n still_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o determination_n the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n despise_v the_o weakness_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o continue_v zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v mighty_o scandalize_v and_o offend_v at_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o gentile_a convert_v take_v and_o make_v great_a scruple_n of_o converse_v with_o they_o or_o of_o worship_v god_n together_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o council_n easy_o foresee_v will_v be_v take_v and_o give_v on_o both_o side_n do_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o make_v a_o peremptory_a decree_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o when_o such_o scandal_n as_o these_o do_v arise_v between_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o grant_v that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o without_o mutual_a censure_n contempt_n and_o scandal_n which_o the_o church_n have_v already_o decree_v shall_v be_v grant_v for_o he_o plead_v for_o no_o other_o forbearance_n than_o what_o be_v express_o decree_v by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o the_o church_n allow_v a_o latitude_n and_o permit_v different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n certain_o it_o become_v all_o christian_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n offend_v or_o scandalize_v each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o only_a case_n the_o apostle_n mention_n but_o will_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n hence_o infer_v that_o the_o church_n must_v make_v no_o law_n nor_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o private_a christian_n and_o that_o if_o she_o do_v she_o sin_n against_o these_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n to_o observe_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v exercise_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o may_v determine_v what_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o advice_n they_o judge_v fit_a or_o necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v whatever_o scruple_n some_o christian_n have_v entertain_v about_o it_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o it_o become_v christian_a bishopâ—_n and_o minister_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o do_v to_o persuade_v private_a christian_n to_o obey_v such_o constitution_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o turn_v reconciler_n and_o to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o dissenter_n against_o church-authority_n which_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o it_o become_v private_a christian_n to_o submit_v to_o such_o determination_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n if_o there_o be_v any_o not_o those_o who_o do_v the_o gentile_a convert_v be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n if_o they_o despise_v the_o jew_n for_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o the_o council_n have_v still_o permit_v they_o to_o observe_v the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o scandalize_a the_o gentile_n if_o they_o judge_v and_o censure_v they_o and_o deny_v communion_n to_o they_o for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o the_o council_n have_v deliver_v the_o gentile_n from_o any_o such_o necessity_n but_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o criminal_a scandal_n by_o obey_v the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n whoever_o be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o but_o scandal_n always_o lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o disobedience_n the_o christian_a jew_n give_v no_o offence_n by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n nor_o the_o christian_a gentile_a by_o not_o observe_v it_o because_o they_o both_o herein_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n to_o justify_v they_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o exhort_v the_o jew_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n nor_o the_o gentile_n to_o observe_v it_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n which_o have_v be_v somewhat_o like_o our_o reconciler_n address_n to_o the_o church_n not_o to_o impose_v and_o to_o the_o dissenter_n to_o obey_v such_o imposition_n to_o avoid_v schism_n but_o he_o exhort_v they_o both_o to_o grant_v that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o which_o the_o church_n have_v grant_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o despise_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o for_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n which_o in_o both_o of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o express_a violation_n of_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n governors_n indeed_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o uncharitableness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v 2._o and_o vindicate_v our_o church_n from_o any_o such_o imputation_n but_o subject_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n and_o private_a christian_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o the_o imprudent_a use_n of_o their_o just_a liberty_n but_o this_o can_v never_o extend_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o gentile_a convert_v the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o yet_o have_v not_o lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o they_o to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o any_o other_o meat_n which_o be_v unclean_a by_o the_o law_n when_o a_o jew_n be_v present_a and_o therefore_o herein_o it_o become_v they_o to_o use_v their_o liberty_n without_o offence_n and_o to_o exercise_v a_o generous_a charity_n towards_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o believe_a jew_n in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o the_o 13_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o yet_o it_o become_v the_o church_n to_o allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o they_o may_v use_v uncharitable_o for_o to_o have_v abridge_v it_o have_v be_v to_o impose_v on_o they_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o as_o the_o reconciler_n observe_v do_v plain_o assert_v 73._o that_o the_o thing_n scruple_v by_o the_o weak_a be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o that_o he_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a determination_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o believe_a gentile_n to_o exercise_v great_a charity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a instance_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n in_o such_o case_n where_o public_a authority_n can_v make_v no_o such_o determination_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n determine_v against_o the_o scruple_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o they_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o and_o yet_o st._n paul_n require_v private_a christian_n to_o use_v this_o liberty_n without_o offence_n and_o to_o exercise_v such_o charity_n to_o their_o jewish_a brethren_n as_o the_o church_n itself_o do_v not_o and_o can_v not_o exercise_v 71._o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n fall_v under_o our_o reconciler_n lash_n as_o well_o as_o dr._n womack_n as_o if_o church-governor_n be_v not_o as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o reason_n lay_v down_o as_o be_v the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n and_o be_v strong_a to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a that_o they_o may_v judge_v another_o man_n servant_n that_o they_o may_v put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o their_o brother_n way_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v uncharitable_o may_v grieve_v and_o even_o destroy_v he_o with_o their_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o they_o may_v let_v their_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o may_v for_o meat_n destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o though_o it_o be_v good_a for_o private_a person_n not_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n
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
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
superstitious_a or_o idolatrous_a which_o another_o think_v a_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n now_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o israelite_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o egyptians_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o not_o give_v offence_n to_o they_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o join_v as_o friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v agree_v to_o perform_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o that_o sit_v at_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o believe_v that_o kneel_v be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a not_o to_o censure_v or_o deride_v or_o despise_v he_o that_o kneel_v or_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o who_o kneel_v and_o believe_v sit_v to_o be_v a_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a posture_n not_o to_o be_v grieve_v or_o offend_v at_o he_o who_o sit_v and_o will_v you_o call_v this_o worship_a god_n together_o when_o man_n can_v agree_v about_o it_o but_o one_o think_v his_o brother_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a and_o he_o in_o requital_n think_v he_o rude_a or_o profane_a for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v it_o much_o better_o they_o shall_v be_v part_v than_o spoil_v each_o othersdevotion_n by_o such_o mutual_a antipathy_n and_o reciprocal_a censure_n no_o you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o either_o that_o they_o shall_v judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v separate_v st._n paul_n give_v a_o better_a rule_n in_o such_o case_n to_o bear_v with_o each_o other_o rom._n that_o the_o strong_a shall_v not_o judge_v the_o weak_a nor_o the_o weak_a despise_v the_o strong_a but_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v superstitious_a shall_v not_o judge_v and_o censure_v he_o who_o he_o see_v kneel_v as_o guilty_a of_o superstition_n or_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v rude_a and_o profane_a shall_v not_o judge_v he_o who_o he_o see_v to_o sit_v as_o guilty_a of_o rudeness_n and_o profaneness_n this_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o we_o must_v and_o must_v not_o believe_v superstition_n to_o be_v superstition_n nor_o profaneness_n to_o be_v profaneness_n or_o that_o i_o can_v ready_o join_v in_o act_n of_o worship_n with_o he_o who_o i_o believe_v in_o those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v either_o superstitious_a or_o profane_a i_o may_v judge_v charitable_o of_o man_n who_o i_o believe_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o error_n and_o mistake_n and_o superstitious_a custom_n in_o matter_n which_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o christian_a worship_n i_o may_v charitable_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v not_o reject_v man_n for_o such_o mistake_n and_o therefore_o may_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o receive_v they_o to_o christian_a communion_n while_o they_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o such_o man_n without_o judge_v and_o censure_v those_o who_o i_o believe_v in_o those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o i_o join_v with_o they_o to_o be_v either_o superstitious_a or_o profane_a and_o therefore_o though_o such_o man_n shall_v worship_v in_o the_o same_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o one_o communion_n such_o man_n will_v natural_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o and_o it_o be_v i_o think_v more_o desirable_a that_o they_o shall_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o though_o st._n paul_n require_v and_o exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o bear_v with_o each_o other_o in_o such_o dispute_v as_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o christian_a worship_n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n of_o worship_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_v any_o scrupulous_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n or_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o alter_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o perceive_v any_o such_o offence_n which_o inevitable_o bring_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o another_o material_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o our_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o the_o forbearance_n the_o apostle_n plead_v for_o be_v in_o order_n to_o cement_v jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o one_o body_n and_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o one_o christian_a communion_n to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o separation_n between_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o command_v they_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v that_o be_v 1._o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o christian_a worship_n for_o the_o dispute_n between_o they_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o other_o thing_n about_o which_o they_o differ_v will_v unite_v they_o into_o one_o body_n thus_o he_o exhort_v the_o philippian_n 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v both_o agree_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o what_o concern_v christian_n worship_n though_o they_o differ_v about_o some_o moysaicall_a observance_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o notwithstanding_o their_o other_o dispute_n to_o unite_v in_o christian_a worship_n about_o which_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v this_o occasion_v that_o dispute_n between_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n which_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n etc._n they_o be_v both_o agree_v that_o the_o gentile_a convert_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v circumcise_v they_o be_v agree_v also_o that_o the_o jewish_a convert_v shall_v be_v indulge_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v forbear_v each_o other_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n himself_o at_o antioch_n before_o some_o jewish_a brethren_n come_v thither_o do_v eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n but_o when_o some_o believe_a jew_n come_v to_o antioch_n for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o they_o he_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o believe_a but_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n now_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o this_o be_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v to_o make_v two_o church_n one_o of_o jewish_a the_o other_o of_o gentile_a christian_n this_o st._n paul_n can_v not_o endure_v and_o therefore_o public_o rebuke_n peter_n for_o it_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o indulge_v jewish_a convert_v in_o their_o weakness_n but_o not_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o a_o schism_n which_o this_o very_a indulgence_n be_v design_v to_o prevent_v now_o indeed_o mutual_a forbearance_n of_o each_o other_o when_o it_o tend_v to_o unite_v christian_n into_o one_o body_n and_o communion_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n but_o st._n paul_n never_o think_v it_o a_o duty_n when_o it_o will_v not_o prevent_v a_o schism_n much_o less_o when_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v the_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a schism_n now_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o ceremony_n and_o such_o abatement_n as_o our_o reconciler_n plead_v for_o as_o they_o be_v not_o the_o occasion_n so_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o our_o schism_n to_o be_v sure_a indulgence_n in_o these_o matter_n will_v neither_o prevent_v nor_o heal_v our_o schism_n as_o that_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n plead_v for_o in_o this_o place_n infallible_o will_v their_o dispute_n do_v not_o concern_v matter_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o indulge_v one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v as_o in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v those_o meat_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o may_v very_o well_o agree_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v already_o agree_v as_o they_o be_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v worship_v god_n together_o in_o christian_a assembly_n as_o one_o body_n and_o one_o church_n which_o do_v effectual_o prevent_v a_o schism_n but_o while_o dissenter_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n about_o the_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v worship_v god_n together_o and_o to_o grant_v indulgence_n to_o such_o different_a apprehension_n which_o the_o apostle_n plead_v for_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v only_o make_v a_o legal_a schism_n and_o to_o remove_v these_o scrupled_a ceremony_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v will_v
great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross._n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n our_o reconciler_n himself_o have_v collect_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n or_o religion_n most_o of_o which_o be_v now_o out_o of_o use_n in_o most_o church_n which_o former_o use_v they_o and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v in_o uâ—e_v among_o we_o but_o what_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n ritual_n or_o ceremony_n but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a significant_a but_o a_o profess_v sign_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o for_o such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o which_o serve_v for_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o bishop_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o a_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o evident_a necessity_n or_o a_o great_a convenience_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o bishop_n speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n he_o understand_v by_o they_o exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n something_o which_o be_v like_o the_o ceremonial_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o religious_a rite_n such_o be_v their_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n their_o phylactery_n their_o fast_n and_o festival_n new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n not_o consider_v mere_o as_o circumstance_n of_o time_n but_o as_o have_v such_o a_o sacredness_n and_o religion_n stamp_v on_o they_o that_o the_o very_o observe_v they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o religious_a duty_n observe_v on_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o day_n not_o the_o day_n mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o numerous_a tradition_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o make_v broad_a their_o phylactery_n wash_v their_o cup_n and_o platter_n and_o their_o hand_n before_o dinner_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o superstitious_a observance_n now_o though_o some_o external_a action_n and_o thing_n wise_o choose_v and_o prudent_o use_v may_v be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v unless_o we_o will_v condemn_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o several_a age_n which_o use_v a_o great_a many_o external_a rite_n yet_o every_o one_o see_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o such_o rite_n as_o these_o and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o those_o man_n mistake_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o lie_v the_o controversy_n upon_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a signification_n of_o these_o word_n our_o fast_n and_o festival_n look_v most_o like_a such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o with_o we_o they_o be_v not_o religious_a day_n but_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n do_v from_o a_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o make_v a_o day_n religious_a which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v differ_v from_o appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n may_v do_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o observe_v a_o day_n differ_v from_o those_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v perform_v on_o such_o a_o day_n now_o this_o very_a observation_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n will_v answer_v most_o of_o his_o citation_n which_o he_o have_v impertinent_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o bishop_n write_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o have_v be_v very_o injudicious_o make_v against_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 214._o thus_o he_o observe_v from_o the_o bishop_n that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v mere_o such_o can_v be_v universal_a and_o perpetual_a but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n mere_o such_o that_o be_v say_v he_o those_o which_o do_v not_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n within_o their_o matter_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o they_o all_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o specification_n of_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n and_o include_v those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v and_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v enjoin_v to_o wear_v thesurplice_n it_o signify_v that_o he_o must_v perform_v divine_a office_n in_o a_o surplice_n these_o be_v but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o necessary_a duty_n and_o they_o found_v on_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o decency_n well_o but_o the_o bishop_n add_v when_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o to_o which_o all_o other_o nation_n be_v bind_v if_o they_o come_v into_o that_o communion_n it_o will_v be_v intolerable_a that_o the_o church_n who_o rejoice_v in_o their_o freedom_n from_o that_o yoke_n which_o god_n have_v impose_v shall_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o yoke_n of_o ordinance_n which_o man_n shall_v make_v for_o though_o before_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o now_o they_o may_v exercise_v communion_n and_o use_v the_o same_o religion_n without_o communicate_v in_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n now_o do_v not_o this_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o our_o english_a ceremony_n be_v but_o of_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o answer_v to_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ordinance_n which_o he_o call_v exterior_a thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o different_a rule_n and_o measure_n and_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n be_v so_o unfortunate_a that_o if_o the_o bishop_n have_v mean_v this_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n it_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o he_o add_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n this_o do_v no_o way_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o any_o government_n what_o liberty_n they_o be_v to_o retain_v and_o use_v i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o the_o follow_a number_n but_o it_o concern_v distinct_a church_n under_o distinct_a government_n and_o it_o mean_n as_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n and_o the_o whole_a analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v suffer_v no_o man_n to_o put_v a_o law_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v not_o their_o governor_n for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o must_v not_o be_v universal_a he_o mean_v that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v intend_v to_o oblige_v all_o christendom_n except_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v that_o be_v do_v consent_n that_o no_o church_n or_o company_n of_o christian_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n in_o it_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n which_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o such_o a_o usurpation_n as_o must_v not_o be_v endure_v which_o be_v direct_o level_v against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o though_o one_o church_n can_v impose_v upon_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n have_v power_n over_o she_o own_o member_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o be_v over_o they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o answer_v all_o his_o testimony_n from_o bishop_n davenant_n etc._n and_o bishop_n hall_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o duraeus_n about_o his_o pacificatory_a design_n of_o unite_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n into_o one_o communion_n and_o several_a other_o cite_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n they_o discourse_n upon_o what_o term_n distinct_a church_n which_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o aught_o to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n and_o this_o he_o apply_v to_o particular_a church_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o particular_a church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n and_o dominion_n over_o each_o other_o nor_o deny_v communion_n upon_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n or_o different_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o modes_n of_o worship_n therefore_o no_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o communion_n nor_o give_v law_n to_o her_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o
