the_o church_n ought_v in_o charity_n to_o the_o people_n to_o show_v they_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o superstitious_a scruple_n iii_o but_o the_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o be_v only_a hypocrite_n who_o heart_n be_v harden_v against_o the_o truth_n what_o be_v they_o all_o hypocrite_n be_v there_o not_o one_o honest_a man_n among_o they_o some_o hypocrite_n there_o be_v then_o and_o so_o there_o be_v still_o hypocrite_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o these_o man_n be_v hypocrite_n for_o the_o jew_n do_v general_o believe_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o work_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o therefore_o be_v real_o scandalize_v and_o offend_v but_o we_o have_v a_o company_n of_o hypocrite_n among_o we_o who_o do_v not_o real_o scruple_n what_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v but_o only_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o scruple_n a_o occasion_n to_o abuse_v the_o people_n to_o stir_v up_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o faction_n in_o the_o state_n man_n who_o can_v conform_v when_o they_o please_v and_o be_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v when_o they_o please_v but_o our_o lord_n do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_a to_o prevent_v their_o scandal_n no_o he_o do_v not_o abstain_v from_o work_a miracle_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v please_v but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o they_o that_o he_o do_v it_o on_o purpose_n because_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o and_o to_o deliver_v man_n from_o such_o superstition_n as_o make_v they_o take_v offence_n but_o he_o first_o satisfy_v they_o from_o their_o own_o practice_n on_o a_o less_o occasion_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o that_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o can_v not_o answer_v he_o one_o word_n and_o have_v our_o church_n be_v want_v in_o this_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o dissenter_n how_o many_o unanswerable_a book_n have_v be_v write_v in_o justification_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v not_o ashamed_a but_o will_v talk_v on_o when_o they_o have_v not_o one_o wise_a word_n to_o say_v be_v only_o a_o argument_n that_o they_o have_v less_o wit_n and_o more_o impudence_n than_o the_o pharisee_n have_v our_o church_n indeed_o can_v work_v miracle_n as_o christ_n do_v to_o convince_v they_o though_o where_o plain_a and_o convince_a reason_n will_v not_o do_v i_o doubt_v miracle_n will_v not_o do_v neither_o for_o though_o the_o pharisee_n be_v silence_v by_o christ_n yet_o they_o be_v neither_o convince_v by_o his_o reason_n nor_o his_o miracle_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v what_o obligation_n charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n lay_v upon_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abate_v those_o ceremony_n which_o some_o man_n scruple_n and_o take_v offence_n at_o but_o i_o must_v here_o brief_o consider_v one_o principle_n more_o of_o our_o reconciler_n which_o he_o nowhere_o pretend_v to_o prove_v but_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n require_v the_o abatement_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o religion_n if_o it_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o scruple_n and_o offence_n for_o why_o must_v the_o church_n be_v tie_v up_o to_o what_o be_v necessary_a her_o power_n and_o authority_n extend_v to_o thing_n which_o be_v useful_a and_o expedient_a though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o she_o may_v exercise_v this_o power_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n notwithstanding_o the_o unreasonable_a &_o superstitious_a scruple_n of_o man_n which_o ought_v to_o lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o the_o prudent_a exercise_n of_o government_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n shall_v alter_v any_o scrupled_a ceremony_n how_o decent_a or_o expedient_a soever_o they_o be_v if_o we_o can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o his_o book_n and_o shall_v not_o think_v myself_o any_o further_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o often_o as_o i_o meet_v with_o they_o if_o these_o principle_n which_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o hold_v good_a his_o book_n be_v answer_v and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v exercise_v their_o just_a authority_n and_o he_o that_o be_v offend_v let_v he_o be_v offend_v and_o yet_o for_o the_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o man_n what_o a_o trifler_n our_o reconciler_n be_v i_o shall_v particular_o examine_v his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o show_v how_o impertinent_a they_o be_v to_o our_o present_a dispute_n chap._n iii_o concern_v a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n objection_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o discord_n divisian_n and_o schism_n though_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v bâ—_n sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v every_o impartial_a reader_n that_o all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n be_v mere_a fallacy_n as_o proceed_v upon_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n yet_o for_o the_o more_o abundant_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v inform_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a examination_n of_o his_o reason_n why_o church-governor_n ought_v to_o alter_v or_o abate_v such_o scruple_v ceremony_n 1._o i._o and_o first_o he_o declaim_v very_o copious_o about_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o division_n and_o true_o i_o believe_v discord_n and_o division_n especial_o among_o christian_a brethren_n to_o be_v as_o bad_a a_o thing_n as_o he_o can_v possible_o describe_v it_o to_o be_v but_o what_o then_o what_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v very_o plain_a for_o if_o conformist_n do_v not_o conceive_v it_o better_o at_o least_o that_o we_o shall_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o all_o these_o dreadful_a evil_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v consent_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n or_o to_o the_o alter_n of_o a_o few_o scruple_v expression_n in_o our_o liturgy_n 22._o then_o must_v they_o yield_v up_o these_o few_o ceremony_n and_o alter_v these_o expression_n to_o prevent_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a evil_n 1._o i_o answer_v do_v our_o reconciler_n then_o think_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o discord_n and_o division_n must_v be_v remove_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o be_v it_o not_o most_o proper_a to_o apply_v the_o remedy_n to_o the_o disease_n to_o instruct_v people_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o quarrel_v about_o such_o matter_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o pay_v such_o deference_n to_o their_o superior_n as_o cheerful_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v not_o express_o forbid_v till_o this_o be_v do_v the_o church_n may_v aâ—ter_v her_o constitution_n every_o year_n and_o be_v as_o far_o off_o from_o peace_n as_o now_o for_o while_o man_n be_v ignorant_a scrupulous_a and_o quarrelsome_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n and_o state_n by_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o prudent_a constitution_n to_o prevent_v division_n 2._o be_v not_o the_o contempt_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o the_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o great_a a_o mischief_n as_o division_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o indulge_v every_o scrupulous_a person_n without_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v now_o i_o must_v confess_v bonâ_fw-la fide_fw-la to_o our_o reconciler_n that_o i_o think_v all_o our_o division_n about_o ceremony_n a_o less_o scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o this_o will_v be_v for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v a_o well_o constitute_v church_n with_o division_n than_o to_o have_v none_o without_o it_o 3._o will_v our_o part_n with_o some_o few_o ceremony_n cure_v these_o division_n which_o he_o so_o much_o complain_v of_o this_o our_o reconciler_n can_v undertake_v for_o and_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a it_o will_v not_o be_v this_o the_o only_a controversy_n that_o presbyterian_o independent_o quaker_n and_o other_o sectary_n have_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v our_o reconciler_n never_o read_v mr._n baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n and_o those_o other_o venomous_a pamphlet_n of_o late_a date_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o these_o ceremony_n and_o episcopacy_n itself_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n do_v it_o cure_v division_n or_o increase_v they_o when_o the_o reverend_a dean_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 first_o part_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n by_o will._n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n london_n print_v for_o abel_n swalle_n at_o the_o unicorn_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o who_o exclude_v so_o many_o labourer_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a p._n 212_o his_o four_o argument_n from_o our_o saviour_n command_n not_o to_o scandalize_v little_a one_o p._n 213_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o little_a one_o p._n 214_o what_o it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o p._n 215_o his_o five_o argument_n from_o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o those_o who_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n p._n 216_o how_o the_o pharisee_n shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ibid._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o heavy_a burden_n p._n 218_o and_o what_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n condemn_v under_o that_o notion_n p._n 219_o his_o six_o argument_n that_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o disciple_n to_o forbid_v that_o man_n who_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n but_o do_v not_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o dissent_v preacher_n who_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v p._n 220_o his_o seven_o argument_n from_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v part_v with_o her_o ceremony_n for_o they_o p._n 223_o his_o last_o argument_n from_o christ_n prayer_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n chap._n v._n the_o answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n draw_v from_o the_o 14_o of_o rom._n p._n 225_o there_o may_v be_v some_o case_n wherein_o forbearance_n