term_n of_o admission_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n that_o a_o man_n have_v serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n to_o a_o trade_n and_o be_v make_v free_a by_o his_o master_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o corporation_n but_o though_o he_o understand_v his_o trade_n very_o well_o and_o behave_v himself_o honest_o in_o it_o yet_o if_o he_o prove_v a_o disobedient_a and_o refractory_a member_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o society_n he_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o again_o and_o i_o wonder_v what_o the_o master_n and_o warden_n of_o such_o a_o company_n will_v say_v to_o the_o reconciler_n shall_v he_o come_v and_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o such_o a_o disobedient_a member_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o his_o continuance_n in_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o society_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o first_o admission_n the_o charter_n whereon_o the_o society_n be_v found_v be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o the_o society_n whereby_o it_o be_v govern_v as_o it_o must_v be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o power_n of_o make_v law_n commit_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n have_v commit_v such_o a_o power_n of_o make_v law_n to_o his_o church_n as_o our_o reconciler_n himself_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o excommunicate_v or_o cast_v any_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o live_v a_o virtuous_a life_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n how_o disobedient_a soever_o he_o be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o quest._n 6._o his_o six_o query_n whether_o anathematise_v man_n for_o doubtful_a action_n or_o for_o such_o fault_n as_o consist_v with_o true_a christianity_n and_o continue_a subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a church-dividing_a mean_n only_o i_o shall_v observe_v far_o that_o as_o he_o have_v state_v this_o query_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o england_n she_o anathematize_n no_o man_n for_o doubtful_a action_n for_o she_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v doubtful_a though_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o pretend_v some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n about_o it_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o doubtful_a action_n etc._n and_o a_o action_n which_o some_o man_n doubt_v of_o the_o first_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v command_v the_o second_o may_v and_o then_o our_o church_n excommunicate_v no_o man_n who_o live_v in_o a_o continue_a subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n which_o no_o schismatic_a do_v whatever_o pretence_n he_o make_v to_o holiness_n of_o life_n for_o subjection_n to_o christ_n require_v subjection_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n as_o well_o as_o obedience_n to_o his_o other_o law_n quest._n 7._o as_o for_o his_o next_o question_n about_o impose_v heavy_a burden_n etc._n and_o intolerable_a yoke_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o take_v they_o away_o it_o have_v be_v at_o large_a answer_v already_o quest._n 8._o whether_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v law_n sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n and_o whether_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o it_o who_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o church-unity_n and_o communion_n ans._n christ_n have_v make_v law_n sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a bond_n of_o union_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n while_o nothing_o be_v enjoin_v which_o contradict_v the_o other_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v be_v say_v to_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o church-unity_n or_o communion_n for_o they_o break_v that_o law_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o union_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o break_v no_o other_o law_n of_o christ._n quest._n 9_o whether_o if_o many_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v injudicious_o scrupulous_a when_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o hell_n be_v the_o cause_n a_o tender_a pastor_n will_v not_o abate_v they_o a_o ceremony_n in_o such_o a_o case_n when_o his_o abate_n it_o have_v no_o such_o danger_n ans._n a_o tender_a pastor_n in_o such_o case_n ought_v to_o instruct_v such_o child_n but_o not_o to_o suffer_v such_o childish_a fancy_n to_o impose_v upon_o church-authority_n for_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o countenance_v man_n injudicious_a scruple_n by_o such_o indulgence_n be_v a_o much_o great_a mischief_n and_o more_o unpardonable_a in_o a_o governor_n than_o the_o severe_a censure_n on_o private_a person_n if_o a_o private_a connivance_n for_o a_o time_n in_o some_o hard_a case_n will_v do_v any_o good_a it_o may_v be_v think_v reasonable_a and_o charitable_a but_o to_o alter_v public_a law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o injudicious_a people_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o sacrifice_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o humour_n of_o child_n which_o will_v not_o be_v think_v either_o prudent_a or_o charitable_a in_o any_o other_o government_n quest._n 10._o if_o diversity_n in_o religion_n be_v such_o a_o evil_a whether_o shall_v man_n cause_v it_o by_o their_o unnecessary_a law_n and_o canon_n and_o make_v engine_n to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n which_o by_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n and_o command_v mutual_a forbearance_n will_v live_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v ans._n whoever_o cause_n a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n by_o their_o law_n and_o canon_n or_o make_v engine_n to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n be_v certain_o very_o great_a schismatic_n but_o law_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n can_v never_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n nor_o occasion_n it_o neither_o unless_o every_o thing_n produce_v its_o contrary_a heat_n produce_v cold_a peace_n war_n and_o love_v hatred_n man_n may_v quarrel_v indeed_o about_o law_n of_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n but_o it_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o religion_n or_o opinion_n which_o man_n have_v already_o espouse_v not_o the_o law_n of_o unity_n which_o make_v the_o quarrel_n the_o plain_a case_n then_o be_v this_o whether_o when_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v worship_v god_n in_o different_a way_n according_a to_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o persuasion_n it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o church-governor_n to_o make_v law_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n because_o whatever_o they_o be_v some_o man_n will_v quarrel_v at_o they_o or_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v law_n to_o cure_v and_o restrain_v that_o diversity_n of_o religion_n which_o man_n have_v already_o make_v to_o themselves_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v man_n all_o of_o a_o mind_n the_o law_n of_o unity_n can_v not_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o therefore_o these_o law_n and_o canon_n be_v not_o the_o engine_n which_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n but_o that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o man_n have_v wanton_o take_v up_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o tear_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n into_o a_o thousand_o conventicle_n but_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o these_o canon_n by_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n they_o will_v live_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v but_o what_o ancient_a simplicity_n do_v he_o mean_a the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o best_a pattern_n this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a simplicity_n for_o a_o fanatic_a simplicity_n be_v never_o know_v till_o of_o late_a day_n there_o never_o be_v a_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n without_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n till_o of_o late_a when_o man_n pretend_v to_o reform_v religion_n by_o destroy_v all_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o take_v in_o a_o command_v mutual_a forbearance_n to_o patch_v up_o church-unity_n that_o be_v if_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o they_o please_v and_o be_v command_v not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o cut_v
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
institute_v and_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n christ_n have_v institute_v his_o mystical_a supper_n and_o command_v we_o to_o eat_v bread_n and_o drink_n wine_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v break_v and_o of_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o but_o have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o do_v this_o either_o sit_v standing_z or_o kneel_v though_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o one_o posture_n or_o other_o now_o the_o church_n of_o england_n command_v we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v and_o will_v admit_v none_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n who_o will_v not_o receive_v kneel_v this_o say_v they_o be_v to_o mend_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n why_o so_o do_v the_o church_n require_v any_o more_o than_o christ_n have_v require_v yes_o say_v they_o she_o require_v kneel_v which_o christ_n do_v not_o require_v but_o how_o do_v that_o appear_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o require_v it_o because_o say_v they_o he_o have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v no_o say_v i_o that_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o require_v it_o for_o he_o who_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v command_v we_o to_o receive_v in_o some_o posture_n or_o other_o for_o though_o we_o may_v logical_o distinguish_v between_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v and_o the_o posture_n wherein_o we_o receive_v yet_o these_o can_v be_v actual_o separate_v for_o no_o man_n can_v receive_v but_o he_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o posture_n and_o therefore_o he_o who_o command_v do_v such_o a_o act_n include_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o right_o you_o will_v say_v but_o yet_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v what_o posture_n we_o shall_v receive_v in_o but_o leave_v they_o all_o indifferent_a suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o the_o posture_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v determine_v before_o we_o can_v receive_v for_o no_o man_n can_v receive_v but_o in_o some_o particular_a posture_n and_o therefore_o either_o every_o man_n must_v determine_v himself_o or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n must_v determine_v we_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o reasonable_a both_o because_o it_o be_v most_o decent_a and_o orderly_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o uniform_a posture_n of_o receive_v and_o because_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o private_a christian_n have_v the_o sole_a authority_n in_o such_o case_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o but_o now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o to_o determine_v what_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v and_o yet_o what_o must_v be_v determine_v before_o we_o can_v perform_v that_o duty_n which_o christ_n command_v be_v to_o come_v after_o christ_n to_o correct_v his_o law_n and_o to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n if_o it_o be_v than_o whoever_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n whatever_o posture_n he_o receive_v in_o must_v of_o necessity_n correct_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n at_o least_o for_o himself_o because_o he_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o particular_a and_o determine_a posture_n whereas_o christ_n have_v leave_v all_o posture_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a which_o show_v what_o a_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a imputation_n this_o be_v no_o you_o will_v say_v to_o receive_v in_o some_o particular_a posture_n though_o it_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o christ_n be_v no_o correct_v his_o law_n nor_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n because_o christ_n have_v leave_v all_o posture_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a and_o therefore_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o our_o liberty_n to_o use_v which_o we_o please_v and_o when_o we_o do_v so_o we_o only_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o but_o so_o to_o determine_v any_o one_o posture_n of_o receive_v as_o not_o to_o allow_v of_o any_o other_o nor_o to_o admit_v any_o to_o our_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o use_v that_o posture_n this_o be_v to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v for_o if_o he_o have_v leave_v all_o posture_n undetermined_a then_o to_o be_v sure_o he_o have_v not_o say_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n who_o will_v not_o kneel_v and_o though_o every_o man_n may_v determine_v for_o himself_o or_o the_o church_n may_v determine_v for_o we_o all_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v determine_v so_o as_o to_o destroy_v the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o posture_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o christ_n institution_n who_o have_v leave_v all_o posture_n indifferent_a this_o objection_n at_o a_o distance_n i_o confess_v seem_v very_o plausible_a and_o to_o bear_v hard_o upon_o the_o church_n but_o when_o we_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o it_o it_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o for_o 1._o i_o ready_o grant_v shall_v the_o church_n of_o england_n determine_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o other_o posture_n but_o kneel_v in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n she_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o correct_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v some_o thing_n necessary_a and_o other_o thing_n unlawful_a which_o christ_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a 2._o shall_v she_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o any_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n mere_o because_o she_o do_v not_o kneel_v she_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v for_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v to_o other_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v pretend_v her_o authority_n for_o such_o a_o imposition_n but_o must_v pretend_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o be_v no_o term_n of_o christ_n make_n must_v be_v a_o term_n of_o she_o own_o make_n and_o then_o she_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o if_o a_o schism_n follow_v upon_o it_o she_o will_v be_v the_o schismatic_a 3._o but_o yet_o for_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v for_o the_o regulate_v she_o own_o communion_n etc._n what_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v but_o yet_o what_o must_v be_v determine_v before_o that_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v which_o christ_n have_v command_v be_v not_o to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n though_o she_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o her_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o use_v the_o prescribe_a posture_n of_o receive_v and_o my_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v this_o because_o she_o neither_o prescribe_v kneel_v as_o necessary_a in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o a_o decent_a posture_n of_o receive_v nor_o prescribe_v it_o to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o she_o own_o communion_n who_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o govern_v in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o exercise_n a_o just_a authority_n in_o determine_v what_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a and_o in_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o decency_n of_o her_o own_o worship_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v that_o a_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n without_o which_o she_o will_v not_o admit_v any_o man_n to_o communicate_v with_o she_o i_o answer_v no_o this_o do_v not_o always_o follow_v every_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o her_o government_n but_o not_o a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n which_o be_v of_o a_o very_a distinct_a consideration_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o every_o church_n the_o law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n require_v that_o she_o make_v nothing_o a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o she_o can_v never_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v kneel_v a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n while_o she_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o church_n who_o do_v not_o kneel_v at_o receive_v or_o at_o least_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o no_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n but_o now_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n in_o every_o church_n be_v very_o distinct_a from_o the_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n every_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n for_o herself_o to_o prescribe_v the_o form_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o though_o she_o have_v not_o authority_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o other_o church_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o private_a law_n and_o rule_n yet_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o her_o own_o member_n who_o refuse_v to_o obey_v her_o law_n or_o else_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v law_n if_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o so_o that_o here_o be_v two_o distinct_a reason_n