the_o king_n of_o england_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o law_n of_o england_n on_o italy_n or_o spain_n therefore_o he_o must_v not_o make_v law_n for_o england_n neither_o this_o our_o reconciler_n be_v aware_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o preface_n 53._o to_o strengthen_v these_o authority_n he_o ask_v this_o question_n why_o that_o agreement_n in_o fundamental_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v communion_n betwixt_o church_n disagree_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o doctrine_n of_o inferior_a moment_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a also_o to_o preserve_v communion_n among_o those_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n though_o disagree_v in_o like_a matter_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o christian_a church_n which_o do_v thus_o differ_v shall_v be_v receive_v and_o own_v as_o christian_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o be_v because_o these_o difference_n do_v not_o hinder_v their_o be_v real_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o therefore_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o since_o the_o same_o reason_n prove_v the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o who_o differ_v only_o in_o nonfundamentals_a capable_a of_o be_v real_a christian_n and_o so_o of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o christian_a brethren_n i._n e._n person_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n now_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o wonder_v our_o reconciler_n shall_v miss_v it_o for_o 1._o the_o reason_n of_o communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o hope_n one_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v whatever_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o as_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o since_o no_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o another_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o impose_v their_o own_o rule_n of_o discipline_n or_o worship_n upon_o each_o other_o but_o now_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n without_o submit_v to_o its_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n of_o worship_n though_o one_o church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o member_n and_o direct_v she_o own_o worship_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n nor_o decency_n of_o worship_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o worship_n no_o uniformity_n but_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v and_o yet_o 2._o though_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o do_v not_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o own_o church_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o distinct_a church_n shall_v communicate_v with_o each_o other_o and_o conform_v to_o each_o other_o custom_n where_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v present_a it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o two_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o will_v not_o as_o occasion_n serve_v communicate_v together_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o each_o other_o communion_n for_o calvinist_n to_o call_v the_o lutheran_n or_o lutheran_n the_o calvinist_n brethren_n but_o to_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n when_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o each_o other_o church_n this_o be_v not_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o or_o for_o a_o calvinist_n to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n or_o a_o lutheran_n in_o the_o calvinist_n but_o according_a to_o the_o rite_n of_o their_o own_o church_n not_o of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o communicate_v this_o be_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o but_o public_o to_o affront_v each_o other_o the_o only_a principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v so_o far_o to_o allow_v of_o each_o other_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o conform_v when_o occasion_n serve_v to_o such_o indifferent_a custom_n and_o usage_n though_o very_o different_a from_o their_o own_o rather_o than_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o submit_v to_o its_o authority_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n for_o 3._o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o church-communion_n than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a out_o of_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o if_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v he_o a_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o they_o will_v make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o a_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n but_o obedience_n to_o government_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o church-society_n as_o they_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o form_v a_o church-society_n only_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n consider_v as_o a_o systeme_n of_o doctrine_n and_o law_n which_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o observe_v for_o there_o be_v the_o essential_o of_o christian-communion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christian_a religion_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o publish_v the_o gospel_n but_o institute_v a_o church_n and_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o church-society_n lay_v some_o new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o beyond_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o a_o single_a state_n out_o of_o church-society_n but_o to_o return_v though_o this_o learned_a bishop_n do_v not_o urge_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o against_o any_o other_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n neither_o but_o only_o against_o such_o usurp_a authority_n as_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n yet_o this_o argument_n be_v frequent_o allege_v by_o other_o and_o more_o than_o once_o repeat_v by_o our_o reconciler_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o how_o trifle_n it_o be_v appear_v from_o this_o distinction_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n remove_v those_o burden_n which_o be_v on_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o impose_v new_a one_o but_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n lay_v any_o new_a burden_n upon_o man_n do_v she_o require_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a christ_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v celebrate_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o the_o minister_n shall_v perform_v all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o reverend_a manner_n and_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o more_o do_v she_o institute_v any_o ceremony_n except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o profess_v sign_n and_o relate_v to_o no_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v think_v decent_a to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n but_o what_o be_v decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o be_v decency_n than_o a_o new_a burden_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o impose_v on_o his_o disciple_n be_v decency_n a_o unnecessary_a or_o unreasonable_a thing_n do_v christ_n leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n then_o whether_o his_o disciple_n shall_v worship_v god_n decent_o or_o not_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n and_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n put_v another_o jewish_a yoke_n on_o the_o disciple_n neck_n be_v there_o any_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o have_v the_o least_o affinity_n with_o the_o jewish_a yoke_n do_v christ_n when_o he_o abrogate_a the_o jewish_a law_n abrogate_v all_o decency_n
of_o worship_n too_o or_o be_v the_o bare_a decency_n of_o worship_n a_o jewish_a yoke_n what_o correspondence_n be_v there_o between_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n between_o new_a and_o distinct_a act_n and_o the_o decent_a modes_n of_o action_n but_o our_o reconciler_n proceed_v ecclesiastical_a law_n must_v not_o be_v perpetual_a 215._o that_o be_v when_o they_o be_v make_v they_o be_v relative_a to_o time_n and_o place_n to_o person_n and_o occasion_n subject_a to_o all_o change_n etc._n etc._n now_o beside_o that_o the_o bishop_n still_v speak_v of_o such_o law_n as_o concern_v ritual_n and_o external_a observance_n not_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v in_o our_o present_a controversy_n yet_o suppose_v it_o do_v relate_v to_o our_o ceremony_n what_o advantage_n can_v he_o make_v of_o it_o they_o must_v not_o be_v perpetual_a that_o be_v they_o be_v alterable_a when_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n see_v fit_a and_o who_o deny_v it_o but_o must_v every_o one_o who_o believe_v these_o ceremony_n alterable_a present_o grant_v that_o they_o must_v be_v alter_v right_a or_o wrong_n this_o be_v much_o like_o another_o mangle_a testimony_n which_o he_o cite_v from_o rule_n 12._o n._n 9_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v the_o whole_a because_o our_o reconciler_n have_v conceal_v the_o sense_n by_o transcribe_v only_a part_n of_o it_o except_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v from_o christ_n in_o which_o they_o be_v minister_n to_o all_o age_n once_o for_o all_o convey_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o generation_n to_o come_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o be_v but_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o leave_v all_o that_o ordinary_a power_n to_o their_o successor_n with_o a_o power_n to_o rule_v their_o church_n such_o as_o they_o have_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o they_o convey_v as_o from_o christ_n a_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v to_o bind_v for_o ever_o all_o this_o our_o reconciler_n leave_v out_o which_o be_v a_o key_n to_o what_o follow_v for_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o what_o he_o say_v be_v to_o bind_v for_o ever_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v not_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o be_v lawgiver_n they_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o order_v by_o their_o own_o wisdom_n be_v to_o abide_v as_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n do_v abide_v but_o still_o with_o the_o same_o liberty_n with_o which_o they_o appoint_v it_o for_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v least_o put_v a_o snare_n upon_o the_o disciple_n or_o tie_v fetter_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n to_o what_o purpose_n he_o cite_v this_o he_o do_v not_o say_v but_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o make_v any_o law_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v because_o he_o be_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o that_o to_o make_v such_o law_n be_v to_o put_v a_o snare_n upon_o the_o disciple_n and_o to_o tie_v fetter_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n of_o all_o man_n will_v not_o do_v but_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o bishop_n all_o that_o he_o say_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o shall_v perpetual_o oblige_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n for_o christ_n only_o be_v so_o our_o lawgiver_n that_o his_o law_n be_v perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a and_o therefore_o what_o they_o teach_v as_o from_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o bind_v for_o ever_o but_o what_o law_n they_o make_v as_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o time_n they_o may_v be_v alter_v when_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o cease_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o follow_a age_n who_o have_v as_o much_o ordinary_a authority_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v so_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n though_o not_o unalterable_a one_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o make_v law_n but_o make_v perpetual_a law_n which_o he_o call_v put_v a_o snare_n upon_o the_o disciple_n and_o tie_v fetter_n on_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o more_o unalterable_a law_n there_o be_v the_o less_o liberty_n the_o church_n enjoy_v and_o those_o law_n which_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n when_o they_o be_v first_o make_v yet_o when_o their_o reason_n and_o use_n cease_v may_v prove_v snare_n to_o christian_n if_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o repeal_v they_o all_o his_o citation_n from_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n about_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n they_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o ritual_n and_o external_a ministery_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o suppose_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n how_o impertinent_a his_o testimony_n about_o fast_n and_o evangelical_n council_n and_o subscription_n to_o article_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o this_o controversy_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n be_v we_o and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o man_n that_o this_o protestant_a reconciler_n be_v either_o a_o very_a ignorant_a and_o careless_a reader_n of_o book_n or_o a_o shameless_a impostor_n in_o suborn_v man_n word_n to_o give_v testimony_n against_o their_o own_o protest_n and_o avow_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n there_o be_v several_a other_o little_a argument_n which_o be_v frequent_o repeat_v by_o our_o reconciler_n and_o confirm_v with_o great_a name_n and_o great_a authority_n though_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o abuse_v other_o great_a man_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o bishop_n and_o i_o have_v not_o leisure_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v all_o and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n when_o the_o argument_n be_v weak_a and_o trifle_a who_o argument_n it_o be_v they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o impose_v such_o ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n be_v to_o come_v after_o christ_n and_o to_o mend_v and_o correct_v his_o law_n and_o to_o require_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o require_v this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n if_o the_o charge_n be_v good_a and_o just_a but_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n guilty_a of_o any_o such_o thing_n do_v she_o require_v any_o new_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o require_v have_v not_o christ_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v god_n decent_o have_v he_o not_o make_v obedience_n to_o our_o ruler_n and_o governor_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n and_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o her_o people_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o have_v not_o christ_n enjoin_v this_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n or_o be_v they_o not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o here_o be_v no_o new_a term_n of_o communion_n here_o be_v no_o mend_v nor_o correct_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o determination_n of_o some_o necessary_a circumstance_n which_o christ_n leave_v undetermined_a and_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o church_n to_o determine_v but_o why_o shall_v church-communion_n be_v suspend_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n why_o be_v not_o that_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v he_o to_o heaven_n no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v no_o more_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o public_a worship_n be_v which_o be_v not_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a decency_n be_v necessary_a and_o though_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a modes_n of_o decency_n be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o some_o decent_a mode_n of_o worship_n be_v and_o therefore_o that_o church_n which_o require_v no_o more_o than_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n require_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o which_o confound_v and_o blunder_v these_o man_n and_o make_v they_o dream_v of_o new_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v this_o that_o they_o distinguish_v the_o act_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o and_o because_o christ_n have_v only_o institute_v and_o command_v the_o act_n but_o the_o church_n direct_v and_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n therefore_o they_o say_v the_o church_n mend_v christ_n law_n and_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n by_o require_v something_o more_o than_o christ_n have_v
hard_a case_n as_o such_o case_n will_v happen_v under_o all_o government_n god_n who_o be_v our_o supreme_a governor_n will_v take_v care_n to_o rectify_v it_o when_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n or_o state_n can_v do_v it_o without_o loosen_a the_o sinew_n of_o government_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v take_v care_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n as_o this_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o very_a honest_a but_o weak_a christian_n may_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o best_a and_o most_o prudent_a constitution_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n what_o must_v the_o church_n do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v she_o alter_v her_o law_n as_o often_o as_o any_o christian_n pretend_v to_o scruple_n they_o or_o must_v she_o make_v no_o law_n about_o such_o matter_n but_o suffer_v every_o christian_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v this_o be_v to_o renounce_v their_o government_n because_o some_o christian_n will_v not_o obey_v or_o to_o make_v government_n contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a when_o it_o must_v yield_v to_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o scruple_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v prove_v a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o they_o and_o occasion_n their_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n but_o i_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o either_o of_o these_o governors_n must_v do_v their_o duty_n must_v take_v care_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o just_a offence_n and_o if_o after_o all_o their_o care_n some_o very_a honest_a man_n may_v take_v offence_n and_o fall_v into_o schism_n we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o will_v make_v allowance_n for_o all_o favourable_a case_n the_o church_n can_v give_v no_o relief_n in_o such_o case_n without_o destroy_v her_o authority_n and_o government_n and_o give_v advantage_n to_o knave_n and_o design_v hypocrite_n to_o disturb_v the_o best_a constitution_n of_o thing_n but_o god_n can_v distinguish_v between_o honest_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o if_o man_n be_v sincere_o honest_a and_o do_v fall_v into_o schism_n through_o a_o innocent_a mistake_n god_n will_v be_v merciful_a to_o they_o which_o secure_v the_o final_a happiness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o sacredness_n and_o reverence_n of_o authority_n for_o when_o man_n know_v that_o nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o schism_n and_o nothing_o can_v plead_v their_o pardon_n with_o god_n but_o great_a honesty_n and_o some_o invincible_a mistake_n it_o will_v make_v all_o honest_a man_n careful_a how_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v pass_v with_o almighty_a god_n for_o a_o honest_a separatist_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v man_n convince_v of_o this_o it_o will_v soon_o cure_v our_o schism_n than_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o scrupled_a ceremony_n but_o in_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-governor_n to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o man_n scruple_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a occasion_n for_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o allow_v any_o man_n to_o scruple_n their_o authority_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o weaken_v government_n and_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o eternal_a schism_n to_o enter_v 259._o it_o be_v very_o true_a as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o the_o church_n in_o several_a age_n have_v make_v great_a alteration_n in_o the_o external_o and_o ritual_n of_o religion_n but_o how_o this_o serve_v his_o cause_n i_o can_v tell_v no_o body_n question_n but_o the_o church_n have_v do_v this_o and_o that_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o she_o have_v so_o still_o when_o she_o see_v just_a occasion_n to_o do_v it_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o she_o must_v do_v this_o as_o often_o as_o every_o little_a reconciler_n or_o every_o scrupulous_a christian_a demand_n such_o a_o alteration_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o unreasonable_a scruple_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v a_o necessary_a reason_n for_o the_o church_n to_o make_v such_o alteration_n and_o if_o he_o can_v give_v any_o one_o example_n in_o all_o antiquity_n that_o the_o church_n alter_v her_o constitution_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o scruple_n of_o private_a christian_n he_o will_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n no_o in_o those_o day_n private_a christian_n do_v not_o use_v to_o scruple_n any_o ceremony_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v but_o bishop_n make_v or_o repeal_v law_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o they_o think_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o repeal_v all_o law_n for_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o make_v such_o law_n in_o compliance_n with_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o the_o church_n again_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o in_o the_o same_o church_n they_o allow_v all_o private_a christian_n to_o worship_n god_n after_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o own_o private_a persuasion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o those_o who_o be_v for_o a_o maypole_n may_v have_v a_o maypole_n as_o our_o reconciler_n very_o reverent_o express_v it_o if_o he_o can_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o these_o point_n i_o confess_v it_o will_v be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o now_o he_o know_v what_o he_o be_v to_o prove_v but_o though_o his_o history_n of_o those_o alteration_n which_o the_o church_n in_o several_a age_n have_v make_v in_o the_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o serve_v his_o main_a design_n yet_o it_o high_o gratify_v his_o pride_n and_o insolence_n to_o trample_v upon_o a_o great_a man_n who_o he_o think_v he_o have_v take_v at_o some_o advantage_n the_o reverend_a dean_n of_o st._n paul_n assign_v some_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o england_n still_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n 16._o his_o first_o reason_n be_v out_o of_o a_o due_a reverence_n to_o antiquity_n they_o will_v hereby_o convince_v the_o papist_n they_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o gross_a and_o intolerable_a superstition_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o innocent_a rite_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n before_o 297._o this_o say_v our_o reconciler_n be_v very_o like_a hypocrisy_n to_o pretend_v to_o retain_v three_o ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o their_o suppose_a antiquity_n whilst_o we_o reject_v as_o many_o which_o be_v unquestionable_o of_o a_o divine_a original_n and_o therefore_o sure_a of_o a_o antiquity_n which_o more_o deserve_v to_o be_v reverence_v true_o if_o our_o church_n have_v part_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o divine_a original_n i_o think_v she_o have_v reform_v too_o far_o but_o will_v our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v of_o divine_a original_n bishop_n taylor_n to_o who_o he_o so_o often_o appeal_v will_v have_v teach_v he_o otherwise_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o order_v religious_a assembly_n and_o in_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o receive_v from_o christ_n act_v but_o as_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o they_o prescribe_v oblige_v no_o long_o than_o the_o reason_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n have_v as_o full_a and_o ample_a authority_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o such_o matter_n but_o do_v the_o dean_n say_v that_o these_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v only_o for_o their_o antiquity_n then_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n objection_n have_v be_v strong_a that_o other_o ceremony_n which_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v retain_v also_o but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a reverence_n to_o antiquity_n that_o when_o our_o church_n have_v for_o other_o reason_n determine_v what_o number_n of_o ceremony_n to_o retain_v and_o for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n she_o choose_v to_o use_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v ancient_o use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n rather_o than_o to_o invent_v any_o new_a one_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o ancient_a