be_v reasonable_a other_o wherein_o it_o be_v neither_o prudent_a nor_o reasonable_a ibid._n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n unless_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o same_o ibid._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o rom._n only_o exhort_v the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v to_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n which_o have_v already_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o high_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n 226_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v 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 ceremony_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o dissenter_n 227_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o apostolical_a forbearance_n ibid._n private_a charity_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o such_o case_n where_o public_a authority_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a 231_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o one_o concern_v indifferent_a thing_n the_o other_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 235_o no_o dispute_v about_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o exhortation_n to_o forbearance_n in_o such_o matter_n 236_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o reconciler_n argument_n which_o he_o allege_n to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n do_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n ibid._n so_o that_o this_o chapter_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o dispute_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n 243_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n ibid._n the_o reason_n of_o his_o different_a treatment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o galatia_n 244_o whether_o though_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o dissenter_n be_v different_a yet_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o same_o indulgence_n ought_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o both_o 247_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o argument_n from_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n ibid._n that_o there_o be_v no_o parity_n of_o reason_n between_o these_o two_o case_n 249_o the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v in_o this_o 14_o chap._n very_o proper_a to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o not_o applicable_a to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v at_o large_a ibid._n etc._n etc._n what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o receive_v one_o another_o and_o dr._n falkner_n vindicate_v from_o the_o reconciler_n objection_n the_o apostle_n first_o arg._n that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o that_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o not_o applicable_a to_o dissenter_n 257_o etc._n etc._n 2_o arg._n that_o they_o must_v not_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n 262_o that_o this_o arg._n relate_v only_o to_o such_o matter_n as_o god_n have_v determine_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a authority_n 264_o 3_o arg._n that_o they_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n 265_o whether_o every_o man_n must_v be_v permit_v to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n 266_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o grant_v no_o such_o liberty_n as_o this_o 267_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o regard_v man_n conscience_n in_o make_v or_o execute_v law_n for_o the_o public_a good_a 268_o nor_n be_v there_o any_o obligation_n on_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o do_v this_o 269_o what_o st._n paul_n mean_v by_o regard_v a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n 270_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o mere_o signify_v a_o private_a persuasion_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o 272_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n not_o to_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n 274_o what_o the_o scandal_n be_v of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 275_o who_o this_o weak_a brother_n be_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v applicable_a to_o dissenter_n 276_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v give_v be_v a_o suppose_a violation_n of_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n 277_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o criminal_a scandal_n 279_o the_o danger_n of_o offend_v these_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v they_o against_o be_v lest_o they_o shall_v renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o fall_v back_o into_o judaism_n 282_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n who_o be_v to_o be_v indulge_v signify_v those_o who_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n 284_o the_o same_o indulgence_n not_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o schismatic_n though_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a in_o understanding_n ibid._n the_o reason_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o from_o give_v scandal_n 287_o a_o paraphrase_n on_o the_o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n verse_n of_o the_o 14_o rom._n ibid._n these_o argument_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n 292_o that_o this_o compliance_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 293_o meat_n and_o drink_n do_v not_o signify_v the_o external_o of_o religious_a worship_n 294_o nor_n do_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n signify_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n 296_o the_o mistake_n of_o reconciler_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o of_o small_a account_n with_o god_n 297_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 298_o the_o meaning_n of_o have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o 299_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o he_o that_o doubt_v 302_o how_o far_o the_o apostle_n allow_v that_o every_o man_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n where_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n not_o where_o conscience_n itself_o have_v a_o rule_n 303_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 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 306_o this_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n ibid._n the_o case_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n brief_o state_v 304_o a_o short_a recapitulation_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n 311_o the_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n plead_v for_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 what_o the_o reconciler_n plead_v for_o must_v do_v one_o or_o both_o 321_o dr._n stillingfleet_n vindicate_v 322_o the_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n plead_v for_o be_v in_o order_n to_o prevent_v schism_n which_o our_o reconciler_n forbearance_n can_v do_v 333_o this_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v
against_o her_o uncharitable_a imposition_n and_o when_o he_o have_v publish_v a_o book_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n agree_v on_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o convocation_n and_o establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n when_o he_o have_v already_o the_o most_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o church_n and_o state_n it_o look_v like_o a_o very_a hypocritical_a piece_n of_o modesty_n a_o downright_a challenge_n to_o the_o whole_a clergy_n to_o cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v teach_v i_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o i_o will_v hold_v my_o peace_n cause_v i_o to_o understand_v wherein_o i_o have_v err_v and_o i_o will_v thankful_o yea_o i_o will_v public_o retract_v it_o any_o body_n i_o think_v but_o a_o protestant_a reconciler_n will_v call_v this_o libel_v the_o church_n and_o hector_v and_o outbraving_a all_o his_o mother_n child_n how_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o brethren_n will_v digest_v this_o outrageous_a contempt_n of_o church-authority_n i_o can_v tell_v for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v bear_v it_o but_o be_o resolve_v to_o do_v my_o weak_a endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v my_o dear_a mother_n from_o the_o rudeness_n and_o insolence_n of_o her_o undutiful_a son_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o it_o be_v he_o contend_v for_o wherein_o we_o agree_v and_o where_o we_o part_v and_o fair_o debate_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v the_o proposition_n which_o he_o undertake_v to_o prove_v be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a 4._o which_o may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v without_o sin_n or_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n ought_v not_o especial_o under_o our_o present_a circumstance_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o superior_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n or_o as_o condition_n without_o which_o none_o shall_v minister_v in_o sacred_a thing_n though_o call_v to_o that_o work_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o public_a ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n bâ—t_o shall_v upon_o refusal_n to_o submit_v unto_o they_o for_o ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o where_o by_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v without_o sin_n or_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o mean_v whatever_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o must_v include_v all_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v not_o enjoin_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n that_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v signify_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o impose_v they_o as_o he_o express_o assert_v before_o 2._o and_o which_o all_o his_o argument_n be_v design_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o governors_n sin_n in_o it_o to_o impose_v signify_v only_o to_o command_v and_o to_o impose_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o impose_v though_o it_o sound_v big_a for_o the_o church_n make_v such_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o she_o command_v those_o of_o her_o communion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o reject_v those_o which_o will_v not_o which_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o command_v as_o to_o command_v be_v oppose_v to_o leave_v every_o one_o at_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o make_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o this_o sense_n so_o as_o to_o reject_v those_o who_o will_v not_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o such_o