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
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
very_o consistent_a with_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o a_o indulgence_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o 335_o st._n paul_n always_o assert_v and_o exercise_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n as_o much_o as_o any_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o diminution_n of_o it_o 337_o the_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n plead_v for_o be_v only_o temporary_a 339_o chap._n vi_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o 5_o chapter_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n his_o 1_o arg._n from_o st._n paul_n reprove_v the_o christian_n for_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unbeliever_n 341_o his_o 2_o arg._n that_o st._n paul_n will_v not_o impose_v virginity_n upon_o the_o christian_n though_o he_o own_v some_o advantage_n in_o that_o state_n above_o marriage_n therefore_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v her_o ceremony_n though_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o great_a decency_n 345_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o case_n plain_a the_o apostle_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o impose_v the_o one_o the_o church_n have_v to_o impose_v the_o other_o 346_o his_fw-la 3_o arg._n be_v from_o the_o dispute_n about_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n ibid._n those_o know_a person_n who_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n be_v the_o gnostick_n heretic_n 347_o the_o weak_a person_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o this_o be_v some_o paganize_a christian_n who_o still_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o worship_v their_o country-god_n and_o be_v confirm_v in_o this_o belief_n by_o see_v the_o gnostic_n eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n 349_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 8._o the_o apostle_n dispute_v against_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o gnostic_n upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o because_o it_o encourage_v these_o imperfect_a christian_n in_o idolatry_n 350_o the_o reconciler_n mistake_v the_o whole_a case_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o grant_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n but_o prove_v the_o contrary_a in_o chap._n 10._o 352_o the_o weak_a conscience_n be_v not_o a_o conscience_n which_o do_v abstain_v from_o eat_v but_o which_o do_v eat_v 354_o not_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n which_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v but_o a_o conscience_n erroneous_o persuade_v that_o it_o may_v lawful_o eat_v 355_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n to_o this_o weak_a conscicnce_n but_o warn_v they_o against_o confirm_v such_o person_n in_o their_o mistake_n 356_o the_o apostle_n decision_n of_o this_o controversy_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n when_o sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n or_o eat_v at_o private_a house_n 357_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v to_o abstain_v in_o these_o case_n also_o when_o it_o give_v offence_n 358_o for_o who_o sake_n the_o apostle_n abridge_n they_o of_o this_o liberty_n of_o eat_v such_o meat_n at_o private_a house_n ibid._n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n 359_o this_o forbearance_n only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a liberty_n 360_o his_o argument_n from_o st._n paul_n own_o example_n of_o charity_n and_o condescension_n ibid._n st._n paul_n be_v a_o example_n of_o no_o other_o condescension_n than_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o if_o that_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o dissenter_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o do_v not_o neither_o can_v his_o example_n do_v it_o 361_o his_o argument_n from_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o at_o corinth_n answer_v at_o large_a 362_o etc._n etc._n chap._n vii_o a_o answer_n to_o his_o motive_n for_o mutual_a condescension_n 372_o his_o first_o motive_n from_o the_o smallness_n and_o littleness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n ibid._n this_o enforce_a from_o god_n own_o example_n who_o suffer_v the_o violation_n of_o his_o ceremonial_a law_n upon_o less_o account_n than_o these_o 377_o and_o give_v his_o own_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o 380_o his_o second_o motive_n that_o god_n do_v not_o exclude_v weak_a and_o err_a person_n from_o his_o favour_n for_o such_o error_n of_o judgement_n as_o â—re_n consistent_a with_o true_a love_n to_o he_o 382_o his_o three_o argument_n that_o christ_n break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n 387_o his_o four_o motive_n from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o conceal_v at_o first_o many_o thing_n from_o their_o hearer_n which_o they_o be_v not_o then_o able_a to_o bear_v 390_o mot._n 5._o from_o that_o rule_n of_o equity_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v be_v deal_v with_o 392_o 6._o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n 397_o 7._o that_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o be_v urge_v to_o persuade_v dissenter_n to_o conformity_n have_v equal_a force_n against_o the_o impositeon_n of_o ceremony_n as_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n the_o particular_a argument_n consider_v and_o answer_v ibid._n his_o argument_n from_o many_o general_a topic_n which_o he_o say_v be_v receive_v and_o own_a by_o all_o casuit_n 404_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n question_v produce_v by_o our_o reconciler_n 405_o chap._n viii_o some_o short_a animadversion_n on_o the_o authority_n produce_v by_o our_o reconciler_n in_o his_o preface_n 431_o his_o testimony_n relate_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o king_n james_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o and_o our_o present_a sovereign_n answer_v 433_o whether_o those_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o authority_n he_o allege_n be_v of_o his_o mind_n 438_o concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o foreign_a divine_n 442_o and_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o own_o and_o foreign_a divine_n about_o the_o term_n of_o concord_n between_o different_a church_n which_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o same_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n  _fw-fr a_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o address_n to_o the_o dissenter_n to_o let_v they_o see_v how_o the_o reconciler_n have_v abuse_v they_o that_o they_o can_v plead_v for_o indulgence_n upon_o his_o principle_n without_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v schismatic_n and_o weak_a ignorant_a humoursome_a people_n 443_o errata_fw-la p._n 35._o l._n 32._o for_o and_o r._n as_o p._n 47._o l._n 28._o f._n bind_v r._n bend_v p._n 96._o l._n 10._o f._n charity_n r._n clarity_n a_o vindication_n of_o the_o right_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n the_o introduction_n the_o name_n of_o a_o reconciler_n especial_o of_o a_o protestant_a reconciler_n be_v very_o popular_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a invidious_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o own_v himself_o a_o enemy_n to_o so_o christian_n a_o design_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o answer_v the_o title_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a one_o but_o to_o examine_v how_o well_o the_o book_n agree_v with_o the_o title_n and_o whether_o our_o author_n have_v choose_v the_o proper_a method_n for_o such_o a_o reconciliation_n for_o this_o reconciliation_n will_v prove_v very_o chargeable_a to_o the_o church_n if_o she_o must_v renounce_v she_o own_o authority_n to_o reconcile_v dissenter_n the_o usual_a method_n take_v by_o reconciler_n have_v be_v either_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v so_o much_o as_o they_o think_v they_o do_v but_o that_o the_o controversy_n be_v only_o about_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o be_v both_o go_v too_o far_o into_o opposite_a extreme_n and_o have_v left_a truth_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o middle_n or_o that_o the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n be_v not_o of_o such_o moment_n as_o to_o contend_v about_o it_o or_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o either_o side_n of_o the_o question_n be_v not_o certain_a or_o that_o one_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o yield_v to_o he_o who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o our_o reconciler_n have_v take_v a_o new_a way_n by_o himself_o to_o prove_v that_o both_o the_o contend_a party_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a for_o thus_o he_o adju_v the_o controversy_n he_o who_o say_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o impose_v those_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n and_o to_o retain_v those_o disputable_a expression_n of_o our_o liturgy_n which_o may_v be_v alter_v and_o remove_v without_o transgress_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n say_v true_a and_o thus_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o present_a circumstance_n be_v with_o great_a modesty_n and_o submission_n without_o any_o dispute_n pronounce_v sinful_a by_o a_o profess_a member_n and_o
part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n precept_n be_v not_o disobey_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o ceremony_n and_o consequent_o this_o precept_n can_v warrant_v the_o impose_v of_o they_o that_o the_o apostolical_a precept_n be_v not_o disobey_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o ceremony_n i_o ready_o grant_v but_o not_o for_o his_o reason_n that_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o be_v not_o indecent_a for_o this_o precept_n command_v the_o positive_a decency_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o forbid_v the_o indecency_n of_o it_o but_o because_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v secure_v by_o other_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n though_o these_o be_v omit_v but_o his_o consequent_o be_v a_o far-fetched_a one_o the_o impose_v any_o decent_a rite_n may_v be_v warrant_v by_o this_o precept_n though_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o be_v not_o indecent_a for_o every_o decent_a rite_n exclude_v indecency_n and_o make_v the_o worship_n decent_a which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o oppose_v to_o the_o indecency_n of_o omit_v such_o rite_n but_o to_o other_o indecent_a modes_n of_o worship_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o not_o kneel_v nor_o wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o not_o wear_v a_o surplice_n for_o they_o can_v be_v oppose_v as_o do_v a_o thing_n decent_o or_o indecent_o but_o as_o do_v or_o not_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v decent_a or_o indecent_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o they_o must_v be_v oppose_v to_o other_o posture_n or_o habit_n in_o worship_n and_o such_o rite_n as_o exclude_v indecency_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a decency_n in_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o rule_n 3._o as_o for_o his_o logic_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v privative_o opposite_a and_o between_o privative_a opposite_n in_o a_o capable_a subject_n there_o be_v no_o medium_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v decency_n sufficient_a in_o those_o action_n where_o be_v no_o indecency_n this_o our_o reconciler_n call_v a_o plain_a argument_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o plain_a fallacy_n for_o suppose_v we_o grant_v he_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n reverence_n and_o irreverence_n be_v privative_a opposite_n that_o be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o as_o a_o habit_n and_o its_o privation_n as_o sight_n and_o blindness_n how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v decency_n enough_o where_o there_o be_v no_o indecency_n sight_n and_o blindness_n be_v privative_o opposite_a but_o will_v you_o say_v that_o man_n see_v well_o enough_o who_o be_v not_o blind_a though_o there_o be_v no_o medium_n between_o a_o habit_n and_o a_o total_a privation_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a degree_n in_o habit_n and_o no_o man_n think_v he_o see_v well_o enough_o though_o he_o be_v not_o stark_o blind_a if_o his_o eye_n be_v weak_a and_o tender_a or_o shortsighted_a or_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o spectacle_n or_o other_o help_n of_o art_n thus_o though_o indecency_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o privation_n of_o decency_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a degree_n of_o decency_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n our_o reconciler_n must_v prove_v that_o he_o mean_v only_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o decency_n which_o be_v but_o one_o bare_a remove_n from_o indecency_n otherwise_o he_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o be_v true_o decent_a be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o precept_n and_o the_o more_o decent_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o apostle_n design_n but_o beside_o this_o mr._n jeane_n and_o our_o reconciler_n after_o he_o be_v grievous_o out_o in_o their_o logic_n for_o decency_n and_o indecency_n reverence_n and_o irreverence_n be_v not_o privative_a opposite_n for_o indecency_n be_v not_o the_o mere_a privation_n of_o decency_n but_o they_o be_v oppose_v as_o virtue_n and_o vice_n that_o be_v as_o two_o extreme_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o which_o be_v proper_o call_v adversa_fw-la which_o be_v affirmative_a not_o negative_a opposite_n though_o the_o grammatical_a notation_n of_o the_o word_n indecency_n and_o irreverence_n seem_v to_o have_v betray_v he_o into_o that_o mistake_n and_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o medium_n between_o two_o extreme_n and_o let_v our_o reconciler_n consider_v how_o it_o will_v sound_v to_o say_v that_o man_n be_v virtuous_a enough_o who_o be_v not_o vicious_a indecent_a and_o not_o decent_a do_v not_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o unlearned_a and_o not_o learned_a i_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o logic_n that_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la indoctus_fw-la and_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la doctus_fw-la be_v not_o equipollent_a proposition_n to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v learn_v a_o man_n be_v not_o learned_a a_o man_n be_v unlearned_a signify_v very_o different_o and_o so_o do_v these_o proposition_n a_o action_n be_v decent_a a_o action_n be_v not_o decent_a a_o action_n be_v indecent_a the_o first_o signify_v a_o positive_a decency_n the_o second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a decency_n the_o three_o that_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n civility_n and_o rudeness_n in_o common_a conversation_n be_v oppose_v as_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v but_o there_o be_v a_o untutored_a and_o undisciplined_a humour_n which_o be_v neither_o civil_a nor_o rude_a this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o decency_n nor_o reverence_n in_o such_o action_n which_o can_v be_v strict_o charge_v with_o indecency_n and_o irreverence_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o he_o requireâ—_n something_o more_o than_o not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o aâ—â—_n indecency_n or_o irreverence_n in_o worship_n iii_o to_o proceed_v he_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o reverend_a bishop_n prove_v that_o beyond_o command_v that_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n or_o be_v so_o requisite_a for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v well_o do_v without_o it_o by_o any_o other_o instrument_n or_o by_o itself_o alone_o the_o bishop_n can_v give_v no_o law_n which_o proper_o and_o immediate_o bind_v the_o transgressor_n under_o sin_n i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o certain_o understand_v what_o this_o learned_a man_n refer_v to_o he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o particular_a instance_n which_o have_v give_v advantage_n to_o our_o reconciler_n to_o apply_v it_o as_o he_o please_v but_o let_v we_o consider_v his_o reason_n and_o by_o that_o we_o may_v guess_v how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v 1._o because_o we_o never_o find_v the_o apostle_n use_v their_o coercion_n upon_o any_o man_n but_o the_o express_a breaker_n of_o a_o divine_a commandment_n or_o the_o public_a disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o establish_a necessary_a order_n thus_o far_o the_o bishop_n to_o which_o the_o reconciler_n add_v man_n must_v not_o therefore_o first_o make_v unnecessary_a order_n and_o when_o man_n can_v conscientious_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o so_o cry_v out_o that_o they_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n these_o word_n he_o represent_v as_o the_o bishop_n also_o though_o they_o be_v his_o own_o which_o be_v one_o of_o his_o pious_a fraud_n but_o as_o for_o the_o argument_n i_o think_v it_o be_v evident_a it_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o our_o dispute_n who_o pretend_v no_o other_o authority_n but_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o establish_a necessary_a order_n for_o such_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v but_o how_o the_o apostle_n censure_v such_o person_n we_o can_v tell_v neither_o for_o we_o never_o read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n dispute_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o such_o matter_n or_o refuse_v to_o obey_v their_o canon_n and_o injunction_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o exercise_v such_o censure_n 2._o because_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o convenient_a that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o use_v injunction_n yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o backward_o to_o use_v their_o authority_n of_o command_v much_o less_o will_v they_o use_v severity_n but_o entreaty_n it_o be_v st._n paul_n be_v case_n to_o philemon_n beforementioned_a though_o i_o may_v be_v much_o bold_a in_o christ_n to_o enjoin_v that_o which_o be_v convenient_a yet_o for_o love_n sake_n i_o rather_o entreat_v thou_o but_o this_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o neither_o for_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v philemon_n servant_n onesimus_n from_o