as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o dissenter_n when_o one_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o the_o other_o and_o this_o may_v as_o well_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a as_o the_o other_o for_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n and_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o other_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v think_v of_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o so_o can_v i_o too_o and_o so_o i_o can_v also_o for_o the_o objection_n against_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o still_o here_o be_v scruple_n on_o both_o side_n and_o scruple_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v equal_o reasonable_a and_o therefore_o governor_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o equal_a regard_n to_o they_o that_o be_v none_o at_o all_o if_o they_o will_v discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n dr._n falkner_n give_v another_o instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o dispute_n about_o leaven_a or_o unleavened_a bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n where_o he_o say_v the_o one_o sort_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v before_o the_o administration_n or_o otherwise_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o must_v be_v omit_v here_o our_o reconciler_n be_v resolve_v to_o try_v his_o strength_n because_o the_o argument_n as_o manage_v by_o that_o otherwise-ingenious_a man_n 339._o contain_v great_a mistake_n which_o be_v rectify_v will_v set_v man_n right_a in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o controversy_n here_o then_o if_o ever_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o our_o reconciler_n will_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o controversy_n depend_v on_o it_o 1._o then_o he_o allow_v there_o may_v be_v such_o case_n where_o in_o genere_fw-la something_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v i_o see_v we_o shall_v have_v fine_a work_n of_o it_o when_o he_o begin_v with_o trick_n and_o fallacy_n the_o doctor_n speak_v of_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o particular_a circumstance_n whether_o the_o 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undo_v i_o have_v seldom_o meet_v with_o more_o trifle_v and_o sophistry_n in_o so_o few_o word_n for_o 1._o dr._n falkner_n speak_v of_o a_o necessity_n of_o determine_v some_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o antecedent_n necessity_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n such_o as_o the_o use_n of_o leaven_a or_o unleavened_a bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o our_o reconciler_n grant_v the_o magistrate_n a_o power_n to_o determine_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n though_o that_o be_v nonsense_n for_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o necessary_a that_o it_o can_v be_v leave_v undo_v determine_v itself_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n the_o magistrate_n may_v command_v such_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v determine_v to_o his_o hand_n nothing_o can_v be_v determine_v either_o way_n by_o any_o authority_n but_o that_o which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o i_o think_v it_o a_o contradiction_n that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o so_o determinable_a by_o humane_a authority_n which_o have_v either_o such_o a_o moral_a or_o physical_a necessity_n that_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o 2._o dr._n falkner_n prove_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o necessity_n of_o determine_v some_o particular_a manner_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n before_o the_o action_n can_v be_v do_v because_o though_o no_o particular_a mode_n of_o do_v it_o may_v be_v necessary_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o some_o particular_a mode_n of_o do_v it_o he_o that_o will_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n must_v administer_v it_o either_o in_o leaven_a or_o unleafed_a bread_n this_o be_v physical_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o one_o or_o tother_o and_o this_o physical_a necessity_n infer_v a_o moral_a necessity_n of_o determine_v which_o way_n we_o will_v do_v it_o before_o we_o can_v do_v it_o for_o we_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o individual_a act_n do_v it_o both_o way_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v resolve_v upon_o one_o way_n of_o do_v it_o or_o we_o can_v do_v it_o at_o all_o to_o disprove_v this_o which_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v determine_v but_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o the_o do_v or_o well_o do_v of_o any_o action_n as_o if_o so_o be_v i_o can_v travel_v into_o the_o country_n without_o determine_v whether_o i_o will_v walk_v or_o ride_v or_o what_o way_n i_o will_v go_v because_o no_o one_o of_o these_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o necessary_a that_o i_o can_v travel_v without_o it_o for_o i_o may_v choose_v which_o i_o will_v but_o yet_o i_o must_v choose_v some_o way_n or_o other_o or_o i_o must_v stay_v at_o home_n now_o shall_v you_o ask_v a_o man_n who_o be_v take_v a_o journey_n which_o way_n he_o will_v go_v by_o land_n or_o by_o water_n on_o foot_n or_o horseback_n or_o by_o coach_n and_o he_o shall_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o his_o journey_n to_o determine_v either_o for_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o indifferent_a will_v you_o not_o think_v the_o man_n mad_a for_o though_o all_o be_v indifferent_a yet_o some_o one_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o journey_n and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o determine_v which_o way_n he_o will_v go_v he_o can_v never_o go_v this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o dr._n falkner_n say_v before_o we_o can_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o must_v be_v determine_v whether_o we_o will_v receive_v it_o in_o leaven_a or_o unleavened_a bread_n no_o say_v the_o reconciler_n any_o determination_n by_o the_o magistrate_n be_v here_o unnecessary_a because_o either_o leaven_a or_o unleavened_a bread_n may_v be_v receive_v right_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o universal_a law_n and_o uniform_a practice_n all_o the_o world_n over_o about_o this_o matter_n but_o still_o whoever_o administer_v or_o whoever_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n must_v do_v it_o in_o leaven_a or_o unleavened_a bread_n suppose_v then_o in_o the_o same_o church_n and_o congregation_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o dispute_n about_o this_o as_o there_o be_v between_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n and_o some_o shall_v scruple_n to_o administer_v or_o receive_v in_o leaven_a other_o in_o unleavened_a bread_n what_o must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v the_o church_n determine_v this_o matter_n or_o not_o or_o must_v there_o in_o every_o congregation_n be_v two_o minister_n and_o two_o sacrament_n one_o of_o the_o leaven_a the_o other_o of_o the_o unleavened_a communion_n i_o know_v not_o what_o our_o reconciler_n will_v say_v to_o this_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a either_o this_o matter_n must_v be_v determine_v notwithstanding_o the_o scruple_n and_o differ_a opinion_n about_o it_o or_o there_o must_v be_v a_o schismatical_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o same_o church_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o how_o little_a regard_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o good_a precedent_n for_o church-governor_n have_v to_o the_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n of_o christian_n when_o there_o be_v a_o just_a reason_n for_o make_v any_o decree_n and_o canon_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o first_o celebrate_v council_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n do_v mighty_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcise_n the_o convert_v gentile_n and_o make_v it_o a_o great_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n so_o much_o as_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o they_o much_o less_o to_o own_v they_o of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o communion_n without_o circumcision_n acts._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o consult_v the_o other_o apostle_n about_o this_o question_n the_o apostle_n according_o meet_v together_o and_o after_o
we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o disciple_n his_o very_a work_a miracle_n in_o christ_n name_n be_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n to_o make_v he_o and_o other_o also_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v permit_v by_o our_o lord_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n forbid_v he_o not_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n which_o shall_v do_v a_o miracle_n in_o my_o name_n that_o can_v light_o speak_v evil_a of_o i_o but_o be_v not_o our_o reconciler_n asleep_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o man_n do_v not_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o disciple_n what_o communion_n then_o be_v he_o of_o be_v he_o not_o a_o jew_n and_o a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o be_v he_o not_o then_o in_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o do_v not_o christ_n all_o the_o time_n he_o be_v on_o earth_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v he_o set_v up_o any_o distinct_a church_n and_o communion_n of_o his_o own_o but_o i_o perceive_v our_o reconciler_n be_v of_o mr._n baxter_n mind_n that_o church-communion_n be_v a_o presential_a communion_n and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o always_o follow_v christ_n and_o give_v his_o personal_a attendance_n on_o he_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o now_o let_v our_o reconciler_n try_v again_o how_o from_o this_o example_n he_o can_v prove_v that_o schismatic_n must_v be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n vii_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o observe_v how_o he_o turn_v the_o table_n in_o his_o next_o argument_n and_o prove_v from_o christ_n be_v the_o good_a shepherd_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v part_v with_o their_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o preserve_v the_o sheep_n from_o such_o thief_n that_o be_v schismatical_a preacher_n those_o who_o if_o his_o last_o argument_n be_v good_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v though_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v communion_n with_o we_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o that_o for_o the_o church_n to_o destroy_v her_o constitution_n to_o pull_v down_o all_o her_o hedge_n and_o fence_n be_v the_o way_n to_o let_v in_o these_o thief_n as_o he_o call_v they_o not_o to_o keep_v they_o out_o viii_o his_o last_o argument_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o because_o christ_n pray_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o to_o procure_v this_o unity_n and_o concord_n we_o must_v part_v with_o all_o unnecessary_a thing_n which_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n and_o true_o i_o think_v so_o too_o but_o if_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o so_o unnecessary_a a_o thing_n nor_o easy_o to_o be_v part_v with_o if_o part_v with_o these_o ceremony_n will_v not_o heal_v our_o schism_n and_o division_n of_o which_o i_o have_v discourse_v large_o already_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o be_v return_v to_o this_o argument_n he_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o retort_v some_o of_o these_o argument_n upon_o the_o dissenter_n i_o have_v answer_v for_o the_o church_n let_v the_o dissenter_n now_o try_v how_o they_o can_v answer_v for_o themselves_o for_o he_o very_o true_o observe_v that_o they_o fall_v with_o more_o weight_n upon_o they_o to_o prefer_v some_o arbitrary_a platform_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n which_o god_n have_v nowhere_o institute_v or_o command_v before_o the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n look_v more_o like_o a_o offence_n against_o that_o law_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n than_o what_o he_o charge_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o to_o forbid_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n as_o unlawful_a and_o superstitious_a be_v a_o much_o more_o intolerable_a yoke_n and_o burden_n than_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v leave_v the_o dissenter_n and_o our_o reconcileâ—_n to_o adjust_a this_o matter_n among_o themselves_o chap._n v._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n draw_v from_o the_o 14_o and_o 15_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n though_o our_o reconciler_n make_v a_o great_a flourish_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o argument_n as_o usual_o those_o man_n do_v who_o can_v find_v one_o good_a one_o yet_o he_o seem_v to_o put_v the_o great_a confidence_n in_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o that_o condescension_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v who_o differ_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o and_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n if_o it_o be_v a_o parallel_n case_n but_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o exercise_v such_o forbearance_n and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v other_o case_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o prudent_a and_o reasonable_a to_o allow_v the_o same_o indulgence_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o st._n paul_n require_v the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a christian_n to_o forbear_v each_o other_o in_o their_o dispute_n about_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v forbear_v dissenter_n and_o not_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n nor_o exact_a conformity_n to_o they_o unless_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o two_o case_n be_v the_o same_o or_o so_o like_a to_o each_o other_o that_o we_o may_v fair_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o these_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o mutual_a forbearance_n be_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v make_v so_o plain_a as_o to_o satisfy_v all_o impartial_a reader_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v may_v pass_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o his_o four_o chapter_n i._o then_o i_o observe_v that_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n only_o exhort_v the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a christian_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n which_o have_v be_v already_o decree_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o high_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n between_o our_o reconciler_n and_o dr._n womack_n now_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o st._n david_n to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v whether_o only_o to_o the_o private_a christian_n at_o rome_n or_o to_o church-governor_n also_o and_o consequent_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n only_o of_o private_a christian_n or_o of_o church-governor_n also_o to_o exercise_v this_o forbearance_n towards_o dissenter_n the_o bishop_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o presbytery_n settle_v at_o rome_n at_o this_o time_n and_o offer_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o our_o reconciler_n attempt_v to_o answer_v these_o argument_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v without_o a_o settle_a ministry_n at_o that_o time_n i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o interpose_v in_o this_o dispute_n for_o though_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o answer_v all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n from_o this_o chapter_n be_v it_o certain_a that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o design_n these_o direction_n for_o church-governor_n but_o only_o for_o private_a christian_n as_o a_o expedient_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n till_o these_o dispute_n shall_v be_v determine_v by_o a_o just_a authority_n yet_o whatever_o fair_a probability_n there_o may_v be_v of_o this_o i_o doubt_v there_o be_v not_o evidence_n enough_o for_o it_o to_o convince_v a_o reconciler_n or_o a_o obstinate_a dissenter_n and_o indeed_o upon_o the_o principle_n which_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o for_o whether_o these_o exhortation_n to_o forbear_v one_o another_o and_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o and_o not_o to_o judge_v condemn_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o concern_v private_a christian_n or_o church-governor_n or_o equal_o both_o yet_o since_o this_o forbearance_n extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n as_o be_v determine_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a matter_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o christian_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n every_o one_o see_v how_o impertinent_o it_o be_v allege_v by_o our_o reconciler_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v any_o indifferent_a custom_n and_o usage_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o our_o dissenter_n for_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o that_o because_o private_a christian_n or_o church-governor_n must_v allow_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o
whereby_o their_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a or_o be_v offend_v yet_o may_v church-governor_n impose_v such_o thing_n although_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o their_o power_n be_v only_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n for_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n all_o these_o argument_n st._n paul_n use_v to_o persuade_v private_a christian_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o yet_o both_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n do_v positive_o determine_v that_o the_o gentile_a christian_n shall_v have_v this_o liberty_n though_o st._n paul_n persuade_v they_o to_o great_a charity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o case_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o public_a governor_n be_v so_o very_o different_a that_o charity_n may_v exact_v that_o from_o private_a christian_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o no_o charity_n can_v justify_v in_o governor_n the_o gentile_a convert_v be_v to_o deny_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a christians_n but_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o apostle_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o deny_v this_o liberty_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o may_v prove_v a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o believe_a gentile_n may_v restrain_v the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n without_o injure_v their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v all_o the_o liberty_n he_o have_v and_o therefore_o may_v suspend_v the_o use_n of_o it_o when_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o charity_n but_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n to_o the_o gentile_a convert_v without_o destroy_v their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o our_o reconciler_n be_v mighty_o out_o in_o his_o argument_n that_o church-governor_n in_o their_o public_a capacity_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o those_o act_n of_o forbearance_n and_o charitable_a condescension_n which_o private_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o when_o in_o this_o very_a instance_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o church_n determine_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o eat_v all_o sort_n of_o meat_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o moysaicall_a distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a notwithstanding_o that_o offence_n it_o give_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o yet_o st._n paul_n persuade_v the_o believe_a gentile_a not_o to_o use_v this_o liberty_n to_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n in_o a_o word_n this_o fourteen_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n consist_v of_o two_o distinct_a part_n though_o not_o so_o common_o observe_v which_o have_v occasion_v very_o confuse_a apprehension_n about_o it_o 1._o that_o which_o equal_o concern_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n viz._n not_o to_o judge_v despise_v or_o censure_v each_o other_o nor_o to_o break_v christian_a communion_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n that_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v indifferent_o eat_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n and_o another_o eat_v herb_n one_o prefer_v one_o day_n before_o another_o another_o think_v all_o day_n alike_o now_o all_o the_o indulgence_n to_o one_o another_o which_o the_o apostle_n exact_v in_o this_o case_n be_v only_o to_o grant_v each_o other_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n have_v grant_v they_o that_o the_o jew_n may_v still_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v enjoy_v their_o liberty_n not_o to_o observe_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n use_v much_o such_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o as_o be_v before_o use_v by_o the_o council_n when_o they_o make_v their_o decree_n of_o which_o more_o present_o and_o this_o part_n reach_v to_o the_o 13_o verse_n but_o how_o our_o reconciler_n hence_o infer_v that_o church-governor_n must_v not_o make_v any_o determination_n about_o thing_n which_o be_v scruple_v because_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o obey_v such_o determination_n and_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o for_o such_o matter_n which_o the_o church_n have_v determine_v they_o may_v both_o lawful_o do_v i_o can_v imagine_v 2._o the_o second_o part_n peculiar_o refer_v to_o the_o believe_a gentile_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o exercise_v great_a charity_n and_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o avoid_v all_o scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n that_o because_o their_o jewish_a brethren_n be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o take_v offence_n at_o their_o liberty_n therefore_o they_o shall_v forbear_v the_o use_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o give_v offence_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o urge_v several_a argument_n from_o charity_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n but_o this_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v peculiar_o relate_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o private_a exercise_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o exercise_v act_n of_o government_n in_o make_v public_a decree_n and_o constitution_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o church_n can_v not_o deny_v that_o liberty_n to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o make_v any_o decree_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o jewish_a scruple_n but_o only_o exhort_v the_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v this_o liberty_n charitable_o and_o without_o offence_n this_o one_o thing_n well_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n four_o chapter_n since_o it_o make_v it_o very_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n whatever_o scruple_n man_n have_v entertain_v about_o it_o ii_o another_o very_a material_a difference_n be_v that_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o dispute_n which_o be_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a christian_n about_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v those_o direction_n about_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o a_o charitable_a condescension_n to_o each_o other_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o these_o two_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o wise_a reason_n for_o allow_v some_o indulgence_n in_o one_o case_n but_o not_o in_o the_o other_o by_o indifferent_a thing_n i_o mean_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v neither_o moral_o good_a nor_o evil_n nor_o be_v either_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v any_o dispute_n about_o such_o thing_n in_o scripture_n or_o any_o one_o precept_n or_o exhortation_n either_o to_o governor_n or_o private_a christian_n about_o forbearance_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o such_o matter_n i_o will_v yield_v he_o the_o cause_n he_o have_v not_o produce_v one_o yet_o for_o the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n 79._o this_o our_o reconciler_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o discourse_n be_v general_o think_v to_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v who_o think_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o eat_v of_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o observe_v the_o jewish_a festival_n and_o say_v that_o his_o discourse_n will_v be_v more_o firm_a if_o the_o apostle_n speak_v concern_v the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o the_o meat_n and_o day_n prescribe_v by_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o desire_v to_o take_v it_o and_o believe_v this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o it_o may_v be_v when_o he_o see_v that_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n will_v overthrow_v his_o whole_a hypothesis_n he_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o retreat_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o examine_v what_o he_o allege_n to_o prove_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o this_o place_n but_o that_o he_o rather_o speak_v of_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o the_o observe_a day_n of_o fast_v his_o argument_n be_v these_o 80._o 1._o because_o the_o weak_a brethren_n do_v not_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n only_o and_o other_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o they_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o flesh_n whence_o say_v the_o commentator_n on_o the_o roman_n in_o st._n jerom_n be_v work_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o some_o
