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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n according_a faith_n rule_n 3,567 5 6.8625 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59907 A vindication of the rights of ecclesiastical authority being an answer to the first part of the Protestant reconciler / by Will. Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1685 (1685) Wing S3379; ESTC R21191 238,170 475

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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 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can_v fair_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n grant_v a_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n therefore_o the_o same_o liberty_n must_v be_v grant_v in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n itself_o though_o it_o must_v either_o destroy_v the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n or_o divide_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v not_o produce_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v any_o one_o instance_n of_o such_o indulgence_n grant_v to_o private_a christian_n to_o dissent_v from_o the_o public_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o can_v show_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n all_o his_o other_o scripture-proof_n be_v nothing_o to_o our_o case_n and_o that_o these_o case_n be_v so_o different_a that_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v
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 church●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 unde●_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
to_o one_o case_n and_o not_o to_o the_o other_o and_o argue_v great_a ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o impudence_n in_o our_o reconciler_n to_o censure_v it_o which_o i_o shall_v large_o prove_v when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v his_o four_o chapter_n and_o because_o our_o reconciler_n so_o often_o mention_n not_o only_o the_o abatement_n of_o the_o ceremony_n but_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o scrupled_a expression_n in_o the_o liturgy_n without_o mention_v what_o those_o be_v i_o can_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o to_o represent_v that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o those_o late_a alteration_n which_o be_v make_v in_o our_o liturgy_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o common-prayer-book_n our_o general_a aim_n therefore_o in_o this_o undertake_n be_v not_o to_o gratisie_n this_o or_o that_o party_n in_o any_o of_o their_o unreasonable_a demand_n but_o to_o do_v that_o which_o to_o our_o best_a understanding_n we_o conceive_v might_n most_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n the_o procure_n of_o reverence_n and_o exciting_a of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n of_o cavil_n or_o quarrel_n against_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n most_n of_o the_o alteration_n be_v make_v for_o the_o more_o proper_a express_v of_o some_o word_n or_o phrase_n of_o ancient_a usage_n in_o term_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o language_n of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o the_o clear_a explanation_n of_o some_o other_o word_n or_o phrase_n which_o be_v either_o of_o doubtful_a signification_n or_o otherwise_o liable_a to_o misconstruction_n and_o what_o other_o rule_n our_o reconciler_n will_v have_v the_o church_n observe_v in_o alter_v scruple_v phrase_n i_o can_v tell_v for_o if_o she_o mu●t_v alter_v while_o some_o people_n cease_v to_o scruple_n she_o must_v alter_v it_o all_o or_o rather_o take_v it_o quite_o away_o 3._o but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o impose_v such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v scruple_v by_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o which_o occasion_n a_o formidable_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n i_o shall_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n my_o design_n at_o present_a lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o mistake_v and_o scruple_n of_o christian_n and_o how_o far_o governor_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o they_o and_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v 1._o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a or_o suspicious_a nature_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a her_o authority_n to_o command_v be_v doubtful_a too_o or_o rather_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o doubtful_a matter_n for_o her_o authority_n can_v be_v no_o large_a than_o her_o commission_n and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o her_o commission_n to_o teach_v or_o command_v thing_n which_o be_v doubtful_a thus_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o set_v up_o image_n in_o church_n to_o pray_v before_o a_o crucifix_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o devotion_n though_o we_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o pay_v any_o religious_a homage_n to_o they_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n can_v by_o her_o authority_n adopt_v doubtful_a proposition_n into_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o require_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v they_o as_o the_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o reconciler_n at_o his_o usual_a impertinent_a rate_n of_o citation_n etc._n allege_n several_a passage_n out_o of_o mr._n chillingworth_n to_o prove_v that_o no_o doubtful_a proposition_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v article_n of_o faith_n or_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n in_o which_o i_o perfect_o agree_v with_o mr._n chillingworth_n but_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n see_v how_o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o because_o the_o church_n must_v not_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n therefore_o she_o must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o worship_n that_o because_o she_o must_v not_o impose_v thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a nature_n therefore_o she_o must_v not_o command_v any_o thing_n which_o some_o people_n raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n about_o but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a and_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n doubt_v of_o it_o and_o the_o thing_n be_v dispute_v and_o controvert_v and_o argument_n produce_v on_o both_o side_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o there_o be_v not_o any_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v doubtful_a it_o be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o whether_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n or_o a_o importer_n for_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o atheist_n jew_n turk_n and_o infidel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o dissenter_n dispute_v against_o they_o if_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suspend_v upon_o submission_n to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o controversy_n concern_v they_o 240._o be_v not_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o kingdom_n farewell_o to_o all_o certainty_n in_o religion_n but_o he_o prove_v this_o by_o a_o argument_n transcribe_v from_o dr._n stillingfleet_n irenicum_fw-la a_o book_n which_o certain_o do_v such_o great_a service_n at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v write_v to_o draw_v man_n on_o to_o a_o calm_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o who_o reverend_a author_n have_v do_v such_o excellent_a service_n since_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o his_o incomparable_a write_n both_o against_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n that_o whatever_o fault_n there_o may_v be_v in_o it_o both_o the_o book_n and_o the_o author_n have_v merit_v something_o more_o than_o a_o pardon_n especial_o since_o that_o book_n stand_v now_o upon_o its_o own_o leg_n and_o can_v derive_v no_o authority_n from_o that_o great_a name_n he_o have_v sufficient_o declare_v his_o dislike_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_o answer_v some_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o himself_o and_o though_o i_o can_v assent_v to_o every_o proposition_n in_o the_o irenicum_fw-la as_o i_o be_o pretty_a sure_a the_o author_n himself_o do_v not_o yet_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v that_o it_o deserve_v all_o that_o clamour_n which_o some_o man_n have_v raise_v against_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o never_o can_v make_v any_o man_n a_o dissenter_n and_o i_o think_v it_o much_o more_o desirable_a and_o more_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o man_n shall_v conform_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o irenicum_fw-la than_o that_o they_o shall_v continue_v dissenter_n i_o can_v not_o forbear_v say_v this_o once_o for_o all_o out_o of_o that_o sincere_a honour_n i_o have_v for_o that_o excellent_a person_n who_o have_v meet_v with_o very_o ill_a usage_n from_o some_o man_n who_o either_o envy_n his_o deserve_a praise_n or_o hope_v to_o make_v themselves_o considerable_a by_o be_v his_o rival_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o argument_n be_v where_o probable_a argument_n be_v bring_v for_o the_o maintain_v one_o part_n of_o a_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o another_o though_o the_o argument_n bring_v be_v not_o convince_a for_o the_o necessary_a entertain_v either_o part_n to_o a_o unbiased_a understanding_n yet_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v argument_n sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o both_o party_n will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v on_o their_o own_o side_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n it_o give_v man_n ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v never_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o i_o confess_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v not_o assent_v to_o all_o this_o for_o if_o the_o argument_n be_v only_o probable_a on_o both_o side_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o convince_a either_o way_n to_o a_o unbiased_a judgement_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o
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 ●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
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
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 ●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
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 b●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 tho●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
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 ●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 i●_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
which_o be_v upon_o all_o account_n indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o any_o good_a nor_o hurt_n in_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o be_v command_v in_o religious_a worship_n for_o this_o be_v to_o trifle_v in_o sacred_a thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o decency_n and_o gravity_n of_o worship_n but_o those_o ceremony_n which_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v not_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o necessary_a consider_v as_o decent_a there_o must_v upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o be_v a_o antecedent_n decency_n in_o thing_n before_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v command_v church-governor_n must_v take_v care_n to_o maintain_v the_o decency_n of_o worship_n but_o they_o must_v find_v thing_n decent_a for_o by_o their_o mere_a command_n they_o can_v make_v they_o so_o all_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v by_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n fit_v and_o qualify_v to_o be_v make_v the_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o nothing_o pure_o indifferent_a be_v and_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o church-governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v only_o to_o determine_v what_o particular_a decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o their_o church_n that_o be_v to_o apply_v the_o apostle_n general_a rule_n to_o particular_a instance_n i_o know_v very_o well_o how_o jealous_a and_o fearful_a most_o man_n be_v of_o own_v any_o other_o necessity_n or_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a governor_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o in_o a_o age_n wherein_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o despise_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v absolute_o deny_v they_o fall_v under_o such_o a_o general_a contempt_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o own_o some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 1._o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o a_o apostolical_a precept_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n 2._o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n 3._o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v decent_a shall_v be_v use_v and_o therefore_o 4._o all_o particular_a decent_a ceremony_n have_v this_o necessity_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n that_o some_o of_o they_o must_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n and_o no_o other_o must_v and_o therefore_o 5._o when_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v determine_v which_o particular_a decent_a ceremony_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n these_o particular_a ceremony_n become_v necessary_a not_o mere_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o apostolical_a command_n and_o their_o own_o natural_a decency_n which_o bring_v they_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o general_a rule_n church-governor_n have_v authority_n to_o apply_v that_o general_a rule_n to_o particular_a ceremony_n which_o have_v such_o order_n and_o decency_n as_o comprehend_v they_o within_o that_o general_a rule_n but_o these_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n when_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v do_v not_o derive_v their_o obligation_n mere_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o from_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n we_o must_v observe_v they_o not_o mere_o because_o the_o church_n have_v command_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o decent_a and_o so_o comprehend_v within_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o church-authority_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v only_o in_o apply_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n to_o such_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o by_o their_o own_o decency_n be_v fit_a and_o qualify_v to_o be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n as_o apply_v by_o the_o church_n to_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n which_o give_v they_o their_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n hence_o mr._n calvin_n observe_v that_o those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o order_n 14.40_o must_v not_o be_v account_v humane_a tradition_n because_o they_o be_v found_v in_o this_o general_a precept_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o so_o receive_v their_o approbation_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n have_v such_o goodness_n and_o necessity_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v for_o they_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o necessity_n of_o decency_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o apostolical_a canon_n but_o still_o the_o controversy_n remain_v what_o this_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v and_o by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o it_o for_o one_o man_n may_v account_v that_o decent_a which_o another_o may_v think_v have_v no_o positive_a decency_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o church_n of_o england_n retain_v the_o use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o decency_n our_o modest_a reconciler_n who_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o proneness_n to_o mistake_v yet_o venture_v to_o contradict_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a order_n or_o decency_n in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a second_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o decency_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v and_o by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o it_o now_o in_o general_n the_o external_a decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v expressive_a of_o honour_n reverence_n and_o devotion_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o external_a worship_n but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o external_a honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o yet_o most_o man_n understand_v this_o very_a well_o also_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o civil_a honour_n they_o know_v what_o posture_n what_o action_n what_o habit_n what_o behaviour_n what_o language_n what_o address_v become_v they_o when_o they_o approach_v their_o prince_n and_o their_o parent_n or_o any_o other_o person_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o honour_n or_o respect_n and_o this_o suggest_v to_o we_o two_o general_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o religious_a worship_n 1._o that_o whatever_o will_v be_v deserve_o think_v a_o breach_n of_o good_a manner_n in_o common_a conversation_n or_o a_o violation_n of_o that_o civil_a respect_n and_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o prince_n and_o all_o superior_n can_v never_o become_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o god_n tell_v the_o israelite_n who_o offer_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a in_o sacrifice_n hold_v good_a in_o all_o other_o case_n offer_v it_o now_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n 1_o mal._n 8._o such_o word_n and_o action_n and_o behaviour_n as_o will_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n do_v much_o more_o unbecome_v religious_a worship_n because_o god_n be_v much_o great_a than_o the_o great_a prince_n 2._o that_o whatever_o be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o our_o honour_n and_o reverence_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a degre●_n due_a to_o almighty_a god_n many_o of_o the_o external_a expression_n and_o sign_n of_o honour_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v alike_o and_o if_o not_o the_o very_a same_o yet_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n for_o whether_o we_o intend_v to_o honour_n god_n or_o man_n it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o some_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_o determine_v either_o to_o religious_a or_o civil_a worship_n but_o applicable_a to_o both_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o honour_n to_o our_o prince_n to_o be_v uncover_v in_o his_o presence_n to_o deliver_v our_o petition_n upon_o the_o knee_n to_o come_v in_o a_o decent_a apparel_n to_o put_v on_o a_o grave_n and_o modest_a countenance_n to_o keep_v our_o distance_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o we_o must_v express_v our_o reverence_n for_o our_o prince_n in_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n in_o our_o look_n and_o habit_n and_o deportment_n of_o our_o
impose_v the_o ceremony_n now_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o they_o that_o be_v nothing_o of_o positive_a order_n or_o decency_n but_o what_o he_o say_v have_v be_v prove_v already_o i_o have_v make_v appear_v be_v not_o prove_v by_o he_o yet_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_n but_o if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n or_o contribute_v to_o the_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o religious_a action_n have_v no_o positive_a decency_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o that_o positive_a decency_n be_v which_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o action_n i_o can_v see_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n in_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o if_o as_o the_o bishop_n say_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o perpetual_a judge_n and_o dictator_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o assent_v to_o how_o do_v it_o become_v the_o great_a modesty_n of_o our_o reconciler_n to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o those_o ceremony_n which_o the_o church_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n if_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o proper_a judge_n of_o this_o how_o do_v our_o reconciler_n come_v by_o this_o authority_n to_o judge_v his_o judge_n ii_o our_o reconciler_n add_v a_o limitation_n of_o this_o rule_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o reverend_a bishop_n ibid._n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o decency_n as_o be_v only_a ornament_n but_o be_v to_o be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o only_o rescue_v from_o confusion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o prelate_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n unless_o thing_n be_v so_o orderly_o that_o there_o be_v no_o confusion_n but_o if_o it_o can_v go_v beyond_o this_o limit_n than_o it_o can_v have_v no_o natural_a limit_n but_o may_v extend_v to_o sumptuousness_n to_o ornament_n of_o church_n to_o rich_a vtensit_n to_o splendour_n and_o majesty_n for_o all_o that_o be_v decent_a enough_o and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n very_o fit_a but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o subject_a to_o abuse_v and_o give_v a_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n and_o a_o authority_n over_o man_n estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o soul_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o spiritual_a government_n it_o be_v more_o than_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o minister_n how_o much_o our_o reconciler_n have_v injure_v this_o learned_a prelate_n by_o his_o numerous_a citation_n of_o his_o word_n to_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v shall_v be_v make_v appear_v before_o i_o leave_v this_o argument_n though_o he_o have_v deal_v no_o worse_o by_o he_o than_o he_o have_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o word_n ●e_v have_v as_o gross_o abuse_v that_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n have_v no_o design_n in_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o our_o reconciler_n transcribe_v from_o he_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o have_v more_o than_o one_o reason_n to_o believe_v as_o will_v appear_v present_o and_o therefore_o though_o i_o can_v not_o give_v a_o account_n of_o every_o particular_a expression_n yet_o none_o but_o such_o a_o protestant_a reconciler_n will_v expound_v any_o of_o his_o word_n in_o contradiction_n to_o his_o declare_a sense_n of_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a what_o he_o here_o say_v if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o that_o he_o never_o mean_v it_o so_o for_o 1._o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o decency_n as_o be_v only_a ornament_n this_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v no_o such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v mere_o for_o ornament_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n enough_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n though_o she_o have_v not_o authority_n to_o make_v her_o worship_n gay_a and_o theatrical_a which_o indeed_o be_v not_o decent_a and_o therefore_o not_o contain_v within_o this_o rule_n the_o bishop_n never_o think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o he_o give_v this_o rule_n but_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o fantastic_a ceremony_n and_o amusement_n of_o the_o romish_a worship_n 2._o but_o yet_o when_o he_o say_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o decency_n as_o be_v only_a ornament_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v all_o ornament_n neither_o if_o they_o serve_v any_o end_n of_o religion_n beside_o for_o if_o they_o be_v real_o such_o decency_n and_o ornament_n as_o become_v religion_n and_o christian_a worship_n i_o can_v imagine_v any_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v include_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n such_o decency_n and_o order_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n be_v always_o necessary_a and_o may_v always_o be_v have_v what_o state_n soever_o the_o church_n be_v in_o while_o there_o be_v any_o public_a face_n of_o a_o church_n ornamental_a decency_n can_v always_o be_v have_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o always_o oblige_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n but_o why_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o ornament_n when_o it_o be_v in_o her_o power_n to_o adorn_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o can_v guess_v must_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o afflict_a and_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n when_o god_n have_v make_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n a_o distinction_n between_o necessary_n convenience_n and_o ornament_n do_v he_o allow_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v bare_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o worship_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o man_n may_v mistake_v in_o what_o they_o call_v the_o ornament_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n evident_o do_v but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o mistake_v and_o have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o give_v a_o external_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n to_o religion_n do_v they_o exceed_v their_o commission_n in_o this_o too_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v that_o sumptuousness_n ornament_n of_o church_n rich_a utensil_n splendour_n and_o majesty_n be_v decent_a enough_o and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n very_o fit_a and_o i_o shall_v much_o have_v wonder_v have_v he_o deny_v it_o now_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o fit_a do_v it_o exceed_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v they_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v in_o any_o circumstance_n which_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v that_o mere_a ornament_n be_v not_o comprehend_v within_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o than_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o strict_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o external_a ornament_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v have_v at_o all_o time_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n ornament_n be_v very_o fit_v when_o they_o can_v be_v have_v but_o the_o bishop_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o the_o charge_n and_o expense_n of_o such_o ornament_n unless_o they_o free_o and_o willing_o consent_n and_o that_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n appear_v from_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v of_o it_o that_o this_o be_v too_o subject_a to_o abuse_v and_o that_o it_o give_v a_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n and_o a_o authority_n over_o man_n estate_n and_o fortune_n which_o be_v good_a argument_n only_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o bishop_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v his_o people_n to_o such_o expense_n as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o ornament_n of_o religion_n but_o suppose_v devout_a people_n liberal_o contribute_v to_o such_o pious_a use_n if_o his_o authority_n and_o commission_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o ornament_n he_o must_v not_o receive_v their_o money_n nor_o adorn_v the_o church_n with_o it_o if_o he_o may_v than_o his_o authority_n extend_v to_o ornament_n though_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o man_n estate_n for_o he_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o