prescription_n i._n e._n who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v then_o she_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o command_v and_o when_o he_o add_v especial_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n he_o refer_v to_o those_o division_n and_o schism_n which_o he_o say_v be_v occasion_v by_o such_o imposition_n whenever_o such_o ceremony_n be_v doubt_v and_o scruple_v and_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o schism_n then_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o impose_v they_o but_o when_o he_o say_v especial_o he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v at_o all_o time_n sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v such_o uncommand_v rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v any_o who_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o imposition_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o protestant_a reconciler_n which_o i_o shall_v rather_o have_v expect_v from_o a_o profess_a enemy_n than_o from_o a_o pretend_a advocate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o have_v at_o once_o very_o modest_o reject_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o have_v condemn_v all_o the_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n until_o this_o time_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n he_o have_v plain_o renounce_v one_o of_o thoâ—e_a article_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o he_o have_v subscribe_v and_o declare_v his_o assent_n if_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n for_o art_n 20._o assert_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o decree_v rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o do_v this_o i_o suppose_v she_o may_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n and_o without_o ask_v leave_n of_o her_o inferior_n but_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v state_v this_o matter_n so_o general_o as_o to_o condemn_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o have_v say_v many_o thing_n which_o look_v that_o way_n in_o several_a part_n of_o his_o book_n yet_o his_o open_a and_o avow_a design_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o such_o imposition_n when_o they_o be_v scruple_v and_o make_v the_o occasion_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v join_v issue_n with_o he_o and_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n which_o though_o it_o will_v make_v this_o answer_n large_a than_o i_o can_v wish_v yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o pragmatical_a reconciler_n who_o be_v as_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o government_n as_o dissenter_n themselves_o chap._n 1._o concern_v the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o fair_a answer_n to_o our_o protestant_a reconciler_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v some_o of_o he_o mistake_v which_o run_v through_o his_o whole_a book_n and_o whereon_o the_o whole_a argument_n of_o his_o book_n be_v found_v the_o remove_n of_o which_o to_o man_n of_o any_o competent_a understanding_n will_v supersede_n the_o necessity_n of_o any_o far_a answer_n and_o they_o either_o concern_v 1._o the_o usefulness_n of_o some_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n or_o 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o the_o due_a measure_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o or_o 3._o that_o regard_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o a_o erroneous_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n from_o these_o topic_n he_o all-along_a argue_v to_o prove_v that_o church-governor_n ought_v to_o alter_v the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o worship_n because_o they_o be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n require_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n to_o condescend_v to_o the_o error_n or_o scruple_n or_o weakness_n of_o their_o brethren_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a mistake_n on_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v and_o therefore_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o it_o and_o that_o concern_v the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prescribe_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n now_o concern_v this_o matter_n our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o account_n at_o all_o for_o public_a worship_n may_v be_v perform_v as_o decent_o and_o reverent_o without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n as_o with_o they_o for_o thus_o he_o express_o and_o dogmatical_o assert_n that_o the_o ceremony_n which_o be_v impose_v by_o our_o church_n 39_o as_o they_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o their_o nature_n for_o which_o inferior_n
in_o which_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v and_o another_o thing_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v the_o dispute_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o which_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o st._n paul_n exhort_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n now_o let_v our_o reconciler_n speak_v his_o conscience_n free_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n alike_o in_o these_o two_o case_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o indulge_v a_o dissenter_n in_o his_o scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o never_o be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o any_o divine_a law_n as_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o indulge_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o know_v be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n till_o that_o day_n religious_o observe_v by_o they_o from_o the_o time_n it_o be_v first_o give_v and_o which_o they_o think_v do_v â—till_o as_o much_o oblige_v they_o as_o ever_o the_o dispute_n be_v not_o about_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o indulge_v the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n in_o observe_v the_o law_n till_o it_o shall_v be_v repeal_v in_o such_o a_o evident_a manner_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o reasonable_a scruple_n about_o it_o yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_a to_o indulge_v man_n in_o their_o scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v any_o such_o reason_n for_o these_o scruple_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v indulge_v but_o our_o reconciler_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o dr._n falkner_n have_v urge_v 77._o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n 14_o rom._n be_v not_o treat_v about_o and_o therefore_o not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n mean_v by_o that_o expression_n the_o impose_v ceremony_n add_v that_o still_o the_o sequel_n be_v firm_a for_o the_o apostle_n may_v dispute_v upon_o another_o subject_n and_o yet_o lie_v down_o such_o principle_n and_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o equal_o confute_v the_o press_a or_o impose_v of_o those_o ceremony_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n when_o such_o a_o imposition_n will_v silence_v many_o able_a minister_n and_o involve_v many_o myriad_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o may_v be_v sometime_o true_a but_o then_o the_o subject_n must_v be_v near_o of_o kin_n and_o there_o must_v be_v something_o contain_v in_o the_o argument_n which_o indifferent_o relate_v to_o all_o other_o case_n which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n 2._o but_o yet_o whatever_o the_o argument_n be_v it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n and_o can_v challenge_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o any_o other_o case_n as_o it_o have_v in_o that_o to_o which_o it_o be_v immediate_o apply_v the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o persuade_v jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o upon_o account_n of_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v st._n paul_n argument_n as_o apply_v to_o that_o case_n but_o be_v only_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n as_o apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o he_o have_v nor_o any_o great_a strength_n than_o his_o reason_n give_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v against_o the_o imposition_n of_o our_o church_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o confess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o say_v one_o word_n about_o the_o matter_n he_o ought_v plain_o to_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n which_o express_o condemn_v the_o imposition_n of_o our_o church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o argument_n use_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n upon_o other_o occasion_n which_o he_o think_v by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n condemn_v these_o imposition_n but_o to_o pretend_v scripture_n against_o we_o when_o he_o can_v produce_v any_o one_o scripture_n which_o primary_o relate_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v to_o set_v up_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v general_o such_o as_o few_o man_n will_v allow_v to_o be_v senâ—e_n our_o saviour_n and_o st._n paul_n argument_n be_v scripture_n when_o apply_v to_o those_o case_n to_o which_o they_o apply_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o purpose_n though_o the_o word_n be_v scripture_n still_o yet_o this_o new_a application_n of_o they_o be_v not_o and_o i_o will_v desire_v my_o reader_n to_o observe_v this_o that_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v allege_v numerous_a place_n of_o scripture_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o one_o scripture-proof_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n be_v scripture_n but_o apply_v by_o he_o to_o other_o purpose_n than_o the_o scripture_n intend_v 3._o but_o yet_o parity_n of_o reason_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n and_o therefore_o here_o i_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o he_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n can_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a part_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o argument_n proper_a to_o each_o and_o though_o our_o reconciler_n confound_v they_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o distinct_o first_o the_o first_o part_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n or_o break_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o different_a custom_n he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v 1._o that_o be_v receive_v to_o communion_n which_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o judge_v of_o each_o other_o differ_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o thing_n for_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n 