conceive_v non_fw-la enim_fw-la carnes_z secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la sed_fw-la sola_fw-la olera_fw-la manducabant_fw-la because_o the_o weak_a person_n mention_v here_o only_o do_v eat_v herb_n abstain_v from_o all_o flesh_n and_o not_o from_o that_o alone_a which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o commentator_n we_o must_v understand_v also_o one_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o body_n who_o have_v a_o ill_a stomach_n or_o ill_a digestion_n and_o therefore_o eat_v herb_n because_o he_o can_v eat_v flesh_n through_o sickness_n or_o old_a age_n infirmus_fw-la aetate_fw-la aut_fw-la corporis_fw-la vigore_fw-la which_o be_v the_o word_n immediate_o before_o and_o then_o how_o this_o will_v reach_v the_o case_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n i_o can_v tell_v as_o for_o his_o reason_n that_o these_o weak_a person_n eat_v only_a herb_n it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o the_o text._n herb_n may_v be_v take_v synecdochical_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n allow_v by_o the_o law_n no_o sort_n of_o herb_n be_v forbid_v or_o it_o may_v signify_v that_o rather_o than_o eat_v any_o meat_n forbid_v by_o their_o law_n they_o choose_v to_o live_v on_o herb_n which_o may_v be_v often_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jew_n who_o live_v among_o heathen_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n who_o be_v primary_o concern_v in_o this_o epistle_n do_v and_o st._n chrysostom_n who_o positive_o assert_n that_o this_o concern_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n assign_v another_o reason_n for_o their_o eat_a herb_n loc._n because_o if_o they_o have_v only_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n and_o other_o forbid_a meat_n they_o will_v have_v discover_v their_o reverence_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n still_o which_o he_o suppose_v they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o conceal_v and_o therefore_o to_o palliate_v the_o business_n they_o abstain_v from_o all_o flesh_n and_o eat_v only_a herb_n that_o it_o may_v look_v more_o like_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n than_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n or_o not_o i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v it_o plain_o show_n what_o st._n chrysostom_n opinion_n be_v in_o the_o case_n which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v think_v as_o considerable_a as_o this_o commentator_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n about_o this_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v v_o 14._o for_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d common_a the_o word_n peculiar_o use_v to_o signify_v the_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n that_o ever_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n for_o though_o the_o pythagorean_n do_v forbid_v eat_v of_o flesh_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o inconsiderable_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n which_o can_v not_o occasion_v such_o a_o general_a dispute_n as_o this_o be_v and_o they_o do_v not_o forbid_v flesh_n upon_o this_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o for_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o their_o philosophy_n which_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o superstitious_a that_o we_o can_v imagine_v the_o apostle_n will_v grant_v any_o indulgence_n to_o such_o fancy_n 2._o his_o next_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o colossion_n speak_v severe_o against_o their_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a festival_n and_o therefore_o here_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n indifferent_a concern_v which_o it_o be_v only_o needful_a that_o the_o observer_n or_o not_o observer_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o assure_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o practice_n as_o st._n ambrose_n say_v the_o apostle_n here_o assert_n nor_o be_v it_o like_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n he_o will_v permit_v they_o to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n which_o last_o assertion_n direct_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a hypothesis_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n may_v have_v require_v of_o they_o to_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o whatever_o scruple_n they_o pretend_v and_o then_o how_o do_v it_o become_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n in_o church-governor_n to_o renounce_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o gratify_v and_o humour_v every_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o be_v favourable_a to_o scruple_n it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o scruple_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v be_v abrogate_a and_o out_o of_o date_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o apostle_n shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v much_o less_o reason_n to_o expect_v this_o from_o church-governor_n in_o other_o matter_n where_o no_o such_o authority_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o justify_v their_o scruple_n but_o of_o the_o different_a behaviour_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n i_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o account_n in_o what_o follow_v as_o will_v not_o be_v much_o to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n 3._o because_o the_o apostle_n confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o meat_n not_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v now_o abolish_v that_o law_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v unto_o and_o so_o can_v not_o oblige_v the_o gentile_a world_n or_o any_o thing_n which_o seem_v proper_a to_o oppose_v unto_o those_o judaize_v christian_n but_o only_o say_v that_o meat_n do_v not_o commend_v to_o god_n and_o suchlike_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o proper_a to_o be_v speak_v unto_o those_o who_o understand_v of_o their_o liberty_n free_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o eat_v of_o the_o idol-sacrifice_n now_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o apostle_n confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o meat_n and_o day_n not_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o his_o whole_a epistle_n treat_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o he_o do_v not_o repeat_v all_o that_o he_o say_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n about_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n and_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n in_o this_o 14_o chapter_n therefore_o these_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o day_n must_v not_o refer_v to_o moysaicall_a observance_n the_o whole_a epistle_n concern_v the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o other_o meat_n and_o day_n which_o the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o observe_v and_o the_o gentile_n think_v themselves_o free_v from_o by_o christ_n he_o will_v say_v something_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o whereas_o he_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o urge_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o prove_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o his_o business_n in_o this_o chapter_n but_o he_o prove_v what_o he_o intend_v to_o prove_v how_o reasonable_a mutual_a forbearance_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n which_o suppose_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n already_o prove_v as_o indeed_o he_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o before_o for_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o forbearance_n against_o a_o positive_a law_n 4._o his_o last_o reason_n be_v as_o good_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a because_o have_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o strong_a jewish_a christian_n and_o declare_v his_o freedom_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a law_n he_o will_v have_v contradict_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o his_o own_o practice_n there_o 24._o for_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o do_v esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o be_v and_o do_v not_o judge_v he_o a_o strong_a but_o a_o disorderly_a christian_a who_o be_v a_o jew_n observe_v not_o their_o law_n and_o custom_n now_o if_o this_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o dispute_v against_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o jewish_a convert_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o new_a commentator_n upon_o most_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o deliver_v he_o from_o that_o scandal_n which_o all_o expositor_n hitherto_o have_v cast_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v in_o many_o place_n industrious_o prove_v that_o neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o it_o be_v
only_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n themselves_o but_o scorn_v and_o despise_v the_o jew_n for_o do_v it_o and_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o a_o open_a contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o law_n this_o will_v have_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o have_v alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o call_v lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o brother_n way_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n by_o tempt_v he_o to_o infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v thus_o st._n chrysostom_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v afraid_a locum_fw-la lest_o this_o contemptuous_a usage_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v they_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o they_o learn_v to_o despise_v their_o teacher_n and_o to_o think_v themselves_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a sort_n of_o christian_n but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o schism_n be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n as_o infidelity_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o charity_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o prevent_v the_o one_o oblige_v we_o also_o with_o equal_a care_n to_o prevent_v the_o other_o now_o though_o i_o think_v every_o good_a christian_a will_n and_o aught_o to_o do_v what_o he_o reasonable_o can_v to_o prevent_v a_o schism_n yet_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o schism_n and_o infidelity_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n be_v very_o great_a while_o man_n be_v weak_a and_o unsettle_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o apt_a to_o take_v offence_n and_o apostatise_v from_o christ_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o capable_a of_o be_v govern_v they_o must_v be_v humour_v for_o a_o while_n as_o child_n be_v who_o must_v be_v manage_v by_o art_n not_o by_o rule_n of_o discipline_n but_o when_o man_n be_v well_o root_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v humour_v but_o govern_v they_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o submit_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o obey_v not_o to_o dispute_v the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n when_o there_o be_v no_o plain_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o they_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o man_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n and_o turn_v schismatic_n it_o be_v at_o their_o own_o peril_n and_o this_o indeed_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n command_v the_o strong_a christian_n to_o treat_v with_o so_o much_o tenderness_n without_o give_v they_o the_o least_o offence_n those_o who_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o his_o stumble_n and_o be_v offend_v and_o make_v weak_a signify_v his_o be_v shake_v and_o unsettle_a in_o the_o faith_n every_o one_o who_o be_v a_o ignorant_a and_o uninstruct_v be_v not_o therefore_o a_o weak_a christian_a his_o understanding_n may_v be_v weak_a but_o his_o faith_n may_v be_v strong_a that_o be_v he_o may_v very_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o weak_a person_n be_v to_o be_v use_v very_o different_o you_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o you_o must_v instruct_v and_o govern_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o understanding_n or_o else_o you_o prostitute_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o christian_n to_o every_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v conceit_v obstinate_a and_o censorious_a professor_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o those_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v in_o this_o chapter_n not_o to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n can_v concern_v our_o dissenter_n who_o though_o they_o be_v weak_a enough_o as_o that_o signify_v ignorant_a yet_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o that_o signify_v those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o christianity_n or_o not_o well_o confirm_v in_o that_o belief_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v humour_v like_o child_n but_o train_v up_o to_o great_a attainment_n by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o a_o prudent_a discipline_n second_o have_v see_v what_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v by_o what_o argument_n the_o apostle_n persuade_v those_o who_o be_v strong_a not_o to_o offend_v the_o weak_a now_o our_o reconciler_n have_v turn_v almost_o every_o word_n into_o a_o argument_n one_o argument_n be_v etc._n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o our_o brother_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o charity_n and_o evil_a in_o itself_o that_o it_o cause_v christianity_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o concern_v of_o peace_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o have_v no_o dispute_n with_o our_o reconciler_n about_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n and_o very_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n if_o we_o be_v as_o well_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v offence_n as_o that_o give_v this_o offence_n be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n the_o dispute_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o yet_o by_o this_o artifice_n he_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n be_v very_o copious_a and_o rhetorical_a in_o his_o harangue_n on_o this_o argument_n and_o transcribe_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a writer_n to_o show_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o manifold_a aggravation_n of_o scandal_n which_o every_o one_o will_v grant_v he_o to_o be_v very_o good_a when_o right_o apply_v but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guilty_a of_o give_v offend_v to_o the_o dissenter_n in_o that_o sense_n in_o which_o st._n paul_n and_o other_o ancient_a writer_n mean_v it_o and_o if_o our_o reconciler_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v find_v enough_o in_o st._n paul_n argument_n to_o have_v convince_v he_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o case_n very_o different_a from_o we_o which_o because_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o overlook_v i_o shall_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o mind_v he_o of_o it_o now_o i_o take_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o jew_n by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n be_v because_o their_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v of_o no_o concernment_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n for_o when_o we_o discourse_v of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a inquiry_n be_v of_o what_o moment_n and_o consequence_n the_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o exercise_v our_o charity_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v nor_o leave_v undo_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o any_o man_n whatever_o offence_n be_v take_v at_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o charitable_a condescension_n and_o compliance_n than_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n against_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n be_v very_o seasonable_o and_o proper_o urge_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o as_o will_v appear_v from_o consider_v the_o series_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o 13_o verse_n he_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o their_o brother_n way_n and_o to_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n he_o add_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a that_o be_v all_o distinction_n of_o
meat_n be_v perfect_o take_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o may_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v just_a as_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o great_a breach_n of_o charity_n to_o eat_v with_o offence_n to_o destroy_v our_o brother_n with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v 15_o 16_o v._n which_o may_v just_o cause_v our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o valuable_a thing_n in_o it_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o condemn_v on_o all_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v use_v so_o uncharitable_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o v_o 16._o and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v our_o charity_n it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v and_o perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n which_o we_o will_v do_v so_o neither_o be_v religion_n concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n indeed_o be_v concern_v in_o thedispute_n about_o the_o lawfulnessof_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a convert_v to_o renounce_v this_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v they_o but_o bare_a eat_n or_o not_o eat_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o opinion_n about_o it_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v neither_o the_o better_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v eat_v nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 17._o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v no_o law_n about_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o diet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o eat_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o liberty_n of_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o act_n of_o eat_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o though_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o direct_a and_o positive_a command_n about_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o duty_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n consist_v which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v a_o collateral_a restraint_n upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o deal_v kind_o and_o compassionate_o with_o our_o fellow-christians_a to_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o delight_n which_o christian_n brethren_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o each_o other_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o the_o joint_a worship_n of_o their_o common_a father_n and_o saviour_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o please_v to_o our_o great_a master_n and_o have_v so_o much_o natural_a goodness_n as_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o man_n 18._o for_o 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 and_o therefore_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v this_o rule_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o give_v we_o free_a leave_n to_o eat_v of_o every_o thing_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o company_n to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v former_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o since_o we_o know_v that_o to_o do_v so_o gives_z great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a jew_n without_o serve_v any_o end_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o essential_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n unity_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a edification_n let_v we_o not_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n as_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o though_o no_o meat_n be_v now_o unclean_a but_o all_o thing_n all_o kind_n of_o diet_n be_v now_o pure_a and_o lawful_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n by_o his_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o his_o weak_a brother_n think_v unclean_a to_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o he_o it_o be_v good_a much_o better_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a discourage_v in_o his_o christian_a course_n and_o tempt_v to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o beside_o this_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o in_o our_o choice_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o require_v either_o and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o not_o eat_v be_v in_o itself_o consider_v of_o any_o concernment_n to_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n at_o all_o to_o thy_o christian_a liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o brother_n have_v thou_o faith_n do_v thou_o believe_v thou_o may_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o meat_n believe_v so_o still_o and_o use_v this_o liberty_n private_o when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o offence_n but_o thou_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o publish_v this_o belief_n nor_o of_o act_v according_a to_o it_o in_o all_o company_n but_o have_v this_o faith_n to_o thyself_o before_o god_n this_o faith_n make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v but_o then_o thou_o must_v take_v great_a care_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o become_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o be_v thou_o must_v not_o eat_v how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o with_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o thy_o weak_a brother_n which_o make_v it_o very_o unlawful_a happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v who_o do_v not_o do_v a_o good_a action_n in_o so_o ill_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o bring_v condemnation_n upon_o himself_o but_o then_o as_o thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v do_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o eat_v nor_o lawful_a in_o all_o circumstance_n when_o it_o be_v do_v with_o offence_n and_o scandal_n so_o much_o less_o do_v thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thy_o weak_a brother_n to_o eat_v for_o if_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o doubt_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o still_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o he_o notwithstanding_o this_o eat_v such_o forbid_a meat_n he_o be_v damn_v self-condemned_n by_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n do_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o cenâ—ure_n and_o reproach_v thy_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o case_n but_o to_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o avoid_v give_v he_o any_o scandal_n or_o offence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_v in_o this_o place_n to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v by_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o contain_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a determination_n of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o review_v and_o inquire_v how_o applicable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n can_v be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o forbid_v offer_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o exercise_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