part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n precept_n be_v not_o disobey_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o ceremony_n and_o consequent_o this_o precept_n can_v warrant_v the_o impose_v of_o they_o that_o the_o apostolical_a precept_n be_v not_o disobey_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o ceremony_n i_o ready_o grant_v but_o not_o for_o his_o reason_n that_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o be_v not_o indecent_a for_o this_o precept_n command_v the_o positive_a decency_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o forbid_v the_o indecency_n of_o it_o but_o because_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v secure_v by_o other_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n though_o these_o be_v omit_v but_o his_o consequent_o be_v a_o far-fetched_a one_o the_o impose_v any_o decent_a rite_n may_v be_v warrant_v by_o this_o precept_n though_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o be_v not_o indecent_a for_o every_o decent_a rite_n exclude_v indecency_n and_o make_v the_o worship_n decent_a which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o oppose_v to_o the_o indecency_n of_o omit_v such_o rite_n but_o to_o other_o indecent_a modes_n of_o worship_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o not_o kneel_v nor_o wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o not_o wear_v a_o surplice_n for_o they_o can_v be_v oppose_v as_o do_v a_o thing_n decent_o or_o indecent_o but_o as_o do_v or_o not_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v decent_a or_o indecent_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o they_o must_v be_v oppose_v to_o other_o posture_n or_o habit_n in_o worship_n and_o such_o rite_n as_o exclude_v indecency_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a decency_n in_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o rule_n 3._o as_o for_o his_o logic_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v privative_o opposite_a and_o between_o privative_a opposite_n in_o a_o capable_a subject_n there_o be_v no_o medium_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v decency_n sufficient_a in_o those_o action_n where_o be_v no_o indecency_n this_o our_o reconciler_n call_v a_o plain_a argument_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o plain_a fallacy_n for_o suppose_v we_o grant_v he_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n reverence_n and_o irreverence_n be_v privative_a opposite_n that_o be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o as_o a_o habit_n and_o its_o privation_n as_o sight_n and_o blindness_n how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v decency_n enough_o where_o there_o be_v no_o indecency_n sight_n and_o blindness_n be_v privative_o opposite_a but_o will_v you_o say_v that_o man_n see_v well_o enough_o who_o be_v not_o blind_a though_o there_o be_v no_o medium_n between_o a_o habit_n and_o a_o total_a privation_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a degree_n in_o habit_n and_o no_o man_n think_v he_o see_v well_o enough_o though_o he_o be_v not_o stark_o blind_a if_o his_o eye_n be_v weak_a and_o tender_a or_o shortsighted_a or_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o spectacle_n or_o other_o help_n of_o art_n thus_o though_o indecency_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o privation_n of_o decency_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a degree_n of_o decency_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n our_o reconciler_n must_v prove_v that_o he_o mean_v only_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o decency_n which_o be_v but_o one_o bare_a remove_n from_o indecency_n otherwise_o he_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o be_v true_o decent_a be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o precept_n and_o the_o more_o decent_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o apostle_n design_n but_o beside_o this_o mr._n jeane_n and_o our_o reconciler_n after_o he_o be_v grievous_o out_o in_o their_o logic_n for_o decency_n and_o indecency_n reverence_n and_o irreverence_n be_v not_o privative_a opposite_n for_o indecency_n be_v not_o the_o mere_a privation_n of_o decency_n but_o they_o be_v oppose_v as_o virtue_n and_o vice_n that_o be_v as_o two_o extreme_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o which_o be_v proper_o call_v adversa_fw-la which_o be_v affirmative_a not_o negative_a opposite_n though_o the_o grammatical_a notation_n of_o the_o word_n indecency_n and_o irreverence_n seem_v to_o have_v betray_v he_o into_o that_o mistake_n and_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o medium_n between_o two_o extreme_n and_o let_v our_o reconciler_n consider_v how_o it_o will_v sound_v to_o say_v that_o man_n be_v virtuous_a enough_o who_o be_v not_o vicious_a indecent_a and_o not_o decent_a do_v not_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o unlearned_a and_o not_o learned_a i_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o logic_n that_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la indoctus_fw-la and_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la doctus_fw-la be_v not_o equipollent_a proposition_n to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v learn_v a_o man_n be_v not_o learned_a a_o man_n be_v unlearned_a signify_v very_o different_o and_o so_o do_v these_o proposition_n a_o action_n be_v decent_a a_o action_n be_v not_o decent_a a_o action_n be_v indecent_a the_o first_o signify_v a_o positive_a decency_n the_o second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a decency_n the_o three_o that_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n civility_n and_o rudeness_n in_o common_a conversation_n be_v oppose_v as_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v but_o there_o be_v a_o untutored_a and_o undisciplined_a humour_n which_o be_v neither_o civil_a nor_o rude_a this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o decency_n nor_o reverence_n in_o such_o action_n which_o can_v be_v strict_o charge_v with_o indecency_n and_o irreverence_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o he_o require●_n something_o more_o than_o not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a●●_n indecency_n or_o irreverence_n in_o worship_n iii_o to_o proceed_v he_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o reverend_a bishop_n prove_v that_o beyond_o command_v that_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n or_o be_v so_o requisite_a for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v well_o do_v without_o it_o by_o any_o other_o instrument_n or_o by_o itself_o alone_o the_o bishop_n can_v give_v no_o law_n which_o proper_o and_o immediate_o bind_v the_o transgressor_n under_o sin_n i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o certain_o understand_v what_o this_o learned_a man_n refer_v to_o he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o particular_a instance_n which_o have_v give_v advantage_n to_o our_o reconciler_n to_o apply_v it_o as_o he_o please_v but_o let_v we_o consider_v his_o reason_n and_o by_o that_o we_o may_v guess_v how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v 1._o because_o we_o never_o find_v the_o apostle_n use_v their_o coercion_n upon_o any_o man_n but_o the_o express_a breaker_n of_o a_o divine_a commandment_n or_o the_o public_a disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o establish_a necessary_a order_n thus_o far_o the_o bishop_n to_o which_o the_o reconciler_n add_v man_n must_v not_o therefore_o first_o make_v unnecessary_a order_n and_o when_o man_n can_v conscientious_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o so_o cry_v out_o that_o they_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n these_o word_n he_o represent_v as_o the_o bishop_n also_o though_o they_o be_v his_o own_o which_o be_v one_o of_o his_o pious_a fraud_n but_o as_o for_o the_o argument_n i_o think_v it_o be_v evident_a it_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o our_o dispute_n who_o pretend_v no_o other_o authority_n but_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o establish_a necessary_a order_n for_o such_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v but_o how_o the_o apostle_n censure_v such_o person_n we_o can_v tell_v neither_o for_o we_o never_o read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n dispute_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o such_o matter_n or_o refuse_v to_o obey_v their_o canon_n and_o injunction_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o exercise_v such_o censure_n 2._o because_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o convenient_a that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o use_v injunction_n yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o backward_o to_o use_v their_o authority_n of_o command_v much_o less_o will_v they_o use_v severity_n but_o entreaty_n it_o be_v st._n paul_n be_v case_n to_o philemon_n beforementioned_a though_o i_o may_v be_v much_o bold_a in_o christ_n to_o enjoin_v that_o which_o be_v convenient_a yet_o for_o love_n sake_n i_o rather_o entreat_v thou_o but_o this_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o neither_o for_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v philemon_n servant_n onesimus_n from_o
he_o without_o his_o consent_n for_o i_o doubt_v church-authority_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o such_o matter_n which_o be_v pure_o civil_a and_o secular_a and_o though_o when_o such_o thing_n be_v high_o expedient_a for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o bishop_n have_v authority_n to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v and_o that_o man_n sin_n who_o disobey_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o object_n of_o church-censure_n and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n no_o more_o than_o when_o man_n refuse_v to_o do_v some_o pious_a or_o charitable_a act_n at_o the_o bishop_n request_n philemon_n obligation_n to_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v his_o spiritual_a father_n who_o have_v convert_v he_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n give_v he_o a_o peculiar_a authority_n over_o he_o but_o the_o bare_a apostolical_a authority_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o man_n fortune_n and_o servant_n which_o in_o those_o day_n be_v part_n of_o their_o estate_n 3._o in_o those_o thing_n where_o god_n have_v interpose_v no_o command_n though_o the_o rule_n they_o give_v contain_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a and_o decent_a yet_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v they_o gentle_o do_v admonish_v &_o reprove_v they_o &_o let_v they_o alone_o so_o s._n paul_n in_o case_n of_o the_o corinthian_a man_n wear_v long_a hair_n if_o any_o man_n list_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v let_v he_o choose_v it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v we_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o liberty_n but_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o but_o this_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n neither_o for_o wear_v long_a hair_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o uniformity_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v our_o only_a dispute_n but_o be_v a_o indecency_n in_o common_a conversation_n and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n the_o apostle_n indulge_v both_o to_o jew_n and_o heathen_n till_o they_o can_v be_v reform_v by_o reason_n and_o better_a instruction_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o do_v more_o severe_o correct_v the_o disorder_n and_o indecency_n of_o worship_n and_o yet_o i_o confess_v it_o seem_v a_o very_a odd_a comment_n upon_o the_o apostle_n word_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n viz._n let_v he_o choose_v it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v we_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o whereas_o in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o leave_v they_o to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v that_o he_o determine_v the_o controversy_n against_o they_o by_o the_o high_a authority_n to_o a_o christian_a next_o to_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n viz._n the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o do_v not_o here_o threaten_v church-censure_n against_o they_o but_o first_o try_v what_o reason_n and_o argument_n will_v do_v which_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a method_n for_o bishop_n to_o use_v but_o a_o very_a ill_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v not_o censure_v those_o who_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o her_o law_n and_o constitution_n 4._o if_o the_o bishop_n power_n be_v extend_v far_o it_o may_v extend_v to_o tyranny_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o limit_n beyond_o this_o to_o keep_v he_o within_o the_o measure_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o government_n evangelical_n but_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o go_v far_o he_o may_v be_v absolute_a and_o supreme_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o spirit_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o dynasty_a as_o one_o ancient_o complain_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o change_v the_o father_n into_o a_o prince_n and_o the_o church_n into_o a_o empire_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o how_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n shall_v degenerate_v into_o tyranny_n and_o secular_a power_n be_v unintelligible_a to_o i_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o know_v come_v in_o at_o another_o door_n and_o the_o presbyter_n who_o have_v little_a regard_n to_o the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n can_v find_v other_o pretence_n to_o get_v some_o secular_a power_n into_o his_o hand_n but_o what_o limit_n can_v be_v set_v to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n if_o the_o church_n exceed_v what_o be_v bare_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v confusion_n in_o religious_a worship_n i_o answer_v decency_n be_v the_o bind_v of_o it_o and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o what_o be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a in_o religious_a worship_n belong_v to_o church-authority_n what_o be_v more_o be_v a_o irregular_a abuse_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n that_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o shall_v make_v bishop_n secular_a prince_n this_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o i_o that_o this_o learned_a prelate_n intend_v not_o one_o word_n of_o all_o this_o against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o can_v not_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o he_o contradict_v himself_o and_o then_o his_o authority_n be_v good_a on_o neither_o side_n and_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o appear_v once_o for_o all_o and_o thereby_o answer_v the_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n to_o countenance_v this_o reconcile_a design_n all_o together_o i_o observe_v then_o that_o the_o bishop_n himself_o do_v express_o justify_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o not_o offend_v against_o any_o of_o those_o rule_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o ecclesiastical_a law_n 8._o when_o he_o speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o significant_a ceremony_n and_o censure_v such_o ceremony_n which_o be_v mere_o for_o signification_n which_o seem_v to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o case_n there_o he_o design_o not_o only_a vindicate_v the_o practice_n but_o applaud_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o reference_n to_o her_o ceremony_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o celebrate_v and_o honour_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v in_o all_o her_o office_n retain_v but_o one_o ritual_a or_o ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a ordinance_n or_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o that_o be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o significant_a ceremony_n and_o of_o no_o other_o use_n though_o in_o this_o i_o can_v agree_v with_o the_o bishop_n and_o have_v give_v my_o reason_n for_o it_o above_o so_o it_o be_v very_o innocent_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v one_o and_o alone_o be_v in_o no_o regard_n troublesome_a or_o afflective_a to_o those_o who_o understand_v her_o power_n her_o liberty_n and_o reason_n i_o say_v she_o have_v one_o only_a ceremony_n of_o her_o own_o appointment_n for_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o a_o ●ivil_a and_o religious_a contract_n it_o be_v a_o pledge_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n not_o of_o the_o religion_n and_o those_o other_o circumstance_n of_o her_o worship_n be_v but_o determination_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o manner_n of_o a_o duty_n they_o serve_v to_o other_o purpose_n beside_o signification_n they_o be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o but_o for_o order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o a_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o evident_a necessity_n or_o a_o great_a convenience_n now_o if_o beside_o these_o use_n they_o can_v be_v construe_v to_o any_o good_a signification_n or_o instruction_n that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o advantage_n their_o principal_a end_n be_v different_a and_o warrant_v and_o not_o destroy_v by_o their_o superinduce_v and_o accidental_a use_n in_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o figure_n and_o shadow_n be_v for_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o light_n and_o manifestation_n be_v in_o the_o new_a this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n about_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o i_o think_v make_v little_a for_o our_o reconcilers_n purpose_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v transcribe_v that_o large_a discourse_n about_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n mere_o for_o signification_n out_o of_o the_o bishop_n write_n etc._n he_o stop_v when_o he_o come_v to_o this_o as_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o intend_v one_o word_n of_o this_o against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o he_o express_o except_v and_o justify_v well_o but_o though_o the_o bishop_n out_o of_o civility_n to_o the_o church_n make_v such_o a_o exception_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o his_o argument_n be_v as_o strong_a against_o the_o
significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o any_o other_o church_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o bishop_n do_v not_o think_v so_o and_o when_o the_o reconciler_n allege_v the_o bishop_n authority_n as_o well_o as_o argument_n against_o we_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v urge_v his_o argument_n no_o far_o than_o he_o himself_o do_v or_o to_o have_v tell_v his_o reader_n what_o exception_n the_o bishop_n make_v and_o leave_v it_o to_o he_o to_o judge_v whether_o the_o exception_n be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a or_o not_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n will_v have_v make_v some_o little_a difference_n as_o the_o bishop_n do_v between_o such_o significant_a ceremony_n as_o be_v withal_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n and_o receive_v their_o decency_n from_o their_o signification_n and_o such_o ceremony_n as_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o only_o entertain_v a_o childish_a fancy_n with_o some_o theatrical_a show_n and_o arbitrary_a image_n and_o figure_n of_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o bishop_n there_o speak_v and_o indeed_o all_o his_o other_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n be_v as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n because_o none_o of_o they_o concern_v the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v our_o present_a dispute_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v from_o thence_o learn_v what_o the_o bishop_n judgement_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n as_o to_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o these_o argument_n as_o he_o call_v they_o take_v out_o of_o bishop_n tailor_n be_v ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la his_o first_o argument_n be_v patch_v up_o of_o two_o say_n 212._o at_o the_o distance_n of_o fifteen_o page_n from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v much_o near_o to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o book_n than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o design_n and_o signification_n he_o say_v the_o bishop_n true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o church-ruler_n his_o authority_n for_o trifle_v and_o needless_a purpose_n this_o be_v say_v in_o one_o place_n and_o to_o make_v up_o his_o argument_n he_o tack_n another_o say_v to_o it_o now_o ritual_n say_v he_o and_o external_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a appendage_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v observe_v they_o not_o that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n but_o because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o law_n the_o first_o of_o these_o say_n be_v under_o the_o three_o rule_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o necessary_a duty_n by_o a_o direct_a power_n and_o divine_a authority_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o to_o some_o necessary_a duty_n the_o instance_n the_o bishop_n give_v in_o that_o place_n be_v this_o that_o the_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o command_v his_o subject_a or_o parishioner_n to_o put_v away_o his_o concubine_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o not_o only_a sin_n by_o uncleanness_n but_o by_o disobedience_n too_o this_o sure_a be_v remote_a enough_o from_o the_o dispute_n of_o ceremony_n but_o then_o he_o prove_v that_o such_o man_n sin_n by_o disobey_v the_o bishop_n in_o such_o case_n by_o this_o argument_n among_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o church-ruler_n his_o authority_n for_o trifle_v and_o needless_a purpose_n for_o it_o be_v a_o trifle_a thing_n to_o have_v authority_n to_o command_v if_o that_o authority_n have_v no_o effect_n if_o man_n may_v disobey_v such_o command_n without_o sin_n so_o that_o these_o word_n whereby_o the_o bishop_n prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o command_v and_o that_o those_o sin_n who_o disobey_v our_o reconciler_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n because_o in_o his_o opinion_n they_o be_v trifle_v and_o needless_a thing_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o bishop_n six_o rule_n which_o be_v this_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v by_o the_o tie_n of_o religion_n not_o of_o power_n oblige_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n his_o resolution_n of_o which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o such_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a religion_n can_v be_v neglect_v by_o prince_n without_o some_o strain_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n which_o be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o choice_n of_o man_n determine_v in_o such_o a_o instance_n to_o such_o a_o specification_n but_o in_o external_o and_o ritual_n they_o have_v a_o great_a liberty_n so_o that_o every_o omission_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n in_o they_o though_o it_o may_v be_v in_o subject_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v that_o they_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a appendage_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v observe_v ritual_n because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o law_n not_o that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n since_o therefore_o these_o be_v whole_o matter_n of_o obedience_n king_n be_v free_a save_v only_o when_o they_o become_v bind_v collateral_o and_o accidental_o so_o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o external_o and_o ritual_n as_o such_o trifle_a and_o needless_a thing_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v they_o to_o which_o purpose_n our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o but_o as_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v bind_v on_o we_o only_o by_o humane_a authority_n a_o sovereign_a prince_n who_o own_v no_o high_a humane_a authority_n than_o his_o own_o be_v not_o so_o strict_o oblige_v by_o they_o as_o his_o subject_n be_v but_o may_v dispense_v with_o himself_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a these_o be_v excellent_a premise_n for_o such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o our_o reconciler_n draw_v from_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o the_o external_o or_o ritual_n of_o religion_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n find_v say_v about_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o the_o external_o and_o ritual_n of_o religion_n he_o present_o apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o except_v the_o cross_n be_v only_o decent_a circumstance_n without_o which_o or_o suchlike_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v decent_o or_o reverent_o perform_v that_o be_v without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o external_a worship_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n and_o devotion_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a what_o a_o vast_a difference_n the_o bishop_n make_v between_o these_o two_o thus_o he_o express_o do_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v 6._o and_o from_o it_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v substract_v and_o in_o christianity_n we_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o ceremony_n except_v n._n b._n the_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o very_a ministry_n as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o vessel_n and_o ornament_n and_o necessary_a appendage_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n beside_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n where_o he_o express_o distinguish_v between_o the_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o very_a ministry_n what_o be_v necessary_a or_o convenient_a for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n from_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n whereby_o he_o understand_v exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n that_o be_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o be_v distinct_a act_n themselves_o either_o institute_v as_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o he_o say_v they_o be_v intolerable_a or_o mere_o for_o signification_n and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a little_a thing_n and_o of_o very_o inconsiderable_a use_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o revelation_n evangelical_n such_o he_o reckon_v give_v milk_n and_o honey_n or_o a_o little_a wine_n to_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o present_a milk_n together_o with_o bread_n and_o wine_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o signify_v nutrition_n by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o let_v a_o pigeon_n fly_v to_o signify_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o light_v up_o candle_n to_o represent_v the_o epiphany_n to_o dress_v a_o bed_n to_o express_v the_o secret_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o prepare_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o bury_v a_o image_n to_o describe_v the_o
of_o worship_n too_o or_o be_v the_o bare_a decency_n of_o worship_n a_o jewish_a yoke_n what_o correspondence_n be_v there_o between_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n between_o new_a and_o distinct_a act_n and_o the_o decent_a modes_n of_o action_n but_o our_o reconciler_n proceed_v ecclesiastical_a law_n must_v not_o be_v perpetual_a 215._o that_o be_v when_o they_o be_v make_v they_o be_v relative_a to_o time_n and_o place_n to_o person_n and_o occasion_n subject_a to_o all_o change_n etc._n etc._n now_o beside_o that_o the_o bishop_n still_v speak_v of_o such_o law_n as_o concern_v ritual_n and_o external_a observance_n not_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v in_o our_o present_a controversy_n yet_o suppose_v it_o do_v relate_v to_o our_o ceremony_n what_o advantage_n can_v he_o make_v of_o it_o they_o must_v not_o be_v perpetual_a that_o be_v they_o be_v alterable_a when_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n see_v fit_a and_o who_o deny_v it_o but_o must_v every_o one_o who_o believe_v these_o ceremony_n alterable_a present_o grant_v that_o they_o must_v be_v alter_v right_a or_o wrong_n this_o be_v much_o like_o another_o mangle_a testimony_n which_o he_o cite_v from_o rule_n 12._o n._n 9_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v the_o whole_a because_o our_o reconciler_n have_v conceal_v the_o sense_n by_o transcribe_v only_a part_n of_o it_o except_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v from_o christ_n in_o which_o they_o be_v minister_n to_o all_o age_n once_o for_o all_o convey_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o generation_n to_o come_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o be_v but_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o leave_v all_o that_o ordinary_a power_n to_o their_o successor_n with_o a_o power_n to_o rule_v their_o church_n such_o as_o they_o have_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o they_o convey_v as_o from_o christ_n a_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v to_o bind_v for_o ever_o all_o this_o our_o reconciler_n leave_v out_o which_o be_v a_o key_n to_o what_o follow_v for_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o what_o he_o say_v be_v to_o bind_v for_o ever_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v not_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o be_v lawgiver_n they_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o order_v by_o their_o own_o wisdom_n be_v to_o abide_v as_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n do_v abide_v but_o still_o with_o the_o same_o liberty_n with_o which_o they_o appoint_v it_o for_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v least_o put_v a_o snare_n upon_o the_o disciple_n or_o tie_v fetter_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n to_o what_o purpose_n he_o cite_v this_o he_o do_v not_o say_v but_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o make_v any_o law_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v because_o he_o be_v our_o only_a lawgiver_n and_o that_o to_o make_v such_o law_n be_v to_o put_v a_o snare_n upon_o the_o disciple_n and_o to_o tie_v fetter_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n of_o all_o man_n will_v not_o do_v but_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o bishop_n all_o that_o he_o say_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o shall_v perpetual_o oblige_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n for_o christ_n only_o be_v so_o our_o lawgiver_n that_o his_o law_n be_v perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a and_o therefore_o what_o they_o teach_v as_o from_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o bind_v for_o ever_o but_o what_o law_n they_o make_v as_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o time_n they_o may_v be_v alter_v when_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o cease_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o 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circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o ritual_n and_o external_a ministery_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o suppose_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n how_o impertinent_a his_o testimony_n about_o fast_n and_o evangelical_n council_n and_o subscription_n to_o article_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o this_o controversy_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n be_v we_o and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o man_n that_o this_o protestant_a reconciler_n be_v either_o a_o very_a ignorant_a and_o careless_a reader_n of_o book_n or_o a_o shameless_a impostor_n in_o suborn_v man_n word_n to_o give_v testimony_n against_o their_o own_o protest_n and_o avow_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n there_o be_v several_a other_o little_a argument_n which_o be_v frequent_o repeat_v by_o our_o reconciler_n and_o confirm_v with_o great_a name_n and_o great_a authority_n though_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o abuse_v other_o great_a man_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o bishop_n and_o i_o have_v not_o leisure_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v all_o and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n when_o the_o argument_n be_v weak_a and_o trifle_a who_o argument_n it_o be_v they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o impose_v such_o ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n be_v to_o come_v after_o christ_n and_o to_o mend_v and_o correct_v his_o law_n and_o to_o require_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o require_v this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n if_o the_o charge_n be_v good_a and_o just_a but_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n guilty_a of_o any_o such_o thing_n do_v she_o require_v any_o new_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o require_v have_v not_o christ_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v god_n decent_o have_v he_o not_o make_v obedience_n to_o our_o ruler_n and_o governor_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n and_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o her_o people_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o have_v not_o christ_n enjoin_v this_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n or_o be_v they_o not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o here_o be_v no_o new_a term_n of_o communion_n here_o be_v no_o mend_v nor_o correct_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o determination_n of_o some_o necessary_a circumstance_n which_o christ_n leave_v undetermined_a and_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o church_n to_o determine_v but_o why_o shall_v church-communion_n be_v suspend_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n why_o be_v not_o that_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v he_o to_o heaven_n no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v no_o more_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o public_a worship_n be_v which_o be_v not_o worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a decency_n be_v necessary_a and_o though_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a modes_n of_o decency_n be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o some_o decent_a mode_n of_o worship_n be_v and_o therefore_o that_o church_n which_o require_v no_o more_o than_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n require_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o which_o confound_v and_o blunder_v these_o man_n and_o make_v they_o dream_v of_o new_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v this_o that_o they_o distinguish_v the_o act_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o and_o because_o christ_n have_v only_o institute_v and_o command_v the_o act_n but_o the_o church_n direct_v and_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n therefore_o they_o say_v the_o church_n mend_v christ_n law_n and_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n by_o require_v something_o more_o than_o christ_n have_v