2._o another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n this_o be_v the_o matter_n about_o which_o they_o differ_v the_o gentile_a convert_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o therefore_o may_v eat_v any_o thing_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o persuade_v of_o his_o freedom_n from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n abstain_v from_o all_o forbid_a meat_n and_o feed_v on_o herb_n let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v 3._o despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o let_v not_o the_o gentile_a despise_v the_o jew_n as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v let_v not_o the_o jew_n condemn_v and_o reject_v the_o gentile_n as_o profane_v and_o unclean_a person_n with_o who_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o converse_v much_o less_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o communion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n design_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o prevent_v that_o schism_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v occasion_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o either_o jew_n shall_v yield_v to_o gentile_n or_o gentile_n to_o jew_n but_o each_o of_o they_o retain_v their_o own_o liberty_n in_o these_o matter_n they_o shall_v still_o own_v each_o other_o as_o christian_a brethren_n and_o live_v in_o christian_a communion_n together_o which_o show_v how_o remote_a this_o case_n be_v from_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n notwithstanding_o their_o dispute_n about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n may_v join_v together_o in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a worship_n whereas_o the_o dispute_v between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v about_o the_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o while_o this_o difference_n last_v they_o can_v join_v in_o one_o communion_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a case_n but_o before_o i_o consider_v the_o apostle_n reason_n for_o
authority_n and_o aught_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n than_o the_o schism_n can_v be_v charge_v only_o upon_o the_o disobey_v schismatic_a but_o this_o i_o have_v large_o discourse_v in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o those_o shrewd_a question_n which_o our_o reconciler_n say_v he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o dissenter_n â—02_n to_o which_o he_o find_v no_o answer_n in_o the_o reply_v of_o any_o of_o their_o adversary_n and_o which_o he_o entreat_v the_o champion_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o respect_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o church-governor_n the_o reputation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o her_o discipline_n not_o to_o pass_v by_o without_o the_o least_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v now_o though_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o character_n of_o a_o champion_n yet_o i_o have_v such_o a_o hearty_a love_n and_o reverence_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o i_o can_v deny_v so_o easy_a a_o request_n as_o this_o the_o most_o troublesome_a task_n be_v to_o transcribe_v all_o these_o question_n quest._n 1._o the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o do_v well_o that_o unnecessary_o bring_v subject_n into_o such_o a_o straight_o by_o needless_a law_n for_o addition_n in_o religion_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n must_v unavoidable_o be_v perplex_v between_o a_o fear_n of_o treason_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n and_o disobedience_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n ans._n i_o answer_v such_o man_n do_v certain_o very_o ill_o in_o it_o but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o she_o have_v make_v no_o needless_a law_n for_o law_n to_o direct_v and_o determine_v the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v not_o needless_a but_o necessary_a as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v our_o reconciler_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o authority_n and_o if_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v needless_a the_o authority_n be_v so_o too_o and_o than_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n a_o needless_a authority_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v not_o own_o that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n but_o what_o she_o have_v from_o christ._n nor_o do_v the_o church_n make_v any_o addition_n in_o religion_n for_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o addition_n to_o external_a worship_n but_o as_o necessary_a to_o it_o as_o decency_n be_v unless_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o command_v we_o to_o reverence_v our_o prince_n and_o parent_n and_o superior_n to_o command_v child_n servant_n or_o subject_n to_o stand_v bare_a before_o they_o nor_o need_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n be_v unavoidable_o perplex_v between_o a_o fear_n of_o treason_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n and_o of_o disobedience_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n for_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o fear_n god_n be_v not_o thus_o perplex_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unavoidable_a i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o if_o he_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o reckon_v he_o among_o those_o man_n who_o either_o fear_n god_n or_o reverence_v their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v another_o good_a reason_n why_o this_o be_v not_o unavoidable_a because_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n in_o this_o case_n between_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o prince_n and_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n need_v to_o be_v perplex_v about_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a competition_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v thus_o perplex_v neither_o because_o all_o man_n who_o fear_n god_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o understand_v that_o where_o christ_n command_v one_o thing_n and_o our_o prince_n another_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n quest._n 2._o whether_o ruler_n may_v command_v any_o indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n which_o will_v notable_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a or_o make_v a_o unnecessary_a necessary_a thing_n a_o mean_n or_o occasion_n of_o exclude_v the_o necessary_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n ans._n if_o by_o indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n he_o mean_v thing_n whole_o useless_a and_o by_o their_o notable_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n hurtful_a as_o well_o as_o useless_a it_o be_v certain_a governor_n ought_v not_o to_o command_v such_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n though_o upon_o some_o account_n they_o may_v be_v call_v indifferent_a yet_o be_v very_o useful_a as_o contribute_v to_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o public_a worship_n be_v and_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o do_v any_o hurt_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o with_o what_o face_n can_v our_o reconciler_n pretend_v that_o they_o exclude_v the_o necessary_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n when_o god_n be_v still_o worship_v and_o the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o all_o the_o parish-church_n of_o england_n unless_o he_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o worship_v nor_o the_o gospel_n preach_v any_o where_o but_o at_o a_o conventicle_n quest._n 3._o whether_o be_v it_o more_o to_o common_a good_a and_o the_o interest_n of_o honesty_n and_o conscience_n that_o all_o the_o parson_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v imprison_v banish_a or_o silence_v that_o dare_v not_o swear_v say_v and_o practice_v all_o that_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o unnecessary_a imposition_n be_v alter_v or_o forbear_v now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o ask_v our_o reconciler_n a_o question_n now_o and_o then_o i_o ask_v therefore_o whether_o be_v most_o for_o the_o common_a good_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o settle_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o whether_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o order_n or_o government_n without_o reject_v and_o censure_v those_o who_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o it_o whether_o be_v most_o for_o the_o public_a good_a to_o maintain_v and_o encourage_v a_o loyal_a and_o conformable_a clergy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o such_o man_n or_o to_o nourish_v shism_n and_o schismatic_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o quest._n 4._o have_v image_n be_v lawful_o use_v in_o place_n or_o exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o whether_o be_v it_o not_o inhuman_a and_o unchristian_a in_o those_o bishop_n and_o council_n who_o anathematise_v all_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o eject_v and_o silence_v the_o dissenter_n ans._n the_o bare_a lawfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o fit_a matter_n for_o a_o law_n but_o whatever_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o useful_a if_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o just_a authority_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v by_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o be_v censure_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n but_o why_o he_o particular_o instance_n in_o image_n i_o can_v tell_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o but_o our_o church_n which_o retain_v ceremony_n remove_v image_n as_o just_a matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n quest._n 5._o whether_o christ_n who_o make_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n the_o test_n and_o stand_a term_n of_o entrance_n do_v set_v up_o pastor_n over_o his_o church_n to_o make_v new_a and_o strict_a term_n and_o law_n or_o to_o preserve_v concord_n on_o the_o term_n that_o he_o have_v found_v it_o and_o to_o see_v that_o man_n live_v in_o unity_n and_o piety_n according_a to_o those_o term_n and_o when_o they_o as_o christ_n minister_n have_v receive_v man_n on_o christ_n term_n whether_o they_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n again_o for_o want_n of_o more_o or_o only_o for_o violate_v these_o 104._o ans._n the_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n but_o church-communion_n require_v our_o submission_n to_o church-authority_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o to_o say_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o society_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o society_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o the_o