great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross._n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n our_o reconciler_n himself_o have_v collect_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n or_o religion_n most_o of_o which_o be_v now_o out_o of_o use_n in_o most_o church_n which_o former_o use_v they_o and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v in_o uâ—e_v among_o we_o but_o what_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n ritual_n or_o ceremony_n but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a significant_a but_o a_o profess_v sign_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o for_o such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o which_o serve_v for_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o bishop_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o a_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o evident_a necessity_n or_o a_o great_a convenience_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o bishop_n speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n he_o understand_v by_o they_o exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n something_o which_o be_v like_o the_o ceremonial_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o religious_a rite_n such_o be_v their_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n their_o phylactery_n their_o fast_n and_o festival_n new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n not_o consider_v mere_o as_o circumstance_n of_o time_n but_o as_o have_v such_o a_o sacredness_n and_o religion_n stamp_v on_o they_o that_o the_o very_o observe_v they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o religious_a duty_n observe_v on_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o day_n not_o the_o day_n mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o numerous_a tradition_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o make_v broad_a their_o phylactery_n wash_v their_o cup_n and_o platter_n and_o their_o hand_n before_o dinner_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o superstitious_a observance_n now_o though_o some_o external_a action_n and_o thing_n wise_o choose_v and_o prudent_o use_v may_v be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v unless_o we_o will_v condemn_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o several_a age_n which_o use_v a_o great_a many_o external_a rite_n yet_o every_o one_o see_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o such_o rite_n as_o these_o and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o those_o man_n mistake_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o lie_v the_o controversy_n upon_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a signification_n of_o these_o word_n our_o fast_n and_o festival_n look_v most_o like_a such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o with_o we_o they_o be_v not_o religious_a day_n but_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n do_v from_o a_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o make_v a_o day_n religious_a which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v differ_v from_o appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n may_v do_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o observe_v a_o day_n differ_v from_o those_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v perform_v on_o such_o a_o day_n now_o this_o very_a observation_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n will_v answer_v most_o of_o his_o citation_n which_o he_o have_v impertinent_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o bishop_n write_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o have_v be_v very_o injudicious_o make_v against_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 214._o thus_o he_o observe_v from_o the_o bishop_n that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v mere_o such_o can_v be_v universal_a and_o perpetual_a but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n mere_o such_o that_o be_v say_v he_o those_o which_o do_v not_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n within_o their_o matter_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o they_o all_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o specification_n of_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n and_o include_v those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v and_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v enjoin_v to_o wear_v thesurplice_n it_o signify_v that_o he_o must_v perform_v divine_a office_n in_o a_o surplice_n these_o be_v but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o necessary_a duty_n and_o they_o found_v on_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o decency_n well_o but_o the_o bishop_n add_v when_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o to_o which_o all_o other_o nation_n be_v bind_v if_o they_o come_v into_o that_o communion_n it_o will_v be_v intolerable_a that_o the_o church_n who_o rejoice_v in_o their_o freedom_n from_o that_o yoke_n which_o god_n have_v impose_v shall_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o yoke_n of_o ordinance_n which_o man_n shall_v make_v for_o though_o before_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o now_o they_o may_v exercise_v communion_n and_o use_v the_o same_o religion_n without_o communicate_v in_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n now_o do_v not_o this_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o our_o english_a ceremony_n be_v but_o of_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o answer_v to_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ordinance_n which_o he_o call_v exterior_a thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o different_a rule_n and_o measure_n and_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n be_v so_o unfortunate_a that_o if_o the_o bishop_n have_v mean_v this_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n it_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o he_o add_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n this_o do_v no_o way_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o any_o government_n what_o liberty_n they_o be_v to_o retain_v and_o use_v i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o the_o follow_a number_n but_o it_o concern_v distinct_a church_n under_o distinct_a government_n and_o it_o mean_n as_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n and_o the_o whole_a analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v suffer_v no_o man_n to_o put_v a_o law_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v not_o their_o governor_n for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o must_v not_o be_v universal_a he_o mean_v that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v intend_v to_o oblige_v all_o christendom_n except_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v that_o be_v do_v consent_n that_o no_o church_n or_o company_n of_o christian_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n in_o it_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n which_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o such_o a_o usurpation_n as_o must_v not_o be_v endure_v which_o be_v direct_o level_v against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o though_o one_o church_n can_v impose_v upon_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n have_v power_n over_o she_o own_o member_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o be_v over_o they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o answer_v all_o his_o testimony_n from_o bishop_n davenant_n etc._n and_o bishop_n hall_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o duraeus_n about_o his_o pacificatory_a design_n of_o unite_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n into_o one_o communion_n and_o several_a other_o cite_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n they_o discourse_n upon_o what_o term_n distinct_a church_n which_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o aught_o to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n and_o this_o he_o apply_v to_o particular_a church_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o particular_a church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n and_o dominion_n over_o each_o other_o nor_o deny_v communion_n upon_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n or_o different_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o modes_n of_o worship_n therefore_o no_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o communion_n nor_o give_v law_n to_o her_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o
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
the_o law_n or_o to_o allow_v of_o such_o different_a posture_n when_o man_n scruple_n be_v remove_v 2._o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v neglect_v their_o duty_n so_o they_o will_v manifest_o injure_v their_o authority_n by_o such_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ignorance_n humour_n and_o scruple_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o how_o charitable_a soever_o our_o reconciler_n may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o charity_n as_o become_v governor_n for_o private_a christian_n to_o abridge_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o be_v in_o many_o case_n high_o commendable_a and_o a_o generous_a act_n of_o charity_n but_o for_o governor_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o gratify_v dissenter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v betray_v their_o trust._n either_o christ_n have_v commit_v this_o power_n to_o they_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rule_n of_o worship_n or_o he_o have_v not_o if_o he_o have_v as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v more_o than_o once_o own_v in_o this_o very_a book_n than_o this_o power_n be_v a_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o such_o a_o trust_n as_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o no_o pretence_n of_o charity_n can_v justify_v they_o in_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o reconciler_n indeed_o tell_v we_o 159._o that_o which_o be_v here_o plead_v for_o be_v neither_o a_o denial_n nor_o a_o dissemble_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o superior_n but_o only_o a_o abatement_n of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o towards_o some_o weak_a dissenter_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o power_n and_o a_o profession_n that_o they_o do_v suspend_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o not_o through_o conviction_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_o use_v but_o out_o of_o pure_a commiseration_n and_o howel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o their_o weak_a brethren_n but_o all_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o salve_v this_o matter_n for_o the_o great_a dispute_n about_o ceremony_n turn_v upon_o this_o hinge_n whether_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o express_o institute_v and_o enjoin_v by_o christ._n hence_o all_o such_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v by_o our_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a dissenter_n opprobrious_o call_v will-worship_n and_o humane_a invention_n and_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v be_v next_o to_o nothing_o yet_o their_o not_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o their_o be_v command_v by_o man_n though_o by_o such_o man_n as_o be_v invest_v with_o christ_n authority_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o now_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o dispute_n and_o ceremony_n only_o a_o collateral_a dispute_n as_o depend_v upon_o a_o usurp_a and_o illegal_a authority_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o our_o reconciler_n how_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o can_v give_v up_o these_o ceremony_n to_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o dissenter_n without_o give_v up_o their_o own_o authority_n with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o the_o ceremony_n be_v dispute_v now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n be_v this_o authority_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o it_o seem_v christ_n have_v place_v such_o a_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v not_o for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o this_o charge_v our_o saviour_n himself_o with_o want_n of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o his_o own_o church_n in_o set_v such_o a_o uncharitable_a power_n over_o it_o if_o church-authority_n be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a than_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o it_o as_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o which_o our_o reconciler_n be_v often_o at_o he_o tell_v we_o 323._o that_o the_o scripture-exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v such_o a_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o they_o perfect_o confute_v all_o those_o who_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o lay_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o uniformity_n in_o lesser_a matter_n and_o do_v impose_v they_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n for_o either_o we_o must_v all_o submit_v to_o some_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n as_o r._n h._n think_v it_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o compliance_n with_o these_o precept_n or_o else_o confess_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o it_o be_v visible_o impossible_a to_o bring_v all_o man_n unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o precept_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o papist_n do_v so_o continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o or_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o that_o of_o impose_v and_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n concern_v which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o that_o of_o mutual_a condescension_n and_o forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o lesser_a difference_n god_n help_v that_o church_n which_o meet_v with_o such_o reconciler_n as_o these_o but_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v here_o be_v his_o own_o concession_n and_o his_o dilemma_n upon_o it_o he_o argue_v strong_o that_o while_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v they_o unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o this_o he_o say_v must_v be_v grant_v unless_o we_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n here_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n and_o i_o differ_v a_o little_a about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o judge_n but_o we_o agree_v upon_o the_o main_a point_n that_o without_o a_o judge_n to_o determine_v these_o matter_n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n and_o agreement_n among_o christian_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o demonstration_n in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v how_o strange_a soever_o it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o unity_n and_o his_o dilemma_n be_v a_o very_a sore_a one_o for_o either_o this_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n or_o that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n now_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o last_o first_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church-unity_n without_o unity_n in_o worship_n wherein_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n consist_v and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o this_o which_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n without_o uniformity_n and_o no_o uniformity_n without_o such_o imposition_n what_o follow_v then_o but_o that_o we_o must_v reflect_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o not_o leave_v authority_n in_o his_o church_n sufficient_a to_o determine_v such_o matter_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o mean_n of_o union_n these_o be_v hard_a term_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o grant_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v though_o not_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n yet_o a_o supreme_a authority_n to_o his_o church_n to_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o case_n where_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v not_o contradict_v some_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o principle_n will_v quick_o make_v we_o all_o of_o a_o mind_n in_o such_o matter_n now_o then_o from_o hence_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o institute_v a_o church-society_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o love_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o sacredness_n of_o