institute_v and_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n christ_n have_v institute_v his_o mystical_a supper_n and_o command_v we_o to_o eat_v bread_n and_o drink_n wine_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v break_v and_o of_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o but_o have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o do_v this_o either_o sit_v standing_z or_o kneel_v though_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o one_o posture_n or_o other_o now_o the_o church_n of_o england_n command_v we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v and_o will_v admit_v none_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n who_o will_v not_o receive_v kneel_v this_o say_v they_o be_v to_o mend_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n why_o so_o do_v the_o church_n require_v any_o more_o than_o christ_n have_v require_v yes_o say_v they_o she_o require_v kneel_v which_o christ_n do_v not_o require_v but_o how_o do_v that_o appear_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o require_v it_o because_o say_v they_o he_o have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v no_o say_v i_o that_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o require_v it_o for_o he_o who_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v command_v we_o to_o receive_v in_o some_o posture_n or_o other_o for_o though_o we_o may_v logical_o distinguish_v between_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v and_o the_o posture_n wherein_o we_o receive_v yet_o these_o can_v be_v actual_o separate_v for_o no_o man_n can_v receive_v but_o he_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o posture_n and_o therefore_o he_o who_o command_v do_v such_o a_o act_n include_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o right_o you_o will_v say_v but_o yet_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v what_o posture_n we_o shall_v receive_v in_o but_o leave_v they_o all_o indifferent_a suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o the_o posture_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v determine_v before_o we_o can_v receive_v for_o no_o man_n can_v receive_v but_o in_o some_o particular_a posture_n and_o therefore_o either_o every_o man_n must_v determine_v himself_o or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n must_v determine_v we_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o reasonable_a both_o because_o it_o be_v most_o decent_a and_o orderly_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o uniform_a posture_n of_o receive_v and_o because_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o private_a christian_n have_v the_o sole_a authority_n in_o such_o case_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o but_o now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o to_o determine_v what_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v and_o yet_o what_o must_v be_v determine_v before_o we_o can_v perform_v that_o duty_n which_o christ_n command_v be_v to_o come_v after_o christ_n to_o correct_v his_o law_n and_o to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n if_o it_o be_v than_o whoever_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n whatever_o posture_n he_o receive_v in_o must_v of_o necessity_n correct_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n at_o least_o for_o himself_o because_o he_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o particular_a and_o determine_a posture_n whereas_o christ_n have_v leave_v all_o posture_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a which_o show_v what_o a_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a imputation_n this_o be_v no_o you_o will_v say_v to_o receive_v in_o some_o particular_a posture_n though_o it_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o christ_n be_v no_o correct_v his_o law_n nor_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n because_o christ_n have_v leave_v all_o posture_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a and_o therefore_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o our_o liberty_n to_o use_v which_o we_o please_v and_o when_o we_o do_v so_o we_o only_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o but_o so_o to_o determine_v any_o one_o posture_n of_o receive_v as_o not_o to_o allow_v of_o any_o other_o nor_o to_o admit_v any_o to_o our_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o use_v that_o posture_n this_o be_v to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v for_o if_o he_o have_v leave_v all_o posture_n undetermined_a then_o to_o be_v sure_o he_o have_v not_o say_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n who_o will_v not_o kneel_v and_o though_o every_o man_n may_v determine_v for_o himself_o or_o the_o church_n may_v determine_v for_o we_o all_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v determine_v so_o as_o to_o destroy_v the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o posture_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o christ_n institution_n who_o have_v leave_v all_o posture_n indifferent_a this_o objection_n at_o a_o distance_n i_o confess_v seem_v very_o plausible_a and_o to_o bear_v hard_o upon_o the_o church_n but_o when_o we_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o it_o it_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o for_o 1._o i_o ready_o grant_v shall_v the_o church_n of_o england_n determine_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o other_o posture_n but_o kneel_v in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n she_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o correct_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v some_o thing_n necessary_a and_o other_o thing_n unlawful_a which_o christ_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a 2._o shall_v she_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o any_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n mere_o because_o she_o do_v not_o kneel_v she_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v for_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v to_o other_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v pretend_v her_o authority_n for_o such_o a_o imposition_n but_o must_v pretend_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o be_v no_o term_n of_o christ_n make_n must_v be_v a_o term_n of_o she_o own_o make_n and_o then_o she_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o if_o a_o schism_n follow_v upon_o it_o she_o will_v be_v the_o schismatic_a 3._o but_o yet_o for_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v for_o the_o regulate_v she_o own_o communion_n etc._n what_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v but_o yet_o what_o must_v be_v determine_v before_o that_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v which_o christ_n have_v command_v be_v not_o to_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n though_o she_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o her_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o use_v the_o prescribe_a posture_n of_o receive_v and_o my_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v this_o because_o she_o neither_o prescribe_v kneel_v as_o necessary_a in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o a_o decent_a posture_n of_o receive_v nor_o prescribe_v it_o to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o she_o own_o communion_n who_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o govern_v in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v new_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o exercise_n a_o just_a authority_n in_o determine_v what_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a and_o in_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o decency_n of_o her_o own_o worship_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v that_o a_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n without_o which_o she_o will_v not_o admit_v any_o man_n to_o communicate_v with_o she_o i_o answer_v no_o this_o do_v not_o always_o follow_v every_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o her_o government_n but_o not_o a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n which_o be_v of_o a_o very_a distinct_a consideration_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o every_o church_n the_o law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n require_v that_o she_o make_v nothing_o a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o she_o can_v never_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v kneel_v a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n while_o she_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o church_n who_o do_v not_o kneel_v at_o receive_v or_o at_o least_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o no_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n but_o now_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n in_o every_o church_n be_v very_o distinct_a from_o the_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n every_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n for_o herself_o to_o prescribe_v the_o form_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o though_o she_o have_v not_o authority_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o other_o church_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o private_a law_n and_o rule_n yet_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o her_o own_o member_n who_o refuse_v to_o obey_v her_o law_n or_o else_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v law_n if_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o so_o that_o here_o be_v two_o distinct_a reason_n
for_o which_o a_o church_n may_v deny_v her_o communion_n to_o any_o person_n either_o because_o they_o renounce_v the_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n or_o because_o they_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o her_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o a_o church_n make_v every_o thing_n a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n for_o the_o refusal_n of_o which_o she_o deny_v her_o communion_n to_o her_o own_o member_n we_o may_v call_v these_o if_o we_o please_v the_o term_n of_o her_o particular_a communion_n but_o this_o be_v no_o great_a fault_n for_o any_o church_n to_o make_v such_o term_n of_o communion_n than_o to_o make_v law_n for_o government_n and_o discipline_n for_o such_o term_n be_v nothing_o else_o to_o return_v then_o to_o our_o argument_n since_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o necessary_a circumstan●s_n of_o action_n though_o they_o may_v be_v distinct_o consider_v yet_o can_v be_v separate_v that_o church_n which_o command_v nothing_o but_o a_o decent_a performance_n of_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v command_v we_o to_o perform_v can_v be_v charge_v with_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o with_o command_v any_o new_a thing_n for_o the_o decent_a manner_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n be_v include_v in_o the_o command_n of_o do_v it_o unless_o we_o think_v our_o saviour_n be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o worship_v god_n decent_o or_o indecent_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o church_n only_o enjoin_v such_o habit_n and_o posture_n time_n and_o place_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o the_o action_n and_o be_v decent_a circumstance_n of_o do_v it_o she_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n have_v virtual_o command_v and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a answer_n to_o that_o other_o objection_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v authority_n to_o teach_v only_o such_o thing_n as_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o which_o if_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o their_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o make_v occasional_a law_n in_o emergent_a case_n be_v a_o very_a trifle_a objection_n but_o however_o the_o church_n of_o england_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n teach_v she_o teach_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o christ_n command_v and_o no_o other_o and_o she_o ●eaches_v the_o decent_a manner_n of_o do_v this_o which_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o very_a command_n of_o do_v it_o for_o though_o the_o particular_a decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o express_v yet_o all_o decent_a rite_n be_v include_v in_o the_o command_n of_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n may_v take_v her_o choice_n well_o but_o the_o apostle_n give_v law_n only_o about_o necessary_a thing_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o the_o disciple_n but_o what_o they_o think_v necessary_a at_o least_o for_o that_o time_n 15_o act_n 29._o now_o though_o there_o may_v several_a answer_n be_v give_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o that_o i_o take_v the_o decency_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v necessary_a i_o be_o sure_a st._n paul_n give_v a_o express_a law_n about_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o necessary_a thing_n which_o be_v determine_v at_o the_o council_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o some_o external_a ritual_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o burden_n we_o have_v nothing_o like_o it_o in_o our_o church_n and_o if_o ever_o the_o church_n shall_v undertake_v to_o determine_v such_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v seasonable_a to_o urge_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o determine_v only_o necessary_a thing_n these_o be_v the_o most_o material_a thing_n our_o reconciler_n have_v urge_v against_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whether_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v so_o useless_a and_o unnecessary_a that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o interpose_v her_o authority_n in_o such_o matter_n or_o be_v just_o unblamable_a for_o do_v it_o i_o must_v leave_v every_o man_n to_o judge_v chap._n ii_o concern_v charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n it_o oblige_v church-governor_n and_o what_o regard_n church-governor_n ought_v to_o have_v to_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_v and_o scruple_n of_o private_a christian_n under_o their_o care_n have_v discourse_v thus_o large_o of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o our_o reconciler_n who_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v useless_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o to_o have_v no_o positive_a order_n or_o decency_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v command_v it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o consider_v the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o argument_n viz._n that_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n oblige_v church-governor_n not_o to_o impose_v any_o such_o unnecessary_a thing_n or_o to_o alter_v and_o remove_v they_o if_o already_o impose_v when_o through_o the_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n of_o some_o christian_n about_o such_o matter_n they_o occasion_n their_o sin_n and_o fall_v and_o hazard_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v when_o such_o imposition_n as_o these_o which_o some_o man_n believe_v unlawful_a and_o other_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o tempt_v man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lift_v themselves_o in_o a_o schism_n which_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n i_o need_v not_o point_v out_o to_o any_o particular_a place_n wherein_o this_o be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o his_o book_n and_o come_v in_o at_o the_o tail_n of_o every_o argument_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o consider_v these_o principle_n also_o and_o begin_v here_o with_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o in_o the_o method_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v the_o second_o general_a principle_n i_o promise_v to_o examine_v the_o question_n than_o be_v this_o second_o 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 that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o exercise_v great_a tenderness_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o ready_o grant_v for_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n and_o our_o reconciler_n can_v not_o have_v pitch_v upon_o a_o more_o popular_a argument_n to_o declaim_v upon_o as_o he_o do_v at_o large_a p._n 187_o etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o i_o find_v his_o talon_n lie_v more_o in_o some_o insinuate_a harangue_n than_o in_o c'ose_a reason_n but_o though_o he_o have_v make_v a_o fine_a s●ory_n of_o this_o and_o say_v thing_n artificial_o enough_o to_o move_v the_o passion_n of_o his_o reader_n he_o have_v never_o offer_v fair_o to_o state_n the_o extent_n and_o measure_n of_o charity_n with_o relation_n to_o act_n of_o government_n but_o only_o assert_v charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o of_o private_a christian_n which_o no_o body_n deny_v that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o from_o thence_o infer_v the_o alteration_n of_o our_o ceremony_n and_o that_o church-governor_n act_v uncharitable_o if_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o such_o a_o alteration_n now_o the_o alteration_n of_o public_a law_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n which_o some_o man_n take_v a_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a offence_n at_o whatever_o mischief_n they_o do_v to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o such_o a_o unjust_a offence_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o immediate_a consequence_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n to_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v something_o at_o least_o offer_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o a_o argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n since_o therefore_o i_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o answer_v upon_o this_o argument_n which_o our_o reconciler_n think_v better_a to_o take_v for_o grant_v than_o to_o prove_v it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o state_n this_o matter_n so_o plain_o as_o to_o vindicate_v our_o governor_n from_o this_o spiteful_a and_o uncharitable_a accusation_n of_o want_n of_o charity_n to_o man_n soul_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v brief_o inquire_v wherein_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v consist_v and_o how_o it_o must_v express_v itself_o which_o i_o shall_v explain_v by_o these_o two_o principle_n i._o that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o duty_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n ii_o
that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v express_v itself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o government_n 1._o that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o duty_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n for_o charity_n to_o other_o can_v dispense_v with_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n whatever_o pretence_n of_o charity_n there_o be_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o must_v govern_v it_o or_o they_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o themselves_o in_o neglect_v their_o own_o duty_n out_o of_o pretence_n of_o charity_n to_o other_o nay_o all_o private_a act_n of_o charity_n must_v give_v place_n to_o public_a charity_n now_o government_n be_v a_o public_a good_a that_o be_v be_v a_o public_a charity_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v neglect_v out_o of_o pretence_n of_o charity_n to_o private_a christian_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v do_v what_o our_o reconciler_n desire_v without_o neglect_v their_o own_o duty_n or_o injure_v their_o authority_n and_o government_n i_o think_v this_o plea_n of_o charity_n will_v be_v more_o specious_a and_o plausible_a but_o that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o be_v as_o plain_a to_o i_o as_o a_o first_o principle_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o they_o can_v do_v without_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o determine_v the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v the_o bishop_n govern_v the_o church_n nor_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n unless_o they_o command_v the_o minister_n to_o officiate_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o the_o people_n to_o receive_v kneel_v yes_o no_o doubt_n they_o may_v then_o these_o law_n be_v alterable_a they_o be_v so_o then_o in_o charity_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o alter_v they_o according_a to_o your_o own_o rule_n for_o they_o may_v do_v this_o without_o neglect_v their_o duty_n of_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n i_o deny_v the_o consequence_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o charity_n do_v not_o require_v any_o man_n much_o less_o governor_n to_o do_v a_o foolish_a thing_n which_o serve_v no_o good_a end_n at_o all_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v alter_v our_o present_a rule_n and_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o must_v prescribe_v some_o other_o or_o else_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n for_o the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o they_o can_v be_v secure_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o wherein_o so_o many_o man_n think_v a_o rude_a and_o slovenly_a worship_n to_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a without_o some_o fix_a and_o stand_a rule_n of_o decency_n now_o whatever_o change_n they_o make_v they_o can_v change_v for_o the_o better_a nor_o remove_v any_o scruple_n by_o such_o a_o change_n for_o most_o of_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o our_o dissenter_n dispute_v against_o our_o present_a ceremony_n will_v serve_v as_o well_o against_o any_o other_o establish_a order_n of_o worship_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o governor_n to_o alter_v law_n mere_o to_o try_v the_o humour_n of_o people_n to_o see_v whether_o those_o who_o without_o reason_n scruple_n imposition_n in_o one_o case_n will_v without_o reason_n submit_v to_o other_o imposition_n when_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v in_o both_o it_o be_v neither_o consistent_a with_o the_o prudence_n nor_o charity_n of_o government_n upon_o such_o slight_a pretence_n as_o these_o to_o make_v alteration_n so_o much_o for_o the_o worse_o as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o ever_o they_o alter_v our_o present_a rule_n of_o worship_n if_o this_o shall_v gratify_v some_o humoursome_a people_n it_o may_v just_o offend_v and_o scandalize_v much_o better_a man_n to_o see_v a_o decent_a way_n of_o worship_n change_v for_o that_o which_o be_v less_o decent_a no_o say_v our_o reconciler_n 333._o this_o can_v with_o any_o truth_n be_v pretend_v be_v not_o thing_n indifferent_a such_o as_o may_v be_v impose_v or_o not_o impose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o do_v not_o our_o church_n declare_v her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a can_v therefore_o any_o regular_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v offend_v that_o she_o do_v use_v her_o liberty_n in_o matter_n whole_o leave_v unto_o her_o liberty_n and_o by_o her_o first_o reformer_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o yes_o why_o not_o for_o all_o this_o must_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v alterable_a be_v alter_v for_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o may_v it_o not_o just_o offend_v a_o regular_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o see_v a_o more_o decent_a way_n of_o worship_n lay_v aside_o and_o that_o which_o be_v less_o decent_a come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n she_o allow_v that_o her_o ceremony_n may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v pray_v but_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v alter_v only_o upon_o just_a cause_n as_o she_o express_o determine_v and_o though_o in_o such_o case_n she_o allow_v of_o some_o alteration_n in_o her_o ceremony_n yet_o she_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o ceremony_n shall_v be_v retain_v since_o without_o some_o ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o keep_v any_o order_n or_o quit_v discipline_n in_o the_o church_n but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n they_o do_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o ceremony_n by_o law_n establish_v shall_v be_v abolish_v or_o that_o conformist_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o use_v they_o but_o only_o that_o other_o who_o conscience_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o in_o their_o omission_n of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o just_a offence_n than_o the_o other_o for_o this_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o same_o or_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n if_o in_o the_o same_o this_o introduce_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n confusion_n and_o schism●_n into_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o church_n if_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n this_o be_v to_o establish_v schism_n by_o a_o law_n and_o to_o make_v they_o only_o legal_a conventicle_n but_o he_o say_v as_o some_o sit_v some_o stand_n some_z kneel_z at_o common-prayer_n 338._o and_o prayer_n before_o sermon_n and_o this_o without_o confusion_n so_o may_v some_o sit_v some_z kneel_z some_o stand_n at_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o do_v our_o reconciler_n think_v this_o variety_n of_o posture_n at_o prayer_n a_o orderly_a and_o decent_a thing_n especial_o for_o man_n to_o sit_v at_o prayer_n stand_a may_v be_v sometime_o necessary_a because_o especial_o in_o full_a auditory_n all_o person_n may_v not_o have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o kneel_v but_o be_v one_o irregularity_n sufficient_a to_o justify_v another_o do_v not_o the_o church_n require_v a_o uniform_a posture_n at_o prayer_n too_o and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o decent_a and_o orderly_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o such_o various_a posture_n at_o prayer_n and_o at_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o except_v the_o rudeness_n of_o sit_v when_o man_n have_v strength_n of_o body_n to_o kneel_v or_o stand_v which_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n these_o variety_n of_o posture_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o man_n differ_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n about_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o occasion_v mutual_a scandal_n and_o offence_n censure_v and_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n but_o differ_v posture_n in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o scruple_n one_o think_v kneel_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a the_o other_o deserve_o think_v it_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a to_o sit_v and_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n occasion_n mutual_a emulation_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o receive_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o holy_a communion_n and_o if_o you_o say_v that_o man_n must_v lay_v aside_o this_o judge_n and_o censorious_a humour_n you_o must_v either_o mean_v that_o while_o man_n retain_v these_o differ_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o judge_v one_o another_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o man_n and_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v which_o be_v ridiculous_o impossible_a unless_o you_o can_v teach_v man_n not_o to_o think_v as_o they_o think_v or_o that_o they_o must_v alter_v their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o look_v upon_o all_o these_o as_o indifferent_a posture_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v
the_o law_n or_o to_o allow_v of_o such_o different_a posture_n when_o man_n scruple_n be_v remove_v 2._o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v neglect_v their_o duty_n so_o they_o will_v manifest_o injure_v their_o authority_n by_o such_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ignorance_n humour_n and_o scruple_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o how_o charitable_a soever_o our_o reconciler_n may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o charity_n as_o become_v governor_n for_o private_a christian_n to_o abridge_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o be_v in_o many_o case_n high_o commendable_a and_o a_o generous_a act_n of_o charity_n but_o for_o governor_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o gratify_v dissenter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v betray_v their_o trust._n either_o christ_n have_v commit_v this_o power_n to_o they_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rule_n of_o worship_n or_o he_o have_v not_o if_o he_o have_v as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v more_o than_o once_o own_v in_o this_o very_a book_n than_o this_o power_n be_v a_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o such_o a_o trust_n as_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o no_o pretence_n of_o charity_n can_v justify_v they_o in_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o reconciler_n indeed_o tell_v we_o 159._o that_o which_o be_v here_o plead_v for_o be_v neither_o a_o denial_n nor_o a_o dissemble_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o superior_n but_o only_o a_o abatement_n of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o towards_o some_o weak_a dissenter_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o power_n and_o a_o profession_n that_o they_o do_v suspend_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o not_o through_o conviction_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_o use_v but_o out_o of_o pure_a commiseration_n and_o howel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o their_o weak_a brethren_n but_o all_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o salve_v this_o matter_n for_o the_o great_a dispute_n about_o ceremony_n turn_v upon_o this_o hinge_n whether_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o express_o institute_v and_o enjoin_v by_o christ._n hence_o all_o such_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v by_o our_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a dissenter_n opprobrious_o call_v will-worship_n and_o humane_a invention_n and_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v be_v next_o to_o nothing_o yet_o their_o not_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o their_o be_v command_v by_o man_n though_o by_o such_o man_n as_o be_v invest_v with_o christ_n authority_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o now_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o dispute_n and_o ceremony_n only_o a_o collateral_a dispute_n as_o depend_v upon_o a_o usurp_a and_o illegal_a authority_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o our_o reconciler_n how_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o can_v give_v up_o these_o ceremony_n to_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o dissenter_n without_o give_v up_o their_o own_o authority_n with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o the_o ceremony_n be_v dispute_v now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n be_v this_o authority_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o it_o seem_v christ_n have_v place_v such_o a_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v not_o for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o this_o charge_v our_o saviour_n himself_o with_o want_n of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o his_o own_o church_n in_o set_v such_o a_o uncharitable_a power_n over_o it_o if_o church-authority_n be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a than_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o it_o as_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o which_o our_o reconciler_n be_v often_o at_o he_o tell_v we_o 323._o that_o the_o scripture-exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v such_o a_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o they_o perfect_o confute_v all_o those_o who_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o lay_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o uniformity_n in_o lesser_a matter_n and_o do_v impose_v they_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n for_o either_o we_o must_v all_o submit_v to_o some_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n as_o r._n h._n think_v it_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o compliance_n with_o these_o precept_n or_o else_o confess_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o it_o be_v visible_o impossible_a to_o bring_v all_o man_n unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o precept_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o papist_n do_v so_o continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o or_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o that_o of_o impose_v and_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n concern_v which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o that_o of_o mutual_a condescension_n and_o forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o lesser_a difference_n god_n help_v that_o church_n which_o meet_v with_o such_o reconciler_n as_o these_o but_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v here_o be_v his_o own_o concession_n and_o his_o dilemma_n upon_o it_o he_o argue_v strong_o that_o while_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v they_o unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o this_o he_o say_v must_v be_v grant_v unless_o we_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n here_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n and_o i_o differ_v a_o little_a about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o judge_n but_o we_o agree_v upon_o the_o main_a point_n that_o without_o a_o judge_n to_o determine_v these_o matter_n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n and_o agreement_n among_o christian_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o demonstration_n in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v how_o strange_a soever_o it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o unity_n and_o his_o dilemma_n be_v a_o very_a sore_a one_o for_o either_o this_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n or_o that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n now_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o last_o first_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church-unity_n without_o unity_n in_o worship_n wherein_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n consist_v and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o this_o which_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n without_o uniformity_n and_o no_o uniformity_n without_o such_o imposition_n what_o follow_v then_o but_o that_o we_o must_v reflect_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o not_o leave_v authority_n in_o his_o church_n sufficient_a to_o determine_v such_o matter_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o mean_n of_o union_n these_o be_v hard_a term_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o grant_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v though_o not_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n yet_o a_o supreme_a authority_n to_o his_o church_n to_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o case_n where_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v not_o contradict_v some_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o principle_n will_v quick_o make_v we_o all_o of_o a_o mind_n in_o such_o matter_n now_o then_o from_o hence_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o institute_v a_o church-society_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o love_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o sacredness_n of_o