and_o unity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o they_o may_v entertain_v and_o multiply_v such_o dispute_n for_o ever_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v now_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v always_o reason_n to_o suppress_v those_o scruple_n which_o cannot_v be_v cure_v or_o outwear_v by_o time_n when_o indulgence_n will_v not_o cure_v the_o disease_n nor_o time_n remove_v it_o it_o must_v be_v stifle_v and_o suppress_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n whether_o our_o reconciler_n will_v think_v this_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o his_o four_o chapter_n i_o can_v tell_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o do_v chap._n vi_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n or_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n so_o particular_o answer_v our_o reconciler_n argument_n take_v as_o he_o pretend_v from_o that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o in_o that_o great_a dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o seem_v little_a occasion_n to_o answer_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n may_v do_v from_o the_o principle_n already_o lay_v down_o but_o that_o our_o reconciler_n may_v not_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v not_o answer_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o needless_a answer_n if_o my_o reader_n will_v be_v please_v to_o pardon_v it_o his_o first_o argument_n be_v from_o st._n paul_n discourse_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 122._o where_o he_o condemn_v the_o corinthian_n because_o they_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o minister_v scandal_n to_o the_o heathen_n and_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o christian_n be_v covetous_a contentious_a and_o prone_a to_o injure_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n since_o therefore_o our_o contention_n about_o these_o lesser_a matter_n do_v minister_v far_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o atheist_n the_o sceptic_a etc._n etc._n our_o governor_n shall_v rather_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v restrain_v a_o little_a and_o even_o injure_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o just_a power_n about_o thing_n unnecessary_a than_o by_o their_o stiffness_n to_o assert_v and_o to_o exert_v it_o to_o continue_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o so_o great_a a_o scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a argument_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o christian_n must_v not_o go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_a judge_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v the_o argument_n be_v good_a because_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n let_v we_o then_o suppose_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v make_v these_o two_o case_n parallel_v it_o must_v be_v thus_o to_o go_v to_o law_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v avoid_v to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o church-governor_n must_v not_o exercise_v this_o authority_n will_v our_o reconciler_n now_o stand_v to_o this_o proposition_n no_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v scandalous_a but_o the_o contention_n about_o such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o governor_n must_v not_o insist_v on_o their_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v they_o but_o now_o this_o way_n of_o state_v it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o case_n parallel_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v argue_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_a judge_n because_o it_o be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o christian_a profession_n to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o reconciler_n will_v make_v a_o parallel_a case_n he_o must_v instance_n only_o in_o something_o which_o be_v scandalous_a and_o then_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n he_o may_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v also_o but_o neither_o the_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n nor_o the_o prudent_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v prove_v this_o to_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n but_o contention_n indeed_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n whatever_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o therefore_o all_o scandalous_a contention_n be_v forbid_v as_o all_o scandalous_a go_v to_o law_n be_v for_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n tell_v they_o there_o be_v utter_o a_o fault_n among_o you_o because_o you_o go_v to_o law_n one_o with_o another_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v go_v to_o law_n as_o that_o signify_v use_v some_o fair_a and_o lawful_a mean_n of_o right_v ourselves_o when_o we_o suffer_v wrong_v even_o from_o our_o christian_a brethren_n but_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unbeliever_n or_o heathen_a magistrate_n for_o he_o require_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v their_o cause_n hear_v and_o try_v before_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v either_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n who_o by_o joint_a consent_n they_o shall_v make_v judge_n and_o arbitrator_n among_o they_o but_o to_o go_v to_o law_n in_o those_o day_n do_v proper_o signify_v to_o implead_v one_o another_o before_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o magistrate_n at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v any_o legal_a authority_n and_o this_o go_n to_o law_n be_v scandalous_a thus_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v only_o that_o contention_n which_o be_v scandalous_a that_o can_v be_v forbid_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n in_o order_v the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o for_o private_a christian_n to_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n though_o with_o some_o vehemence_n and_o earnestness_n be_v not_o scandalous_a for_o it_o be_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o to_o contend_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a scandalous_a contention_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o duty_n which_o private_a christian_n owe_v to_o their_o superior_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o scandal_n be_v give_v by_o such_o contention_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o scandalous_a contender_n that_o be_v to_o the_o dissenter_n who_o scandalous_o oppose_v the_o authority_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o our_o reconciler_n ought_v to_o have_v reprove_v the_o dissenter_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o leave_v off_o their_o scandalous_a contention_n not_o to_o lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n which_o these_o man_n so_o scandalous_o oppose_v as_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o very_a place_n turn_v the_o edge_n of_o his_o reproof_n against_o those_o who_o do_v the_o wrong_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o scandalous_a contention_n you_o do_v wrong_a and_o defraud_v and_o that_o your_o brethren_n contention_n either_o about_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o scandalous_a but_o be_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n not_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n not_o to_o oppose_v heresy_n and_o schism_n because_o these_o dispute_n represent_v christianity_n as_o a_o very_a uncertain_a thing_n and_o give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n then_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n do_v very_o ill_a to_o meet_v in_o such_o frequent_a council_n to_o condemn_v arianism_n and_o other_o pestilent_a heresy_n where_o there_o be_v a_o scandal_n only_o on_o one_o side_n and_o contention_n be_v the_o only_a scandal_n this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n against_o such_o contentious_a dispute_n but_o when_o it_o be_v more_o scandalous_a to_o suffer_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n to_o see_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n despise_v to_o permit_v any_o indecency_n and_o disorder_n different_a custom_n and_o practice_n in_o christian_a worship_n than_o it_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o order_n and_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o contend_v for_o these_o thing_n the_o only_a scandalous_a contention_n be_v to_o contend_v against_o they_o his_o second_o argument_n 2._o which_o he_o draw_v out_o to_o a_o great_a length_n 123._o be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n grant_v it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o touch_v a_o wife_n
church_n and_o state_n it_o will_v necessary_o occasion_v very_o great_a inconvenience_n well_o but_o we_o must_v not_o set_v these_o little_a thing_n in_o competition_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o love_n and_o peace_n no_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v but_o do_v our_o reconciler_n know_v what_o a_o competition_n between_o two_o law_n mean_n i_o know_v but_o of_o two_o way_n that_o this_o can_v happen_v either_o when_o they_o contradict_v each_o each_o other_o or_o be_v so_o contrary_a in_o their_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v both_o observe_v or_o when_o there_o be_v a_o competition_n of_o time_n that_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o we_o can_v observe_v both_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o when_o we_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n go_v to_o church_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o attend_v a_o sick_a father_n or_o friend_n in_o which_o case_n our_o saviour_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n bâ—foâ—e_a sacrifice_n but_o now_o upon_o neither_o of_o these_o account_n can_v there_o be_v any_o competition_n pretend_v between_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o edification_n for_o can_v man_n observe_v the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o external_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o love_v one_o another_o and_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n indeed_o can_v there_o be_v a_o better_a mean_n to_o preserve_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n and_o to_o promote_v mutual_a edification_n than_o a_o uniformity_n in_o religious_a worship_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o breed_v great_a dissension_n and_o emulation_n and_o envy_n among_o christian_n than_o different_a and_o contrary_a modes_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n between_o the_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_n and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n why_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o command_v both_o though_o the_o particular_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v small_a thing_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n do_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o these_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o quarrel_n at_o they_o and_o divide_v the_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o if_o these_o controvert_v ceremony_n be_v remove_v love_n and_o unity_n will_v be_v restore_v among_o we_o now_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a which_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v not_o to_o be_v true_a what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o if_o they_o impose_v nothing_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n than_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o itself_o consider_v can_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o great_a gospel-duty_n for_o if_o what_o we_o command_v be_v consistent_a with_o love_n and_o unity_n than_o the_o command_n otherwise_o call_v the_o imposition_n must_v be_v so_o too_o it_o be_v not_o the_o command_n or_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o love_n and_o unity_n but_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n to_o such_o lawful_a command_n which_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o governor_n but_o of_o the_o subject_n not_o of_o those_o who_o command_n but_o of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v and_o therefore_o these_o be_v argument_n proper_a to_o be_v urge_v against_o dissenter_n but_o not_o against_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o give_v you_o a_o familiar_a instance_n of_o this_o a_o master_n command_v his_o servant_n to_o put_v on_o a_o clean_a band_n to_o wait_v at_o table_n the_o servant_n refuse_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o this_o the_o whole_a family_n be_v divide_v some_o take_v part_n with_o the_o master_n other_o with_o the_o servant_n in_o step_n a_o reconciler_n and_o tell_v the_o master_n he_o do_v very_o ill_a to_o cause_v such_o division_n in_o his_o family_n that_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v more_o considerable_a duty_n than_o a_o servant_n wear_v a_o clean_a band_n which_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o pray_v sir_n say_v the_o master_n preach_v this_o doctrine_n to_o my_o servant_n and_o not_o to_o i_o i_o have_v command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o i_o will_v have_v it_o do_v or_o he_o and_o all_o his_o partner_n shall_v turn_v out_o oâ—_n my_o family_n now_o let_v one_o who_o be_v a_o master_n judge_v whether_o the_o master_n or_o the_o reconciler_n be_v in_o the_o right_n the_o breach_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n though_o it_o be_v the_o consequent_a which_o our_o reconciler_n i_o perceive_v can_v distinguish_v of_o the_o command_n or_o imposition_n but_o of_o the_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o command_n be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a can_v be_v charge_v upon_o he_o who_o command_v but_o upon_o he_o who_o disobey_v but_o beside_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o christian_a love_n church-unity_n and_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o kind_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o each_o other_o upon_o other_o account_n man_n do_v not_o love_v like_o christian_n who_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o edification_n out_o of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o unite_n man_n in_o one_o communion_n but_o by_o a_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n then_o to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o christian_a love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v man_n who_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o different_a manner_n must_v and_o will_v worship_v in_o different_a place_n too_o and_o in_o distinct_a communion_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o injunction_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n will_v never_o consent_v in_o any_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v multiply_v schism_n but_o can_v cure_v they_o this_o be_v all_o perfect_a demonstration_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o late_a confusion_n when_o the_o pull_n down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o lessen_v our_o division_n but_o increase_v they_o but_o our_o reconciler_n confirm_v this_o argument_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o such_o little_a thing_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v the_o violation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v prescribe_v about_o it_o upon_o account_n of_o lesser_a moment_n than_o these_o be_v 170._o he_o instance_n in_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n which_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o wilderness_n because_o this_o will_v hinder_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o camp_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o first_o month_n and_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o month_n but_o god_n express_o provide_v that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v unclean_a or_o in_o a_o journey_n far_o off_o at_o that_o time_n they_o shall_v observe_v it_o on_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o second_o month_n in_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n which_o admit_v of_o work_n of_o necessity_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v never_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o that_o law_n nor_o intend_v to_o be_v now_o be_v not_o these_o admirable_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o his_o law_n but_o that_o upon_o some_o account_n he_o will_v permit_v the_o violation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v prescribe_v when_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o do_v so_o as_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n have_v give_v express_a order_n about_o it_o otherwise_o moses_n who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n and_o a_o punctual_a observer_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o statute_n will_v never_o have_v neglect_v it_o and_o this_o i_o may_v say_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o our_o reconciler_n can_v produce_v for_o god_n permission_n of_o it_o without_o a_o express_a order_n and_o somewhat_o more_o as_o for_o the_o passover_n let_v our_o reconciler_n consider_v again_o whether_o the_o observation_n of_o
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
this_o i_o must_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o examine_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o receive_v the_o weak_a for_o though_o our_o reconciler_n and_o i_o agree_v that_o this_o signify_v to_o receive_v to_o communion_n yet_o i_o find_v we_o differ_v very_o much_o about_o that_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v to_o communion_n 83._o as_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o long_a paragraph_n wherein_o he_o oppose_v dr._n falkner_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o very_a perfection_n and_o quintessence_n of_o gibberish_n by_o receive_v one_o another_o i_o understand_v own_v each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n i._n e._n of_o the_o same_o christian_a communion_n a_o necessary_a consequence_n or_o duty_n of_o which_o be_v actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o in_o all_o act_n of_o christian_a worship_n or_o as_o dr._n falkner_n express_v it_o in_o other_o word_n 437._o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v own_v and_o judge_v as_o christian_n notwithstanding_o these_o different_a observation_n he_o forbid_v the_o weak_a jew_n to_o condemn_v the_o other_o jew_n or_o gentile_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o possess_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o they_o observe_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o prohibit_v those_o other_o from_o despise_v or_o disow_v these_o weak_a jew_n as_o not_o have_v embrace_v christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o 3._o signify_v here_o so_o to_o despise_v as_o withal_o to_o reject_v and_o disclaim_v as_o mark_v 9.12_o acts._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 1.28_o because_o they_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o judaism_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o if_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o will_v apply_v this_o to_o any_o other_o case_n it_o must_v be_v to_o condemn_v they_o who_o press_v their_o own_o practice_n or_o judgement_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a as_o be_v the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n and_o thereupon_o do_v undertake_v to_o censure_v all_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o such_o lesser_a thing_n as_o have_v no_o true_a religion_n or_o inward_a relation_n to_o or_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o live_v never_o so_o conscientious_o and_o act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n they_o can_v attain_v what_o now_o have_v our_o reconciler_n to_o say_v to_o this_o why_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o receive_v they_o to_o own_v they_o for_o christian_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o as_o they_o ought_v actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o why_o he_o say_v this_o be_v tacit_o presume_v in_o all_o the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o without_o that_o concession_n they_o be_v not_o cogent_a and_o of_o this_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o which_o both_o party_n be_v endow_v be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n and_o that_o because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o he_o do_v not_o only_o forbid_v the_o strong_a to_o disow_v these_o weak_a person_n as_o not_o have_v embrace_v christ_n for_o they_o who_o thus_o conceive_v most_o suitable_o unto_o that_o principle_n deny_v what_o the_o apostle_n here_o assert_n of_o these_o weak_a person_n viz._n that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o that_o they_o be_v christian_a brethren_n or_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o so_o all_o the_o apostle_n argument_n must_v be_v to_o man_n of_o such_o opinion_n weak_a and_o unconcluding_a but_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o christian_a fellowship_n or_o shall_v admit_v they_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o god_n do_v with_o he_o and_o have_v repeat_v over_o the_o same_o thing_n again_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n he_o conclude_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n plain_o be_v to_o condemn_v those_o person_n who_o for_o these_o thing_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o despise_v judge_n and_o refuse_v communion_n with_o those_o who_o differ_v thus_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n from_o they_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n do_v own_o each_o other_o to_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o that_o one_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o but_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v a_o pique_n against_o each_o other_o for_o these_o different_a custom_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v each_o other_o to_o actual_a communion_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o hinder_v this_o actual_a communion_n but_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v no_o hindrance_n at_o all_o since_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o those_o who_o observe_v it_o and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o be_v both_o of_o they_o very_o good_a christian_n which_o be_v so_o ridiculous_a a_o comment_n upon_o the_o text_n that_o i_o can_v wish_v it_o have_v be_v spare_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o protestant_a reconciler_n but_o the_o only_a way_n to_o end_v this_o dispute_n be_v by_o consider_v the_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o jew_n do_v look_v upon_o all_o person_n as_o unclean_a who_o be_v not_o circumcise_v and_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n for_o which_o reason_n god_n instruct_v peter_n by_o a_o vision_n not_o to_o call_v any_o man_n common_a or_o unclean_a 10._o and_o the_o believe_a jew_n retain_v the_o same_o apprehension_n even_o of_o the_o believe_a gentile_n after_o this_o matter_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o contest_v between_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n at_o antioch_n which_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v after_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n 12._o the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v about_o the_o law_n be_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o the_o jew_n teach_v the_o brethren_n at_o antioch_n 1._o except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v which_o occasion_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o jew_n at_o rome_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n do_v believe_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o prove_v justification_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n now_o man_n of_o such_o persuasion_n as_o these_o can_v not_o believe_v the_o gentile_n to_o be_v perfect_a christian_n because_o they_o reject_v something_o which_o ch_z they_o think_v as_o essential_a as_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o christianity_n viz._n circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o be_v incorporate_v by_o circumcision_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o reject_v they_o from_o their_o communion_n as_o for_o the_o gentile_n though_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o they_o ever_o reject_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o observe_v the_o law_n yet_o this_o chapter_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v very_o near_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a seem_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_a believer_n who_o be_v most_o numerous_a and_o prevalent_a at_o rome_n to_o receive_v the_o jewish_a christian_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o not_o to_o despise_v the_o weak_a not_o to_o reject_v they_o out_o of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o such_o imperfect_a christian_n as_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v still_o more_o the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n than_o of_o christ._n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v apt_a to_o reject_v each_o other_o from_o communion_n be_v because_o those_o who_o do_v so_o have_v no_o opinion_n of_o each_o other_o christianity_n for_o it_o be_v both_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o those_o time_n and_o absurd_a in_o itself_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v one_o another_o to_o be_v goodchristians_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o christian_a communion_n upon_o such_o dispute_v as_o do_v neither_o hinder_v their_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o nor_o prejudice_v their_o christianity_n which_o be_v as_o humoursome_a a_o schism_n as_o dissenter_n themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o such_o as_o there_o be_v no_o example_n of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n 84._o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o