church-authority_n that_o without_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n be_v obscure_v and_o expose_v to_o censure_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n render_v impracticable_a protestant_n leave_v destitute_a of_o any_o mean_n of_o union_n and_o occasion_n give_v to_o papist_n to_o cry_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n that_o which_o draw_v so_o many_o fatal_a consequent_n after_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v any_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n and_o yet_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v shall_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o frowardness_n and_o scruple_n of_o schismatic_n give_v up_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n and_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v while_o the_o church_n maintain_v her_o authority_n a_o little_a discipline_n and_o government_n and_o a_o few_o good_a argument_n may_v in_o time_n cure_v the_o schism_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o let_v schismatic_n answer_v for_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o if_o schismatic_n once_o gain_v this_o point_n and_o wheedle_n the_o church_n for_o peace_n sake_n out_o of_o her_o authority_n than_o we_o must_v bid_v a_o eternal_a farewell_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n for_o man_n will_v never_o agree_v in_o these_o matter_n without_o the_o determination_n of_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n to_o decide_v these_o difference_n when_o the_o church_n have_v part_v with_o her_o authority_n and_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v reproach_v and_o censure_v and_o the_o protestant_a name_n and_o religion_n expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o this_o be_v our_o reconciler_n protestant_a charity_n well_o but_o suppose_v this_o compliance_n with_o dissenter_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o renuntiation_n of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o only_o a_o suspension_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o for_o this_o forbearance_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o these_o man_n will_v return_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n leave_v off_o to_o command_v now_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n to_o renounce_v her_o power_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o i_o suppose_v christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o church_n that_o she_o shall_v exercise_v it_o and_o if_o the_o power_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o unity_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sure_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v for_o authority_n be_v a_o mere_a empty_a name_n and_o good_a for_o nothing_o when_o it_o do_v nothing_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n do_v not_o require_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o government_n neither_o in_o the_o authority_n nor_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o ii_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o government_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v our_o present_a dispute_n in_o make_v and_o repeal_n law_n and_o i_o dare_v join_v issue_n here_o with_o our_o reconciler_n and_o challenge_v he_o and_o all_o his_o dissent_v client_n to_o fix_v the_o least_o imputation_n of_o uncharitableness_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n on_o this_o account_n as_o to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n a_o little_a more_o particular_o to_o confound_v all_o such_o unjust_a defamer_n of_o authority_n and_o government_n 1._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o repeal_n law_n and_o alter_v such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v either_o sinful_a superstitious_a or_o inconvenient_a because_o here_o our_o reformation_n begin_v and_o what_o rule_v our_o church_n '_o observe_v in_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o common-prayer_n where_o the_o reason_n be_v assign_v why_o some_o ceremony_n be_v abolish_v as_o 1._o because_o some_o of_o they_o which_o be_v at_o first_o well_o intend_v do_v in_o time_n degenerate_a into_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n 2._o other_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o indiscreet_a devotion_n and_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o daily_o grow_v to_o more_o and_o more_o abuse_n and_o they_o be_v reject_v because_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a blind_v the_o people_n hinder_v they_o from_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 3._o some_o be_v put_v away_o because_o their_o very_a number_n be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o make_v the_o estate_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o worse_a case_n concern_v this_o matter_n than_o be_v the_o jew_n as_o st._n austin_n complain_v in_o his_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o ceremony_n be_v much_o less_o than_o it_o be_v in_o this_o church_n at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o much_o of_o moses_n law_n be_v but_o a_o religion_n to_o serve_v god_n not_o in_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o figure_n or_o shadow_n but_o in_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o last_o the_o most_o weighty_a cause_n of_o the_o abolishment_n of_o certain_a ceremony_n be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o abuse_v partly_o by_o the_o superstitious_a blindness_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a and_o partly_o by_o the_o unsatiable_a avarice_n of_o such_o as_o seek_v more_o their_o own_o lucre_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o the_o abuse_n can_v not_o well_o be_v take_v away_o the_o thing_n remain_v still_o with_o what_o grave_n and_o mature_a consideration_n our_o church_n proceed_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o account_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o wise_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o for_o the_o alteration_n of_o any_o public_a constitution_n here_o be_v charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o deliver_v they_o from_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o case_n and_o liberty_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v oppress_v by_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o be_v hard_a to_o know_v and_o to_o remember_v and_o very_o troublesome_a to_o observe_v and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o understand_v which_o make_v they_o whole_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a here_o be_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v obscure_v by_o these_o ceremony_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v transform_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n into_o a_o mere_a external_a and_o figurative_a worship_n and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o ceremony_n which_o have_v be_v long_o use_v in_o a_o church_n and_o confirm_v by_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a law_n aught_o notwithstanding_o that_o to_o be_v remove_v when_o either_o their_o number_n be_v excessive_a or_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o such_o as_o can_v be_v take_v away_o without_o abolish_n the_o ceremony_n itself_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o may_v be_v give_v as_o to_o name_v only_a image_n in_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v safe_o retain_v at_o that_o time_n without_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n in_o those_o day_n be_v so_o superstitious_o addict_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n that_o have_v they_o be_v leave_v in_o church_n though_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o have_v be_v express_o forbid_v yet_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n will_v have_v worship_v they_o notwithstanding_o this_o very_a reason_n our_o church_n give_v in_o her_o homily_n against_o the_o peril_n of_o idolatry_n part_v 3._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o remove_v image_n out_o of_o church_n that_o as_o well_o by_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o nature_n of_o idol_n and_o image_n themselves_o as_o by_o the_o proneness_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n to_o idolatry_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o image_n if_o they_o be_v public_o set_v up_o can_v be_v separate_v nor_o man_n if_o they_o see_v image_n in_o temple_n and_o church_n can_v be_v stay_v and_o keep_v from_o idolatry_n wherefore_o they_o which_o thus_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o have_v image_n public_o and_o do_v prove_v that_o lawfulness_n by_o a_o few_o pick_v and_o choose_v man_n if_o they_o object_n that_o indifferent_o to_o all_o man_n which_o a_o very_a few_o can_v have_v without_o hurt_n and_o offence_n they_o seem_v to_o take_v the_o multitude_n for_o vile_a soul_n of_o who_o loss_n and_o safeguard_n no_o reputation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o who_o christ_n yet_o pay_v as_o dear_o as_o for_o the_o mighty_a prince_n or_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a learn_v of_o the_o earth_n
to_o one_o case_n and_o not_o to_o the_o other_o and_o argue_v great_a ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o impudence_n in_o our_o reconciler_n to_o censure_v it_o which_o i_o shall_v large_o prove_v when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v his_o four_o chapter_n and_o because_o our_o reconciler_n so_o often_o mention_n not_o only_o the_o abatement_n of_o the_o ceremony_n but_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o scrupled_a expression_n in_o the_o liturgy_n without_o mention_v what_o those_o be_v i_o can_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o to_o represent_v that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o those_o late_a alteration_n which_o be_v make_v in_o our_o liturgy_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o common-prayer-book_n our_o general_a aim_n therefore_o in_o this_o undertake_n be_v not_o to_o gratisie_n this_o or_o that_o party_n in_o any_o of_o their_o unreasonable_a demand_n but_o to_o do_v that_o which_o to_o our_o best_a understanding_n we_o conceive_v might_n most_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n the_o procure_n of_o reverence_n and_o exciting_a of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n of_o cavil_n or_o quarrel_n against_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n most_n of_o the_o alteration_n be_v make_v for_o the_o more_o proper_a express_v of_o some_o word_n or_o phrase_n of_o ancient_a usage_n in_o term_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o language_n of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o the_o clear_a explanation_n of_o some_o other_o word_n or_o phrase_n which_o be_v either_o of_o doubtful_a signification_n or_o otherwise_o liable_a to_o misconstruction_n and_o what_o other_o rule_n our_o reconciler_n will_v have_v the_o church_n observe_v in_o alter_v scruple_v phrase_n i_o can_v tell_v for_o if_o she_o muâ—t_v alter_v while_o some_o people_n cease_v to_o scruple_n she_o must_v alter_v it_o all_o or_o rather_o take_v it_o quite_o away_o 3._o but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o impose_v such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v scruple_v by_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o which_o occasion_n a_o formidable_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n i_o shall_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n my_o design_n at_o present_a lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o mistake_v and_o scruple_n of_o christian_n and_o how_o far_o governor_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o they_o and_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v 1._o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a or_o suspicious_a nature_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a her_o authority_n to_o command_v be_v doubtful_a too_o or_o rather_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o doubtful_a matter_n for_o her_o authority_n can_v be_v no_o large_a than_o her_o commission_n and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o her_o commission_n to_o teach_v or_o command_v thing_n which_o be_v doubtful_a thus_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o set_v up_o image_n in_o church_n to_o pray_v before_o a_o crucifix_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o devotion_n though_o we_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o pay_v any_o religious_a homage_n to_o they_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n can_v by_o her_o authority_n adopt_v doubtful_a proposition_n into_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o require_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v they_o as_o the_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o reconciler_n at_o his_o usual_a impertinent_a rate_n of_o citation_n etc._n allege_n several_a passage_n out_o of_o mr._n chillingworth_n to_o prove_v that_o no_o doubtful_a proposition_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v article_n of_o faith_n or_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n in_o which_o i_o perfect_o agree_v with_o mr._n chillingworth_n but_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n see_v how_o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o because_o the_o church_n must_v not_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n therefore_o she_o must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o worship_n that_o because_o she_o must_v not_o impose_v thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a nature_n therefore_o she_o must_v not_o command_v any_o thing_n which_o some_o people_n raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n about_o but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a and_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n doubt_v of_o it_o and_o the_o thing_n be_v dispute_v and_o controvert_v and_o argument_n produce_v on_o both_o side_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o there_o be_v not_o any_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v doubtful_a it_o be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o whether_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n or_o a_o importer_n for_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o atheist_n jew_n turk_n and_o infidel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o dissenter_n dispute_v against_o they_o if_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suspend_v upon_o submission_n to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o controversy_n concern_v they_o 240._o be_v not_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o kingdom_n farewell_o to_o all_o certainty_n in_o religion_n but_o he_o prove_v this_o by_o a_o argument_n transcribe_v from_o dr._n stillingfleet_n irenicum_fw-la a_o book_n which_o certain_o do_v such_o great_a service_n at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v write_v to_o draw_v man_n on_o to_o a_o calm_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o who_o reverend_a author_n have_v do_v such_o excellent_a service_n since_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o his_o incomparable_a write_n both_o against_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n that_o whatever_o fault_n there_o may_v be_v in_o it_o both_o the_o book_n and_o the_o author_n have_v merit_v something_o more_o than_o a_o pardon_n especial_o since_o that_o book_n stand_v now_o upon_o its_o own_o leg_n and_o can_v derive_v no_o authority_n from_o that_o great_a name_n he_o have_v sufficient_o declare_v his_o dislike_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_o answer_v some_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o himself_o and_o though_o i_o can_v assent_v to_o every_o proposition_n in_o the_o irenicum_fw-la as_o i_o be_o pretty_a sure_a the_o author_n himself_o do_v not_o yet_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v that_o it_o deserve_v all_o that_o clamour_n which_o some_o man_n have_v raise_v against_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o never_o can_v make_v any_o man_n a_o dissenter_n and_o i_o think_v it_o much_o more_o desirable_a and_o more_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o man_n shall_v conform_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o irenicum_fw-la than_o that_o they_o shall_v continue_v dissenter_n i_o can_v not_o forbear_v say_v this_o once_o for_o all_o out_o of_o that_o sincere_a honour_n i_o have_v for_o that_o excellent_a person_n who_o have_v meet_v with_o very_o ill_a usage_n from_o some_o man_n who_o either_o envy_n his_o deserve_a praise_n or_o hope_v to_o make_v themselves_o considerable_a by_o be_v his_o rival_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o argument_n be_v where_o probable_a argument_n be_v bring_v for_o the_o maintain_v one_o part_n of_o a_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o another_o though_o the_o argument_n bring_v be_v not_o convince_a for_o the_o necessary_a entertain_v either_o part_n to_o a_o unbiased_a understanding_n yet_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v argument_n sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o both_o party_n will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v on_o their_o own_o side_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n it_o give_v man_n ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v never_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o i_o confess_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v not_o assent_v to_o all_o this_o for_o if_o the_o argument_n be_v only_o probable_a on_o both_o side_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o convince_a either_o way_n to_o a_o unbiased_a judgement_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_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
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