and_o they_o that_o will_v have_v it_o general_o to_o be_v take_v for_o indifferent_a that_o a_o very_a few_o take_v no_o hurt_n of_o it_o though_o infinite_a multitude_n beside_o perish_v thereby_o show_v that_o they_o put_v little_a difference_n between_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o bruit_n beast_n who_o danger_n they_o do_v so_o little_a esteem_n thus_o in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o homily_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o they_o who_o lay_v stumbling-block_n where_o before_o there_o be_v none_o and_o set_v snare_n for_o the_o foot_n nay_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o weak_a and_o simple_a one_o and_o work_v the_o danger_n of_o everlasting_a destruction_n for_o who_o our_o saviour_n shed_v his_o most_o precious_a blood_n where_o better_o it_o be_v that_o the_o art_n of_o paint_v plaster_v carve_v or_o grave_v never_o have_v be_v find_v out_o or_o use_v than_o one_o of_o they_o who_o soul_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v so_o precious_a shall_v by_o occasion_n of_o image_n or_o picture_n perish_v and_o be_v lose_v this_o make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o our_o church_n in_o her_o reformation_n have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o remove_v whatever_o may_v prove_v a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o they_o and_o so_o hazard_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n our_o reconciler_n transcribe_v these_o passage_n out_o of_o that_o homily_n and_o endeavour_n from_o thence_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n 32._o and_o out_o of_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n aught_o to_o part_v with_o all_o other_o ceremony_n since_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o tempt_v man_n to_o schism_n which_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n but_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o case_n the_o church_n must_v not_o retain_v that_o which_o though_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v innocent_o use_v by_o some_o man_n yet_o be_v apt_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o tempt_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n to_o sin_n as_o image_n in_o church_n be_v to_o tempt_v man_n to_o idolatry_n and_o the_o church_n must_v not_o retain_v such_o ceremony_n which_o serve_v to_o very_o good_a purpose_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v not_o apt_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o serve_v any_o bad_a one_o because_o there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o such_o imposition_n but_o will_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o damn_v schism_n if_o such_o ceremony_n be_v impose_v let_v we_o put_v a_o like_a case_n and_o see_v how_o this_o argument_n will_v look_v then_o a_o father_n out_o of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o son_n must_v not_o carry_v he_o to_o nor_o indulge_v he_o in_o go_v familiar_o to_o the_o tavern_n or_o the_o stew_n because_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o go_v to_o those_o place_n without_o be_v drink_v or_o unchaste_a yet_o very_a few_o young_a man_n can_v resist_v such_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o he_o apparent_o hazard_v his_o son_n by_o it_o now_o suppose_v from_o hence_o our_o reconciler_n shall_v argue_v that_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o command_v his_o son_n to_o go_v to_o school_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o strong_o suspect_v he_o will_v not_o obey_v he_o in_o though_o it_o be_v otherwise_o very_o innocent_a and_o useful_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v command_v because_o this_o involve_v his_o son_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n to_o his_o father_n which_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n and_o will_v destroy_v his_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o adultery_n or_o drunkenness_n what_o will_v all_o parent_n think_v of_o such_o a_o casuist_n as_o this_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o disobedient_a son_n must_v give_v law_n to_o his_o father_n as_o well_o as_o a_o schismatic_a give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n superior_n must_v not_o in_o charity_n command_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o inferior_n please_v to_o obey_v for_o if_o they_o disobey_v and_o be_v damn_v for_o their_o disobedience_n those_o superior_n who_o command_v what_o their_o inferior_n will_v not_o obey_v be_v guilty_a of_o their_o damnation_n but_o the_o plain_a answer_n to_o it_o be_v this_o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n extend_v no_o far_o than_o our_o own_o part_n and_o duty_n do_v for_o we_o can_v show_v our_o charity_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n nor_o in_o our_o power_n to_o help_v or_o hinder_v whatever_o evil_o happen_v to_o other_o upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o the_o uncharitable_a performance_n of_o it_o be_v imputable_a to_o we_o but_o if_o other_o man_n by_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n accidental_o suffer_v by_o what_o we_o have_v wise_o and_o charitable_o do_v the_o sin_n and_o guilt_n as_o well_o as_o misery_n be_v their_o own_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n unless_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o other_o man_n will_v do_v they_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o charitable_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v in_o most_o case_n aggravate_v the_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o do_v they_o it_o may_v at_o this_o rate_n prove_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reprove_v a_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n or_o to_o attempt_v to_o convince_v a_o obdurate_a and_o inflexible_a schismatic_a because_o such_o reproof_n and_o such_o mean_n of_o conviction_n if_o they_o do_v not_o reclaim_v they_o make_v their_o sin_n more_o inexcusable_a thus_o it_o be_v between_o governor_n and_o subject_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o governor_n to_o govern_v and_o they_o must_v do_v it_o wise_o and_o charitable_o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o obey_v if_o the_o subject_n suffer_v by_o the_o ill_a government_n of_o their_o superior_n it_o be_v their_o fault_n if_o they_o suffer_v by_o their_o own_o disobedience_n the_o fault_n also_o be_v their_o own_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n set_v up_o image_n in_o church_n which_o be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o people_n to_o worship_v they_o especial_o if_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o such_o a_o idolatrous_a worship_n this_o be_v very_o uncharitable_o do_v and_o argue_v little_a care_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o if_o they_o give_v wise_a and_o charitable_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o people_n will_v not_o obey_v they_o but_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n and_o unite_v in_o a_o schism_n if_o they_o be_v damn_v for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o their_o schism_n the_o fault_n be_v their_o own_o 2._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o rule_v our_o church_n observe_v in_o retain_v ceremony_n and_o if_o she_o have_v act_v as_o charitable_o there_o too_o i_o know_v not_o where_o our_o reconciler_n will_v fix_v the_o charge_n of_o uncharitableness_n upon_o the_o church_n now_o she_o have_v retain_v but_o very_o few_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o burdensome_a by_o their_o number_n nor_o do_v they_o obscure_v or_o adulterate_a the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n she_o have_v retain_v only_o those_o which_o be_v for_o decent_a order_n and_o edification_n since_o without_o some_o ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o keep_v any_o order_n or_o quiet_a discipline_n in_o the_o church_n she_o have_v retain_v such_o as_o be_v venerable_a for_o their_o antiquity_n and_o age_n and_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a signification_n be_v neither_o dark_a nor_o dumb_a ceremony_n but_o so_o set_v forth_o that_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v what_o they_o do_v mean_a and_o to_o what_o use_v they_o do_v serve_v for_o though_o mere_a signification_n without_o any_o other_o use_n be_v a_o very_a little_a thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n yet_o when_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o it_o have_v a_o additional_a signification_n also_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n we_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o be_v a_o additional_a ornament_n and_o advantage_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v nay_o the_o church_n have_v take_v care_n as_o she_o say_v to_o appoint_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v least_o capable_a of_o be_v abuse_v to_o superstition_n that_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o they_o in_o time_n shall_v be_v abuse_v as_o other_o have_v be_v in_o which_o case_n she_o have_v leave_v a_o liberty_n to_o alter_v they_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o abuse_v which_o be_v the_o only_a reasonable_a occasion_n there_o can_v be_v for_o such_o a_o alteration_n now_o how_o any_o church_n can_v be_v more_o easy_a and_o charitable_a in_o her_o imposition_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v tell_v and_o if_o that_o be_v a_o charitable_a church_n who_o imposition_n be_v easy_a and_o charitable_a which_o be_v innocent_a and_o
useful_a themselves_o and_o not_o apt_a to_o tempt_v man_n to_o any_o sin_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v very_o charitable_a though_o dissenter_n shall_v be_v damn_v for_o their_o wilful_a and_o causeless_a schism_n but_o beside_o this_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v the_o cavil_n of_o evil-minded_n man_n our_o church_n have_v take_v care_n to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n of_o any_o superstitious_a opinion_n about_o they_o which_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a charity_n and_o great_a care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o you_o will_v say_v have_v it_o not_o be_v great_a charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o to_o have_v retain_v such_o ceremony_n as_o need_v explication_n than_o to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o which_o may_v not_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o man_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o use_n this_o be_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n indeed_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n doubtful_a in_o their_o signification_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o obscureness_n of_o these_o ceremony_n but_o the_o perverseness_n of_o man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o some_o superstition_n in_o they_o which_o make_v such_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n more_o charitable_a still_o as_o be_v a_o condescension_n not_o to_o the_o ignorance_n but_o to_o the_o frowardness_n of_o her_o child_n though_o to_o worship_v the_o cross_n be_v idolatry_n to_o use_v it_o as_o a_o charm_n and_o spell_n savour_n of_o superstition_n yet_o to_o use_v it_o as_o a_o venerable_a badge_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n be_v neither_o and_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v use_v otherwise_o in_o baptism_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o decent_a posture_n of_o receive_v and_o can_v never_o be_v suspect_v as_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o bread_n in_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o after_o consecration_n it_o be_v bread_n still_o and_o not_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o to_o worship_v bread_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bread_n will_v be_v a_o more_o absurd_a idolatry_n than_o the_o papist_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o believe_v it_o not_o to_o be_v bread_n but_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n this_o reason_n the_o church_n assign_v for_o it_o in_o the_o second_o common-prayer-book_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o although_o no_o order_n can_v be_v so_o perfect_o devise_v but_o it_o may_v by_o some_o either_o for_o their_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n or_o else_o for_o malice_n and_o obstinacy_n be_v misconstrue_v deprave_a and_o interpret_v in_o a_o wrong_a part_n yet_o because_o brotherly_a charity_n will_v that_o so_o much_o as_o convenient_o may_v be_v offence_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o therefore_o we_o willing_a to_o do_v the_o same_o declare_v that_o in_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n no_o adoration_n of_o the_o element_n be_v intend_v 208._o thus_o our_o reconciler_n cite_v this_o passage_n and_o i_o must_v trust_v he_o at_o present_a because_o i_o have_v not_o the_o book_n by_o i_o but_o this_o sufficient_o prove_v what_o i_o allege_v it_o for_o that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o add_v this_o explication_n as_o apprehend_v any_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o to_o prevent_v the_o absurd_a interpretation_n of_o ignorant_a or_o malicious_a caviller_n but_o what_o our_o reconciler_n add_v who_o can_v tell_v why_o this_o whole_a preface_n in_o our_o present_a common-prayer-book_n be_v leave_v out_o be_v only_o a_o spiteful_a insinuation_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o since_o the_o same_o declaration_n be_v as_o large_a and_o full_a in_o our_o common-prayer-book_n as_o word_n can_v make_v it_o but_o he_o proceed_v and_o why_o that_o charity_n which_o will_v that_o as_o much_o as_o convenient_o may_v be_v offence_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o shall_v not_o will_v also_o the_o take_v away_o or_o the_o abatement_n of_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n or_o alteration_n of_o scrupled_a expression_n in_o our_o liturgy_n i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o answer_v these_o trifle_a cavil_n as_o often_o as_o he_o repeat_v they_o but_o i_o think_v every_o man_n of_o sense_n will_v see_v some_o little_a difference_n between_o make_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o inoffensive_a as_o may_v be_v and_o destroy_v all_o decent_a and_o orderly_a constitution_n the_o first_o be_v such_o a_o charity_n as_o become_v governor_n the_o second_o be_v nothing_o better_a than_o the_o dissolution_n of_o government_n but_o of_o scruple_n more_o present_o thus_o our_o reconciler_n observe_v that_o the_o convocation_n hold_v an._n 1640._o speak_v of_o the_o laudable_a custom_n of_o bow_v with_o the_o body_n in_o token_n of_o our_o reverence_n of_o god_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n say_v thus_o in_o the_o practice_n or_o admission_n of_o this_o rite_n we_o desire_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v observe_v which_o be_v that_o they_o who_o use_v this_o rite_n despise_v not_o they_o who_o use_v it_o not_o and_o they_o who_o use_v it_o not_o condemn_v not_o they_o who_o use_v it_o now_o say_v the_o author_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o imposition_n i_o will_v glad_o hear_v a_o fair_a reason_n give_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o one_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n more_o than_o another_o and_o our_o reconciler_n very_o modest_o add_v the_o apostle_n prescribe_v a_o rule_n and_o they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o and_o where_o and_o in_o what_o case_n they_o please_v and_o in_o other_o where_o it_o be_v as_o useful_a lay_v it_o by_o like_a one_o of_o their_o vacate_v canon_n this_o be_v wonderful_a deference_n to_o authority_n but_o however_o this_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o the_o church_n charity_n and_o moderation_n at_o least_o in_o this_o one_o rite_n and_o methinks_v it_o deserve_v a_o little_a more_o civility_n than_o to_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o argument_n of_o reproach_n but_o can_v our_o reconciler_n guess_v at_o any_o reason_n for_o this_o difference_n why_o she_o shall_v grant_v that_o liberty_n in_o this_o one_o rite_n which_o she_o deny_v in_o other_o case_n why_o then_o i_o will_v tell_v he_o one_o because_o it_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o indulgence_n than_o other_o ceremony_n be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o private_a worship_n though_o perform_v in_o the_o public_a church_n and_o therefore_o different_a usage_n in_o such_o matter_n do_v not_o disturb_v the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o common_a worship_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n it_o be_v fit_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o rule_n and_o order_n observe_v for_o uniformity_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o all_o man_n private_a devotion_n shall_v be_v alike_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o think_v of_o another_o reason_n too_o that_o this_o bow_v the_o body_n in_o reverence_n to_o god_n when_o we_o enter_v into_o his_o house_n be_v proper_o a_o ritual_a or_o ceremony_n that_o be_v a_o exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n not_o mere_o a_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v itself_o a_o external_a rite_n of_o worship_n not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o any_o other_o act_n it_o may_v be_v very_o decent_a to_o bow_v our_o body_n in_o reverence_n to_o god_n when_o we_o enter_v his_o house_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v determine_v it_o as_o there_o be_v that_o she_o shall_v determine_v the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o action_n without_o which_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v decent_o perform_v and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a wisdom_n in_o the_o church_n that_o she_o have_v not_o make_v a_o uniformity_n in_o this_o rite_n as_o necessary_a as_o in_o the_o other_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n since_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a necessity_n for_o it_o and_o i_o further_o add_v that_o the_o apostle_n rule_v of_o charity_n not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o upon_o such_o different_a usage_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v also_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n and_o so_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o must_v not_o be_v neglect_v out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o charity_n but_o it_o may_v extend_v to_o such_o rite_n as_o these_o which_o show_v the_o great_a judgement_n of_o our_o church_n in_o apply_v this_o rule_n
hard_a case_n as_o such_o case_n will_v happen_v under_o all_o government_n god_n who_o be_v our_o supreme_a governor_n will_v take_v care_n to_o rectify_v it_o when_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n or_o state_n can_v do_v it_o without_o loosen_a the_o sinew_n of_o government_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v take_v care_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n as_o this_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o very_a honest_a but_o weak_a christian_n may_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o best_a and_o most_o prudent_a constitution_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n what_o must_v the_o church_n do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v she_o alter_v her_o law_n as_o often_o as_o any_o christian_n pretend_v to_o scruple_n they_o or_o must_v she_o make_v no_o law_n about_o such_o matter_n but_o suffer_v every_o christian_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v this_o be_v to_o renounce_v their_o government_n because_o some_o christian_n will_v not_o obey_v or_o to_o make_v government_n contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a when_o it_o must_v yield_v to_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o scruple_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v prove_v a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o they_o and_o occasion_n their_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n but_o i_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o either_o of_o these_o governors_n must_v do_v their_o duty_n must_v take_v care_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o just_a offence_n and_o if_o after_o all_o their_o care_n some_o very_a honest_a man_n may_v take_v offence_n and_o fall_v into_o schism_n we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o will_v make_v allowance_n for_o all_o favourable_a case_n the_o church_n can_v give_v no_o relief_n in_o such_o case_n without_o destroy_v her_o authority_n and_o government_n and_o give_v advantage_n to_o knave_n and_o design_v hypocrite_n to_o disturb_v the_o best_a constitution_n of_o thing_n but_o god_n can_v distinguish_v between_o honest_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o if_o man_n be_v sincere_o honest_a and_o do_v fall_v into_o schism_n through_o a_o innocent_a mistake_n god_n will_v be_v merciful_a to_o they_o which_o secure_v the_o final_a happiness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o sacredness_n and_o reverence_n of_o authority_n for_o when_o man_n know_v that_o nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o schism_n and_o nothing_o can_v plead_v their_o pardon_n with_o god_n but_o great_a honesty_n and_o some_o invincible_a mistake_n it_o will_v make_v all_o honest_a man_n careful_a how_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v pass_v with_o almighty_a god_n for_o a_o honest_a separatist_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v man_n convince_v of_o this_o it_o will_v soon_o cure_v our_o schism_n than_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o scrupled_a ceremony_n but_o in_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-governor_n to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o man_n scruple_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a occasion_n for_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o allow_v any_o man_n to_o scruple_n their_o authority_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o weaken_v government_n and_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o eternal_a schism_n to_o enter_v 259._o it_o be_v very_o true_a as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o the_o church_n in_o several_a age_n have_v make_v great_a alteration_n in_o the_o external_o and_o ritual_n of_o religion_n but_o how_o this_o serve_v his_o cause_n i_o can_v tell_v no_o body_n question_n but_o the_o church_n have_v do_v this_o and_o that_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o she_o have_v so_o still_o when_o she_o see_v just_a occasion_n to_o do_v it_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o she_o must_v do_v this_o as_o often_o as_o every_o little_a reconciler_n or_o every_o scrupulous_a christian_a demand_n such_o a_o alteration_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o unreasonable_a scruple_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v a_o necessary_a reason_n for_o the_o church_n to_o make_v such_o alteration_n and_o if_o he_o can_v give_v any_o one_o example_n in_o all_o antiquity_n that_o the_o church_n alter_v her_o constitution_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o scruple_n of_o private_a christian_n he_o will_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n no_o in_o those_o day_n private_a christian_n do_v not_o use_v to_o scruple_n any_o ceremony_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v but_o bishop_n make_v or_o repeal_v law_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o they_o think_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o repeal_v all_o law_n for_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o make_v such_o law_n in_o compliance_n with_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o the_o church_n again_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o in_o the_o same_o church_n they_o allow_v all_o private_a christian_n to_o worship_n god_n after_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o own_o private_a persuasion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o those_o who_o be_v for_o a_o maypole_n may_v have_v a_o maypole_n as_o our_o reconciler_n very_o reverent_o express_v it_o if_o he_o can_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o these_o point_n i_o confess_v it_o will_v be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o now_o he_o know_v what_o he_o be_v to_o prove_v but_o though_o his_o history_n of_o those_o alteration_n which_o the_o church_n in_o several_a age_n have_v make_v in_o the_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o serve_v his_o main_a design_n yet_o it_o high_o gratify_v his_o pride_n and_o insolence_n to_o trample_v upon_o a_o great_a man_n who_o he_o think_v he_o have_v take_v at_o some_o advantage_n the_o reverend_a dean_n of_o st._n paul_n assign_v some_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o england_n still_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n 16._o his_o first_o reason_n be_v out_o of_o a_o due_a reverence_n to_o antiquity_n they_o will_v hereby_o convince_v the_o papist_n they_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o gross_a and_o intolerable_a superstition_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o innocent_a rite_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n before_o 297._o this_o say_v our_o reconciler_n be_v very_o like_a hypocrisy_n to_o pretend_v to_o retain_v three_o ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o their_o suppose_a antiquity_n whilst_o we_o reject_v as_o many_o which_o be_v unquestionable_o of_o a_o divine_a original_n and_o therefore_o sure_a of_o a_o antiquity_n which_o more_o deserve_v to_o be_v reverence_v true_o if_o our_o church_n have_v part_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o divine_a original_n i_o think_v she_o have_v reform_v too_o far_o but_o will_v our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v of_o divine_a original_n bishop_n taylor_n to_o who_o he_o so_o often_o appeal_v will_v have_v teach_v he_o otherwise_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o order_v religious_a assembly_n and_o in_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o receive_v from_o christ_n act_v but_o as_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o they_o prescribe_v oblige_v no_o long_o than_o the_o reason_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n have_v as_o full_a and_o ample_a authority_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o such_o matter_n but_o do_v the_o dean_n say_v that_o these_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v only_o for_o their_o antiquity_n then_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n objection_n have_v be_v strong_a that_o other_o ceremony_n which_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v retain_v also_o but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a reverence_n to_o antiquity_n that_o when_o our_o church_n have_v for_o other_o reason_n determine_v what_o number_n of_o ceremony_n to_o retain_v and_o for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n she_o choose_v to_o use_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v ancient_o use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n rather_o than_o to_o invent_v any_o new_a one_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o ancient_a
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 b●_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 a●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