have_v say_v very_o true_a and_o this_o will_v have_v justify_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o any_o foreign_a church_n in_o all_o age_n but_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a fallacy_n to_o say_v that_o the_o particular_a ceremony_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o positive_a order_n decency_n or_o reverence_n because_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v perform_v orderly_o decent_o and_o reverent_o without_o they_o which_o our_o church_n always_o own_v for_o she_o never_o condemn_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o use_v her_o ceremony_n while_o by_o other_o mean_v they_o secure_v the_o external_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o worship_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o some_o other_o decent_a ceremony_n in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o worship_n whether_o we_o can_v worship_v decent_o and_o reverent_o without_o some_o decent_a habit_n posture_n place_n &_o c_o whether_o the_o ceremony_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o as_o decent_a and_o reverend_a as_o any_o other_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v the_o only_a decent_a and_o reverend_a ceremony_n that_o can_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n then_o indeed_o his_o argument_n have_v be_v strong_a that_o those_o who_o do_v not_o use_v they_o must_v worship_v god_n irreverent_o and_o indecent_o but_o we_o say_v they_o have_v a_o positive_a decency_n and_o reverence_n and_o that_o those_o who_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o church_n observe_v a_o external_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o worship_n but_o this_o he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n to_o and_o therefore_o i_o presume_v can_v for_o he_o have_v give_v evidence_n enough_o that_o he_o never_o want_v will_n but_o when_o he_o want_v power_n to_o be_v civil_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o prove_v that_o god_n may_v be_v decent_o and_o reverent_o worship_v without_o the_o use_n of_o the_o english_a ceremony_n for_o no_o body_n ever_o say_v otherwise_o that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o the_o very_a argument_n whereby_o he_o prove_v it_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v of_o that_o mind_n for_o she_o assert_v these_o ceremony_n to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o alterable_a whereas_o as_o he_o well_o urge_v they_o can_v be_v neither_o if_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o worship_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o clear_a state_v of_o this_o matter_n to_o consider_v the_o several_a kind_n of_o decency_n and_o upon_o what_o account_n we_o assert_v that_o our_o ceremony_n have_v a_o positive_a decency_n in_o they_o now_o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o the_o decency_n of_o circumstance_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o thing_n or_o action_n no_o action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o some_o circumstance_n and_o no_o action_n can_v be_v decent_o perform_v without_o decent_a circumstance_n such_o as_o â—ime_v and_o place_n and_o posture_n and_o habit_n and_o this_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v and_o to_o this_o head_n of_o decent_a circumstance_n we_o reduce_v the_o surplice_n which_o be_v a_o decent_a habit_n for_o the_o minister_n when_o he_o perform_v the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v two_o of_o the_o three_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o three_o ceremony_n be_v not_o a_o circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o decency_n nor_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o the_o other_o ceremony_n have_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o decent_a thing_n or_o action_n now_o these_o two_o be_v of_o so_o distinct_a a_o nature_n must_v be_v consider_v distinct_o also_o and_o therefore_o i_o must_v advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o what_o i_o shall_v now_o discourse_v about_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o iâ—_n concern_v only_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n such_o as_o the_o surplice_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v as_o for_o decent_a thing_n or_o action_n such_o as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v at_o baptism_n i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o that_o distinct_o by_o its_o self_n have_v premise_v this_o let_v we_o now_o return_v to_o our_o reconciler_n this_o modest_a man_n who_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o proneness_n to_o mistake_v in_o judge_v 2._o who_o be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o do_v the_o least_o disservice_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o have_v such_o a_o hearty_a honour_n for_o his_o reverend_a superior_n yet_o with_o great_a humility_n venture_v to_o confute_v and_o expose_v all_o the_o savoy-commissioner_n 39_o who_o be_v very_o grave_a and_o reverend_a person_n the_o commissioner_n observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v uniformity_n let_v there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rule_n and_o canon_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o hence_o he_o say_v they_o infer_v that_o though_o charity_n will_v move_v to_o pity_n and_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v perplex_v and_o scrupulous_a that_o we_o must_v not_o break_v god_n commandment_n in_o charity_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o perform_v public_a service_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o tender_a conscience_n which_o he_o add_v be_v express_o say_v to_o justify_v their_o refusal_n to_o abate_v the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n especial_o these_o three_o the_o surplice_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o kneel_v this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o wise_o and_o judicious_o urge_v by_o our_o commissioner_n but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v they_o have_v great_o overshoot_v themselves_o when_o they_o assert_v that_o by_o abate_v the_o use_n and_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n they_o shall_v break_v god_n commandment_n and_o perform_v public_a service_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o true_o i_o think_v this_o be_v a_o little_a too_o much_o and_o our_o author_n have_v load_v it_o with_o a_o great_a many_o hard_a consequence_n which_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v answer_v but_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o commissioner_n never_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o he_o which_o he_o reduce_v to_o this_o absurd_a proposition_n but_o do_v not_o they_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o break_v god_n command_n in_o charity_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o perform_v public_a service_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o tender_a conscience_n yes_o they_o do_v say_v so_o and_o be_v not_o that_o say_v to_o justify_v their_o refusal_n to_o abate_v the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n suppose_v that_o too_o do_v not_o this_o then_o signify_v that_o by_o abate_v the_o use_n or_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n they_o shall_v break_v god_n commandment_n and_o perform_v public_a service_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o by_o no_o mean_n this_o be_v only_o one_o instance_n of_o our_o author_n proneness_n to_o mistake_v in_o judge_v which_o i_o wish_v he_o be_v more_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o and_o that_o will_v make_v he_o more_o modest_a without_o a_o compliment_n the_o commissioner_n assert_v very_o true_o that_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 this_o they_o take_v to_o be_v god_n command_n as_o well_o they_o might_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n command_v to_o perform_v public_a service_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o and_o charity_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o break_v any_o command_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o do_v this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o tender_a conscience_n all_o this_o i_o presume_v our_o reconciler_n himself_o will_v acknowledge_v what_o then_o be_v the_o fault_n why_o the_o commissioner_n urge_v this_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o dispute_n about_o abate_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o it_o prove_v that_o they_o think_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v decent_o and_o reverent_o perform_v without_o those_o particular_a ceremony_n for_o otherwise_o their_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a yes_o say_v i_o the_o argument_n be_v very_o good_a without_o this_o supposition_n and_o therefore_o the_o reconciler_n consequence_n be_v not_o good_a for_o i_o will_v ask_v he_o one_o plain_a question_n can_v any_o