dr._n falkner_n do_v imagine_v that_o be_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o weak_a he_o mean_v they_o shall_v own_v they_o for_o christian_a brethren_n and_o as_o such_o shall_v receive_v they_o to_o communion_n see_v the_o schismatic_a be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n without_o that_o catholic_n church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n can_v be_v have_v since_o therefore_o we_o do_v censure_v he_o as_o one_o who_o have_v no_o inward_a relation_n to_o or_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o relation_n to_o his_o body_n since_o we_o do_v think_v he_o worthy_a of_o exclusion_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v escape_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v be_v the_o design_n of_o it_o that_o only_a which_o he_o do_v imagine_v as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o any_o person_n as_o want_v something_o essential_a to_o christianity_n and_o so_o have_v no_o right_a to_o church-communion_n and_o to_o â—hut_v those_o man_n out_o of_o our_o communion_n who_o be_v disorderly_a in_o it_o or_o separate_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o or_o be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o cast_v disorderly_a and_o irregular_a christian_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o communion_n the_o first_o make_v the_o dispute_n upon_o which_o we_o part_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o christianity_n as_o the_o doctor_n well_o observe_v the_o second_o proceed_v only_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o those_o who_o will_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n establish_v in_o it_o which_o may_v instruct_v our_o reconciler_n in_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o the_o church_n reject_v those_o from_o her_o communion_n 79._o who_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o her_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v parallel_a case_n and_o as_o for_o the_o reason_n he_o assign_v why_o the_o apostle_n can_v by_o receive_v mean_a that_o they_o shall_v own_v each_o other_o as_o christian_a brethren_n because_o the_o argument_n he_o use_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o do_v own_o each_o other_o as_o christian_n be_v plain_o false_a for_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v each_o other_o and_o to_o own_o one_o another_o for_o christian_a brethren_n because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o because_o he_o own_v they_o for_o christian_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n receive_v the_o weak_a jew_n with_o all_o his_o weakness_n and_o the_o irregular_a gentile_n as_o they_o judge_v they_o with_o all_o their_o irregularity_n certain_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n ought_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o but_o this_o will_v better_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o show_v how_o peculiar_a they_o be_v to_o that_o case_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n now_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n which_o st._n paul_n use_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o by_o apply_v all_o the_o argument_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o concern_v christian_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n and_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o his_o first_o argument_n be_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o 7._o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o what_o be_v more_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o st._n peter_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o cornelius_n and_o those_o who_o be_v with_o he_o all_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n while_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o which_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o god_n receive_v they_o even_o in_o their_o uncircumcision_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o deny_v water-baptism_n when_o god_n have_v already_o baptize_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n who_o declare_v what_o wonder_v god_n have_v wrought_v among_o the_o gentile_n by_o they_o and_o the_o same_o argument_n serve_v for_o the_o circumcise_a jew_n who_o still_o observe_v the_o law_n that_o god_n have_v own_v they_o also_o by_o bestow_v his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n on_o they_o now_o if_o either_o circumcision_n or_o uncircumcision_n have_v signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n god_n will_v not_o have_v indifferent_o bestow_v his_o spirit_n upon_o believe_v but_o circumcise_a jew_n and_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n by_o send_v his_o spirit_n on_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v in_o such_o a_o visible_a manner_n god_n do_v evident_o declare_v that_o both_o circumcise_a jew_n and_o the_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v here_o call_v god_n receive_v they_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n own_o all_o those_o for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n on_o who_o he_o bestow_v such_o visible_a gift_n but_o how_o do_v this_o concern_v our_o dissenter_n yes_o say_v our_o reconciler_n it_o rational_o follow_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n with_o we_o 85._o who_o will_v not_o by_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v who_o god_n have_v in_o such_o a_o visible_a and_o miraculous_a manner_n receive_v into_o communion_n and_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v determine_v this_o controversy_n about_o ceremony_n in_o as_o visible_a a_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o dispute_n about_o circumcision_n he_o will_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v all_o a_o mistake_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n for_o i_o know_v no_o way_n of_o judge_v whether_o any_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o as_o for_o any_o communion_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v invisible_a certain_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o can_v see_v only_o what_o be_v visible_a be_v not_o concern_v about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o church_n communion_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o his_o church_n by_o the_o visible_a gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v external_a and_o visible_a communion_n to_o each_o other_o since_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o both_o not_o mere_o into_o a_o invisible_a communion_n with_o himself_o but_o into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o all_o act_n of_o church-communion_n and_o from_o hence_o our_o reconciler_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v alter_v her_o constitution_n to_o receive_v those_o dissenter_n into_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o she_o because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shut_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o yes_o say_v the_o reconciler_n 86._o the_o plain_a result_n of_o this_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o either_o we_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n may_v judge_v of_o all_o dissenter_n that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o communion_n by_o god_n and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o a_o pack_n of_o damn_a hypocrite_n worthy_a to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v under_o a_o severe_a anathema_n or_o if_o we_o can_v charitable_o judge_v so_o hardly_o of_o they_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v they_o into_o communion_n with_o we_o notwithstanding_o their_o different_a conception_n and_o practice_n about_o lesser_a matter_n but_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o of_o a_o visible_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o god_n receive_v they_o from_o the_o visible_a sign_n and_o effect_n
be_v say_v to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v to_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o in_o such_o case_n where_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a positive_a law_n or_o a_o divine_a indulgence_n permission_n or_o liberty_n on_o both_o side_n which_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o have_v no_o parallel_n that_o i_o know_v of_o our_o dissenter_n indeed_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o justify_v their_o nonobservance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n for_o put_v our_o saviour_n to_o death_n so_o do_v all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o even_a rebel_n themselves_o and_o if_o the_o government_n must_v take_v notice_n of_o every_o foolish_a reasoner_n who_o pretend_v scripture_n it_o be_v in_o as_o ill_a a_o case_n as_o if_o every_o unscriptural_a dream_n and_o fancy_n must_v pass_v for_o a_o oracle_n this_o will_v make_v no_o difference_n before_o god_n whether_o man_n pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n or_o follow_v the_o wild_a enthusiasm_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o governor_n have_v to_o make_v a_o difference_n neither_o by_o these_o argument_n st._n paul_n persuade_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n at_o rome_n notwithstanding_o their_o dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o they_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o this_o purpose_n but_o can_v by_o no_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n as_o i_o hope_v abundant_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v second_o the_o apostle_n by_o these_o argument_n have_v persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o christian_a communion_n proceed_v to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a convert_v or_o those_o strong_a jewish_a christian_n who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n not_o to_o give_v any_o needless_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n 13._o from_o v_o 13._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n these_o two_o to_o receive_v into_o communion_n and_o not_o to_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n though_o our_o reconciler_n make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o state_n this_o matter_n also_o and_o show_v how_o remote_a it_o be_v from_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o the_o scandal_n which_o he_o suppose_v the_o church_n give_v to_o the_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o by_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o they_o or_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a she_o tempt_v they_o to_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o rather_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n than_o to_o submit_v to_o such_o unscriptural_a imposition_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o that_o scandal_n be_v of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v and_o by_o what_o argument_n he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o it_o and_o how_o â—ar_v it_o be_v applicable_a to_o our_o case_n 1._o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o this_o scandal_n be_v 2._o by_o what_o argument_n he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n first_o what_o this_o scandal_n be_v now_o the_o person_n who_o be_v scandalize_v be_v the_o weak_a that_o which_o give_v this_o scandal_n to_o they_o be_v as_o they_o apprehend_v a_o open_a contempt_n and_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n the_o danger_n of_o this_o scandal_n be_v lest_o it_o shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v christianity_n let_v we_o then_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n 1._o the_o weak_a jew_n be_v scandalize_v and_o offend_v so_o far_o you_o will_v say_v the_o parallel_n hold_v good_a for_o whatever_o the_o dissenter_n think_v of_o themselves_o i_o suppose_v the_o church_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o sort_n of_o weak_a christian_n and_o it_o be_v not_o what_o they_o think_v but_o what_o they_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n for_o these_o jew_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o weak_a no_o more_o than_o our_o dissenter_n do_v and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v weak_a and_o require_v the_o strong_a to_o treat_v they_o as_o weak_a brethren_n so_o far_o i_o agree_v but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o this_o weakness_n be_v for_o all_o weakness_n be_v not_o alike_o nor_o equal_o the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n some_o man_n be_v weak_a because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v instruct_v other_o be_v weak_a out_o of_o prejudice_n and_o some_o vicious_a inclination_n some_o weakness_n be_v to_o be_v chastise_v and_o correct_v not_o indulge_v and_o therefore_o because_o st._n paul_n require_v they_o not_o to_o offend_v the_o weak_a jew_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n must_v use_v the_o same_o indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a dissenter_n unless_o their_o weakness_n be_v alike_o pityable_a now_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o though_o they_o have_v embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v out_o of_o date_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o that_o law_n nor_o omit_v do_v what_o the_o law_n command_v nor_o can_v they_o endure_v to_o see_v other_o do_v so_o so_o that_o their_o weakness_n consist_v in_o a_o profound_a reverence_n for_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n which_o all_o man_n agree_v be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o repeal_v in_o so_o visible_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o satiâ—fie_v the_o believe_a jew_n that_o it_o be_v repeal_v now_o this_o be_v a_o very_a favourable_a case_n so_o favourable_a that_o god_n himself_o still_o indulge_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o law_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o the_o strong_a christian_n shall_v avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n but_o now_o this_o be_v such_o a_o case_n as_o never_o be_v before_o and_o never_o can_v be_v again_o our_o dissenter_n may_v be_v weak_a but_o not_o weak_a as_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n which_o ever_o do_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o they_o condemn_v and_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v the_o same_o pretence_n to_o indulge_v those_o who_o foolish_o reason_n themselves_o into_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n as_o there_o be_v to_o indulge_v those_o who_o can_v produce_v a_o plain_a positive_a law_n to_o justify_v their_o dissent_n the_o case_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o st._n paul_n who_o plead_v for_o such_o charity_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n will_v himself_o have_v censure_v our_o dissenter_n for_o both_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o private_a christian_n be_v in_o a_o ill_a state_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o humour_v those_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o man_n ignorance_n folly_n interest_n prejudice_n or_o unteachable_a and_o refractory_a disposition_n 2._o these_o weak_a jew_n take_v offence_n at_o the_o open_a violation_n of_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o gentile_a christian_n do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o act_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o it_o now_o this_o be_v a_o just_a matter_n of_o offence_n to_o the_o jew_n while_o he_o retain_v such_o a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o at_o least_o he_o have_v some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a the_o strong_a christian_a in_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v as_o our_o reconciler_n infer_v that_o the_o scandal_n the_o weak_a christian_a take_v at_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o strong_a 77._o who_o use_v his_o christian_a liberty_n in_o eat_v these_o thing_n be_v scandalum_fw-la acceptum_fw-la non_fw-la datum_fw-la scandal_n receive_v but_o not_o give_v the_o action_n be_v such_o as_o the_o weak_a christian_n can_v not_o just_o be_v offend_v at_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_a have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o this_o as_o he_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o his_o offence_n no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o give_v offence_n or_o scandal_n who_o do_v
not_o break_v some_o divine_a law_n this_o be_v the_o offence_n the_o jew_n take_v that_o the_o gentile_n do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o be_v the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o man_n may_v be_v culpable_o charge_v with_o give_v offence_n without_o sin_v against_o any_o law_n the_o gentile_n do_v break_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n indeed_o but_o that_o law_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o innocent_a in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o law_n be_v repeal_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o contempt_n of_o that_o law_n &_o their_o offence_n be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o it_o make_v it_o a_o great_a fault_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o offer_v this_o offence_n to_o they_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o dissenter_n what_o law_n condemn_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n our_o reconciler_n i_o suppose_v will_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n or_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o law_n and_o therefore_o we_o offer_v no_o offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o they_o for_o we_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o either_o be_v now_o or_o ever_o be_v in_o force_n against_o our_o ceremony_n this_o one_o observation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n give_v where_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a law_n break_v will_v clear_v up_o that_o perplex_a doctrine_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o most_o man_n and_o make_v it_o intelligible_a to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o yet_o this_o criminal_a give_v of_o offence_n be_v never_o apply_v in_o scripture_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n i_o meet_v with_o but_o two_o notion_n of_o give_v offence_n in_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v to_o offend_v by_o contempt_n and_o ill_a usage_n or_o persecution_n in_o which_o sense_n our_o saviour_n warn_v we_o against_o offend_v any_o of_o those_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o 10._o which_o he_o call_v also_o despise_v of_o they_o that_o be_v treat_v they_o ignominious_o and_o reproachful_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o discourage_v man_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n but_o this_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a dispute_n unless_o the_o reconciler_n will_v call_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o censure_n against_o dissenter_n despise_v thâ—m_n and_o give_v they_o offence_n the_o second_o be_v when_o we_o offend_v man_n by_o our_o example_n by_o do_v something_o which_o prove_v a_o snare_n and_o stumbling-block_n and_o scandal_n to_o they_o now_o this_o be_v never_o apply_v to_o any_o action_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o some_o divine_a law_n which_o either_o be_v in_o force_n or_o be_v reasonable_o presume_v to_o be_v in_o force_n by_o those_o who_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o thus_o the_o jew_n take_v offence_n at_o the_o gentile_a christian_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o know_v be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v repeal_v which_o be_v the_o case_n the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o in_o this_o 14_o rom._n another_o case_n like_o this_o be_v concern_v eat_a thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n ch_n which_o be_v against_o a_o express_a law_n which_o forbid_v all_o idolatry_n or_o communicate_v with_o devil_n as_o those_o do_v who_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o be_v express_o forbid_v the_o gentile_a convert_v by_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n at_o jerusalem_n 29._o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n this_o law_n some_o expound_v not_o only_o to_o forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n and_o to_o feast_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v there_o offer_v to_o the_o idol_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o act_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o to_o forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o any_o meat_n which_o have_v once_o be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n though_o it_o be_v carry_v from_o the_o temple_n and_o sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o eat_v in_o private_a house_n at_o a_o friendly_a entertainment_n without_o any_o relation_n to_o the_o idol_n st._n paul_n indeed_o determine_v this_o controversy_n that_o this_o law_n to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n do_v only_o forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n and_o to_o feast_v on_o their_o idolatrous_a sacrifice_n but_o if_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v meat_n in_o the_o shambles_n or_o to_o eat_v at_o any_o private_a house_n they_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o inquire_v whether_o that_o meat_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n or_o not_o but_o yet_o they_o ought_v in_o charity_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o scruple_n of_o other_o who_o suppose_v this_o prohibition_n to_o extend_v to_o eat_v any_o meat_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n wherever_o they_o eat_v it_o as_o well_o as_o eat_v at_o a_o idol_n temple_n and_o there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n and_o a_o reasonable_a scruple_n in_o the_o case_n they_o be_v oblige_v in_o charity_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o such_o suspicious_a meat_n now_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n not_o to_o offend_v nor_o scandalize_v our_o brethren_n by_o give_v they_o the_o least_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o our_o violation_n of_o any_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o god_n when_o the_o law_n be_v not_o imaginary_a but_o visible_a for_o these_o case_n have_v some_o equity_n in_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o can_v rare_o happen_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o great_a and_o burdensome_a restraint_n on_o our_o natural_a or_o christian_a liberty_n much_o less_o have_v any_o ill_a influence_n on_o public_a government_n but_o if_o we_o extend_v this_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n to_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o scruple_n it_o become_v both_o ridiculous_a and_o intolerable_a for_o then_o every_o humoursome_a and_o ignorant_a and_o conceit_a christian_n who_o can_v make_v law_n by_o consequence_n and_o can_v extract_v such_o law_n out_o of_o scripture_n as_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n never_o hear_v of_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o i_o what_o i_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v what_o clothes_n i_o shall_v wear_v what_o company_n i_o shall_v keep_v what_o law_n of_o church_n or_o state_n i_o shall_v observe_v nay_o shall_v give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n and_o repeal_v law_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n upon_o their_o superior_n which_o be_v the_o very_a design_n our_o reconciler_n pursue_v throughout_o his_o book_n to_o persuade_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o prescribe_v any_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o our_o dissenter_n though_o without_o any_o reason_n or_o without_o any_o law_n and_o true_o can_v he_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v as_o much_o admire_v their_o prudence_n as_o i_o do_v his_o charity_n 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o danger_n the_o apostle_n design_v to_o prevent_v in_o this_o what_o hurt_v their_o weak_a brother_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v by_o it_o 13._o now_o this_o he_o express_v by_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o brother_n way_n by_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v by_o his_o stumble_n and_o be_v offend_v and_o make_v weak_a which_o signify_v that_o these_o believe_a jew_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o take_v such_o offence_n at_o this_o liberty_n which_o the_o believe_a gentile_n so_o uncharitable_o use_v as_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o fall_v back_o again_o into_o judaisme_n and_o there_o be_v manifest_a reason_n for_o this_o fear_n for_o since_o they_o retain_v such_o a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o know_v be_v give_v by_o god_n it_o be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o they_o to_o suspect_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o a_o impostor_n when_o they_o see_v his_o disciple_n so_o notorious_o break_v this_o law_n and_o themselves_o deride_v and_o scorn_v for_o observe_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o determine_v against_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n by_o believe_v jew_n but_o excuse_v the_o gentile_n from_o it_o who_o be_v never_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n to_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o apostle_n in_o express_a term_n declare_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o jew_n believe_v to_o be_v eternal_a but_o it_o be_v a_o more_o plausible_a pretence_n that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v original_o give_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n shall_v not_o oblige_v the_o believe_a gentile_n but_o yet_o have_v the_o believe_a gentile_n not_o