disadvantage_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n as_o be_v make_v schismatic_n upon_o this_o account_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o consider_v what_o likeness_n or_o affinity_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o dispute_n be_v here_o be_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n such_o as_o man_n impose_v upon_o themselves_o or_o observe_v in_o imitation_n of_o their_o sect_n and_o party_n or_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o several_a master_n christ_n impose_v no_o such_o fast_n upon_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n though_o in_o such_o matter_n christ_n conform_v himself_o and_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v all_o as_o much_o of_o humane_a institution_n as_o our_o ceremony_n be_v which_o be_v a_o admirable_a way_n of_o argue_v the_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n though_o it_o may_v offend_v some_o superstitious_a pharisee_n be_v no_o affront_n to_o public_a authority_n nor_o make_v any_o alteration_n or_o confusion_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n think_v as_o dissent_v from_o public_a constitution_n this_o christ_n never_o indulge_v his_o disciple_n in_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n any_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o 2._o this_o indulgence_n be_v but_o temporary_a during_o our_o saviour_n abode_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o than_o they_o shall_v fast_v and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n look_v upon_o this_o say_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o institution_n of_o the_o quadrigesimal_n fast_o and_o will_v our_o reconciler_n argue_v ●rom_o a_o short_a indulgence_n for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o grant_v to_o the_o disciple_n by_o christ_n to_o prove_v a_o perpetual_a indulgence_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o dissenter_n for_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v good_a they_o will_v last_v for_o ever_o christ_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v always_o child_n nor_o have_v he_o impose_v upon_o his_o church_n to_o indulge_v such_o childish_a weakness_n and_o fancy_n for_o ever_o 3._o fast_v be_v a_o very_a severe_a duty_n very_o afflictive_a both_o to_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o our_o saviour_n to_o forbear_v command_v it_o for_o some_o time_n but_o what_o severity_n be_v there_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n what_o mighty_a trouble_n be_v it_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n what_o offence_n be_v a_o white_a linen_n garment_n to_o the_o eye_n what_o disturbance_n do_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n make_v with_o the_o gentle_a motion_n of_o the_o finger_n cause_n but_o though_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v burdensome_a to_o the_o conscience_n let_v he_o show_v then_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v any_o regard_n in_o this_o to_o a_o doubtful_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n and_o i_o will_v grant_v it_o a_o good_a proof_n how_o can_v any_o jew_n scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v so_o often_o command_v and_o recommend_v in_o their_o law_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n take_v notice_n only_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o duty_n not_o of_o its_o burdensomness_n to_o the_o conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n indulgence_n 48._o well_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o theophylact_fw-mi and_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v that_o herein_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o rule_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v convert_v the_o world_n they_o also_o shall_v condescend_v and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o with_o the_o great_a meekness_n whether_o christ_n intend_v this_o or_o not_o in_o what_o he_o now_o say_v to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n careful_o observe_v they_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o bear_v with_o many_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n both_o in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o do_v this_o meekness_n extend_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v do_v they_o prescribe_v no_o rule_n or_o order_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n or_o do_v they_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n without_o exact_v obedience_n to_o they_o do_v they_o suffer_v any_o christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o case_n and_o be_v it_o think_v a_o act_n of_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v think_v so_o in_o after-age_n wherein_o the_o church_n exercise_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n and_o no_o christian_a ever_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n but_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v our_o saviour_n as_o one_o who_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o who_o will_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a well_o we_o ready_o grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o most_o kind_a and_o gentle_a master_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o do_v this_o signify_v that_o he_o will_v give_v no_o law_n about_o worship_n or_o that_o if_o any_o person_n scruple_v these_o law_n he_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o give_v they_o their_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o they_o please_v if_o christ_n be_v a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a lord_n without_o this_o his_o minister_n also_o may_v exercise_v great_a lenity_n and_o gentleness_n without_o prostitute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o the_o ignorance_n or_o giddiness_n or_o frowardness_n of_o professor_n christ_n give_v very_o easy_a and_o gentle_a law_n instruct_v his_o hearer_n with_o great_a mildness_n and_o calmness_n bear_v their_o dulness_n and_o infidelity_n their_o indignity_n and_o affront_n with_o admirable_a patience_n converse_v even_o with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o gain_v they_o to_o repentance_n encourage_v the_o least_o beginning_n and_o cherish_v the_o first_o and_o weak_a essay_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n he_o expect_v they_o shall_v submit_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o law_n and_o still_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v submit_v to_o that_o authority_n he_o have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n and_o if_o church-governor_n use_v this_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n in_o their_o law_n and_o in_o their_o behaviour_n though_o they_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n and_o exact_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n which_o our_o reconciler_n so_o charitable_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v 50._o iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v a_o wonderful_a one_o that_o christ_n take_v compassion_n on_o the_o jew_n as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n that_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v himself_o that_o he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v that_o he_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v send_v forth_o more_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o query_n then_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v conform_v to_o this_o example_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o prayer_n who_o do_v exclude_v so_o many_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o labour_v in_o his_o harvest_n for_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a true_o i_o think_v they_o may_v though_o they_o exclude_v the_o reconciler_n into_o the_o bargain_n for_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o now_o with_o we_o asit_fw-la be_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v now_o send_v out_o numerous_a labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n man_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o diligence_n more_o indeed_o than_o there_o be_v entertainment_n or_o employment_n for_o and_o the_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o this_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o scruple_v cast_v schismatical_a presbyter_n out_o of_o christ_n vineyard_n but_o have_v our_o reconciler_n the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o mere_o for_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o themselves_o give_v another_o account_n of_o it_o renounce_v of_o the_o covenant_n keep_v they_o out_o a_o great_a while_n reordination_n episcopal_a government_n a_o national_a church_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v all_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o the_o dissent_v preacher_n
that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o which_o the_o church_n have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v allow_v to_o each_o other_o therefore_o the_o church_n itself_o must_v not_o impose_v the_o observance_n of_o any_o indifferent_a ceremony_n on_o dissenter_n or_o must_v alter_v or_o abate_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o scruple_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n here_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v decree_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n acts._n shall_v not_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v circumcise_v or_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o leave_v the_o believe_a jew_n at_o their_o liberty_n to_o observe_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o law_n still_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o determination_n the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n despise_v the_o weakness_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o continue_v zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v mighty_o scandalize_v and_o offend_v at_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o gentile_a convert_v take_v and_o make_v great_a scruple_n of_o converse_v with_o they_o or_o of_o worship_v god_n together_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o council_n easy_o foresee_v will_v be_v take_v and_o give_v on_o both_o side_n do_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o make_v a_o peremptory_a decree_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o when_o such_o scandal_n as_o these_o do_v arise_v between_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o grant_v that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o without_o mutual_a censure_n contempt_n and_o scandal_n which_o the_o church_n have_v already_o decree_v shall_v be_v grant_v for_o he_o plead_v for_o no_o other_o forbearance_n than_o what_o be_v express_o decree_v by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o the_o church_n allow_v a_o latitude_n and_o permit_v different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n certain_o it_o become_v all_o christian_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n offend_v or_o scandalize_v each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o only_a case_n the_o apostle_n mention_n but_o will_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n hence_o infer_v that_o the_o church_n must_v make_v no_o law_n nor_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o private_a christian_n and_o that_o if_o she_o do_v she_o sin_n against_o these_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n to_o observe_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v exercise_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o may_v determine_v what_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o advice_n they_o judge_v fit_a or_o necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v whatever_o scruple_n some_o christian_n have_v entertain_v about_o it_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o it_o become_v christian_a bishop●_n and_o minister_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o do_v to_o persuade_v private_a christian_n to_o obey_v such_o constitution_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o turn_v reconciler_n and_o to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o dissenter_n against_o church-authority_n which_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o it_o become_v private_a christian_n to_o submit_v to_o such_o determination_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n if_o there_o be_v any_o not_o those_o who_o do_v the_o gentile_a convert_v be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n if_o they_o despise_v the_o jew_n for_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o the_o council_n have_v still_o permit_v they_o to_o observe_v the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o scandalize_a the_o gentile_n if_o they_o judge_v and_o censure_v they_o and_o deny_v communion_n to_o they_o for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o the_o council_n have_v deliver_v the_o gentile_n from_o any_o such_o necessity_n but_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o criminal_a scandal_n by_o obey_v the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n whoever_o be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o but_o scandal_n always_o lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o disobedience_n the_o christian_a jew_n give_v no_o offence_n by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n nor_o the_o christian_a gentile_a by_o not_o observe_v it_o because_o they_o both_o herein_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n to_o justify_v they_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o exhort_v the_o jew_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n nor_o the_o gentile_n to_o observe_v it_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n which_o have_v be_v somewhat_o like_o our_o reconciler_n address_n to_o the_o church_n not_o to_o impose_v and_o to_o the_o dissenter_n to_o obey_v such_o imposition_n to_o avoid_v schism_n but_o he_o exhort_v they_o both_o to_o grant_v that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o which_o the_o church_n have_v grant_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o despise_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o for_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n which_o in_o both_o of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o express_a violation_n of_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n governors_n indeed_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o uncharitableness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v 2._o and_o vindicate_v our_o church_n from_o any_o such_o imputation_n but_o subject_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n and_o private_a christian_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o the_o imprudent_a use_n of_o their_o just_a liberty_n but_o this_o can_v never_o extend_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o gentile_a convert_v the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o yet_o have_v not_o lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o they_o to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o any_o other_o meat_n which_o be_v unclean_a by_o the_o law_n when_o a_o jew_n be_v present_a and_o therefore_o herein_o it_o become_v they_o to_o use_v their_o liberty_n without_o offence_n and_o to_o exercise_v a_o generous_a charity_n towards_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o believe_a jew_n in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o the_o 13_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o yet_o it_o become_v the_o church_n to_o allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o they_o may_v use_v uncharitable_o for_o to_o have_v abridge_v it_o have_v be_v to_o impose_v on_o they_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o as_o the_o reconciler_n observe_v do_v plain_o assert_v 73._o that_o the_o thing_n scruple_v by_o the_o weak_a be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o that_o he_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a determination_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o believe_a gentile_n to_o exercise_v great_a charity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a instance_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n in_o such_o case_n where_o public_a authority_n can_v make_v no_o such_o determination_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n determine_v against_o the_o scruple_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o they_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o and_o yet_o st._n paul_n require_v private_a christian_n to_o use_v this_o liberty_n without_o offence_n and_o to_o exercise_v such_o charity_n to_o their_o jewish_a brethren_n as_o the_o church_n itself_o do_v not_o and_o can_v not_o exercise_v 71._o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n fall_v under_o our_o reconciler_n lash_n as_o well_o as_o dr._n womack_n as_o if_o church-governor_n be_v not_o as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o reason_n lay_v down_o as_o be_v the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n and_o be_v strong_a to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a that_o they_o may_v judge_v another_o man_n servant_n that_o they_o may_v put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o their_o brother_n way_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v uncharitable_o may_v grieve_v and_o even_o destroy_v he_o with_o their_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o they_o may_v let_v their_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o may_v for_o meat_n destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o though_o it_o be_v good_a for_o private_a person_n not_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n
dr._n falkner_n do_v imagine_v that_o be_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o weak_a he_o mean_v they_o shall_v own_v they_o for_o christian_a brethren_n and_o as_o such_o shall_v receive_v they_o to_o communion_n see_v the_o schismatic_a be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n without_o that_o catholic_n church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n can_v be_v have_v since_o therefore_o we_o do_v censure_v he_o as_o one_o who_o have_v no_o inward_a relation_n to_o or_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o relation_n to_o his_o body_n since_o we_o do_v think_v he_o worthy_a of_o exclusion_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v escape_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v be_v the_o design_n of_o it_o that_o only_a which_o he_o do_v imagine_v as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o any_o person_n as_o want_v something_o essential_a to_o christianity_n and_o so_o have_v no_o right_a to_o church-communion_n and_o to_o ●hut_v those_o man_n out_o of_o our_o communion_n who_o be_v disorderly_a in_o it_o or_o separate_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o or_o be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o cast_v disorderly_a and_o irregular_a christian_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o communion_n the_o first_o make_v the_o dispute_n upon_o which_o we_o part_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o christianity_n as_o the_o doctor_n well_o observe_v the_o second_o proceed_v only_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o those_o who_o will_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n establish_v in_o it_o which_o may_v instruct_v our_o reconciler_n in_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o the_o church_n reject_v those_o from_o her_o communion_n 79._o who_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o her_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v parallel_a case_n and_o as_o for_o the_o reason_n he_o assign_v why_o the_o apostle_n can_v by_o receive_v mean_a that_o they_o shall_v own_v each_o other_o as_o christian_a brethren_n because_o the_o argument_n he_o use_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o do_v own_o each_o other_o as_o christian_n be_v plain_o false_a for_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v each_o other_o and_o to_o own_o one_o another_o for_o christian_a brethren_n because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o because_o he_o own_v they_o for_o christian_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n receive_v the_o weak_a jew_n with_o all_o his_o weakness_n and_o the_o irregular_a gentile_n as_o they_o judge_v they_o with_o all_o their_o irregularity_n certain_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n ought_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o but_o this_o will_v better_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o show_v how_o peculiar_a they_o be_v to_o that_o case_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n now_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n which_o st._n paul_n use_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o by_o apply_v all_o the_o argument_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o concern_v christian_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n and_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o his_o first_o argument_n be_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o 7._o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o what_o be_v more_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o st._n peter_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o cornelius_n and_o those_o who_o be_v with_o he_o all_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n while_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o which_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o god_n receive_v they_o even_o in_o their_o uncircumcision_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o deny_v water-baptism_n when_o god_n have_v already_o baptize_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n who_o declare_v what_o wonder_v god_n have_v wrought_v among_o the_o gentile_n by_o they_o and_o the_o same_o argument_n serve_v for_o the_o circumcise_a jew_n who_o still_o observe_v the_o law_n that_o god_n have_v own_v they_o also_o by_o bestow_v his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n on_o they_o now_o if_o either_o circumcision_n or_o uncircumcision_n have_v signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n god_n will_v not_o have_v indifferent_o bestow_v his_o spirit_n upon_o believe_v but_o circumcise_a jew_n and_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n by_o send_v his_o spirit_n on_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v in_o such_o a_o visible_a manner_n god_n do_v evident_o declare_v that_o both_o circumcise_a jew_n and_o the_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v here_o call_v god_n receive_v they_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n own_o all_o those_o for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n on_o who_o he_o bestow_v such_o visible_a gift_n but_o how_o do_v this_o concern_v our_o dissenter_n yes_o say_v our_o reconciler_n it_o rational_o follow_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n with_o we_o 85._o who_o will_v not_o by_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v who_o god_n have_v in_o such_o a_o visible_a and_o miraculous_a manner_n receive_v into_o communion_n and_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v determine_v this_o controversy_n about_o ceremony_n in_o as_o visible_a a_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o dispute_n about_o circumcision_n he_o will_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v all_o a_o mistake_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n for_o i_o know_v no_o way_n of_o judge_v whether_o any_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o as_o for_o any_o communion_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v invisible_a certain_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o can_v see_v only_o what_o be_v visible_a be_v not_o concern_v about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o church_n communion_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o his_o church_n by_o the_o visible_a gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v external_a and_o visible_a communion_n to_o each_o other_o since_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o both_o not_o mere_o into_o a_o invisible_a communion_n with_o himself_o but_o into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o all_o act_n of_o church-communion_n and_o from_o hence_o our_o reconciler_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v alter_v her_o constitution_n to_o receive_v those_o dissenter_n into_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o she_o because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shut_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o yes_o say_v the_o reconciler_n 86._o the_o plain_a result_n of_o this_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o either_o we_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n may_v judge_v of_o all_o dissenter_n that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o communion_n by_o god_n and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o a_o pack_n of_o damn_a hypocrite_n worthy_a to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v under_o a_o severe_a anathema_n or_o if_o we_o can_v charitable_o judge_v so_o hardly_o of_o they_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v they_o into_o communion_n with_o we_o notwithstanding_o their_o different_a conception_n and_o practice_n about_o lesser_a matter_n but_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o of_o a_o visible_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o god_n receive_v they_o from_o the_o visible_a sign_n and_o effect_n
of_o it_o viz._n the_o miraculous_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o pass_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o concern_v those_o man_n internal_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o forsake_v the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o god_n receive_v they_o into_o visible_a church-communion_n must_v the_o church_n alter_v the_o most_o prudent_a and_o wholesome_a constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o every_o one_o who_o she_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o damn_a hypocrite_n may_v we_o not_o hope_v charitable_o that_o god_n will_v be_v merciful_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o some_o well-meaning_a man_n without_o destroy_v all_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n to_o let_v such_o man_n into_o our_o communion_n when_o god_n shall_v as_o visible_o declare_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o those_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o its_o worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n as_o he_o do_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o reconciler_n argument_n may_v be_v worth_a consider_v but_o till_o then_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n our_o reconciler_n have_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o guilt_n of_o schism_n who_o believe_v that_o such_o schismatic_n as_o wilful_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v still_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n this_o his_o present_a argument_n necessary_o suppose_v for_o otherwise_o it_o do_v no_o way_n appear_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o and_o than_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n must_v receive_v they_o and_o yet_o certain_o schism_n can_v be_v so_o damn_v a_o sin_n as_o at_o other_o time_n he_o pretend_v it_o be_v if_o such_o schismatic_n be_v still_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n so_o that_o great_a part_n of_o his_o book_n be_v nothing_o but_o put_v trick_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o when_o he_o declaim_v mostt_v ragical_o about_o involve_v so_o many_o precious_a soul_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o damn_v schism_n and_o destroy_v those_o with_o our_o ceremony_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v he_o secret_o laugh_v in_o his_o sleeve_n at_o those_o silly_a people_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o believe_v it_o for_o he_o believe_v no_o such_o matter_n himself_o but_o think_v it_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o believe_v that_o schismatic_n be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n nor_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n so_o that_o whatever_o strength_n those_o may_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o his_o book_n who_o believe_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o strength_n in_o it_o himself_o for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v as_o well_o in_o a_o schism_n as_o in_o church-communion_n as_o certain_o all_o those_o shall_v who_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a dispute_v about_o these_o matter_n the_o church_n may_v keep_v her_o constitution_n and_o schismatic_n may_v divide_v and_o subdivide_v into_o infinite_a faction_n and_o no_o great_a hurt_n do_v but_o that_o it_o make_v protestant_a reconciler_n of_o no_o use_n it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o more_o honourable_a undertake_n in_o he_o to_o have_v convince_v the_o church_n of_o her_o mistake_n about_o the_o damn_v nature_n of_o schism_n and_o to_o have_v satisfy_v dissenter_n that_o they_o may_v continue_v in_o their_o schism_n without_o any_o danger_n than_o to_o scare_v they_o both_o with_o panic_n fear_n and_o to_o pelt_v they_o with_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v not_o worth_a half_a a_o farthing_n if_o this_o argument_n be_v worth_a any_o thing_n for_o if_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v receive_v such_o schismatic_n into_o communion_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o be_v concern_v about_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o next_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v or_o rather_o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o verse_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n 4._o to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n v_o 10_o 12._o but_o why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n that_o be_v who_o god_n have_v make_v thy_o brother_n and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v so_o by_o visible_a effect_n though_o thou_o refuse_v to_o own_v he_o for_o such_o or_o why_o do_v thou_o set_v at_o nought_o thy_o brother_n for_o we_o shall_v all_o stand_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ._n so_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n this_o argument_n our_o reconciler_n think_v fit_a to_o pass_v over_o for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o he_o for_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n be_v not_o private_a christian_n subject_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v judge_v and_o censure_v by_o their_o governor_n no_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o christ_n have_v establish_v any_o government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n as_o no_o man_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o judge_v in_o but_o be_v reserve_v whole_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o the_o plain_a case_n be_v this_o god_n have_v public_o declare_v his_o will_n by_o the_o visible_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n both_o on_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o he_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o will_v not_o impose_v that_o yoke_n on_o the_o believe_a gentile_n now_o when_o god_n have_v so_o visible_o determine_v this_o controversy_n neither_o private_a christian_n nor_o church-governor_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v it_o otherwise_o or_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n or_o deny_v communion_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o god_n may_v accept_v jew_n and_o gentile_n upon_o what_o term_n he_o please_v and_o to_o judge_v and_o reject_v the_o jew_n for_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o indulge_v they_o in_o it_o or_o to_o judge_v and_o reject_v the_o gentile_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n when_o god_n have_v so_o manifest_o declare_v that_o he_o receive_v they_o without_o it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v another_o man_n servant_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v what_o his_o own_o master_n either_o allow_v or_o permit_v in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o as_o st._n james_n speak_v 12._o he_o that_o speak_v evil_a of_o his_o brother_n and_o judge_v his_o brother_n speak_v evil_a of_o the_o law_n and_o judge_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o judge_v the_o law_n thou_o be_v not_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o a_o judge_n there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o that_o be_v when_o we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o brother_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n or_o some_o other_o public_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n allow_v they_o to_o do_v or_o to_o omit_v we_o be_v not_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v do_v not_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o those_o who_o be_v to_o receive_v law_n and_o to_o obey_v they_o but_o as_o judge_n as_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n or_o to_o censure_n and_o control_v they_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n against_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n relate_v only_o to_o such_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n unless_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v plain_o determine_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n what_o god_n have_v leave_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v judge_v and_o censure_n and_o reject_v the_o disobedient_a because_o private_a christian_n in_o all_o such_o case_n be_v subject_a to_o church-authority_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o exceed_v her_o authority_n in_o judge_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n whether_o they_o shall_v obey_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o