church_n to_o have_v reject_v those_o ceremony_n which_o have_v be_v make_v venerable_a by_o ancient_a use_n when_o they_o will_v equal_o or_o better_o serve_v those_o end_n we_o design_v than_o any_o new_a one_o this_o be_v the_o very_a account_n our_o church_n give_v of_o it_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n why_o she_o retain_v some_o ceremony_n still_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v she_o answer_v that_o objection_n why_o she_o have_v retain_v some_o old_a ceremony_n if_o they_o think_v much_o that_o any_o of_o the_o old_a remain_n ceremony_n and_o will_v rather_o have_v all_o devise_v new_a then_o such_o man_n grant_v some_o ceremony_n convenient_a to_o be_v have_v sure_o where_o the_o old_a may_v be_v well_o use_v there_o they_o can_v reasonable_o reprove_v the_o old_a only_o for_o their_o age_n without_o betray_v of_o their_o own_o folly_n for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o ought_v rather_o to_o have_v reverence_n to_o they_o for_o their_o antiquity_n if_o they_o will_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v more_o studious_a of_o unity_n and_o concord_n than_o of_o innovation_n and_o new_a fangleness_n which_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v with_o true_a set_n forth_o of_o christ_n religion_n be_v always_o to_o be_v eschew_v let_v our_o reconciler_n consider_v whether_o this_o be_v hypocrisy_n or_o true_a and_o sober_a reason_n 2._o the_o dean_n second_o reason_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o reformation_n by_o let_v their_o enemy_n see_v that_o they_o do_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o mere_a indifferent_a thing_n or_o as_o our_o reconciler_n add_v that_o they_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o far_o than_o she_o leave_v the_o ancient_a church_n which_o the_o dean_n do_v not_o say_v under_o that_o head_n nor_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o but_o yet_o here_o he_o take_v advantage_n and_o say_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o have_v leave_v off_o pray_v for_o depart_a saint_n the_o unction_n of_o the_o sick_a the_o mix_v water_n with_o the_o sacramental_a wine_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o first_o liturgy_n and_o which_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a retain_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o be_v our_o reconciler_n in_o good_a earnest_n i_o fear_v the_o next_o book_n we_o shall_v have_v from_o he_o will_v be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n reconciler_n be_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o use_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n indifferent_a be_v pray_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o merit_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v their_o grossing_n and_o exorcism_n and_o suchlike_a ceremony_n abuse_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o absurde_a superstition_n indifferent_a thing_n our_o reformer_n at_o first_o in_o veneration_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o which_o some_o of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v use_v do_v retain_v the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o liturgy_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o but_o upon_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n find_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a use_n and_o to_o purge_v they_o from_o the_o superstitious_a abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o which_o their_o people_n be_v still_o addict_v lay_v they_o all_o aside_o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v reproach_v by_o our_o reconciler_n some_o man_n will_v have_v be_v call_v papist_n in_o masquerade_n for_o half_a so_o much_o as_o this_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o dean_n reason_n that_o we_o do_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o mere_a indifferent_a thing_n for_o certain_o to_o retain_v three_o indifferent_a ceremony_n though_o we_o shall_v reject_v five_o hundred_o more_o equal_o indifferent_a be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o we_o do_v not_o quarrel_v nor_o break_v communion_n for_o indifferent_a thing_n consider_v as_o indifferent_a which_o be_v all_o that_o the_o dean_n mean_v by_o it_o but_o he_o have_v a_o fling_n at_o some_o other_o beside_o the_o dean_n though_o who_o he_o mean_v i_o can_v well_o tell_v but_o he_o say_v some_o of_o our_o church_n senseless_o pretend_v we_o can_v change_v these_o ceremony_n because_o they_o have_v be_v once_o receive_v and_o own_a by_o the_o church_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o though_o i_o think_v it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o say_v we_o can_v change_v what_o have_v be_v once_o receive_v for_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n have_v as_o much_o authority_n as_o the_o church_n of_o former_a age_n have_v yet_o i_o think_v what_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v not_o but_o upon_o very_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v reject_v by_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o now_o have_v our_o reconciler_n be_v honest_a he_o may_v have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o useful_a remark_n upon_o this_o history_n of_o ancient_a ceremony_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o dissenter_n he_o may_v have_v observe_v that_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n there_o be_v several_a ceremony_n use_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n which_o yet_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a but_o humane_a authority_n and_o therefore_o be_v afterward_o disuse_v or_o alter_v by_o the_o church_n that_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o have_v be_v great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n use_v and_o those_o much_o more_o liable_a to_o exception_n than_o be_v now_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o challenge_v and_o exercise_v this_o authority_n in_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o there_o have_v not_o be_v any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n with_o which_o our_o dissenter_n can_v have_v communicate_v upon_o their_o principle_n this_o have_v be_v do_v like_o a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o true_a reconciler_n but_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o he_o who_o can_v find_v so_o many_o good_a word_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v find_v none_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 3._o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o public_a authority_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o some_o profess_a christian_n when_o i_o say_v authority_n must_v determine_v such_o thing_n i_o mean_v if_o they_o will_v do_v their_o duty_n and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o decency_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o wherein_o some_o man_n scruple_n every_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o public_a worship_n but_o what_o they_o like_v and_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v uncover_v at_o prayer_n be_v as_o considerable_a a_o scruple_n to_o some_o quaker_n as_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v to_o other_o dissenter_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o dispute_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o st._n paul_n day_n but_o the_o apostle_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o determine_v that_o question_n notwithstanding_o that_o etc._n and_o yet_o pray_v cover_v or_o uncover_v be_v but_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o kneel_v or_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v and_o if_o i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o argue_v this_o point_n with_o our_o reconciler_n i_o think_v i_o can_v prove_v they_o as_o indifferent_a circumstance_n as_o the_o other_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o apostle_n assign_v for_o the_o man_n pray_v uncover_v and_o the_o woman_n cover_v that_o one_o be_v a_o emblem_n of_o authority_n the_o other_o of_o subjection_n which_o make_v it_o a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n as_o our_o dissenter_n speak_v be_v quite_o contrary_a among_o we_o though_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o be_v so_o still_o in_o some_o eastern_a country_n to_o be_v uncover_v among_o we_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o subjection_n and_o to_o be_v cover_v a_o sign_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o prince_n parent_n and_o master_n be_v cover_v or_o have_v their_o hat_n on_o while_o subject_n child_n and_o servant_n be_v uncover_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o therefore_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o apostle_n reason_n man_n shall_v now_o pray_v cover_v because_o that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o civil_a dignity_n and_o superiority_n whereas_o we_o now_o pray_v uncover_v in_o token_n of_o a_o religious_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n now_o i_o will_v ask_v our_o reconciler_n whether_o our_o church_n may_v determine_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v pray_v with_o their_o hat_n off_o notwithstanding_o the_o scruple_n of_o some_o quaker_n for_o if_o the_o church_n must_v have_v respect_n to_o man_n scruple_n why_o not_o to_o the_o scruple_n of_o quaker_n
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 sacramental_a bread_n shall_v be_v leaven_v or_o unleavened_a and_o he_o talk_v of_o determine_v some_o case_n in_o genere_fw-la that_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v bread_n for_o i_o know_v not_o else_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o he_o in_o genere_fw-la the_o question_n be_v whether_o any_o particular_a thing_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o some_o person_n may_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v determine_v if_o it_o may_v let_v he_o say_v so_o plain_o and_o make_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o it_o well_o he_o grant_v that_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v must_v be_v determine_v but_o add_v that_o the_o dissenter_n do_v universal_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o determine_v any_o of_o these_o scrupled_a ceremony_n and_o they_o have_v perfect_a demonstration_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o denial_n for_o necessatium_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la aliter_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la that_o only_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v which_o can_v be_v leave_v 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
be_v not_o so_o much_o behold_v to_o he_o but_o the_o present_a clergy_n be_v as_o little_a to_o who_o he_o have_v by_o very_o broad_a sign_n and_o intimation_n apply_v theophylact_n observation_n upon_o the_o text_n that_o our_o lord_n complain_v the_o labourer_n be_v but_o few_o because_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o present_a labourer_n not_o only_o do_v not_o profit_n but_o do_v hurt_v the_o people_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o good_a pastor_n to_o be_v merciful-towards_a they_o he_o know_v very_o well_o this_o objection_n oâ—_n the_o paucity_n of_o labourer_n can_v not_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o who_o have_v such_o a_o numerous_a clergy_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v room_n for_o dissenter_n he_o fair_o insinuate_v that_o the_o present_a minister_n do_v no_o good_a but_o hurt_n such_o a_o impudent_a calumny_n as_o need_v no_o confutation_n and_o let_v other_o consider_v what_o censure_n it_o deserve_v iv._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o our_o saviour_n command_n 51._o not_o to_o scandalize_v or_o despise_v little_a one_o 18_o mat._n where_o by_o little_a one_o he_o understand_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o well_o instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n or_o mistake_v in_o it_o though_o very_o obstinate_a and_o peremptory_a in_o their_o mistake_n for_o so_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o will_v apply_v it_o to_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n and_o by_o scandalize_a offend_a or_o despise_v they_o he_o understand_v do_v any_o action_n which_o occasion_n their_o ruin_n and_o thus_o he_o tâ—inks_v church-governor_n fall_v under_o this_o woe_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o offend_v these_o little_a one_o when_o they_o impose_v such_o ceremony_n which_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o which_o occasion_n the_o schism_n and_o consequent_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o weak_a brother_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o want_v argument_n who_o have_v such_o a_o admirable_a faculty_n not_o at_o find_v but_o make_v they_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o remote_a from_o our_o saviour_n intention_n in_o these_o word_n than_o such_o a_o inference_n as_o this_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o little_a one_o our_o saviour_n understand_v those_o who_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o modest_a who_o be_v as_o void_a of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o earthly_a ambition_n as_o a_o little_a child_n as_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v to_o correct_v the_o ambition_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o a_o little_a child_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o they_o for_o their_o imitation_n thus_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o st._n jerom_n expound_v the_o word_n though_o the_o latter_a observe_v also_o that_o those_o who_o be_v scandalize_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n also_o little_a one_o for_o great_a and_o strong_a christian_n will_v not_o receive_v scandal_n that_o be_v though_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a etc._n etc._n yet_o these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o so_o well_o root_v and_o confirm_v in_o they_o but_o that_o the_o ill_a usage_n they_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n may_v turn_v they_o out_o of_o their_o bias_n and_o occasion_n their_o fall_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o dissenter_n who_o be_v neither_o in_o one_o sense_n nor_o other_o little_a one_o who_o neither_o have_v the_o modesty_n humility_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o child_n nor_o their_o soft_a and_o ductile_a nature_n but_o be_v stiff_a and_o inflexible_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o conceit_n that_o they_o will_v neither_o hearken_v to_o reason_n nor_o yield_v to_o conviction_n 〈◊〉_d 2._o to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v these_o little_a one_o st._n chrysostom_n tell_v we_o be_v to_o dishonour_n to_o reproach_n to_o vilify_v they_o to_o despise_v they_o as_o it_o be_v express_v v._n 10._o which_o as_o he_o observe_v be_v a_o great_a temptation_n and_o scandal_n to_o man_n of_o weak_a mind_n our_o reconciler_n observe_v that_o st._n jerom_n say_v we_o be_v say_v to_o scandalize_v when_o by_o our_o action_n we_o give_v occasion_n to_o their_o ruin_n i_o find_v no_o such_o say_n in_o st._n jerom_n upon_o the_o place_n but_o however_o the_o say_n be_v a_o very_a good_a one_o if_o we_o apply_v it_o right_n to_o action_n of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o which_o both_o st._n jerom_n and_o st._n chrysostom_n speak_v which_o be_v apt_a to_o spoil_v this_o good_a temper_n of_o mind_n when_o man_n see_v themselves_o only_o scorn_v and_o deride_v for_o it_o and_o expose_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o violence_n and_o injury_n this_o be_v the_o usual_a reward_n of_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n secure_v these_o little_a one_o from_o contempt_n by_o denounce_v severe_a woe_n against_o those_o who_o offer_v it_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o church_n which_o offer_v no_o contempt_n to_o the_o mean_a christian_n much_o less_o to_o man_n of_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n she_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o of_o the_o rich_a and_o despise_v no_o man_n who_o have_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v save_v and_o will_v submit_v to_o wise_a instruction_n must_v the_o church_n be_v charge_v with_o scandalize_a little_a one_o because_o she_o will_v not_o renounce_v she_o own_o authority_n nor_o suffer_v these_o little_a one_o to_o give_v law_n to_o she_o certain_o our_o saviour_n never_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n and_o upon_o this_o very_a occasion_n he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n even_o in_o the_o point_n of_o scandal_n and_o command_v we_o not_o to_o converse_v with_o those_o man_n who_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o her_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o 18._o shall_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thâ—u_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o or_o two_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n but_o of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n our_o reconciler_n have_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o discourse_v more_o in_o another_o place_n v._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v as_o wise_a as_o the_o rest_n he_o tell_v we_o 13._o our_o lord_n denounce_v woe_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n because_o they_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n but_o he_o shall_v have_v add_v the_o whole_a verse_n for_o you_o neither_o go_v in_o yourselves_o neither_o suffer_v you_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o go_v in_o st._n jerom_n expound_v this_o two_o way_n 1._o they_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n by_o hinder_v their_o belief_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o will_v neither_o believe_v themselves_o nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o believe_v who_o be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o it_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o true_a exposition_n of_o the_o word_n but_o then_o he_o add_v 2._o that_o these_o teacher_n and_o rabbi_n may_v be_v say_v to_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o scandalize_v their_o disciple_n with_o their_o wicked_a life_n that_o be_v who_o tempt_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o their_o example_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o dispute_n about_o ceremony_n do_v the_o imposition_n of_o ceremony_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n shut_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n can_v none_o be_v save_v then_o who_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n about_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o no_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n christ_n condemn_v the_o pharisee_n for_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n our_o reconciler_n draw_v up_o the_o same_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n because_o some_o man_n take_v unjust_a offence_n against_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o her_o worship_n and_o will_v not_o enter_v though_o she_o use_v all_o manner_n of_o entreaties_n and_o argument_n and_o wise_a art_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o enter_v