of_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n the_o gentile_a christian_n who_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n which_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n be_v perfect_o at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o that_o law_n and_o this_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o no_o body_n be_v direct_o concern_v but_o themselves_o neither_o any_o other_o particular_a man_n except_v the_o case_n of_o scandal_n nor_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o any_o man_n what_o be_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whether_o i_o eat_v such_o meat_n or_o not_o when_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v either_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n for_o charity_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v exercise_v only_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v perfect_o in_o our_o power_n and_o therefore_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v lawful_o extend_v his_o charity_n any_o far_a than_o his_o own_o private_a liberty_n extend_v whatever_o other_o be_v concern_v in_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o especial_o whatever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v in_o be_v the_o object_n neither_o of_o private_a liberty_n nor_o of_o private_a charity_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o private_a christian._n and_o whether_o we_o say_v that_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v only_o particular_a christian_n or_o church-governor_n also_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o concern_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n now_o if_o any_o such_o case_n shall_v happen_v again_o which_o i_o think_v can_v possible_o be_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o private_a liberty_n in_o our_o diet_n or_o clothes_n or_o way_n of_o live_v we_o shall_v give_v such_o offence_n to_o weak_a christian_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o endanger_v their_o final_a apostasy_n this_o 14_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n will_v be_v a_o admirable_a text_n to_o preach_v on_o to_o correct_v such_o uncharitable_a abuse_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o use_n of_o decent_a but_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n concern_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n not_o every_o christian_n private_a liberty_n every_o instance_n of_o our_o private_a liberty_n may_v indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v call_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o that_o signify_v what_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v not_o do_v as_o we_o please_v but_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a as_o the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a for_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n and_o the_o particular_a rite_n of_o worship_n the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a prudence_n and_o authority_n and_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n this_o make_v in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n will_v appear_v from_o my_o second_o observation_n on_o st._n paul_n discourse_n which_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o this_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n must_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o religion_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o concern_v for_o by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n persuade_v they_o to_o this_o forbearance_n because_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n their_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o act_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v the_o charity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o give_v such_o great_a scandal_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n for_o thing_n in_o which_o religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v those_o who_o expound_v meat_n and_o drink_n in_o this_o place_n to_o signify_v all_o the_o external_o of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o all_o such_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n as_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a institution_n and_o command_n as_o our_o reconciler_n plain_o do_v do_v mighty_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n 59_o and_o affix_v such_o doctrine_n to_o he_o as_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unaccountable_a when_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n it_o plain_o signify_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o or_o such_o meat_n that_o no_o man_n be_v the_o better_a christian_a for_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o other_o prohibit_v meat_n nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n mere_o for_o not_o eat_v they_o no_o man_n question_n whether_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n signify_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v that_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o must_v mean_v not_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o dream_v of_o but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o no_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v to_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n how_o mean_a and_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v think_v can_v be_v comprehend_v under_o those_o general_a term_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n because_o this_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v no_o act_n nor_o part_n nor_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n nor_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v necessary_a to_o public_a worship_n now_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o exercise_v forbearance_n and_o condescension_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o matter_n by_o this_o very_a argument_n because_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o our_o reconciler_n will_v be_v a_o very_a wonderful_a man_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o we_o must_v exercise_v the_o same_o indulgence_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o do_v concern_v religious_a worship_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v indulge_v private_a christian_n in_o the_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o religious_a worship_n because_o private_a christian_n must_v indulge_v each_o other_o in_o such_o different_a practice_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o relate_v to_o religion_n i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o dispute_v more_o with_o he_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n able_a to_o make_v good_a the_o great_a paradox_n in_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o christian_n not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o nor_o to_o divide_v the_o unity_n or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o dispute_n as_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o religion_n for_o where_o it_o be_v pure_o matter_n of_o our_o own_o liberty_n there_o be_v room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o where_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v what_o we_o please_v in_o such_o matter_n nor_o to_o allow_v other_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v what_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v any_o such_o liberty_n which_o will_v effectual_o undermine_v all_o order_n decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n add_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v neither_o that_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n or_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v about_o as_o the_o reconciler_n understand_v it_o for_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o these_o but_o these_o be_v plain_a and_o acknowledge_v duty_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o violate_v a_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o be_v no_o duty_n at_o all_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n as_o
i_o observe_v before_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o in_o all_o such_o case_n wherein_o not_o religion_n but_o our_o own_o liberty_n be_v concern_v the_o great_a rule_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v be_v to_o promote_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o each_o other_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o now_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a rule_n which_o all_o man_n at_o first_o hear_v will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v reasonable_a not_o to_o violate_v the_o plain_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o contend_v about_o such_o liberty_n the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o which_o be_v of_o no_o account_n in_o religion_n not_o to_o scandalize_v a_o weak_a brother_n nor_o destroy_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o christian_n in_o love_n by_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o we_o may_v indeed_o in_o other_o case_n lawful_o eat_v but_o the_o eat_n of_o which_o be_v at_o no_o time_n and_o in_o no_o case_n in_o itself_o consider_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o if_o we_o understand_v these_o word_n in_o our_o reconciler_n way_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o account_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o dear_a interest_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o mutual_a edification_n i_o confess_v the_o argument_n be_v plain_a enough_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o to_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n nor_o be_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o reconciler_n and_o of_o those_o man_n who_o affect_v the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o moderation_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v little_a worth_n and_o of_o small_a account_n with_o god_n but_o the_o great_a business_n which_o christian_n ought_v to_o mind_n be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o moral_a virtue_n wherein_o they_o place_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o become_v they_o to_o quarrel_v about_o the_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o indulgence_n in_o such_o matter_n become_v the_o good_a and_o benign_a temper_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o know_v that_o god_n be_v so_o indifferent_a about_o his_o own_o worship_n i_o can_v guess_v nor_o how_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v a_o less_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n than_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a under_o the_o law_n god_n appear_v very_o jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n and_o though_o he_o reject_v all_o the_o worship_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o despise_v those_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o justice_n and_o charity_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o undervalue_v his_o own_o worship_n because_o he_o be_v not_o please_v with_o a_o empty_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o as_o for_o his_o prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n i_o have_v give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o already_o and_o may_v do_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v but_o certain_o religion_n be_v proper_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n in_o it_o and_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a honour_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o external_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o therefore_o the_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o worship_n without_o it_o for_o to_o worship_n god_n visible_o without_o public_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n after_o what_o manner_n god_n be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v leave_v indifferent_o to_o every_o man_n humour_n upon_o every_o slight_a pretence_n of_o charity_n and_o moderation_n however_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o this_o here_o which_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n 3._o this_o apostolical_a exhortation_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o such_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o to_o do_v that_o in_o public_a in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n which_o we_o believe_v we_o may_v very_o lawful_o &_o innocent_o do_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n that_o be_v keep_v thy_o faith_n to_o thyself_o and_o enjoy_v thy_o liberty_n private_o when_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o without_o offence_n now_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o think_v this_o a_o good_a rule_n in_o all_o case_n to_o dissemble_v our_o faith_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o religion_n to_o ourselves_o which_o will_v effectual_o undermine_v the_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o this_o be_v once_o grant_v man_n will_v find_v a_o great_a many_o other_o as_o good_a reason_n to_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o as_o avoid_v scandal_n indeed_o this_o rule_n can_v hold_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o private_a nature_n such_o as_o i_o before_o observe_v this_o case_n to_o be_v for_o matter_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n consist_v to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o exercise_v this_o forbearance_n towards_o their_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n not_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v they_o with_o their_o meat_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n which_o include_v these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o a_o public_a profession_n or_o exercise_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o these_o matter_n 2._o that_o though_o it_o be_v some_o restraint_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n to_o their_o liberty_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n public_o which_o give_v such_o offence_n for_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v maintain_v as_o well_o by_o a_o private_a as_o by_o a_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o may_v do_v it_o at_o any_o time_n their_o liberty_n be_v secure_a though_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o restrain_v but_o now_o if_o we_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n what_o sense_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argument_n for_o public_a worship_n must_v be_v public_o profess_v and_o public_o practise_v or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o public_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o place_n here_o to_o avoid_v public_a scandal_n by_o keep_v our_o faith_n to_o ourselves_o for_o than_o we_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n public_o as_o we_o think_v we_o may_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o only_o restrain_v but_o it_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o obedience_n of_o private_a christian_n for_o what_o relate_v to_o public_a worship_n can_v be_v do_v at_o all_o if_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v public_o and_o that_o be_v no_o authority_n and_o no_o liberty_n which_o can_v be_v exercise_v without_o sin_n that_o be_v without_o a_o criminal_a offence_n and_o scandal_n as_o for_o what_o our_o reconciler_n frequent_o urge_v and_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v renounce_v her_o authority_n and_o worship_n but_o only_o give_v liberty_n to_o dissenter_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o their_o own_o way_n this_o plain_o show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v and_o how_o little_a they_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o forbearance_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o jew_n be_v offend_v not_o at_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n for_o they_o be_v indulge_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o at_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o gentile_a believer_n use_v in_o break_v of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n our_o dissenter_n it_o seem_v be_v scandalize_v not_o so_o much_o at_o what_o we_o do_v as_o because_o they_o can_v do_v what_o they_o will_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v private_a christian_n not_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n public_o as_o offend_v their_o weak_a brethren_n this_o great_a reconcile_a apostle_n exhort_v or_o rather_o command_v the_o church_n to_o suffer_v dissenter_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o this_o will_v remove_v the_o
scandal_n now_o these_o two_o do_v so_o wide_o differ_v that_o the_o one_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a scandal_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o prove_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n of_o fall_v to_o he_o be_v scandal_n in_o the_o apostle_n notion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o only_a scandal_n of_o which_o he_o treat_v in_o this_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o thus_o it_o seem_v we_o do_v not_o scandalize_v the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v not_o offend_v in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n at_o what_o we_o do_v so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o own_o liberty_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o dissenter_n be_v concern_v in_o what_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n about_o scandal_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o as_o for_o that_o offence_n and_o scandal_n they_o take_v at_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o restrain_v their_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a pretence_n to_o liberty_n it_o be_v no_o other_o offence_n than_o what_o all_o criminal_n take_v at_o law_n and_o public_a government_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v such_o a_o scandal_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o avoid_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o religion_n than_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v think_v nothing_o impossible_a if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v out_o of_o this_o chapter_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v prescribe_v no_o rule_n of_o worship_n nor_o lay_v any_o restraint_n upon_o the_o giddy_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n of_o man_n for_o fear_v of_o give_v offence_n to_o they_o 4._o the_o last_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o represent_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o forbearance_n be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o gentile_a christian_n without_o sin_n or_o without_o any_o injury_n to_o their_o own_o liberty_n may_v comply_v with_o their_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n yet_o these_o jewish_a christian_n who_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v any_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n without_o sin_v against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o bring_v judgement_n and_o condemnation_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o that_o doubt_v which_o do_v not_o signify_v what_o we_o common_o call_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o certain_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o eat_v such_o meat_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o i_o observe_v before_o signify_v he_o who_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o so_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v any_o meat_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o who_o thus_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n now_o here_o our_o reconciler_n think_v he_o have_v we_o fast_o 99_o for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n it_o must_v be_v also_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n if_o the_o gentile_a believer_n be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o compel_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o eat_v those_o meat_n which_o they_o believe_v unlawful_a because_o how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o while_o they_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o compel_v dissenter_n to_o conformity_n which_o they_o believe_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o great_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o conform_v as_o well_o as_o if_o he_o eat_v this_o look_v most_o like_a a_o parallel_n case_n of_o any_o thing_n yet_o and_o if_o this_o fail_v he_o i_o doubt_v his_o cause_n be_v desperate_a and_o yet_o i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a that_o this_o will_v do_v he_o no_o service_n 1._o for_o first_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a argument_n in_o all_o case_n to_o grant_v such_o a_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n that_o man_n act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a for_o this_o will_v subvert_v all_o order_n and_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o supersede_n the_o authority_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o other_o law_n but_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n 2._o let_v we_o then_o consider_v in_o what_o case_n this_o argument_n be_v good_a for_o certain_o it_o be_v good_a in_o the_o case_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n apply_v it_o now_o i_o know_v of_o but_o one_o general_a case_n to_o which_o this_o argument_n can_v be_v reasonable_o apply_v and_o that_o be_v where_o every_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n not_o where_o conscience_n itself_o have_v a_o rule_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n when_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o rule_n whereby_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o act_v and_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o when_o man_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o law_n they_o must_v have_v liberty_n to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o be_v according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o though_o man_n be_v under_o law_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o none_o that_o magistrate_n may_v make_v law_n but_o they_o must_v not_o execute_v they_o but_o must_v suffer_v every_o man_n when_o his_o conscience_n serve_v he_o to_o break_v both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n wherein_o he_o live_v but_o where_o we_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o divine_a or_o humane_a law_n in_o such_o case_n every_o man_n own_o conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n and_o in_o these_o case_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n because_o they_o concern_v only_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n and_o have_v no_o influence_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o public_a and_o if_o in_o such_o case_n any_o man_n shall_v fancy_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o it_o will_v be_v barbarous_o uncharitable_a by_o censure_n and_o reproach_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o rude_a and_o ungentile_a art_n to_o force_v he_o to_o a_o compliance_n contrary_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n every_o man_n conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o he_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o force_v he_o to_o such_o a_o compliance_n we_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a in_o it_o and_o be_v guilty_a of_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o law_n which_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o do_v no_o long_o oblige_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a both_o for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o eat_v what_o meat_n they_o please_v but_o the_o jew_n still_o think_v that_o law_n to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o law_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o meat_n yet_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v always_o a_o law_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o do_v still_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a in_o the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o reproach_v they_o for_o this_o for_o though_o they_o who_o understand_v their_o liberty_n may_v use_v it_o yet_o a_o believe_a jew_n can_v not_o do_v this_o without_o sin_n and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a many_o case_n in_o â—ome_o degree_n parallel_v to_o this_o as_o suppose_v a_o man_n scruple_n the_o use_n of_o lot_n and_o consequent_o all_o game_n which_o depend_v upon_o lot_n or_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o to_o see_v a_o play_n or_o apprehend_v himself_o oblige_v to_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v in_o former_a age_n think_v necessary_a though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o this_o man_n conscience_n be_v a_o law_n to_o he_o and_o while_o he_o think_v any_o