be_v which_o magistrate_n can_v never_o know_v hypocrite_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sincere_a and_o government_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a if_o justice_n must_v be_v administer_v not_o by_o know_a and_o stand_a law_n but_o in_o compliance_n with_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v no_o body_n know_v what_o 3._o the_o only_a doubt_n than_o be_v about_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o in_o make_v law_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v more_o bind_v than_o either_o god_n or_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o various_a and_o different_a pretension_n of_o conscience_n if_o there_o be_v any_o equity_n in_o it_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o hold_v in_o other_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o these_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o be_v of_o what_o religion_n he_o please_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o will_v to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v a_o image_n or_o the_o host_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o yet_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a imposition_n it_o be_v upon_o conscience_n i_o have_v rather_o submit_v to_o twenty_o ceremony_n than_o to_o be_v require_v to_o subscribe_v to_o one_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o our_o reconciler_n pretend_v only_o to_o this_o indulgence_n in_o inferior_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v his_o reason_n for_o that_o for_o certain_o the_o less_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o less_o need_n there_o be_v and_o the_o less_o reason_n to_o humour_v man_n conscience_n about_o they_o the_o only_a reason_n he_o assign_v for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o do_v observe_v or_o do_v refuse_v observance_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o these_o inferior_a matter_n do_v real_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v good_a in_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o such_o inferior_a matter_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v st._n paul_n argument_n not_o the_o reconciler_n no_o say_v i_o it_o be_v the_o reconciler_n argument_n not_o st._n paul_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v yes_o i_o grant_v that_o these_o be_v st._n paul_n word_n and_o do_v not_o this_o signify_v that_o they_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o eat_v act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n yes_o i_o grant_v that_o too_o the_o convert_a gentile_n do_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o the_o convert_a jew_n abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n forbid_v by_o their_o law_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o their_o law_n which_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o legal_a pollution_n but_o this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o case_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o dissenter_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o observe_v our_o ceremony_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n god_n have_v give_v a_o positive_a law_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n which_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n and_o other_o festival_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o though_o this_o law_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o repeal_v in_o as_o public_a a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v give_v and_o god_n have_v no_o way_n declare_v that_o they_o shall_v observe_v this_o law_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o those_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n dare_v not_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o therefore_o these_o believe_a jew_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o observe_v day_n and_o not_o to_o eat_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v that_o law_n the_o believe_a gentile_n be_v never_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o god_n declare_v by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o in_o their_o uncircumcision_n and_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v by_o these_o divine_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o jewish_a observation_n of_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v day_n to_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n which_o have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n nor_o any_o public_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n whatever_o our_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o opinion_n may_v be_v we_o do_v not_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n or_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o therefore_o unless_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v any_o positive_a law_n either_o against_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n in_o general_a or_o against_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n the_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o particular_a how_o much_o soever_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n pretend_v to_o conscience_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n nor_o do_v conformist_n observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o foundation_n for_o conscience_n but_o either_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v may_v not_o that_o man_n also_o be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n who_o do_v or_o forbear_v do_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o persuasion_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o he_o can_v produce_v no_o law_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n while_o man_n design_v to_o please_v god_n in_o what_o they_o do_v sure_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n i_o answer_v i_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o any_o man_n but_o let_v they_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o use_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n in_o scripture_n say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v produce_v a_o plain_a law_n for_o what_o he_o do_v other_o man_n may_v intend_v god_n glory_n in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o they_o may_v miss_v of_o their_o aim_n when_o they_o have_v no_o rule_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n instead_o of_o please_a god_n and_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n can_v grant_v any_o indulgence_n to_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o this_o but_o when_o both_o contend_v party_n can_v produce_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o never_o do_v and_o never_o can_v happen_v but_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o because_o they_o both_o act_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n in_o a_o word_n two_o contrary_a party_n as_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v in_o this_o controversy_n can_v never_o both_o of_o they_o
not_o break_v some_o divine_a law_n this_o be_v the_o offence_n the_o jew_n take_v that_o the_o gentile_n do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o be_v the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o man_n may_v be_v culpable_o charge_v with_o give_v offence_n without_o sin_v against_o any_o law_n the_o gentile_n do_v break_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n indeed_o but_o that_o law_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o innocent_a in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o law_n be_v repeal_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o contempt_n of_o that_o law_n &_o their_o offence_n be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o it_o make_v it_o a_o great_a fault_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o offer_v this_o offence_n to_o they_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o dissenter_n what_o law_n condemn_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n our_o reconciler_n i_o suppose_v will_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n or_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o law_n and_o therefore_o we_o offer_v no_o offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o they_o for_o we_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o either_o be_v now_o or_o ever_o be_v in_o force_n against_o our_o ceremony_n this_o one_o observation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n give_v where_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a law_n break_v will_v clear_v up_o that_o perplex_a doctrine_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o most_o man_n and_o make_v it_o intelligible_a to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o yet_o this_o criminal_a give_v of_o offence_n be_v never_o apply_v in_o scripture_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n i_o meet_v with_o but_o two_o notion_n of_o give_v offence_n in_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v to_o offend_v by_o contempt_n and_o ill_a usage_n or_o persecution_n in_o which_o sense_n our_o saviour_n warn_v we_o against_o offend_v any_o of_o those_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o 10._o which_o he_o call_v also_o despise_v of_o they_o that_o be_v treat_v they_o ignominious_o and_o reproachful_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o discourage_v man_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n but_o this_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a dispute_n unless_o the_o reconciler_n will_v call_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o censure_n against_o dissenter_n despise_v th●m_n and_o give_v they_o offence_n the_o second_o be_v when_o we_o offend_v man_n by_o our_o example_n by_o do_v something_o which_o prove_v a_o snare_n and_o stumbling-block_n and_o scandal_n to_o they_o now_o this_o be_v never_o apply_v to_o any_o action_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o some_o divine_a law_n which_o either_o be_v in_o force_n or_o be_v reasonable_o presume_v to_o be_v in_o force_n by_o those_o who_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o thus_o the_o jew_n take_v offence_n at_o the_o gentile_a christian_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o know_v be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v repeal_v which_o be_v the_o case_n the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o in_o this_o 14_o rom._n another_o case_n like_o this_o be_v concern_v eat_a thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n ch_n which_o be_v against_o a_o express_a law_n which_o forbid_v all_o idolatry_n or_o communicate_v with_o devil_n as_o those_o do_v who_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o be_v express_o forbid_v the_o gentile_a convert_v by_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n at_o jerusalem_n 29._o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n this_o law_n some_o expound_v not_o only_o to_o forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n and_o to_o feast_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v there_o offer_v to_o the_o idol_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o act_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o to_o forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o any_o meat_n which_o have_v once_o be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n though_o it_o be_v carry_v from_o the_o temple_n and_o sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o eat_v in_o private_a house_n at_o a_o friendly_a entertainment_n without_o any_o relation_n to_o the_o idol_n st._n paul_n indeed_o determine_v this_o controversy_n that_o this_o law_n to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n do_v only_o forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n and_o to_o feast_v on_o their_o idolatrous_a sacrifice_n but_o if_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v meat_n in_o the_o shambles_n or_o to_o eat_v at_o any_o private_a house_n they_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o inquire_v whether_o that_o meat_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n or_o not_o but_o yet_o they_o ought_v in_o charity_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o scruple_n of_o other_o who_o suppose_v this_o prohibition_n to_o extend_v to_o eat_v any_o meat_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n wherever_o they_o eat_v it_o as_o well_o as_o eat_v at_o a_o idol_n temple_n and_o there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n and_o a_o reasonable_a scruple_n in_o the_o case_n they_o be_v oblige_v in_o charity_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o such_o suspicious_a meat_n now_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n not_o to_o offend_v nor_o scandalize_v our_o brethren_n by_o give_v they_o the_o least_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o our_o violation_n of_o any_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o god_n when_o the_o law_n be_v not_o imaginary_a but_o visible_a for_o these_o case_n have_v some_o equity_n in_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o can_v rare_o happen_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o great_a and_o burdensome_a restraint_n on_o our_o natural_a or_o christian_a liberty_n much_o less_o have_v any_o ill_a influence_n on_o public_a government_n but_o if_o we_o extend_v this_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n to_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o scruple_n it_o become_v both_o ridiculous_a and_o intolerable_a for_o then_o every_o humoursome_a and_o ignorant_a and_o conceit_a christian_n who_o can_v make_v law_n by_o consequence_n and_o can_v extract_v such_o law_n out_o of_o scripture_n as_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n never_o hear_v of_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o i_o what_o i_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v what_o clothes_n i_o shall_v wear_v what_o company_n i_o shall_v keep_v what_o law_n of_o church_n or_o state_n i_o shall_v observe_v nay_o shall_v give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n and_o repeal_v law_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n upon_o their_o superior_n which_o be_v the_o very_a design_n our_o reconciler_n pursue_v throughout_o his_o book_n to_o persuade_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o prescribe_v any_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o our_o dissenter_n though_o without_o any_o reason_n or_o without_o any_o law_n and_o true_o can_v he_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v as_o much_o admire_v their_o prudence_n as_o i_o do_v his_o charity_n 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o danger_n the_o apostle_n design_v to_o prevent_v in_o this_o what_o hurt_v their_o weak_a brother_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v by_o it_o 13._o now_o this_o he_o express_v by_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o brother_n way_n by_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v by_o his_o stumble_n and_o be_v offend_v and_o make_v weak_a which_o signify_v that_o these_o believe_a jew_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o take_v such_o offence_n at_o this_o liberty_n which_o the_o believe_a gentile_n so_o uncharitable_o use_v as_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o fall_v back_o again_o into_o judaisme_n and_o there_o be_v manifest_a reason_n for_o this_o fear_n for_o since_o they_o retain_v such_o a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o know_v be_v give_v by_o god_n it_o be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o they_o to_o suspect_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o a_o impostor_n when_o they_o see_v his_o disciple_n so_o notorious_o break_v this_o law_n and_o themselves_o deride_v and_o scorn_v for_o observe_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o determine_v against_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n by_o believe_v jew_n but_o excuse_v the_o gentile_n from_o it_o who_o be_v never_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n to_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o apostle_n in_o express_a term_n declare_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o jew_n believe_v to_o be_v eternal_a but_o it_o be_v a_o more_o plausible_a pretence_n that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v original_o give_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n shall_v not_o oblige_v the_o believe_a gentile_n but_o yet_o have_v the_o believe_a gentile_n not_o
i_o observe_v before_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o in_o all_o such_o case_n wherein_o not_o religion_n but_o our_o own_o liberty_n be_v concern_v the_o great_a rule_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v be_v to_o promote_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o each_o other_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o now_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a rule_n which_o all_o man_n at_o first_o hear_v will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v reasonable_a not_o to_o violate_v the_o plain_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o contend_v about_o such_o liberty_n the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o which_o be_v of_o no_o account_n in_o religion_n not_o to_o scandalize_v a_o weak_a brother_n nor_o destroy_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o christian_n in_o love_n by_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o we_o may_v indeed_o in_o other_o case_n lawful_o eat_v but_o the_o eat_n of_o which_o be_v at_o no_o time_n and_o in_o no_o case_n in_o itself_o consider_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o if_o we_o understand_v these_o word_n in_o our_o reconciler_n way_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o account_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o dear_a interest_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o mutual_a edification_n i_o confess_v the_o argument_n be_v plain_a enough_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o to_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n nor_o be_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o reconciler_n and_o of_o those_o man_n who_o affect_v the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o moderation_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v little_a worth_n and_o of_o small_a account_n with_o god_n but_o the_o great_a business_n which_o christian_n ought_v to_o mind_n be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o moral_a virtue_n wherein_o they_o place_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o become_v they_o to_o quarrel_v about_o the_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o indulgence_n in_o such_o matter_n become_v the_o good_a and_o benign_a temper_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o know_v that_o god_n be_v so_o indifferent_a about_o his_o own_o worship_n i_o can_v guess_v nor_o how_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v a_o less_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n than_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a under_o the_o law_n god_n appear_v very_o jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n and_o though_o he_o reject_v all_o the_o worship_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o despise_v those_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o justice_n and_o charity_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o undervalue_v his_o own_o worship_n because_o he_o be_v not_o please_v with_o a_o empty_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o as_o for_o his_o prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n i_o have_v give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o already_o and_o may_v do_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v but_o certain_o religion_n be_v proper_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n in_o it_o and_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a honour_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o external_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o therefore_o the_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o worship_n without_o it_o for_o to_o worship_n god_n visible_o without_o public_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n after_o what_o manner_n god_n be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v leave_v indifferent_o to_o every_o man_n humour_n upon_o every_o slight_a pretence_n of_o charity_n and_o moderation_n however_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o this_o here_o which_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n 3._o this_o apostolical_a exhortation_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o such_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o to_o do_v that_o in_o public_a in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n which_o we_o believe_v we_o may_v very_o lawful_o &_o innocent_o do_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n that_o be_v keep_v thy_o faith_n to_o thyself_o and_o enjoy_v thy_o liberty_n private_o when_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o without_o offence_n now_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o think_v this_o a_o good_a rule_n in_o all_o case_n to_o dissemble_v our_o faith_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o religion_n to_o ourselves_o which_o will_v effectual_o undermine_v the_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o this_o be_v once_o grant_v man_n will_v find_v a_o great_a many_o other_o as_o good_a reason_n to_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o as_o avoid_v scandal_n indeed_o this_o rule_n can_v hold_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o private_a nature_n such_o as_o i_o before_o observe_v this_o case_n to_o be_v for_o matter_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n consist_v to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o exercise_v this_o forbearance_n towards_o their_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n not_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v they_o with_o their_o meat_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n which_o include_v these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o a_o public_a profession_n or_o exercise_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o these_o matter_n 2._o that_o though_o it_o be_v some_o restraint_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n to_o their_o liberty_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n public_o which_o give_v such_o offence_n for_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v maintain_v as_o well_o by_o a_o private_a as_o by_o a_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o may_v do_v it_o at_o any_o time_n their_o liberty_n be_v secure_a though_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o restrain_v but_o now_o if_o we_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n what_o sense_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argument_n for_o public_a worship_n must_v be_v public_o profess_v and_o public_o practise_v or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o public_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o place_n here_o to_o avoid_v public_a scandal_n by_o keep_v our_o faith_n to_o ourselves_o for_o than_o we_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n public_o as_o we_o think_v we_o may_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o only_o restrain_v but_o it_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o obedience_n of_o private_a christian_n for_o what_o relate_v to_o public_a worship_n can_v be_v do_v at_o all_o if_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v public_o and_o that_o be_v no_o authority_n and_o no_o liberty_n which_o can_v be_v exercise_v without_o sin_n that_o be_v without_o a_o criminal_a offence_n and_o scandal_n as_o for_o what_o our_o reconciler_n frequent_o urge_v and_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v renounce_v her_o authority_n and_o worship_n but_o only_o give_v liberty_n to_o dissenter_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o their_o own_o way_n this_o plain_o show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v and_o how_o little_a they_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o forbearance_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o jew_n be_v offend_v not_o at_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n for_o they_o be_v indulge_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o at_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o gentile_a believer_n use_v in_o break_v of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n our_o dissenter_n it_o seem_v be_v scandalize_v not_o so_o much_o at_o what_o we_o do_v as_o because_o they_o can_v do_v what_o they_o will_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v private_a christian_n not_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n public_o as_o offend_v their_o weak_a brethren_n this_o great_a reconcile_a apostle_n exhort_v or_o rather_o command_v the_o church_n to_o suffer_v dissenter_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o this_o will_v remove_v the_o
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 o●_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 rea●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
superstitious_a or_o idolatrous_a which_o another_o think_v a_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n now_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o israelite_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o egyptians_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o not_o give_v offence_n to_o they_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o join_v as_o friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v agree_v to_o perform_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o that_o sit_v at_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o believe_v that_o kneel_v be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a not_o to_o censure_v or_o deride_v or_o despise_v he_o that_o kneel_v or_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o who_o kneel_v and_o believe_v sit_v to_o be_v a_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a posture_n not_o to_o be_v grieve_v or_o offend_v at_o he_o who_o sit_v and_o will_v you_o call_v this_o worship_a god_n together_o when_o man_n can_v agree_v about_o it_o but_o one_o think_v his_o brother_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a and_o he_o in_o requital_n think_v he_o rude_a or_o profane_a for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v it_o much_o better_o they_o shall_v be_v part_v than_o spoil_v each_o othersdevotion_n by_o such_o mutual_a antipathy_n and_o reciprocal_a censure_n no_o you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o either_o that_o they_o shall_v judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v separate_v st._n paul_n give_v a_o better_a rule_n in_o such_o case_n to_o bear_v with_o each_o other_o rom._n that_o the_o strong_a shall_v not_o judge_v the_o weak_a nor_o the_o weak_a despise_v the_o strong_a but_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v superstitious_a shall_v not_o judge_v and_o censure_v he_o who_o he_o see_v kneel_v as_o guilty_a of_o superstition_n or_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v rude_a and_o profane_a shall_v not_o judge_v he_o who_o he_o see_v to_o sit_v as_o guilty_a of_o rudeness_n and_o profaneness_n this_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o we_o must_v and_o must_v not_o believe_v superstition_n to_o be_v superstition_n nor_o profaneness_n to_o be_v profaneness_n or_o that_o i_o can_v ready_o join_v in_o act_n of_o worship_n with_o he_o who_o i_o believe_v in_o those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v either_o superstitious_a or_o profane_a i_o may_v judge_v charitable_o of_o man_n who_o i_o believe_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o error_n and_o mistake_n and_o superstitious_a custom_n in_o matter_n which_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o christian_a worship_n i_o may_v charitable_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v not_o reject_v man_n for_o such_o mistake_n and_o therefore_o may_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o receive_v they_o to_o christian_a communion_n while_o they_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o such_o man_n without_o judge_v and_o censure_v those_o who_o i_o believe_v in_o those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o i_o join_v with_o they_o to_o be_v either_o superstitious_a or_o profane_a and_o therefore_o though_o such_o man_n shall_v worship_v in_o the_o same_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o one_o communion_n such_o man_n will_v natural_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o and_o it_o be_v i_o think_v more_o desirable_a that_o they_o shall_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o though_o st._n paul_n require_v and_o exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o bear_v with_o each_o other_o in_o such_o dispute_v as_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o christian_a worship_n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n of_o worship_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_v any_o scrupulous_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n or_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o alter_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o perceive_v any_o such_o offence_n which_o inevitable_o bring_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o another_o material_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o our_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o the_o forbearance_n the_o apostle_n plead_v for_o be_v in_o order_n to_o cement_v jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o one_o body_n and_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o one_o christian_a communion_n to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o separation_n between_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o command_v they_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v that_o be_v 1._o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o christian_a worship_n for_o the_o dispute_n between_o they_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o other_o thing_n about_o which_o they_o differ_v will_v unite_v they_o into_o one_o body_n thus_o he_o exhort_v the_o philippian_n 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v both_o agree_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o what_o concern_v christian_n worship_n though_o they_o differ_v about_o some_o moysaicall_a observance_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o notwithstanding_o their_o other_o dispute_n to_o unite_v in_o christian_a worship_n about_o which_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v this_o occasion_v that_o dispute_n between_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n which_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n etc._n they_o be_v both_o agree_v that_o the_o gentile_a convert_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v circumcise_v they_o be_v agree_v also_o that_o the_o jewish_a convert_v shall_v be_v indulge_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v forbear_v each_o other_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n himself_o at_o antioch_n before_o some_o jewish_a brethren_n come_v thither_o do_v eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n but_o when_o some_o believe_a jew_n come_v to_o antioch_n for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o they_o he_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o believe_a but_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n now_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o this_o be_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v to_o make_v two_o church_n one_o of_o jewish_a the_o other_o of_o gentile_a christian_n this_o st._n paul_n can_v not_o endure_v and_o therefore_o public_o rebuke_n peter_n for_o it_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o indulge_v jewish_a convert_v in_o their_o weakness_n but_o not_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o a_o schism_n which_o this_o very_a indulgence_n be_v design_v to_o prevent_v now_o indeed_o mutual_a forbearance_n of_o each_o other_o when_o it_o tend_v to_o unite_v christian_n into_o one_o body_n and_o communion_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n but_o st._n paul_n never_o think_v it_o a_o duty_n when_o it_o will_v not_o prevent_v a_o schism_n much_o less_o when_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v the_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a schism_n now_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o ceremony_n and_o such_o abatement_n as_o our_o reconciler_n plead_v for_o as_o they_o be_v not_o the_o occasion_n so_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o our_o schism_n to_o be_v sure_a indulgence_n in_o these_o matter_n will_v neither_o prevent_v nor_o heal_v our_o schism_n as_o that_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n plead_v for_o in_o this_o place_n infallible_o will_v their_o dispute_n do_v not_o concern_v matter_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o indulge_v one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v as_o in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v those_o meat_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o may_v very_o well_o agree_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v already_o agree_v as_o they_o be_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v worship_v god_n together_o in_o christian_a assembly_n as_o one_o body_n and_o one_o church_n which_o do_v effectual_o prevent_v a_o schism_n but_o while_o dissenter_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n about_o the_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v worship_v god_n together_o and_o to_o grant_v indulgence_n to_o such_o different_a apprehension_n which_o the_o apostle_n plead_v for_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v only_o make_v a_o legal_a schism_n and_o to_o remove_v these_o scrupled_a ceremony_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v will_v