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
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
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
of_o it_o viz._n the_o miraculous_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o pass_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o concern_v those_o man_n internal_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o forsake_v the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o god_n receive_v they_o into_o visible_a church-communion_n must_v the_o church_n alter_v the_o most_o prudent_a and_o wholesome_a constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o every_o one_o who_o she_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o damn_a hypocrite_n may_v we_o not_o hope_v charitable_o that_o god_n will_v be_v merciful_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o some_o well-meaning_a man_n without_o destroy_v all_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n to_o let_v such_o man_n into_o our_o communion_n when_o god_n shall_v as_o visible_o declare_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o those_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o its_o worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n as_o he_o do_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o reconciler_n argument_n may_v be_v worth_a consider_v but_o till_o then_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n our_o reconciler_n have_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o guilt_n of_o schism_n who_o believe_v that_o such_o schismatic_n as_o wilful_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v still_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n this_o his_o present_a argument_n necessary_o suppose_v for_o otherwise_o it_o do_v no_o way_n appear_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o and_o than_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n must_v receive_v they_o and_o yet_o certain_o schism_n can_v be_v so_o damn_v a_o sin_n as_o at_o other_o time_n he_o pretend_v it_o be_v if_o such_o schismatic_n be_v still_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n so_o that_o great_a part_n of_o his_o book_n be_v nothing_o but_o put_v trick_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o when_o he_o declaim_v mostt_v ragical_o about_o involve_v so_o many_o precious_a soul_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o damn_v schism_n and_o destroy_v those_o with_o our_o ceremony_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v he_o secret_o laugh_v in_o his_o sleeve_n at_o those_o silly_a people_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o believe_v it_o for_o he_o believe_v no_o such_o matter_n himself_o but_o think_v it_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o believe_v that_o schismatic_n be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n nor_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n so_o that_o whatever_o strength_n those_o may_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o his_o book_n who_o believe_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o strength_n in_o it_o himself_o for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v as_o well_o in_o a_o schism_n as_o in_o church-communion_n as_o certain_o all_o those_o shall_v who_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a dispute_v about_o these_o matter_n the_o church_n may_v keep_v her_o constitution_n and_o schismatic_n may_v divide_v and_o subdivide_v into_o infinite_a faction_n and_o no_o great_a hurt_n do_v but_o that_o it_o make_v protestant_a reconciler_n of_o no_o use_n it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o more_o honourable_a undertake_n in_o he_o to_o have_v convince_v the_o church_n of_o her_o mistake_n about_o the_o damn_v nature_n of_o schism_n and_o to_o have_v satisfy_v dissenter_n that_o they_o may_v continue_v in_o their_o schism_n without_o any_o danger_n than_o to_o scare_v they_o both_o with_o panic_n fear_n and_o to_o pelt_v they_o with_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v not_o worth_a half_a a_o farthing_n if_o this_o argument_n be_v worth_a any_o thing_n for_o if_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v receive_v such_o schismatic_n into_o communion_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o be_v concern_v about_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o next_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v or_o rather_o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o verse_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n 4._o to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n v_o 10_o 12._o but_o why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n that_o be_v who_o god_n have_v make_v thy_o brother_n and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v so_o by_o visible_a effect_n though_o thou_o refuse_v to_o own_v he_o for_o such_o or_o why_o do_v thou_o set_v at_o nought_o thy_o brother_n for_o we_o shall_v all_o stand_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ._n so_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n this_o argument_n our_o reconciler_n think_v fit_a to_o pass_v over_o for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o he_o for_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n be_v not_o private_a christian_n subject_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v judge_v and_o censure_v by_o their_o governor_n no_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o christ_n have_v establish_v any_o government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n as_o no_o man_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o judge_v in_o but_o be_v reserve_v whole_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o the_o plain_a case_n be_v this_o god_n have_v public_o declare_v his_o will_n by_o the_o visible_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n both_o on_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o he_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o will_v not_o impose_v that_o yoke_n on_o the_o believe_a gentile_n now_o when_o god_n have_v so_o visible_o determine_v this_o controversy_n neither_o private_a christian_n nor_o church-governor_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v it_o otherwise_o or_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n or_o deny_v communion_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o god_n may_v accept_v jew_n and_o gentile_n upon_o what_o term_n he_o please_v and_o to_o judge_v and_o reject_v the_o jew_n for_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o indulge_v they_o in_o it_o or_o to_o judge_v and_o reject_v the_o gentile_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n when_o god_n have_v so_o manifest_o declare_v that_o he_o receive_v they_o without_o it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v another_o man_n servant_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v what_o his_o own_o master_n either_o allow_v or_o permit_v in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o as_o st._n james_n speak_v 12._o he_o that_o speak_v evil_a of_o his_o brother_n and_o judge_v his_o brother_n speak_v evil_a of_o the_o law_n and_o judge_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o judge_v the_o law_n thou_o be_v not_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o a_o judge_n there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o that_o be_v when_o we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o brother_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n or_o some_o other_o public_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n allow_v they_o to_o do_v or_o to_o omit_v we_o be_v not_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v do_v not_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o those_o who_o be_v to_o receive_v law_n and_o to_o obey_v they_o but_o as_o judge_n as_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n or_o to_o censure_n and_o control_v they_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n against_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n relate_v only_o to_o such_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n unless_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v plain_o determine_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n what_o god_n have_v leave_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v judge_v and_o censure_n and_o reject_v the_o disobedient_a because_o private_a christian_n in_o all_o such_o case_n be_v subject_a to_o church-authority_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o exceed_v her_o authority_n in_o judge_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n whether_o they_o shall_v obey_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o
be_v 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 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only_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n themselves_o but_o scorn_v and_o despise_v the_o jew_n for_o do_v it_o and_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o a_o open_a contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o law_n this_o will_v have_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o have_v alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o call_v lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o brother_n way_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n by_o tempt_v he_o to_o infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v thus_o st._n chrysostom_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v afraid_a locum_fw-la lest_o this_o contemptuous_a usage_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v they_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o 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
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
case_n if_o they_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o any_o body_n but_o themselves_o in_o a_o unnecessary_a restraint_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n but_o neither_o offend_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o hurt_v man_n but_o if_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o compliance_n with_o other_o they_o sin_n in_o it_o for_o every_o man_n private_a conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v he_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o dispute_n between_o dissenter_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n the_o scruple_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o ground_v on_o any_o express_a law_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o party_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n but_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o pervert_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o better_a instruction_n the_o dissenter_n can_v produce_v any_o plain_a positive_a law_n which_o be_v oâ—_n ever_o be_v in_o force_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n and_o so_o have_v no_o reasonable_a pretence_n to_o be_v offend_v the_o weakness_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o a_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o at_o best_a a_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v indulge_v but_o to_o be_v rectify_v by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o prudent_a restraint_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o every_o ignorant_a christian_a must_v give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v his_o own_o ignorant_a and_o childish_a prejudices_fw-la whatever_o offence_n the_o dissenter_n take_v at_o our_o ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o only_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o make_v they_o forsake_v the_o church_n for_o a_o conventicle_n but_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o in_o itself_o for_o any_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n to_o be_v sure_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reaâ—on_n there_o must_v be_v no_o authority_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o no_o exercise_n of_o it_o lest_o those_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v shall_v turn_v schismatic_n but_o now_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o those_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o communion_n without_o mutual_a offence_n and_o scandal_n who_o observe_v such_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o god_n have_v never_o by_o any_o such_o visible_a sign_n declare_v that_o dissenter_n shall_v be_v receive_v to_o communion_n notwithstanding_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o for_o our_o reconciler_n invisible_a communion_n with_o god_n which_o he_o grant_v to_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n who_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n st._n paul_n never_o think_v of_o it_o and_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o our_o reconciler_n shall_v know_v it_o especial_o if_o schism_n as_o he_o assert_n be_v a_o damn_v sin_n for_o no_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o case_n of_o schismatic_n can_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o when_o the_o church_n judge_n and_o censure_n and_o excommunicate_v those_o who_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o her_o worship_n she_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v for_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o though_o our_o dissenter_n pretend_v conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o nonconformity_n yet_o these_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o not_o to_o be_v allow_v of_o because_o there_o be_v no_o plain_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o it_o and_o neither_o governor_n nor_o private_a christian_n be_v concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o to_o make_v any_o allowance_n for_o every_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o will_v bring_v eternal_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o first_o require_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n for_o our_o rule_n which_o will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v what_o we_o do_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o man_n private_a conscience_n if_o they_o misguide_v they_o may_v deserve_v our_o pity_n but_o can_v challenge_v our_o indulgence_n our_o reconciler_n exhort_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n for_o public_a worship_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_a dissenter_n but_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o prudent_a and_o charitable_a but_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a government_n and_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o religious_a office_n which_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o other_o measure_n than_o a_o private_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o private_a christian_n to_o dispense_v in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o nor_o absolute_o in_o the_o power_n of_o church-governor_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n whoever_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n in_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n wherein_o religion_n be_v near_o concern_v for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o act_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n wherein_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n consist_v which_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o external_a worship_n be_v and_o therefore_o can_v refer_v to_o the_o public_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o they_o be_v practise_v at_o all_o must_v be_v practise_v public_o because_o they_o concern_v the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v offence_n in_o this_o case_n by_o dissemble_v our_o faith_n or_o by_o a_o private_a exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o governor_n must_v part_v with_o their_o authority_n and_o private_a christian_n with_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o the_o apostle_n nowhere_o require_v any_o man_n to_o do_v no_o not_o to_o avoid_v offence_n now_o though_o our_o dissenter_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o our_o reconciler_n plead_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a argument_n in_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o their_o mistake_n do_v not_o mere_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a liberty_n but_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o every_o man_n private_a conscience_n but_o to_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o where_o there_o be_v for_o if_o they_o sin_n in_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n which_o no_o man_n can_v force_v they_o to_o do_v so_o they_o sin_v also_o in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n which_o governor_n ought_v to_o hinder_v if_o they_o can_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n from_o that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n the_o dispute_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o those_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v and_o which_o be_v very_o proper_a argument_n in_o that_o case_n can_v by_o no_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o dispute_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o there_o be_v several_a other_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v at_o which_o plain_o show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n