particular_a church_n urge_v this_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o justification_n of_o their_o imposition_n of_o some_o indifferent_a but_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n if_o any_o church_n may_v why_o not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v indecent_a irreverent_a and_o disorderly_a if_o they_o may_v not_o than_o the_o apostle_n rule_n signify_v nothing_o for_o it_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o this_o rule_n will_v justify_v any_o one_o church_n in_o appoint_v decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v equal_o justify_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n how_o different_a soever_o they_o be_v from_o each_o other_o so_o they_o be_v all_o decent_a and_o reverend_a and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v shall_v the_o advocate_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o savoy_n urge_v this_o apostolical_a rule_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o church_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v hence_o conclude_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o particular_a ceremony_n of_o their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o that_o religious_a worship_n can_v not_o be_v decent_o or_o reverent_o perform_v without_o they_o which_o will_v be_v to_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o same_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n with_o themselves_o and_o thus_o all_o the_o several_a churchâ—s_n in_o the_o world_n which_o enjoin_v nothing_o but_o what_o contribute_v to_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n may_v by_o the_o apostle_n rule_v justify_v themselves_o and_o yet_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v can_v justify_v themselves_o without_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o my_o understanding_n do_v not_o such_o a_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o particular_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n prescribe_v do_v not_o such_o a_o general_a rule_n suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v several_a rule_n give_v several_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v differ_v indeed_o from_o each_o other_o but_o all_o comply_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n for_o that_o be_v a_o strange_a general_a rule_n which_o contain_v but_o one_o particular_a under_o it_o do_v not_o such_o a_o general_a rule_n suppose_v that_o the_o choice_n of_o particular_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n while_o they_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o be_v not_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n and_o consequent_o of_o those_o particular_a rule_n and_o order_n for_o worship_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n to_o prevent_v a_o disorderly_a irreverent_a indecent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o may_v not_o church-governor_n then_o assign_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o prescribe_v these_o rule_n and_o why_o they_o will_v not_o alter_v they_o because_o they_o must_v not_o perform_v the_o public_a service_n indecent_o and_o irreverent_o if_o they_o may_v than_o their_o say_n so_o do_v indeed_o suppose_v that_o those_o ceremony_n which_o they_o prescribe_v be_v decent_a and_o reverend_a but_o it_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o decent_a or_o reverend_a way_n of_o perform_v religious_a office_n and_o that_o whoever_o do_v not_o use_v those_o ceremony_n which_o they_o institute_v and_o command_v must_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a performance_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o that_o will_v be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o main_a principle_n by_o which_o they_o act_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_a rule_n which_o do_v not_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v several_a and_o that_o every_o church_n have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v for_o herself_o in_o short_a i_o will_v desire_v our_o reconciler_n to_o consider_v that_o if_o church-governor_n must_v not_o prescribe_v any_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n to_o prevent_v the_o disorder_n and_o indecency_n of_o worship_n while_o there_o be_v any_o other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o decent_a and_o orderly_a as_o those_o which_o they_o prescribe_v than_o this_o apostolical_a rule_n signify_v nothing_o for_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reduce_v into_o practice_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v the_o french_a protestant_n enjoin_v stand_v at_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o at_o public_a prayer_n as_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o shall_v assign_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o they_o must_v not_o suffer_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v indecent_o or_o irreverent_o perform_v and_o so_o break_v that_o commandment_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n present_o our_o reconciler_n have_v seven_o argument_n to_o oppose_v against_o they_o though_o they_o may_v all_o be_v reduce_v to_o one_o that_o this_o make_v stand_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o to_o be_v a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n 40._o but_o necessary_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o by_o a_o divine_a command_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o that_o which_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v alter_v and_o therefore_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o worship_n for_o how_o can_v they_o say_v that_o they_o require_v their_o communicant_n to_o receive_v stand_v in_o obedience_n to_o a_o divine_a command_n and_o because_o they_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n irreverent_o and_o indecent_o unless_o they_o believe_v that_o stand_n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n but_o such_o a_o necessary_a posture_n that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o stand_v at_o receive_v break_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v irreverent_o and_o indecent_o and_o thus_o the_o french_a church_n be_v utter_o ruin_v and_o must_v no_o long_o enjoin_v stand_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n well_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v kneel_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o french_a church_n require_v stand_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o argument_n be_v good_a against_o she_o and_o shall_v any_o man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o sit_v that_o they_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n irreverent_o and_o indecent_o the_o same_o argument_n will_v hold_v good_a against_o they_o also_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n give_v to_o church-governor_n to_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o no_o church-governor_n can_v reduce_v this_o to_o practice_n for_o a_o general_a rule_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o practise_v but_o by_o particular_a rule_n and_o order_n and_o yet_o whoever_o prescribe_v any_o particular_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o insist_o on_o they_o to_o prevent_v irreverence_n and_o indecency_n in_o worship_n fall_v undeâ—_n our_o reconcilers_n censure_n and_o be_v with_o all_o humility_n entreat_v to_o answer_v seven_o terrible_a argument_n in_o his_o own_o vindication_n the_o plain_a answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n then_o be_v this_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o every_o church_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostolical_a command_n require_v to_o prevent_v the_o indecency_n and_o irreverence_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o do_v this_o but_o by_o prescribe_v some_o particular_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o though_o the_o constitution_n and_o usage_n of_o several_a church_n may_v be_v very_o various_a and_o different_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o every_o constitution_n which_o be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a prevent_v the_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a performance_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o all_o church-governor_n may_v justify_v such_o imposition_n as_o the_o commissioner_n at_o the_o savoy_n do_v by_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o break_v god_n commandment_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o suffer_v the_o public_a service_n to_o be_v indecent_o and_o irreverent_o perform_v and_o therefore_o must_v prescribe_v some_o particular_a rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n without_o either_o make_v their_o own_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n essential_a to_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o censure_v and_o condemn_v the_o decent_a usage_n and_o custom_n of_o other_o church_n but_o since_o great_a part_n of_o this_o controversy_n turn_v upon_o this_o hinge_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a trifle_n and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o habit_n
the_o king_n of_o england_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o law_n of_o england_n on_o italy_n or_o spain_n therefore_o he_o must_v not_o make_v law_n for_o england_n neither_o this_o our_o reconciler_n be_v aware_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o preface_n 53._o to_o strengthen_v these_o authority_n he_o ask_v this_o question_n why_o that_o agreement_n in_o fundamental_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v communion_n betwixt_o church_n disagree_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o doctrine_n of_o inferior_a moment_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a also_o to_o preserve_v communion_n among_o those_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n though_o disagree_v in_o like_a matter_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o christian_a church_n which_o do_v thus_o differ_v shall_v be_v receive_v and_o own_v as_o christian_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o be_v because_o these_o difference_n do_v not_o hinder_v their_o be_v real_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o therefore_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o since_o the_o same_o reason_n prove_v the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o who_o differ_v only_o in_o nonfundamentals_a capable_a of_o be_v real_a christian_n and_o so_o of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o christian_a brethren_n i._n e._n person_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n now_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o wonder_v our_o reconciler_n shall_v miss_v it_o for_o 1._o the_o reason_n of_o communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o hope_n one_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v whatever_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o as_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o since_o no_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o another_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o impose_v their_o own_o rule_n of_o discipline_n or_o worship_n upon_o each_o other_o but_o now_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n without_o submit_v to_o its_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n of_o worship_n though_o one_o church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o member_n and_o direct_v she_o own_o worship_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n nor_o decency_n of_o worship_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o worship_n no_o uniformity_n but_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v and_o yet_o 2._o though_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o do_v not_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o own_o church_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o distinct_a church_n shall_v communicate_v with_o each_o other_o and_o conform_v to_o each_o other_o custom_n where_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v present_a it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o two_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o will_v not_o as_o occasion_n serve_v communicate_v together_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o