not_o unite_v we_o in_o one_o body_n and_o to_o countenance_v such_o scruple_n as_o these_o by_o the_o least_o indulgence_n will_v lay_v a_o eternal_a foundation_n of_o schism_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o hold_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n because_o forbearance_n in_o one_o case_n will_v cure_v the_o schism_n in_o other_o it_o will_v increase_v it_o 5._o this_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o christian_a worship_n but_o a_o indulgence_n of_o dissenter_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o so_o our_o reconciler_n prove_v from_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o use_n of_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o that_o in_o charity_n to_o dissenter_n they_o must_v alter_v such_o rule_n and_o canon_n when_o as_o often_o as_o there_o be_v any_o who_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v they_o must_v part_v with_o their_o authority_n or_o for_o ever_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v much_o at_o one_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n when_o there_o be_v any_o person_n so_o ignorant_a or_o so_o humoursome_a as_o to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o they_o command_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o principle_n i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a 118._o but_o yet_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v a_o example_n of_o such_o condescension_n as_o this_o i_o will_v ready_o submit_v as_o not_o dare_v to_o dispute_v against_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n but_o if_o this_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n than_o it_o be_v no_o precedent_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v up_o their_o authority_n to_o dissenter_n now_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n here_o the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n nor_o the_o government_n of_o christian_a assembly_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o man_n private_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n may_v grant_v and_o may_v exhort_v to_o this_o forbearance_n without_o injure_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o prescribe_v the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v indulge_v the_o scruple_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o diminution_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o assert_v as_o high_a as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o give_v several_a direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a assembly_n for_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o prophesy_a for_o their_o demeanour_n and_o deportment_n of_o themselves_o that_o man_n shall_v pray_v and_o prophesy_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v that_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o love-feast_n for_o their_o holy_a kiss_n beside_o his_o general_a direction_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o after_o these_o particular_a direction_n reserve_v the_o final_a order_n of_o thing_n to_o himself_o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v 11.34_o this_o same_o power_n he_o commit_v to_o titus_n in_o crete_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v that_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o which_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n the_o apostle_n allow_v private_a christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o command_n and_o give_v indulgence_n to_o every_o one_o to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v who_o do_v not_o like_a to_o do_v what_o be_v command_v it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o may_v just_o be_v think_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o church-governor_n but_o the_o apostle_n understand_v their_o authority_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n their_o duty_n better_a than_o so_o none_o dispute_v their_o command_n in_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o decency_n nor_o will_v they_o suffer_v their_o command_n to_o be_v dispute_v without_o censure_n st._n paul_n commend_v the_o corinthian_n upon_o this_o account_n 7.15_o i_o praise_v you_o brethren_z that_o you_o remember_v i_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o i_o deliver_v they_o to_o you_o he_o commend_v they_o for_o their_o obedience_n to_o titus_n and_o give_v the_o thessalonian_n this_o general_a rule_n 13._o to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o high_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o what_o that_o mean_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o 17._o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n and_o he_o command_v the_o thessalonian_n if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n 3.14_o note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a which_o show_v a_o true_a apostolical_a spirit_n and_o power_n which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o he_o exercise_v in_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v there_o mention_v now_o if_o this_o forbearance_n towards_o the_o believe_a jew_n which_o st._n paul_n plead_v for_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n if_o it_o appear_v from_o other_o place_n that_o he_o do_v assert_v his_o authority_n and_o require_v obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o it_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o the_o reconciler_n shall_v hence_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v up_o their_o authority_n to_o the_o dissenter_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o not_o impose_v any_o thing_n which_o through_o ignorance_n or_o scrupulosity_n or_o from_o some_o worse_a cause_n they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v which_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v where_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o impose_v for_o as_o for_o his_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n of_o which_o more_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n it_o refer_v only_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a liberty_n not_o of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o this_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n plead_v for_o be_v only_o temporary_a it_o be_v a_o prudent_a expedient_a for_o that_o time_n which_o be_v such_o a_o critical_a period_n as_o never_o happen_v before_o nor_o can_v ever_o hap_v again_o nor_o can_v continue_v long_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o but_o what_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o out_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o weak_a brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o at_o that_o time_n believe_v in_o christ_n can_v not_o present_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v abrogate_a or_o out_o of_o date_n but_o st._n paul_n see_v a_o time_n a_o come_n which_o will_v effectual_o convince_v they_o of_o this_o when_o god_n shall_v suffer_v the_o roman_n to_o destroy_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v they_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a thorough_o inform_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v thus_o mind_v 15._o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o now_o when_o we_o see_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o such_o dispute_n and_o have_v a_o expedient_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o christian_a charity_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n but_o now_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o this_o they_o raise_v scruple_n and_o dispute_n after_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n prescription_n against_o they_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o such_o principle_n as_o condemn_v the_o best_a and_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o former_a age_n and_o if_o their_o scruple_n be_v indulge_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o peace_n
the_o idol_n temple_n and_o then_o the_o sound_n christian_n be_v to_o forbear_v for_o fear_n of_o encourage_v such_o weak_a christian_n in_o their_o idolatry_n for_o they_o may_v apprehend_v it_o as_o lawful_a to_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n as_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o as_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n as_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o thus_o the_o use_n of_o their_o innocent_a liberty_n in_o eat_v what_o be_v set_v before_o they_o without_o scruple_n may_v confirm_v such_o man_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o be_v to_o forbear_v and_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o st._n paul_n may_v have_v respect_n to_o all_o these_o from_o what_o he_o add_v v_o 32._o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o idolatry_n by_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o suspect_v you_o of_o the_o least_o approach_n to_o idolatry_n which_o will_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o aversion_n to_o christianity_n not_o to_o the_o gentile_a by_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o idolatry_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o scandalize_a either_o weak_a or_o scrupulous_a christian_n much_o less_o by_o scandalize_a the_o christian_a profession_n as_o the_o gnostic_n do_v by_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n but_o how_o any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o make_v to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n i_o can_v see_v that_o which_o come_v near_a the_o business_n be_v if_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o abstain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o who_o scruple_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o meat_n but_o then_o this_o forbearance_n be_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a liberty_n in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v wherein_o religion_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v for_o though_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o such_o meat_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o their_o eat_n in_o itself_o consider_v do_v not_o please_v god_n though_o they_o eat_v without_o scandal_n much_o less_o when_o their_o eat_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o weak_a christian_n meat_n commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n 8.8_o for_o neither_o if_o we_o eat_v be_v we_o the_o better_a neither_o if_o we_o eat_v not_o be_v we_o the_o worse_o as_o he_o have_v before_o tell_v the_o roman_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n it_o become_v they_o to_o exercise_v great_a charity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n but_o how_o little_a this_o make_v to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a in_o the_o five_o chapter_n and_o our_o reconciler_n have_v offer_v nothing_o new_a here_o to_o deserve_v a_o new_a answer_n all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n himself_o which_o may_v be_v answer_v in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n he_o exercise_v great_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n both_o towards_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o great_a a_o apostle_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a forbearance_n to_o all_o succeed_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n or_o aught_o to_o alter_v and_o abolish_v they_o in_o charity_n and_o condescension_n to_o dissenter_n i_o will_v yield_v the_o cause_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o st._n paul_n condescension_n be_v and_o i_o observe_v in_o general_a that_o he_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o same_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o persuade_v other_o private_a christian_n to_o exercise_v and_o therefore_o if_o that_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o exhort_v the_o christian_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o do_v not_o overthrow_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n nor_o plead_v for_o the_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n of_o dissenter_n than_o st._n paul_n example_n can_v do_v this_o neither_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o consider_v particular_n 13._o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n especial_o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_v and_o scandalize_a weak_a christian_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v observe_v himself_o wherefore_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n he_o persuade_v believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o and_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o scandalize_v one_o another_o about_o the_o observation_n or_o non-observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o this_o condescension_n both_o ●o_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o exercise_v himself_o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n 22._o to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o law_n as_o without_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n he_o live_v as_o a_o jew_n observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o neither_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n gain_v some_o that_o be_v he_o practise_v that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o teach_v other_o to_o practice_v and_o if_o that_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n nor_o plead_v for_o the_o like_a indulgence_n and_o toleration_n for_o they_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a it_o do_v not_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n example_n prove_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o this_o condescension_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o private_a liberty_n which_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o restrain_v to_o make_v his_o ministry_n the_o more_o effectual_a but_o he_o never_o part_v with_o his_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o dissenter_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 138._o but_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n more_o of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n which_o our_o reconciler_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o very_a notable_a one_o viz._n that_o though_o st._n paul_n assert_n his_o right_n to_o live_v upon_o the_o church_n stock_n as_o well_o as_o other_o minister_n yet_o he_o maintain_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o labour_n that_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o corinthian_n without_o charge_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o do_v receive_v contribution_n from_o other_o church_n and_o this_o he_o do_v 9_o lest_o he_o shall_v hinder_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n from_o whence_o our_o reconciler_n thus_o argue_v wherefore_o although_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n have_v certain_o a_o right_a to_o impose_v thing_n indifferent_a yet_o with_o submission_n to_o they_o i_o conceive_v they_o shall_v not_o exercise_v that_o power_n in_o like_a circumstance_n viz._n when_o by_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n to_o traduce_v they_o as_o man_n who_o more_o regard_v a_o ceremony_n than_o a_o immortal_a soul_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o command_a power_n than_o the_o preserve_n poor_a soul_n from_o damn_v schism_n and_o the_o church_n from_o sad_a division_n when_o it_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o their_o flock_n as_o this_o impose_v seem_v to_o do_v ad_fw-la populum_fw-la phalerae_fw-la now_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v the_o case_n and_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v our_o reconciler_n application_n the_o case_n be_v this_o st._n paul_n have_v a_o right_a to_o live_v on_o the_o gospel_n 14_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o ordination_n as_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n who_o minister_v in_o holy_a thing_n live_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o they_o which_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n have_v their_o portion_n
church_n and_o state_n it_o will_v necessary_o occasion_v very_o great_a inconvenience_n well_o but_o we_o must_v not_o set_v these_o little_a thing_n in_o competition_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o love_n and_o peace_n no_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v but_o do_v our_o reconciler_n know_v what_o a_o competition_n between_o two_o law_n mean_n i_o know_v but_o of_o two_o way_n that_o this_o can_v happen_v either_o when_o they_o contradict_v each_o each_o other_o or_o be_v so_o contrary_a in_o their_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v both_o observe_v or_o when_o there_o be_v a_o competition_n of_o time_n that_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o we_o can_v observe_v both_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o when_o we_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n go_v to_o church_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o attend_v a_o sick_a father_n or_o friend_n in_o which_o case_n our_o saviour_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n b●fo●e_a sacrifice_n but_o now_o upon_o neither_o of_o these_o account_n can_v there_o be_v any_o competition_n pretend_v between_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o edification_n for_o can_v man_n observe_v the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o external_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o love_v one_o another_o and_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n indeed_o can_v there_o be_v a_o better_a mean_n to_o preserve_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n and_o to_o promote_v mutual_a edification_n than_o a_o uniformity_n in_o religious_a worship_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o breed_v great_a dissension_n and_o emulation_n and_o envy_n among_o christian_n than_o different_a and_o contrary_a modes_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n between_o the_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_n and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n why_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o command_v both_o though_o the_o particular_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v small_a thing_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n do_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o these_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o quarrel_n at_o they_o and_o divide_v the_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o if_o these_o controvert_v ceremony_n be_v remove_v love_n and_o unity_n will_v be_v restore_v among_o we_o now_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a which_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v not_o to_o be_v true_a what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o if_o they_o impose_v nothing_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n than_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o itself_o consider_v can_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o great_a gospel-duty_n for_o if_o what_o we_o command_v be_v consistent_a with_o love_n and_o unity_n than_o the_o command_n otherwise_o call_v the_o imposition_n must_v be_v so_o too_o it_o be_v not_o the_o command_n or_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o love_n and_o unity_n but_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n to_o such_o lawful_a command_n which_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o governor_n but_o of_o the_o subject_n not_o of_o those_o who_o command_n but_o of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v and_o therefore_o these_o be_v argument_n proper_a to_o be_v urge_v against_o dissenter_n but_o not_o against_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o give_v you_o a_o familiar_a instance_n of_o this_o a_o master_n command_v his_o servant_n to_o put_v on_o a_o clean_a band_n to_o wait_v at_o table_n the_o servant_n refuse_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o this_o the_o whole_a family_n be_v divide_v some_o take_v part_n with_o the_o master_n other_o with_o the_o servant_n in_o step_n a_o reconciler_n and_o tell_v the_o master_n he_o do_v very_o ill_a to_o cause_v such_o division_n in_o his_o family_n that_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v more_o considerable_a duty_n than_o a_o servant_n wear_v a_o clean_a band_n which_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o pray_v sir_n say_v the_o master_n preach_v this_o doctrine_n to_o my_o servant_n and_o not_o to_o i_o i_o have_v command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o i_o will_v have_v it_o do_v or_o he_o and_o all_o his_o partner_n shall_v turn_v out_o o●_n my_o family_n now_o let_v one_o who_o be_v a_o master_n judge_v whether_o the_o master_n or_o the_o reconciler_n be_v in_o the_o right_n the_o breach_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n though_o it_o be_v the_o consequent_a which_o our_o reconciler_n i_o perceive_v can_v distinguish_v of_o the_o command_n or_o imposition_n but_o of_o the_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o command_n be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a can_v be_v charge_v upon_o he_o who_o command_v but_o upon_o he_o who_o disobey_v but_o beside_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o christian_a love_n church-unity_n and_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o kind_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o each_o other_o upon_o other_o account_n man_n do_v not_o love_v like_o christian_n who_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o edification_n out_o of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o unite_n man_n in_o one_o communion_n but_o by_o a_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n then_o to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o christian_a love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v man_n who_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o different_a manner_n must_v and_o will_v worship_v in_o different_a place_n too_o and_o in_o distinct_a communion_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o injunction_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n will_v never_o consent_v in_o any_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v multiply_v schism_n but_o can_v cure_v they_o this_o be_v all_o perfect_a demonstration_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o late_a confusion_n when_o the_o pull_n down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o lessen_v our_o division_n but_o increase_v they_o but_o our_o reconciler_n confirm_v this_o argument_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o such_o little_a thing_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v the_o violation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v prescribe_v about_o it_o upon_o account_n of_o lesser_a moment_n than_o these_o be_v 170._o he_o instance_n in_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n which_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o wilderness_n because_o this_o will_v hinder_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o camp_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o first_o month_n and_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o month_n but_o god_n express_o provide_v that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v unclean_a or_o in_o a_o journey_n far_o off_o at_o that_o time_n they_o shall_v observe_v it_o on_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o second_o month_n in_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n which_o admit_v of_o work_n of_o necessity_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v never_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o that_o law_n nor_o intend_v to_o be_v now_o be_v not_o these_o admirable_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o his_o law_n but_o that_o upon_o some_o account_n he_o will_v permit_v the_o violation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v prescribe_v when_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o do_v so_o as_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n have_v give_v express_a order_n about_o it_o otherwise_o moses_n who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n and_o a_o punctual_a observer_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o statute_n will_v never_o have_v neglect_v it_o and_o this_o i_o may_v say_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o our_o reconciler_n can_v produce_v for_o god_n permission_n of_o it_o without_o a_o express_a order_n and_o somewhat_o more_o as_o for_o the_o passover_n let_v our_o reconciler_n consider_v again_o whether_o the_o observation_n of_o
they_o from_o communion_n who_o god_n will_v receive_v so_o that_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o england_n must_v receive_v papist_n into_o her_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o fanatic_n where_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o charity_n be_v bishop_n sanderson_n the_o inference_n and_o application_n the_o reconciler_n iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v from_o one_o great_a purpose_n of_o christ_n advent_n etc._n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n to_o make_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_a one_o by_o break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o abolish_n the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n now_o the_o conceit_n of_o it_o be_v this_o he_o suppose_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o a_o partition-wall_n between_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n as_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n have_v break_v down_o one_o partition-wall_n and_o make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o church_n so_o our_o governor_n ought_v to_o break_v down_o the_o other_o partition-wall_n to_o make_v conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n one_o body_n and_o church_n which_o be_v such_o a_o dull_a conceit_n and_o argue_v such_o stupid_a ignorance_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n that_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v he_o be_v so_o zealous_a a_o advocate_n for_o ignorance_n and_o error_n the_o partition-wall_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o partition_n in_o the_o temple_n which_o divide_v the_o court_n where_o the_o jew_n worship_v from_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o which_o make_v this_o partition_n be_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n when_o he_o choose_v his_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o separate_v they_o from_o other_o nation_n give_v they_o a_o peculiar_a law_n which_o be_v to_o last_o as_o long_o as_o this_o distinction_n do_v for_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v for_o ever_o to_o confine_v his_o church_n to_o one_o nation_n but_o when_o the_o promise_a messiah_n come_v to_o enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o his_o church_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o this_o law_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o typify_v the_o messiah_n and_o to_o receive_v its_o full_a completion_n in_o the_o perfect_a sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n of_o his_o death_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o former_a dispensation_n and_o seal_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o all_o mankind_n thus_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n break_v down_o the_o partition-wall_n because_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n which_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o that_o external_a and_o typical_a religion_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o be_v as_o christ_n make_v a_o covenant_n now_o with_o all_o mankind_n so_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o that_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a people_n now_o indeed_o any_o such_o partition-wall_n as_o this_o which_o confine_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o any_o particular_a people_n or_o nation_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o ought_v immediate_o to_o be_v pull_v down_o but_o must_v there_o therefore_o be_v no_o partion_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n must_v there_o be_v no_o wall_n and_o fence_n about_o the_o church_n this_o vineyard_n and_o fold_n of_o christ_n must_v there_o be_v no_o law_n make_v for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o christian_a worship_n for_o fear_v of_o keep_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o will_v not_o be_v orderly_o in_o it_o how_o come_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o wall_n of_o partition_n the_o church_n never_o make_v they_o so_o for_o she_o only_o design_v they_o for_o rule_n and_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o it_o be_v her_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o let_v those_o then_o who_o set_v up_o this_o wall_n of_o partition_n pull_v it_o down_o again_o that_o be_v let_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o make_v these_o ceremony_n a_o wall_n of_o partition_n return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o no_o body_n keep_v they_o from_o but_o themselves_o as_o for_o his_o modest_a insinuation_n that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v carnal_a ordinance_n weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v for_o their_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n as_o the_o mosaic_a ceremony_n be_v i_o have_v already_o large_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a religion_n and_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v for_o the_o decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a and_o must_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o external_n worship_n which_o require_v external_a sign_n of_o decency_n and_o honour_n do_v 182._o iv._o his_o next_o motive_n to_o condescension_n be_v from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n in_o such_o doctrine_n as_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o understanding_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o leave_v the_o revelation_n of_o such_o matter_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o send_v to_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o convert_v jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o immediate_o tell_v they_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v but_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n first_o and_o allow_v some_o time_n to_o wear_v off_o their_o jewish_a and_o pagan_n prejudices_fw-la therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v forbear_v impose_v of_o some_o practice_n at_o which_o our_o flock_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o prejudice_n and_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o take_v offence_n but_o how_o this_o follow_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o instruct_v their_o people_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o learn_v that_o our_o reconciler_n shall_v never_o have_v publish_v his_o second_o part_n to_o convince_v dissenter_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o and_o therefore_o in_o duty_n ought_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v impose_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o may_v instruct_v our_o people_n in_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v require_v their_o obedience_n too_o otherwise_o we_o have_v as_o good_a never_o instruct_v they_o but_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n then_o intend_v that_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o child_n do_v not_o st._n paul_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v full_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n must_v the_o church_n return_v again_o to_o her_o state_n of_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n to_o humour_n dissenter_v but_o indeed_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o governor_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v such_o a_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a doctrine_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v conceal_v as_o too_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v it_o not_o a_o pretty_a way_n of_o reason_v that_o euclid_n element_n be_v too_o difficult_a a_o book_n for_o a_o young_a child_n to_o learn_v therefore_o his_o master_n must_v not_o teach_v he_o to_o ob●y_v his_o parent_n neither_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o lesson_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v their_o disciple_n whatever_o else_o they_o conceal_v from_o they_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n found_v without_o government_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n where_o subject_n must_v not_o be_v teach_v obedience_n but_o however_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v publish_v the_o first_o require_v great_a prudence_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o fit_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o and_o of_o fit_a person_n to_o communicate_v it_o to_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o