of_o these_o thing_n unlawful_a they_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a by_o any_o art_n to_o force_v he_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v only_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v in_o it_o especial_o while_o they_o be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o use_v their_o innocent_a liberty_n innocent_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o guide_v we_o but_o what_o the_o apostle_n give_v let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 5._o which_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o sure_a rule_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o for_o this_o must_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o case_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n for_o if_o in_o all_o case_n we_o must_v suffer_v every_o man_n to_o act_v according_a as_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n this_o will_v subvert_v all_o law_n and_o government_n but_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o such_o case_n as_o only_o concern_v man_n private_a liberty_n and_o be_v under_o the_o restraint_n and_o government_n of_o no_o law_n but_o what_o man_n make_v or_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v true_a all_o man_n who_o act_n upon_o any_o principle_n will_v in_o all_o case_n do_v as_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v give_v in_o all_o case_n it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n only_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o let_v a_o man_n judgement_n and_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_v he_o act_v safe_o while_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n which_o can_v never_o be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o beside_o our_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n for_o though_o we_o act_v with_o never_o so_o full_a a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n if_o we_o break_v the_o divine_a law_n we_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v judge_v for_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o he_o urge_v the_o danger_n a_o weak_a brother_n be_v in_o of_o sin_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v persuade_v or_o force_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o sin_n if_o he_o follow_v his_o own_o judgement_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a danger_n of_o sin_n both_o way_n this_o argument_n have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o prove_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o a_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n for_o if_o this_o weak_a brother_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o sin_n by_o follow_v his_o judgement_n if_o we_o do_v forbear_v he_o as_o he_o will_v by_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n if_o we_o do_v not_o the_o danger_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o determine_v we_o either_o way_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o such_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o only_o in_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n that_o be_v only_o to_o such_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o but_o only_o our_o own_o private_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o this_o danger_n of_o scandal_n can_v affect_v governor_n who_o have_v authority_n to_o command_v nor_o extend_v to_o such_o case_n which_o be_v determine_v by_o divine_a or_o humane_a law_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o whatever_o our_o own_o persuasion_n be_v if_o we_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n by_o follow_v a_o misguide_a and_o erroneous_a conscience_n we_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n appear_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o to_o exercise_v this_o forbearance_n out_o of_o charity_n to_o their_o weak_a brother_n but_o what_o charity_n be_v it_o to_o suffer_v our_o brother_n to_o sin_n in_o follow_v a_o misguide_a conscience_n if_o our_o brother_n sin_n as_o much_o in_o follow_v a_o misguide_a conscience_n as_o in_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v as_o uncharitable_a a_o man_n who_o patient_o suffer_v his_o brother_n to_o sin_n in_o follow_v his_o conscience_n as_o he_o who_o compel_v he_o to_o sin_n by_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n or_o rather_o by_o not_o suffer_v he_o to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n nay_o since_o external_a force_n and_o restraint_n may_v and_o very_o often_o do_v make_v man_n consider_v better_a of_o thing_n and_o help_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistate_n it_o be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o give_v check_n to_o man_n than_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v quiet_o on_o in_o sin_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n very_o free_o and_o plain_o about_o that_o perplex_a dispute_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n it_o seem_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o force_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o voluntary_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o no_o man_n be_v religious_a who_o be_v religious_a against_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v himself_o of_o any_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o suffer_v under_o heathen_a persecution_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o their_o apology_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v monstrous_o unreasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o the_o wild_a fancy_n of_o man_n that_o every_o one_o who_o please_v may_v have_v liberty_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n with_o enthusiastic_a conceit_n and_o new-fangled_a heresy_n and_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n with_o infinite_a schism_n and_o faction_n the_o patron_n of_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n declaim_v large_o on_o the_o first_o of_o these_o head_n those_o who_o be_v for_o preserve_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n on_o the_o second_o and_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v my_o mind_n free_o i_o think_v they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n and_o have_v divide_v the_o truth_n between_o they_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v force_v to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n whether_o turk_n or_o jew_n or_o christian_a though_o idolatry_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o though_o man_n may_v not_o be_v force_v to_o worship_n god_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v not_o to_o worship_v the_o devil_n nor_o to_o blaspheme_v or_o do_v any_o public_a dishonour_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o restraint_n that_o christian_a emperor_n lay_v upon_o the_o pagan_a idolater_n they_o demolish_v their_o temple_n and_o forbid_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o though_o no_o man_n must_v be_v compel_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n yet_o if_o they_o voluntary_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n they_o become_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n and_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n either_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n or_o worship_n of_o it_o or_o prove_v refractory_a and_o disobedient_a to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v censure_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v to_o thrust_v a_o member_n out_o of_o any_o society_n who_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o this_o distinction_n st._n paul_n himself_o make_v between_o judge_v those_o who_o be_v without_o and_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o church_n they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o force_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n but_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o profess_a christian_n to_o judge_v and_o censure_v they_o as_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v proper_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o condemn_v heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o cast_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o all_o disorderly_a christian_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o govern_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o so_o much_o authority_n as_o this_o come_v to_o as_o for_o temporal_a restraint_n and_o punishment_n they_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o if_o we_o
not_o unite_v we_o in_o one_o body_n and_o to_o countenance_v such_o scruple_n as_o these_o by_o the_o least_o indulgence_n will_v lay_v a_o eternal_a foundation_n of_o schism_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o hold_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n because_o forbearance_n in_o one_o case_n will_v cure_v the_o schism_n in_o other_o it_o will_v increase_v it_o 5._o this_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o christian_a worship_n but_o a_o indulgence_n of_o dissenter_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o so_o our_o reconciler_n prove_v from_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o use_n of_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o that_o in_o charity_n to_o dissenter_n they_o must_v alter_v such_o rule_n and_o canon_n when_o as_o often_o as_o there_o be_v any_o who_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v they_o must_v part_v with_o their_o authority_n or_o for_o ever_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v much_o at_o one_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n when_o there_o be_v any_o person_n so_o ignorant_a or_o so_o humoursome_a as_o to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o they_o command_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o principle_n i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a 118._o but_o yet_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v a_o example_n of_o such_o condescension_n as_o this_o i_o will_v ready_o submit_v as_o not_o dare_v to_o dispute_v against_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n but_o if_o this_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n than_o it_o be_v no_o precedent_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v up_o their_o authority_n to_o dissenter_n now_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n here_o the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n nor_o the_o government_n of_o christian_a assembly_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o man_n private_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n may_v grant_v and_o may_v exhort_v to_o this_o forbearance_n without_o injure_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o prescribe_v the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v indulge_v the_o scruple_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o diminution_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o assert_v as_o high_a as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o give_v several_a direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a assembly_n for_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o prophesy_a for_o their_o demeanour_n and_o deportment_n of_o themselves_o that_o man_n shall_v pray_v and_o prophesy_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v that_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o love-feast_n for_o their_o holy_a kiss_n beside_o his_o general_a direction_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o after_o these_o particular_a direction_n reserve_v the_o final_a order_n of_o thing_n to_o himself_o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v 11.34_o this_o same_o power_n he_o commit_v to_o titus_n in_o crete_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v that_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o which_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n the_o apostle_n allow_v private_a christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o command_n and_o give_v indulgence_n to_o every_o one_o to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v who_o do_v not_o like_a to_o do_v what_o be_v command_v it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o may_v just_o be_v think_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o church-governor_n but_o the_o apostle_n understand_v their_o authority_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n their_o duty_n better_a than_o so_o none_o dispute_v their_o command_n in_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o decency_n nor_o will_v they_o suffer_v their_o command_n to_o be_v dispute_v without_o censure_n st._n paul_n commend_v the_o corinthian_n upon_o this_o account_n 7.15_o i_o praise_v you_o brethren_z that_o you_o remember_v i_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o i_o deliver_v they_o to_o you_o he_o commend_v they_o for_o their_o obedience_n to_o titus_n and_o give_v the_o thessalonian_n this_o general_a rule_n 13._o to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o high_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o what_o that_o mean_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o 17._o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n and_o he_o command_v the_o thessalonian_n if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n 3.14_o note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a which_o show_v a_o true_a apostolical_a spirit_n and_o power_n which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o he_o exercise_v in_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v there_o mention_v now_o if_o this_o forbearance_n towards_o the_o believe_a jew_n which_o st._n paul_n plead_v for_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n if_o it_o appear_v from_o other_o place_n that_o he_o do_v assert_v his_o authority_n and_o require_v obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o it_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o the_o reconciler_n shall_v hence_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v up_o their_o authority_n to_o the_o dissenter_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o not_o impose_v any_o thing_n which_o through_o ignorance_n or_o scrupulosity_n or_o from_o some_o worse_a cause_n they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v which_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v where_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o impose_v for_o as_o for_o his_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n of_o which_o more_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n it_o refer_v only_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a liberty_n not_o of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o this_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n plead_v for_o be_v only_o temporary_a it_o be_v a_o prudent_a expedient_a for_o that_o time_n which_o be_v such_o a_o critical_a period_n as_o never_o happen_v before_o nor_o can_v ever_o hap_v again_o nor_o can_v continue_v long_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o but_o what_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o out_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o weak_a brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o at_o that_o time_n believe_v in_o christ_n can_v not_o present_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v abrogate_a or_o out_o of_o date_n but_o st._n paul_n see_v a_o time_n a_o come_n which_o will_v effectual_o convince_v they_o of_o this_o when_o god_n shall_v suffer_v the_o roman_n to_o destroy_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v they_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a thorough_o inform_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v thus_o mind_v 15._o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o now_o when_o we_o see_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o such_o dispute_n and_o have_v a_o expedient_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o christian_a charity_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n but_o now_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o this_o they_o raise_v scruple_n and_o dispute_n after_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n prescription_n against_o they_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o such_o principle_n as_o condemn_v the_o best_a and_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o former_a age_n and_o if_o their_o scruple_n be_v indulge_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o peace_n
the_o apostle_n say_v not_o to_o touch_v a_o woman_n and_o why_o our_o reconciler_n say_v wife_n instead_o of_o woman_n i_o can_v tell_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o text_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n let_v the_o husband_n render_v unto_o the_o wife_n due_a benevolence_n and_o likewise_o also_o the_o wife_n unto_o the_o husband_n v_o 3._o but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v his_o argument_n in_o short_a be_v this_o the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o a_o single_a life_n have_v many_o advantage_n in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o that_o afflict_a and_o persecute_a state_n of_o the_o ghuach_n above_o marriage_n and_o therefore_o he_o recommend_v a_o single_a life_n to_o they_o but_o know_v as_o our_o saviour_n have_v before_o declare_v that_o every_o one_o can_v not_o receive_v this_o say_n he_o do_v not_o impose_v it_o upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o impose_v our_o ceremony_n though_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v like_a profit_n decency_n or_o tendence_n to_o perform_v god_n service_n better_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v under_o the_o present_a circumstance_n in_o keep_v their_o virginity_n now_o i_o will_v only_o ask_v our_o reconciler_n whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o impose_v virginity_n on_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n or_o to_o forbid_v they_o to_o marry_v if_o he_o have_v not_o as_o i_o think_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o say_v that_o he_o have_v than_o his_o argument_n run_v thus_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o impose_v that_o upon_o the_o christian_n which_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o impose_v therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v that_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n to_o impose_v some_o thing_n may_v have_v great_a profit_n and_o advantage_n in_o they_o which_o yet_o be_v instance_n of_o so_o perfect_a a_o virtue_n as_o be_v above_o the_o common_a attainment_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o stand_a law_n they_o may_v be_v proper_a matter_n for_o a_o exhortation_n but_o not_o for_o a_o command_n but_o what_o a_o wide_a difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o raise_v and_o perfect_a virtue_n and_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v too_o severe_a a_o imposition_n to_o command_v the_o one_o but_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o observe_v the_o other_o but_o the_o difference_n between_o law_n of_o burden_n and_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n 209._o have_v be_v already_o obseruâ—d_v three_o his_o next_o head_n of_o argument_n for_o condescension_n to_o dissenter_n be_v take_v from_o that_o dispute_n about_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o now_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o answer_n to_o this_o 127._o but_o to_o state_n this_o case_n right_a which_o will_v convince_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n how_o unapplicable_a any_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o discourse_n be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o to_o do_v this_o plain_o and_o brief_o we_o must_v consider_v 1._o who_o those_o be_v who_o out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n go_v to_o the_o idol-temple_n and_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n 2._o who_o the_o weak_a be_v who_o be_v offend_v with_o this_o and_o what_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v 3._o how_o the_o apostle_n reason_n about_o this_o matter_n 1._o who_o these_o know_a person_n be_v who_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n tax_v the_o gnostick_n heretic_n who_o have_v occasion_v that_o first_o schism_n â—n_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o despise_v st._n paul_n as_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o the_o just_a extent_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o here_o tax_v a_o vain_a and_o arrogant_a pretence_n of_o knowledge_n v_o 2._o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v 8.2_o which_o be_v purposely_o to_o warn_v the_o christian_n against_o those_o man_n who_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o knowledge_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a notwithstanding_o all_o their_o brag_n of_o knowledge_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o man_n out_o of_o pretence_n of_o great_a knowledge_n do_v eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n who_o do_v so_o much_o boast_v of_o thy_o knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 10._o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n now_o this_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n absolute_o condemn_v not_o only_o as_o sinful_a upon_o account_n of_o scandal_n but_o as_o sinful_a in_o itself_o as_o partake_v with_o devil_n by_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n no_o true_a orthodox_n christian_n ever_o do_v this_o but_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n do_v partly_o out_o of_o luxury_n to_o partake_v in_o these_o splendid_a entertainment_n and_o to_o defile_v themselves_o with_o those_o impure_a lust_n which_o be_v part_n of_o their_o mystery_n as_o the_o apostle_n insinuate_v ch_n 10.6_o 7_o 8._o v_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o example_n to_o the_o intent_n we_o shall_v not_o lust_n after_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o also_o lust_v neither_o be_v you_o idolater_n as_o be_v some_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v neither_o let_v we_o commit_v fornication_n as_o some_o of_o they_o commit_v and_o partly_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o persecution_n against_o which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v and_o encourage_v the_o sincere_a christian_n v_o 13._o there_o have_v no_o temptation_n no_o trial_n by_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n take_v you_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n but_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o to_o justify_v this_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o eat_v at_o a_o idol_n temple_n they_o pretend_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n 4._o that_o the_o god_n who_o the_o heathen_a worship_v be_v not_o god_n but_o dead_a man_n or_o according_a to_o the_o mythology_n of_o the_o stoic_n which_o prevail_v in_o that_o age_n among_o the_o philosophical_a idolater_n and_o therefore_o most_o probable_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o gnostic_n be_v only_o the_o name_n of_o some_o divine_a power_n and_o attribute_n of_o the_o one_o eternal_a god_n which_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o these_o people_n have_v form_v into_o several_a distinct_a dâ—â—ies_n and_o therefore_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o it_o can_v not_o pollute_v the_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v as_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o that_o as_o of_o any_o other_o ordinary_a feast_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v who_o these_o weak_a person_n be_v who_o be_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v at_o this_o liberty_n which_o the_o gnostic_n take_v now_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o these_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o very_o imperfect_a christian_n who_o together_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n retain_v many_o of_o their_o old_a pagan_a superstition_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n this_o appear_v from_o that_o account_n st._n paul_n give_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v man_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o but_o look_v upon_o they_o at_o least_o as_o some_o inferior_a god_n and_o frequent_v their_o temple_n and_o eat_v of_o the_o meat_n offer_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o thereby_o do_v defile_v and_o pollute_v themselves_o with_o idolatrous_a worship_n howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n that_o knowledge_n 7._o for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n to_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a a_o sick_a misinform_v corrupt_a conscience_n be_v defile_v with_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o the_o scandal_n which_o be_v give_v to_o these_o man_n be_v this_o that_o when_o they_o see_v those_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o perfect_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n this_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n and_o idolatry_n and_o make_v they_o conclude_v that_o such_o pagan_a superstition_n as_o these_o be_v reconcilable_a
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