each_o other_o communion_n for_o calvinist_n to_o call_v the_o lutheran_n or_o lutheran_n the_o calvinist_n brethren_n but_o to_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n when_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o each_o other_o church_n this_o be_v not_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o or_o for_o a_o calvinist_n to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n or_o a_o lutheran_n in_o the_o calvinist_n but_o according_a to_o the_o rite_n of_o their_o own_o church_n not_o of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o communicate_v this_o be_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o but_o public_o to_o affront_v each_o other_o the_o only_a principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v so_o far_o to_o allow_v of_o each_o other_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o conform_v when_o occasion_n serve_v to_o such_o indifferent_a custom_n and_o usage_n though_o very_o different_a from_o their_o own_o rather_o than_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o submit_v to_o its_o authority_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n for_o 3._o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o church-communion_n than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a out_o of_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o if_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v he_o a_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o they_o will_v make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o a_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n but_o obedience_n to_o government_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o church-society_n as_o they_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o form_v a_o church-society_n only_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n consider_v as_o a_o systeme_n of_o doctrine_n and_o law_n which_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o observe_v for_o there_o be_v the_o essential_o of_o christian-communion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christian_a religion_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o publish_v the_o gospel_n but_o institute_v a_o church_n and_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o church-society_n lay_v some_o new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o beyond_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o a_o single_a state_n out_o of_o church-society_n but_o to_o return_v though_o this_o learned_a bishop_n do_v not_o urge_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o against_o any_o other_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n neither_o but_o only_o against_o such_o usurp_a authority_n as_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n yet_o this_o argument_n be_v frequent_o allege_v by_o other_o and_o more_o than_o once_o repeat_v by_o our_o reconciler_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o how_o trifle_n it_o be_v appear_v from_o this_o distinction_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n remove_v those_o burden_n which_o be_v on_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o impose_v new_a one_o but_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n lay_v any_o new_a burden_n upon_o man_n do_v she_o require_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a christ_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v celebrate_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o the_o minister_n shall_v perform_v all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o reverend_a manner_n and_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o more_o do_v she_o institute_v any_o ceremony_n except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o profess_v sign_n and_o relate_v to_o no_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v think_v decent_a to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n but_o what_o be_v decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o be_v decency_n than_o a_o new_a burden_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o impose_v on_o his_o disciple_n be_v decency_n a_o unnecessary_a or_o unreasonable_a thing_n do_v christ_n leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n then_o whether_o his_o disciple_n shall_v worship_v god_n decent_o or_o not_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n and_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n put_v another_o jewish_a yoke_n on_o the_o disciple_n neck_n be_v there_o any_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o have_v the_o least_o affinity_n with_o the_o jewish_a yoke_n do_v christ_n when_o he_o abrogate_a the_o jewish_a law_n abrogate_v all_o decency_n
of_o st._n paul_n make_v some_o proposal_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o scrupulous_a person_n with_o reference_n to_o these_o ceremony_n what_o thanks_o have_v he_o for_o it_o how_o many_o bitter_a invective_n be_v write_v against_o he_o and_o can_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o then_o that_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o ceremony_n will_v cure_v our_o division_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o why_o do_v he_o urge_v the_o evil_a and_o mischief_n of_o division_n to_o persuade_v the_o church_n to_o part_v with_o these_o ceremony_n whatever_o other_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v to_o part_v with_o these_o ceremony_n the_o cure_n of_o division_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n when_o we_o certain_o know_v beforehand_o that_o this_o will_v not_o cure_v they_o unless_o he_o think_v the_o church_n bind_v to_o act_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o he_o himself_o and_o every_o body_n else_o know_v to_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o reason_n for_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o do_v it_o but_o because_o our_o reconciler_n attempt_v to_o say_v something_o to_o this_o in_o his_o ten_o chapter_n i_o shall_v follow_v he_o thither_o 326._o his_o first_o objection_n be_v that_o the_o church_n will_v gain_v little_a by_o such_o a_o indulgence_n and_o this_o i_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a let_v we_o hear_v then_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o and_o 1._o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o superior_n to_o condescend_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n rather_o than_o to_o debar_v man_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o thing_n unnecessary_a and_o which_o they_o nowhere_o be_v command_v to_o impose_v and_o if_o so_o let_v we_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o commit_v the_o event_n to_o god_n now_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v that_o he_o have_v prove_v this_o and_o have_v in_o part_n already_o and_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v before_o i_o have_v do_v that_o he_o have_v not_o prove_v it_o but_o 2._o suppose_v he_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n to_o condescend_v in_o such_o matter_n when_o they_o can_v do_v any_o good_a by_o their_o condescension_n have_v he_o prove_v also_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o condescend_v when_o they_o know_v they_o can_v do_v no_o good_a by_o it_o when_o these_o division_n will_v not_o be_v cure_v by_o such_o condescension_n which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n the_o gain_n of_o some_o very_o few_o proselyte_n will_v not_o countervail_v the_o mischief_n of_o alter_v public_a constitution_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o reasonable_a to_o condescend_v to_o such_o alteration_n when_o we_o can_v propose_v any_o great_a and_o public_a good_a by_o do_v it_o ii_o our_o reconciler_n answer_v 327._o suppose_v that_o we_o by_o yield_v in_o these_o matter_n shall_v not_o reduce_v one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n yet_o shall_v we_o take_v off_o their_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n and_o leave_v they_o nothing_o which_o can_v be_v rational_o offer_v as_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n or_o accusation_n of_o our_o proceed_n against_o they_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o our_o dissenter_n despise_v this_o reconciler_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o plausible_a pretence_n nor_o rational_a ground_n of_o separation_n but_o the_o dispute_n about_o ceremony_n what_o pretence_n then_o have_v the_o dissenter_n in_o scotland_n where_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v impose_v and_o be_v they_o more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a or_o less_o clamorous_a in_o their_o complaint_n than_o our_o dissenter_n in_o england_n for_o who_o sake_n shall_v the_o church_n make_v this_o experiment_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o own_o order_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o dissenter_n and_o what_o charity_n be_v it_o to_o they_o to_o discover_v their_o obstinacy_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o render_v they_o more_o inexcusable_a to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v it_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o the_o dissenter_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o peevish_a and_o obstinate_a schismatic_n who_o will_v make_v division_n without_o any_o just_a pretence_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o we_o know_v this_o already_o we_o know_v they_o have_v no_o rational_a ground_n for_o their_o separation_n though_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o remove_v or_o do_v we_o think_v to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o escape_v their_o reproach_n and_o censure_n as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o a_o schismatic_a or_o make_v he_o blush_v those_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v schismatic_n will_v always_o find_v something_o to_o say_v for_o it_o and_o let_v they_o talk_v on_o the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v defend_v her_o constitution_n with_o more_o reason_n than_o dissenter_n reproach_n they_o iii_o however_o he_o say_v this_o will_v entire_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o laity_n 330._o and_o if_o they_o be_v gain_v their_o preacher_n must_v follow_v but_o who_o tell_v he_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a mr._n baxter_n often_o complain_v that_o their_o laity_n be_v so_o headstrong_a and_o stubborn_a that_o they_o can_v govern_v they_o and_o in_o all_o my_o observation_n i_o find_v that_o they_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o schism_n as_o zealous_a against_o liturgy_n and_o bishop_n as_o obstinate_o addict_v to_o the_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o party_n as_o their_o preacher_n be_v though_o i_o be_o