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
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
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
the_o idol_n temple_n and_o then_o the_o sound_n christian_n be_v to_o forbear_v for_o fear_n of_o encourage_v such_o weak_a christian_n in_o their_o idolatry_n for_o they_o may_v apprehend_v it_o as_o lawful_a to_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n as_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o as_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n as_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o thus_o the_o use_n of_o their_o innocent_a liberty_n in_o eat_v what_o be_v set_v before_o they_o without_o scruple_n may_v confirm_v such_o man_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o be_v to_o forbear_v and_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o st._n paul_n may_v have_v respect_n to_o all_o these_o from_o what_o he_o add_v v_o 32._o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o idolatry_n by_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o suspect_v you_o of_o the_o least_o approach_n to_o idolatry_n which_o will_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o aversion_n to_o christianity_n not_o to_o the_o gentile_a by_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o idolatry_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o scandalize_a either_o weak_a or_o scrupulous_a christian_n much_o less_o by_o scandalize_a the_o christian_a profession_n as_o the_o gnostic_n do_v by_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n but_o how_o any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o make_v to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n i_o can_v see_v that_o which_o come_v near_a the_o business_n be_v if_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o abstain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o who_o scruple_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o meat_n but_o then_o this_o forbearance_n be_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a liberty_n in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v wherein_o religion_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v for_o though_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o such_o meat_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o their_o eat_n in_o itself_o consider_v do_v not_o please_v god_n though_o they_o eat_v without_o scandal_n much_o less_o when_o their_o eat_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o weak_a christian_n meat_n commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n 8.8_o for_o neither_o if_o we_o eat_v be_v we_o the_o better_a neither_o if_o we_o eat_v not_o be_v we_o the_o worse_o as_o he_o have_v before_o tell_v the_o roman_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n it_o become_v they_o to_o exercise_v great_a charity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n but_o how_o little_a this_o make_v to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a in_o the_o five_o chapter_n and_o our_o reconciler_n have_v offer_v nothing_o new_a here_o to_o deserve_v a_o new_a answer_n all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n himself_o which_o may_v be_v answer_v in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n he_o exercise_v great_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n both_o towards_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o great_a a_o apostle_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a forbearance_n to_o all_o succeed_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n or_o aught_o to_o alter_v and_o abolish_v they_o in_o charity_n and_o condescension_n to_o dissenter_n i_o will_v yield_v the_o cause_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o st._n paul_n condescension_n be_v and_o i_o observe_v in_o general_a that_o he_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o same_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o persuade_v other_o private_a christian_n to_o exercise_v and_o therefore_o if_o that_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o exhort_v the_o christian_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o do_v not_o overthrow_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n nor_o plead_v for_o the_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n of_o dissenter_n than_o st._n paul_n example_n can_v do_v this_o neither_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o consider_v particular_n 13._o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n especial_o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_v and_o scandalize_a weak_a christian_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v observe_v himself_o wherefore_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n he_o persuade_v believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o and_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o scandalize_v one_o another_o about_o the_o observation_n or_o non-observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o this_o condescension_n both_o â—o_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o exercise_v himself_o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n 22._o to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o law_n as_o without_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n he_o live_v as_o a_o jew_n observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o neither_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n gain_v some_o that_o be_v he_o practise_v that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o teach_v other_o to_o practice_v and_o if_o that_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n nor_o plead_v for_o the_o like_a indulgence_n and_o toleration_n for_o they_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a it_o do_v not_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n example_n prove_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o this_o condescension_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o private_a liberty_n which_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o restrain_v to_o make_v his_o ministry_n the_o more_o effectual_a but_o he_o never_o part_v with_o his_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o dissenter_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 138._o but_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n more_o of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n which_o our_o reconciler_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o very_a notable_a one_o viz._n that_o though_o st._n paul_n assert_n his_o right_n to_o live_v upon_o the_o church_n stock_n as_o well_o as_o other_o minister_n yet_o he_o maintain_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o labour_n that_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o corinthian_n without_o charge_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o do_v receive_v contribution_n from_o other_o church_n and_o this_o he_o do_v 9_o lest_o he_o shall_v hinder_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n from_o whence_o our_o reconciler_n thus_o argue_v wherefore_o although_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n have_v certain_o a_o right_a to_o impose_v thing_n indifferent_a yet_o with_o submission_n to_o they_o i_o conceive_v they_o shall_v not_o exercise_v that_o power_n in_o like_a circumstance_n viz._n when_o by_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n to_o traduce_v they_o as_o man_n who_o more_o regard_v a_o ceremony_n than_o a_o immortal_a soul_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o command_a power_n than_o the_o preserve_n poor_a soul_n from_o damn_v schism_n and_o the_o church_n from_o sad_a division_n when_o it_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o their_o flock_n as_o this_o impose_v seem_v to_o do_v ad_fw-la populum_fw-la phalerae_fw-la now_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v the_o case_n and_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v our_o reconciler_n application_n the_o case_n be_v this_o st._n paul_n have_v a_o right_a to_o live_v on_o the_o gospel_n 14_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o ordination_n as_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n who_o minister_v in_o holy_a thing_n live_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o they_o which_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n have_v their_o portion_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
they_o from_o communion_n who_o god_n will_v receive_v so_o that_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o england_n must_v receive_v papist_n into_o her_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o fanatic_n where_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o charity_n be_v bishop_n sanderson_n the_o inference_n and_o application_n the_o reconciler_n iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v from_o one_o great_a purpose_n of_o christ_n advent_n etc._n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n to_o make_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_a one_o by_o break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o abolish_n the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n now_o the_o conceit_n of_o it_o be_v this_o he_o suppose_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o a_o partition-wall_n between_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n as_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n have_v break_v down_o one_o partition-wall_n and_o make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o church_n so_o our_o governor_n ought_v to_o break_v down_o the_o other_o partition-wall_n to_o make_v conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n one_o body_n and_o church_n which_o be_v such_o a_o dull_a conceit_n and_o argue_v such_o stupid_a ignorance_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n that_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v he_o be_v so_o zealous_a a_o advocate_n for_o ignorance_n and_o error_n the_o partition-wall_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o partition_n in_o the_o temple_n which_o divide_v the_o court_n where_o the_o jew_n worship_v from_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o which_o make_v this_o partition_n be_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n when_o he_o choose_v his_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o separate_v they_o from_o other_o nation_n give_v they_o a_o peculiar_a law_n which_o be_v to_o last_o as_o long_o as_o this_o distinction_n do_v for_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v for_o ever_o to_o confine_v his_o church_n to_o one_o nation_n but_o when_o the_o promise_a messiah_n come_v to_o enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o his_o church_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o this_o law_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o typify_v the_o messiah_n and_o to_o receive_v its_o full_a completion_n in_o the_o perfect_a sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n of_o his_o death_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o former_a dispensation_n and_o seal_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o all_o mankind_n thus_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n break_v down_o the_o partition-wall_n because_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n which_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o that_o external_a and_o typical_a religion_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o be_v as_o christ_n make_v a_o covenant_n now_o with_o all_o mankind_n so_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o that_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a people_n now_o indeed_o any_o such_o partition-wall_n as_o this_o which_o confine_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o any_o particular_a people_n or_o nation_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o ought_v immediate_o to_o be_v pull_v down_o but_o must_v there_o therefore_o be_v no_o partion_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n must_v there_o be_v no_o wall_n and_o fence_n about_o the_o church_n this_o vineyard_n and_o fold_n of_o christ_n must_v there_o be_v no_o law_n make_v for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o christian_a worship_n for_o fear_v of_o keep_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o will_v not_o be_v orderly_o in_o it_o how_o come_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o wall_n of_o partition_n the_o church_n never_o make_v they_o so_o for_o she_o only_o design_v they_o for_o rule_n and_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o it_o be_v her_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o let_v those_o then_o who_o set_v up_o this_o wall_n of_o partition_n pull_v it_o down_o again_o that_o be_v let_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o make_v these_o ceremony_n a_o wall_n of_o partition_n return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o no_o body_n keep_v they_o from_o but_o themselves_o as_o for_o his_o modest_a insinuation_n that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v carnal_a ordinance_n weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v for_o their_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n as_o the_o mosaic_a ceremony_n be_v i_o have_v already_o large_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a religion_n and_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v for_o the_o decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a and_o must_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o external_n worship_n which_o require_v external_a sign_n of_o decency_n and_o honour_n do_v 182._o iv._o his_o next_o motive_n to_o condescension_n be_v from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n in_o such_o doctrine_n as_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o understanding_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o leave_v the_o revelation_n of_o such_o matter_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o send_v to_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o convert_v jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o immediate_o tell_v they_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v but_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n first_o and_o allow_v some_o time_n to_o wear_v off_o their_o jewish_a and_o pagan_n prejudices_fw-la therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v forbear_v impose_v of_o some_o practice_n at_o which_o our_o flock_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o prejudice_n and_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o take_v offence_n but_o how_o this_o follow_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o instruct_v their_o people_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o learn_v that_o our_o reconciler_n shall_v never_o have_v publish_v his_o second_o part_n to_o convince_v dissenter_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o and_o therefore_o in_o duty_n ought_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v impose_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o may_v instruct_v our_o people_n in_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v require_v their_o obedience_n too_o otherwise_o we_o have_v as_o good_a never_o instruct_v they_o but_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n then_o intend_v that_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o child_n do_v not_o st._n paul_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v full_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n must_v the_o church_n return_v again_o to_o her_o state_n of_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n to_o humour_n dissenter_v but_o indeed_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o governor_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v such_o a_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a doctrine_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v conceal_v as_o too_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v it_o not_o a_o pretty_a way_n of_o reason_v that_o euclid_n element_n be_v too_o difficult_a a_o book_n for_o a_o young_a child_n to_o learn_v therefore_o his_o master_n must_v not_o teach_v he_o to_o obâ—y_v his_o parent_n neither_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o lesson_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v their_o disciple_n whatever_o else_o they_o conceal_v from_o they_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n found_v without_o government_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n where_o subject_n must_v not_o be_v teach_v obedience_n but_o however_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v publish_v the_o first_o require_v great_a prudence_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o fit_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o and_o of_o fit_a person_n to_o communicate_v it_o to_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o