of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n that_o their_o preacher_n will_v soon_o follow_v their_o people_n to_o church_n than_o the_o people_n their_o preacher_n but_o with_o what_o face_n can_v our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o these_o ceremony_n chief_o debar_v the_o laity_n from_o full_a communion_n with_o we_o when_o every_o one_o know_v the_o contrary_a they_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o notwithstanding_o these_o ceremony_n when_o they_o please_v and_o when_o they_o can_v serve_v any_o interest_n by_o it_o and_o their_o preacher_n can_v give_v they_o leave_v to_o do_v so_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o admirable_a reason_n for_o alter_v the_o establish_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n to_o gratify_v such_o humoursome_a schismatic_n who_o can_v conform_v when_o they_o please_v iv._o he_o add_v they_o who_o at_o first_o dissent_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n declare_v they_o do_v it_o pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n i._n e._n the_o ceremony_n still_o use_v among_o we_o this_o now_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o history_n for_o the_o first_o dislike_n that_o be_v take_v against_o our_o church_n be_v for_o the_o square_a cap_n and_o tippet_n and_o some_o episcopal_a habit_n which_o be_v not_o talk_v of_o in_o our_o day_n and_o some_o of_o which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o university_n without_o scruple_n in_o the_o late_a bless_a time_n of_o reformation_n but_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v never_o scruple_v till_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o former_a heat_n at_o francford_n during_o the_o marian_n persecution_n 4._o and_o these_o man_n indeed_o do_v dissent_v as_o our_o reconciler_n express_v it_o that_o be_v they_o express_v their_o dislike_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v upon_o it_o the_o first_o that_o make_v any_o step_n to_o separation_n set_v up_o other_o pretence_n complain_v for_o want_n of_o a_o right_a ministry_n 25._o a_o right_a government_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o right_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o our_o separatist_n at_o this_o day_n well_o but_o suppose_v what_o he_o say_v to_o be_v true_a what_o reason_n be_v this_o for_o alter_v our_o ceremony_n at_o this_o day_n will_v our_o separatist_n conform_v now_o if_o these_o ceremony_n be_v take_v away_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v but_o we_o shall_v gain_v this_o by_o it_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o the_o old_a dissent_v protestant_n as_o if_o any_o man_n but_o a_o reconciler_n be_v to_o learn_v that_o now_o when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o often_o prove_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o themselves_o scorn_v and_o huff_v at_o the_o argument_n and_o will_v not_o have_v the_o old_a puritan_n make_v a_o precedent_n for_o they_o v._o in_o the_o treaty_n at_o the_o savoy_n the_o abatement_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o disputable_a passage_n in_o the_o liturgy_n be_v all_o that_o be_v contend_v for_o that_o be_v he_o mean_v the_o dispute_n go_v no_o far_o but_o if_o they_o have_v gain_v these_o point_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v hear_v more_o of_o they_o i_o be_o sure_a whoever_o read_v their_o petition_n for_o peace_n will_v find_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o mr._n baxter_n
be_v which_o magistrate_n can_v never_o know_v hypocrite_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sincere_a and_o government_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a if_o justice_n must_v be_v administer_v not_o by_o know_a and_o stand_a law_n but_o in_o compliance_n with_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v no_o body_n know_v what_o 3._o the_o only_a doubt_n than_o be_v about_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o in_o make_v law_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v more_o bind_v than_o either_o god_n or_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o various_a and_o different_a pretension_n of_o conscience_n if_o there_o be_v any_o equity_n in_o it_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o hold_v in_o other_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o these_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o be_v of_o what_o religion_n he_o please_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o will_v to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v a_o image_n or_o the_o host_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o yet_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a imposition_n it_o be_v upon_o conscience_n i_o have_v rather_o submit_v to_o twenty_o ceremony_n than_o to_o be_v require_v to_o subscribe_v to_o one_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o our_o reconciler_n pretend_v only_o to_o this_o indulgence_n in_o inferior_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v his_o reason_n for_o that_o for_o certain_o the_o less_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o less_o need_n there_o be_v and_o the_o less_o reason_n to_o humour_v man_n conscience_n about_o they_o the_o only_a reason_n he_o assign_v for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o do_v observe_v or_o do_v refuse_v observance_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o these_o inferior_a matter_n do_v real_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v good_a in_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o such_o inferior_a matter_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v st._n paul_n argument_n not_o the_o reconciler_n no_o say_v i_o it_o be_v the_o reconciler_n argument_n not_o st._n paul_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v yes_o i_o grant_v that_o these_o be_v st._n paul_n word_n and_o do_v not_o this_o signify_v that_o they_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o eat_v act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n yes_o i_o grant_v that_o too_o the_o convert_a gentile_n do_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o the_o convert_a jew_n abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n forbid_v by_o their_o law_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o their_o law_n which_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o legal_a pollution_n but_o this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o case_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o dissenter_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o observe_v our_o ceremony_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n god_n have_v give_v a_o positive_a law_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n which_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n and_o other_o festival_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o though_o this_o law_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o repeal_v in_o as_o public_a a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v give_v and_o god_n have_v no_o way_n declare_v that_o they_o shall_v observe_v this_o law_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o those_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n dare_v not_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o therefore_o these_o believe_a jew_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o observe_v day_n and_o not_o to_o eat_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v that_o law_n the_o believe_a gentile_n be_v never_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o god_n declare_v by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o in_o their_o uncircumcision_n and_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v by_o these_o divine_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o jewish_a observation_n of_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v day_n to_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n which_o have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n nor_o any_o public_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n whatever_o our_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o opinion_n may_v be_v we_o do_v not_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n or_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o therefore_o unless_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v any_o positive_a law_n either_o against_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n in_o general_a or_o against_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n the_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o particular_a how_o much_o soever_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n pretend_v to_o conscience_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n nor_o do_v conformist_n observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o foundation_n for_o conscience_n but_o either_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v may_v not_o that_o man_n also_o be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n who_o do_v or_o forbear_v do_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o persuasion_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o he_o can_v produce_v no_o law_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n while_o man_n design_v to_o please_v god_n in_o what_o they_o do_v sure_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n i_o answer_v i_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o any_o man_n but_o let_v they_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o use_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n in_o scripture_n say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v produce_v a_o plain_a law_n for_o what_o he_o do_v other_o man_n may_v intend_v god_n glory_n in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o they_o may_v miss_v of_o their_o aim_n when_o they_o have_v no_o rule_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n instead_o of_o please_a god_n and_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n can_v grant_v any_o indulgence_n to_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o this_o but_o when_o both_o contend_v party_n can_v produce_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o never_o do_v and_o never_o can_v happen_v but_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o because_o they_o both_o act_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n in_o a_o word_n two_o contrary_a party_n as_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v in_o this_o controversy_n can_v never_o both_o of_o they_o
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
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
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
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