the_o come_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v never_o enlarge_v yet_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o schismatic_n which_o divide_v and_o lessen_v the_o church_n but_o will_v never_o enlarge_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o pray_v hearty_o thy_o kingdom_n come_v must_v take_v care_n to_o suppress_v all_o schism_n and_o schismatical_a preacher_n who_o be_v the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n q._n 3._o can_v you_o or_o any_o mortal_a man_n prove_v that_o other_o may_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o differ_v from_o you_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o you_o differ_v from_o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n ans._n i_o dare_v put_v the_o final_a decision_n of_o this_o controversy_n upon_o this_o issue_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o dissenter_n come_v near_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o we_o do_v not_o use_v all_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o we_o use_v some_o which_o be_v not_o then_o use_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v dissenter_n for_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v she_o own_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n while_o they_o comply_v with_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o private_a christian_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n while_o she_o enjoin_v nothing_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n q._n 4._o what_o if_o the_o old_a liturgy_n and_o that_o new_a one_o compile_v and_o present_v to_o the_o bishop_n at_o the_o savoy_n 1661._o have_v both_o pass_v and_o be_v allow_v for_o minister_n to_o use_v as_o they_o judge_v most_o convenient_a may_v not_o several_a minister_n and_o congregation_n in_o this_o case_n have_v use_v several_a modes_n of_o worship_n without_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n or_o count_v each_o other_o schismatic_n what_o if_o our_o king_n and_o parliament_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n enjoin_v conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n that_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n for_o substance_n to_o attend_v peaceable_o upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o serve_v god_n and_o his_o church_n the_o best_a they_o can_v whether_o they_o use_v the_o ceremony_n and_o scruple_v expression_n of_o the_o liturgy_n or_o no_o without_o uncharitable_a reflection_n or_o bitter_a censure_n upon_o one_o another_o in_o word_n or_o writing_n where_o will_v be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o such_o a_o law_n ans._n this_o be_v much_o like_o mr._n humphrey_n project_n of_o unite_n all_o dissenter_n into_o one_o national_a church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n under_o the_o king_n as_o the_o accidental_a head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v large_o and_o particular_o answer_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n the_o only_a fault_n in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o it_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divide_v christian_n into_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a schism_n and_o emulation_n which_o no_o law_n can_v prevent_v as_o for_o mr._n baxter_n liturgy_n i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o man_n may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v allow_v to_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la as_o to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v write_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la it_o argue_v very_o little_a modesty_n in_o those_o man_n to_o present_v such_o crude_a and_o indigested_a stuff_n to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o it_o argue_v as_o little_a understanding_n and_o honesty_n in_o our_o reconciler_n to_o plead_v for_o it_o q._n 5._o dissenter_n ought_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o shall_v not_o imposer_n do_v the_o like_a be_v this_o one_o rule_n agree_v on_o what_o peace_n and_o unity_n will_v soon_o follow_v and_o if_o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n peace_n extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o schism_n in_o their_o set_n up_o unnecessary_a rule_n which_o other_o can_v submit_v to_o as_o in_o man_n vary_v from_o such_o rule_n ans._n i_o wonder_v what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o dissenter_n yield_v as_o if_o they_o stand_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n like_o two_o equal_n to_o compose_v a_o difference_n and_o quarrel_n shall_v yield_v and_o condescend_v to_o each_o other_o the_o dissenter_n ought_v not_o to_o yield_v to_o but_o to_o obey_v the_o church_n the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o yield_v to_o dissenter_n but_o to_o govern_v prudent_o and_o charitable_o the_o church_n have_v do_v her_o part_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 2._o and_o the_o only_a quarrel_n be_v that_o dissenter_n will_v not_o do_v they_o but_o what_o a_o admirable_a rule_n be_v this_o to_o make_v peace_n when_o they_o do_v not_o they_o can_v tell_v we_o how_o far_o the_o dissenter_n will_v yield_v and_o what_o the_o church_n must_v yield_v to_o make_v peace_n but_o for_o aught_o i_o perceive_v this_o be_v a_o great_a secret_a and_o like_a to_o continue_v so_o i_o suppose_v the_o dissenter_n aâ—ter_v all_o think_v they_o can_v yield_v nothing_o and_o the_o church_n see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v any_o thing_n and_o here_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o project_n indeed_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o church_n to_o yield_v every_o thing_n all_o her_o unnecessary_a rule_n which_o other_o can_v otherwise_o call_v will_v not_o submit_v to_o that_o be_v at_o least_o all_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o worship_n if_o not_o her_o own_o authority_n too_o and_o the_o only_a argument_n he_o use_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o yield_v be_v because_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o yield_v that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o governor_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o subject_n because_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o governor_n i_o do_v not_o much_o care_n to_o be_v a_o undertaker_n and_o yet_o i_o will_v venture_v for_o once_o to_o propose_v this_o expedient_a for_o peace_n let_v the_o dissenter_n as_o in_o duty_n bind_v yield_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o church_n shall_v yield_v every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o desire_a union_n this_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a proposition_n not_o only_o because_o subject_n ought_v first_o to_o yield_v but_o because_o the_o church_n know_v not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v yield_v till_o she_o see_v how_o far_o the_o dissenter_n can_v yield_v indeed_o will_v the_o dissenter_n yield_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n for_o the_o church_n yield_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n enjoin_v nothing_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o injurious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o do_v not_o think_v she_o do_v both_o dissent_v preacher_n and_o hearer_n when_o it_o serve_v a_o secular_a interest_n can_v hear_v the_o common-prayer_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v though_o the_o minister_n officiate_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o i_o be_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o hope_v that_o when_o they_o do_v so_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o this_o they_o can_v yield_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n or_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o yield_v and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v little_o leave_v for_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v his_o two_o next_o question_n whether_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v perform_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n without_o these_o ceremony_n and_o whether_o if_o man_n must_v be_v without_o the_o word_n and_o without_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o without_o these_o ceremony_n which_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o etc._n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v this_o do_v not_o make_v they_o of_o equal_a necessity_n with_o divine_a institution_n have_v be_v already_o answer_v at_o large_a in_o the_o first_o chapter_n q._n 8._o whether_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v set_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o encompass_v of_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o whether_o the_o take_n of_o a_o narrow_a compass_n be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a error_n
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
reverend_a bishop_n once_o have_v condescend_v to_o these_o term_n of_o union_n will_v they_o not_o have_v rejoice_v to_o have_v see_v the_o church_n restore_v and_o themselves_o readmit_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o sacred_a function_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o the_o abatement_n of_o such_o trivial_a thing_n ans._n i_o judge_v it_o very_o likely_a they_o may_v as_o a_o banish_a prince_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o crown_n again_o though_o he_o part_v with_o some_o jewel_n out_o of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n restore_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n without_o any_o such_o restraint_n and_o limitation_n of_o their_o power_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o use_v their_o whole_a power_n as_o prudent_o and_o charitable_o as_o they_o can_v the_o restore_n of_o episcopacy_n restore_v the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n again_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o schism_n without_o it_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o all_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o glad_a of_o this_o though_o upon_o hard_a and_o disadvantageous_a term_n but_o sure_o to_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o its_o ancient_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n in_o a_o regular_a and_o decent_a administration_n of_o all_o holy_a office_n be_v more_o desirable_a than_o nothing_o but_o the_o mere_a be_v of_o a_o church_n still_o deform_v with_o the_o mark_n and_o ruin_n of_o a_o old_a schism_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o can_v be_v have_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v and_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o bishop_n must_v use_v no_o other_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o full_a possession_n of_o their_o power_n than_o bare_o so_o much_o as_o they_o will_v have_v be_v content_v to_o have_v bargain_v for_o with_o schismatic_n when_o they_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o all_o power_n though_o whither_o st._n cyprian_n will_v have_v make_v any_o such_o bargain_n with_o schismatic_n as_o infer_v a_o diminution_n of_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n i_o much_o question_n have_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o nation_n at_o the_o happy_a return_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o his_o throne_n think_v fit_a to_o have_v make_v any_o trial_n and_o experiment_n what_o some_o condescension_n and_o abatement_n will_v have_v do_v the_o reverend_a bishop_n no_o doubt_n will_v have_v acquiesce_v in_o it_o not_o out_o of_o any_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o such_o method_n but_o to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o make_v the_o experiment_n but_o that_o factious_a and_o restless_a spirit_n of_o phanaticism_n which_o begin_v immediate_o to_o work_v convince_v our_o prince_n and_o parliament_n how_o dangerous_a such_o a_o experiment_n will_v be_v and_o prevent_v the_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o now_o we_o have_v such_o fresh_a and_o repeat_v experiment_n how_o dangerous_a these_o faction_n be_v both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n our_o reconciler_n will_v persuade_v our_o governor_n out_o of_o their_o sense_n to_o cherish_v those_o man_n who_o if_o they_o be_v not_o suppress_v will_v most_o infallible_o involve_v this_o unhappy_a church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o blood_n and_o confusion_n as_o for_o what_o our_o reconciler_n add_v concern_v the_o rubric_n about_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n 141._o and_o the_o canon_n about_o bow_v of_o the_o body_n in_o token_n of_o our_o reverence_n of_o god_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n have_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v already_o chap._n viii_o contain_v some_o brief_a animadversion_n on_o the_o authority_n produce_v by_o our_o reconciler_n in_o his_o preface_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o a_o address_n to_o the_o dissenter_n thus_o i_o have_v with_o all_o plainness_n and_o sincerity_n examine_v the_o whole_a reason_n of_o this_o book_n for_o as_o for_o the_o remain_a chapter_n whatever_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n in_o they_o i_o have_v answer_v before_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o vindication_n whether_o the_o answer_v i_o have_v give_v be_v satisfactory_a or_o not_o i_o must_v leave_v to_o other_o to_o judge_v but_o i_o can_v honest_o say_v i_o have_v use_v no_o trick_n and_o evasion_n nor_o have_v i_o use_v any_o argument_n but_o what_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o myself_o all_o that_o remain_v now_o be_v a_o brief_a examination_n of_o those_o authority_n our_o reconciler_n have_v produce_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o own_o king_n and_o many_o famous_a doctor_n of_o our_o own_o church_n beside_o many_o foreign_a divine_n have_v plead_v for_o that_o condescension_n for_o which_o he_o plead_v in_o this_o book_n now_o i_o think_v it_o the_o best_a way_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o examine_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o condescension_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n who_o plead_v for_o it_o without_o reason_n and_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o leave_v such_o a_o reproach_n upon_o so_o many_o great_a man_n that_o they_o declare_v their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n for_o a_o cause_n which_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o support_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o give_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o this_o also_o i_o review_v his_o preface_n and_o find_v there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o answer_v it_o either_o by_o examine_v his_o particular_a testimony_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o credit_n or_o by_o take_v the_o testimony_n for_o grant_v and_o show_v that_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v no_o great_a stomach_n to_o as_o be_v a_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a work_n which_o will_v swell_v this_o vindication_n to_o a_o great_a bulk_n which_o be_v grow_v too_o big_a already_o and_o the_o only_a end_n it_o can_v serve_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n do_v not_o quote_v his_o author_n faithful_o but_o i_o have_v already_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o this_o in_o my_o vindication_n of_o bishop_n taylor_n as_o will_v spoil_v his_o credit_n with_o all_o wary_a man_n and_o therefore_o i_o resolve_v upon_o the_o other_o way_n of_o answer_v he_o to_o show_v that_o the_o testimony_n produce_v by_o he_o as_o he_o produce_v they_o do_v not_o prove_v what_o he_o intend_v they_o for_o but_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o i_o have_v a_o book_n write_v upon_o this_o very_a subject_n entitle_v remark_n upon_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n which_o i_o read_v over_o and_o to_o my_o great_a comfort_n find_v my_o work_n do_v to_o my_o hand_n for_o that_o author_n have_v with_o great_a judgement_n say_v whatever_o i_o can_v think_v proper_a to_o be_v say_v in_o this_o cause_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v some_o little_a hint_n of_o what_o i_o intend_v more_o large_o to_o discourse_n and_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o those_o remark_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n the_o intention_n of_o this_o preface_n our_o reconciler_n tell_v we_o p._n 3._o be_v to_o strengthen_v the_o design_n of_o his_o book_n by_o the_o concurrent_a suffrage_n of_o many_o worthy_a person_n both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o church_n who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o have_v pursue_v the_o same_o design_n which_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n now_o the_o design_n of_o his_o book_n as_o i_o have_v show_v from_o his_o own_o word_n in_o my_o introduction_n p._n 13_o 14._o be_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n especial_o when_o these_o ceremony_n be_v scruple_v and_o many_o profess_a christian_n rather_o choose_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n than_o submit_v to_o they_o now_o to_o prove_v this_o he_o first_o allege_n the_o authority_n of_o three_o king_n king_n james_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o the_o royal_a martyr_n and_o best_a of_o king_n and_o man_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o style_v he_o and_o our_o present_a sovereign_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o he_o can_v have_v name_v three_o other_o king_n more_o averse_a to_o his_o reconcile_a design_n what_o king_n jame_v his_o judgement_n be_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o conference_n at_o hampton-court_n where_o he_o so_o severe_o determine_v against_o dissenter_n and_o keep_v his_o word_n all_o his_o reign_n without_o grant_v any_o liberty_n to_o these_o pretend_a scruple_n which_o be_v very_o strange_a have_v he_o be_v of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n upon_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n how_o much_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o suffer_v