apostle_n which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o reveal_v the_o gospel-mystery_n by_o degree_n and_o to_o person_n well_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v to_o receive_v they_o but_o when_o a_o doctrine_n have_v be_v full_o publish_v and_o confirm_v by_o all_o necessary_a evidence_n and_o universal_o receive_v as_o a_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o governor_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v continue_v to_o preach_v it_o whether_o dissenter_n will_v hear_v or_o no_o for_o else_o we_o may_v lose_v all_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o degree_n again_o and_o return_v to_o our_o milk_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n humanity_n and_o leave_v off_o feed_v on_o strong_a meat_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n divinity_n 183._o because_o jew_n and_o socinian_n can_v bear_v it_o whatever_o have_v be_v publish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v the_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o which_o all_o bishop_n 6.20_o as_o well_o as_o timothy_n be_v command_v to_o keep_v 185._o 5._o his_o next_o motive_n to_o condescension_n be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n which_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v be_v deal_v with_o now_o i_o confess_v this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a topick_n to_o declaim_v on_o as_o our_o reconciler_n do_v for_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o manage_v it_o contain_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o passion_n and_o interest_n more_o than_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o observe_v that_o this_o rule_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o just_a and_o equitable_a to_o be_v do_v for_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o how_o passionate_o soever_o man_n desire_v it_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o fondness_n and_o partiality_n to_o themselves_o not_o to_o a_o true_a reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o unless_o it_o appear_v upon_o other_o account_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o reasonable_a to_o grant_v this_o indulgence_n this_o rule_n can_v make_v it_o so_o to_o discourse_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n at_o large_a will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n from_o my_o present_a design_n and_o therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o what_o our_o reconciler_n say_v will_v we_o be_v content_v if_o we_o be_v inferior_n to_o be_v punish_v imprison_a and_o banish_v for_o opinion_n which_o we_o can_v help_v or_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n for_o such_o opinion_n or_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v glad_a that_o other_o will_v bear_v with_o we_o in_o some_o lesser_a matter_n in_o which_o we_o by_o our_o judgement_n be_v constrain_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o will_v not_o pass_v upon_o we_o the_o severe_a censure_n because_o we_o be_v constrain_v thus_o to_o differ_v i_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o and_o suchlike_a popular_a appeal_n i_o shall_v ask_v he_o some_o other_o question_n as_o whether_o ever_o any_o offender_n or_o criminal_a be_v content_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o fault_n or_o do_v not_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v pardon_v and_o to_o escape_v whether_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o punish_v any_o man_n because_o all_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v punish_v whether_o every_o man_n love_n to_o himself_o in_o such_o case_n or_o that_o natural_a pity_n which_o all_o man_n have_v for_o those_o who_o suffer_v be_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a discipline_n and_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n whether_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n shall_v over-rule_v the_o authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n whether_o be_v the_o most_o pitiable_a sight_n to_o see_v a_o flourish_a and_o true_o apostolic_a church_n rend_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n by_o faction_n and_o schism_n or_o to_o see_v such_o schismatic_n suffer_v in_o the_o suppression_n of_o their_o schism_n whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o punish_v schismatic_n when_o their_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n threaten_v the_o state_n and_o make_v the_o throne_n of_o prince_n shake_v and_o totter_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o rule_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o may_v be_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o direct_v our_o private_a conversation_n but_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o public_a government_n and_o my_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v respect_n only_o to_o every_o man_n private_a happiness_n and_o suppose_v a_o equality_n between_o they_o for_o that_o which_o make_v this_o a_o rule_n of_o equity_n be_v that_o equal_v as_o all_o man_n be_v consider_v as_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v equal_a usage_n and_o therefore_o that_o natural_a sense_n which_o every_o man_n have_v of_o happiness_n that_o natural_a aversion_n to_o suffer_v wrong_a and_o that_o natural_a desire_n to_o receive_v good_a from_o other_o shall_v teach_v every_o man_n to_o deal_v by_o other_o who_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o happiness_n and_o aversion_n to_o misery_n as_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o themselves_o but_o now_o public_a government_n have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o public_a than_o to_o any_o man_n private_a good_a and_o a_o man_n private_a and_o particular_a good_a must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o public_a welfare_n and_o therefore_o what_o aversion_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o mankind_n to_o suffering_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a and_o just_a that_o private_a man_n when_o they_o deserve_v it_o shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o it_o be_v not_o every_o man_n love_n to_o himself_o or_o what_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v which_o be_v the_o rule_n here_o but_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a good_n and_o though_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o prefer_v the_o public_a good_a before_o their_o own_o private_a interest_n yet_o whatever_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o this_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n natural_a love_n to_o themselves_o to_o which_o this_o rule_n appeal_v will_v never_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o suffer_v especial_o when_o the_o suffering_n be_v great_a and_o capital_a upon_o any_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o be_v not_o our_o rule_n in_o such_o case_n for_o then_o no_o fault_n must_v ever_o be_v punish_v nor_o be_v there_o a_o equality_n between_o governor_n and_o subject_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n civil_a magistrate_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o consider_v the_o private_a passion_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n that_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o suffer_v when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o fault_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o punish_v other_o for_o they_o act_n not_o as_o private_a man_n but_o as_o public_a minister_n of_o justice_n and_o discipline_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o inequality_n this_o rule_n of_o equity_n will_v not_o hold_v governor_n and_o subject_n be_v equal_a consider_v as_o man_n but_o very_o unequal_a as_o governor_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o set_v they_o above_o other_o man_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o same_o man_n pass_v such_o different_a judgement_n on_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v subject_n and_o when_o they_o be_v governor_n because_o when_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o have_v a_o principal_a regard_n to_o a_o private_a and_o particular_a good_a and_o consult_v the_o desire_n and_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n when_o they_o be_v governor_n they_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o a_o public_a good_a and_o consider_v what_o their_o character_n and_o office_n and_o authority_n require_v they_o to_o do_v thus_o we_o know_v when_o some_o of_o our_o dissenter_n have_v get_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v as_o severe_a in_o press_v conformity_n to_o their_o new_a model_n and_o platform_n as_o loud_a and_o fierce_a in_o their_o declamation_n against_o toleration_n as_o now_o they_o be_v against_o conformity_n and_o for_o a_o toleration_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o see_v plain_o what_o the_o necessity_n of_o government_n require_v now_o the_o power_n be_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o consider_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o own_o preservation_n which_o make_v they_o dislike_v those_o thing_n when_o the_o government_n be_v against_o they_o which_o they_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o before_o this_o be_v universal_o true_a of_o all_o
sort_n of_o people_n that_o when_o they_o be_v under_o they_o desire_v that_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n which_o they_o judge_v unreasonable_a to_o grant_v when_o they_o be_v in_o power_n and_o whereas_o some_o attribute_n this_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v corrupt_v by_o power_n and_o grow_v insolent_a and_o domineer_a that_o subject_n see_v what_o be_v fit_v for_o governor_n to_o do_v but_o governor_n lose_v that_o tender_a regard_n to_o their_o subject_n when_o they_o have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n i_o take_v the_o contrary_a to_o this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o that_o man_n who_o be_v in_o power_n understand_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o government_n and_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o a_o public_a good_a than_o to_o gratify_v man_n private_a interest_n and_o inclination_n but_o subject_n when_o the_o power_n be_v not_o on_o their_o side_n be_v bribe_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o self-love_n to_o censure_v and_o condemn_v such_o act_n of_o government_n as_o they_o like_v very_o well_o in_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v in_o power_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o this_o rule_n to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o be_v only_o a_o rule_n for_o private_a conversation_n not_o for_o public_a government_n and_o that_o the_o private_a resentment_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o justice_n prudence_n or_o charity_n of_o government_n vi_o his_o six_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o charity_n but_o i_o have_v consider_v this_o at_o large_a in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o explain_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o private_a charity_n and_o the_o charity_n of_o government_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n vii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o those_o argument_n which_o with_o the_o great_a strength_n of_o reason_n be_v offer_v to_o induce_v dissenter_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 197._o do_v with_o equal_a force_n and_o clearness_n conclude_v against_o the_o imposition_n of_o those_o rite_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n if_o this_o prove_v true_a i_o be_o sure_a such_o argument_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o on_o neither_o side_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o they_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v well_o argue_v by_o conformist_n that_o the_o rule_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church-governor_n impose_v for_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v by_o inferior_n till_o it_o be_v make_v as_o clear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v in_o the_o instance_n enjoin_v as_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o general_a that_o inferior_n ought_v to_o obey_v superior_n for_o if_o the_o exemption_n from_o obedience_n be_v not_o as_o evident_a as_o the_o command_n to_o obey_v it_o must_v be_v sin_n not_o to_o obey_v now_o our_o reconciler_n mistake_v the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o this_o argument_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o to_o press_v any_o man_n to_o conformity_n but_o only_o to_o conquer_v man_n unreasonable_a scruple_n about_o conformity_n that_o in_o case_n they_o have_v any_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o obey_v in_o such_o instance_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o certain_a that_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n they_o ought_v to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n that_o be_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n which_o they_o be_v sure_o be_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o sure_a that_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o such_o instance_n be_v a_o sin_n this_o our_o reconciler_n say_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v that_o point_n now_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v how_o he_o turn_v this_o argument_n upon_o the_o church_n that_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n not_o to_o offend_v his_o little_a one_o not_o to_o condemn_v and_o scandalize_v our_o weak_a brother_n etc._n etc._n must_v be_v obey_v by_o superior_n till_o it_o be_v make_v as_o clear_v that_o by_o impose_v of_o such_o thing_n which_o grieve_v and_o scandalize_v their_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v not_o offend_v against_o the_o forementioned_a precept_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o general_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o offend_v against_o they_o very_o good_a but_o to_o who_o must_v this_o be_v make_v as_o clear_v to_o the_o dissenter_n or_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o concern_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o all_o be_v safe_a for_o i_o suppose_v they_o have_v no_o scruple_n about_o it_o and_o therefore_o may_v impose_v these_o thing_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o this_o rule_n concern_v only_o the_o private_a satisfaction_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o governor_n or_o a_o subject_a in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o he_o either_o command_n or_o obey_v 2._o it_o be_v strong_o urge_v against_o dissenter_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o by_o god_n forbid_v and_o therefore_o that_o dissenter_n can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o their_o refusal_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v some_o plain_a precept_n which_o render_v that_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v command_v by_o superior_n but_o our_o reconciler_n misrepresent_v this_o argument_n which_o be_v this_o nothing_o be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o god_n the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o forbid_v by_o god_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o as_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o dissenter_n conscience_n that_o be_v so_o wild_a and_o uncertain_a a_o thing_n that_o whatever_o the_o premise_n be_v you_o can_v never_o conclude_v whether_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v or_o not_o for_o they_o can_v be_v satisfy_v when_o they_o please_v with_o or_o without_o or_o against_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o please_v to_o be_v satisfy_v but_o let_v we_o hear_v how_o this_o recoil_v upon_o imposer_n nothing_o can_v be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v forbear_v or_o lay_v aside_o 198._o for_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o our_o weak_a brother_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o plain_o by_o god_n forbid_v to_o be_v do_v for_o those_o good_a end_n wherefore_o unless_o that_o our_o imposer_n can_v show_v some_o plain_a precept_n which_o render_v it_o unlawful_a to_o leave_v these_o ceremony_n indifferent_a or_o alter_v some_o few_o place_n in_o the_o liturgy_n which_o give_v this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n they_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o their_o refusal_n to_o forbear_v the_o imposition_n of_o those_o thing_n but_o how_o do_v our_o reconciler_n know_v this_o suppose_v governor_n can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n without_o such_o a_o express_a prohibition_n what_o then_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n not_o to_o grant_v that_o indulgence_n which_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o grant_v by_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n for_o suppose_v that_o nothing_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v forbear_v which_o be_v not_o plain_o by_o god_n forbid_v to_o be_v do_v how_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a not_o to_o forbear_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o plain_o forbid_v to_o be_v do_v the_o imposer_n can_v show_v any_o plain_a precept_n which_o render_v it_o unlawful_a to_o leave_v these_o ceremony_n indifferent_a therefore_o it_o be_v unlawful_a not_o to_o leave_v these_o ceremony_n indifferent_a that_o be_v it_o be_v unlawful_a not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v not_o to_o do_v which_o can_v be_v true_a unless_o whatever_o god_n do_v not_o forbid_v he_o command_v which_o will_v make_v ill_a for_o our_o reconciler_n and_o all_o his_o dissent_v client_n for_o than_o we_o can_v easy_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v command_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v they_o to_o observe_v they_o and_o indeed_o now_o i_o think_v on_o it_o i_o suppose_v he_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o argument_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o dissenter_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v what_o they_o be_v not_o bound_v not_o to_o do_v that_o what_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v and_o then_o i_o confess_v the_o same_o argument_n will_v hold_v against_o the_o imposer_n as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o dissenter_n but_o it_o be_v a_o
term_n of_o admission_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n that_o a_o man_n have_v serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n to_o a_o trade_n and_o be_v make_v free_a by_o his_o master_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o corporation_n but_o though_o he_o understand_v his_o trade_n very_o well_o and_o behave_v himself_o honest_o in_o it_o yet_o if_o he_o prove_v a_o disobedient_a and_o refractory_a member_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o society_n he_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o again_o and_o i_o wonder_v what_o the_o master_n and_o warden_n of_o such_o a_o company_n will_v say_v to_o the_o reconciler_n shall_v he_o come_v and_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o such_o a_o disobedient_a member_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o his_o continuance_n in_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o society_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o first_o admission_n the_o charter_n whereon_o the_o society_n be_v found_v be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o the_o society_n whereby_o it_o be_v govern_v as_o it_o must_v be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o power_n of_o make_v law_n commit_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n have_v commit_v such_o a_o power_n of_o make_v law_n to_o his_o church_n as_o our_o reconciler_n himself_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o excommunicate_v or_o cast_v any_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o live_v a_o virtuous_a life_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n how_o disobedient_a soever_o he_o be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o quest._n 6._o his_o six_o query_n whether_o anathematise_v man_n for_o doubtful_a action_n or_o for_o such_o fault_n as_o consist_v with_o true_a christianity_n and_o continue_a subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a church-dividing_a mean_n only_o i_o shall_v observe_v far_o that_o as_o he_o have_v state_v this_o query_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o england_n she_o anathematize_n no_o man_n for_o doubtful_a action_n for_o she_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v doubtful_a though_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o pretend_v some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n about_o it_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o doubtful_a action_n etc._n and_o a_o action_n which_o some_o man_n doubt_v of_o the_o first_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v command_v the_o second_o may_v and_o then_o our_o church_n excommunicate_v no_o man_n who_o live_v in_o a_o continue_a subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n which_o no_o schismatic_a do_v whatever_o pretence_n he_o make_v to_o holiness_n of_o life_n for_o subjection_n to_o christ_n require_v subjection_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n as_o well_o as_o obedience_n to_o his_o other_o law_n quest._n 7._o as_o for_o his_o next_o question_n about_o impose_v heavy_a burden_n etc._n and_o intolerable_a yoke_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o take_v they_o away_o it_o have_v be_v at_o large_a answer_v already_o quest._n 8._o whether_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v law_n sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n and_o whether_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o it_o who_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o church-unity_n and_o communion_n ans._n christ_n have_v make_v law_n sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a bond_n of_o union_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n while_o nothing_o be_v enjoin_v which_o contradict_v the_o other_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v be_v say_v to_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o church-unity_n or_o communion_n for_o they_o break_v that_o law_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o union_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o break_v no_o other_o law_n of_o christ._n quest._n 9_o whether_o if_o many_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v injudicious_o scrupulous_a when_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o hell_n be_v the_o cause_n a_o tender_a pastor_n will_v not_o abate_v they_o a_o ceremony_n in_o such_o a_o case_n when_o his_o abate_n it_o have_v no_o such_o danger_n ans._n a_o tender_a pastor_n in_o such_o case_n ought_v to_o instruct_v such_o child_n but_o not_o to_o suffer_v such_o childish_a fancy_n to_o impose_v upon_o church-authority_n for_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o countenance_v man_n injudicious_a scruple_n by_o such_o indulgence_n be_v a_o much_o great_a mischief_n and_o more_o unpardonable_a in_o a_o governor_n than_o the_o severe_a censure_n on_o private_a person_n if_o a_o private_a connivance_n for_o a_o time_n in_o some_o hard_a case_n will_v do_v any_o good_a it_o may_v be_v think_v reasonable_a and_o charitable_a but_o to_o alter_v public_a law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o injudicious_a people_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o sacrifice_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o humour_n of_o child_n which_o will_v not_o be_v think_v either_o prudent_a or_o charitable_a in_o any_o other_o government_n quest._n 10._o if_o diversity_n in_o religion_n be_v such_o a_o evil_a whether_o shall_v man_n cause_v it_o by_o their_o unnecessary_a law_n and_o canon_n and_o make_v engine_n to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n which_o by_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n and_o command_v mutual_a forbearance_n will_v live_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v ans._n whoever_o cause_n a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n by_o their_o law_n and_o canon_n or_o make_v engine_n to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n be_v certain_o very_o great_a schismatic_n but_o law_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n can_v never_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n nor_o occasion_n it_o neither_o unless_o every_o thing_n produce_v its_o contrary_a heat_n produce_v cold_a peace_n war_n and_o love_v hatred_n man_n may_v quarrel_v indeed_o about_o law_n of_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n but_o it_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o religion_n or_o opinion_n which_o man_n have_v already_o espouse_v not_o the_o law_n of_o unity_n which_o make_v the_o quarrel_n the_o plain_a case_n then_o be_v this_o whether_o when_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v worship_v god_n in_o different_a way_n according_a to_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o persuasion_n it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o church-governor_n to_o make_v law_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n because_o whatever_o they_o be_v some_o man_n will_v quarrel_v at_o they_o or_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v law_n to_o cure_v and_o restrain_v that_o diversity_n of_o religion_n which_o man_n have_v already_o make_v to_o themselves_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v man_n all_o of_o a_o mind_n the_o law_n of_o unity_n can_v not_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o therefore_o these_o law_n and_o canon_n be_v not_o the_o engine_n which_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n but_o that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o man_n have_v wanton_o take_v up_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o tear_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n into_o a_o thousand_o conventicle_n but_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o these_o canon_n by_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n they_o will_v live_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v but_o what_o ancient_a simplicity_n do_v he_o mean_a the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o best_a pattern_n this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a simplicity_n for_o a_o fanatic_a simplicity_n be_v never_o know_v till_o of_o late_a day_n there_o never_o be_v a_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n without_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n till_o of_o late_a when_o man_n pretend_v to_o reform_v religion_n by_o destroy_v all_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o take_v in_o a_o command_v mutual_a forbearance_n to_o patch_v up_o church-unity_n that_o be_v if_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o they_o please_v and_o be_v command_v not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o cut_v
the_o come_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v never_o enlarge_v yet_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o schismatic_n which_o divide_v and_o lessen_v the_o church_n but_o will_v never_o enlarge_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o pray_v hearty_o thy_o kingdom_n come_v must_v take_v care_n to_o suppress_v all_o schism_n and_o schismatical_a preacher_n who_o be_v the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n q._n 3._o can_v you_o or_o any_o mortal_a man_n prove_v that_o other_o may_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o differ_v from_o you_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o you_o differ_v from_o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n ans._n i_o dare_v put_v the_o final_a decision_n of_o this_o controversy_n upon_o this_o issue_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o dissenter_n come_v near_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o we_o do_v not_o use_v all_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o we_o use_v some_o which_o be_v not_o then_o use_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v dissenter_n for_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v she_o own_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n while_o they_o comply_v with_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o private_a christian_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n while_o she_o enjoin_v nothing_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n q._n 4._o what_o if_o the_o old_a liturgy_n and_o that_o new_a one_o compile_v and_o present_v to_o the_o bishop_n at_o the_o savoy_n 1661._o have_v both_o pass_v and_o be_v allow_v for_o minister_n to_o use_v as_o they_o judge_v most_o convenient_a may_v not_o several_a minister_n and_o congregation_n in_o this_o case_n have_v use_v several_a modes_n of_o worship_n without_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n or_o count_v each_o other_o schismatic_n what_o if_o our_o king_n and_o parliament_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n enjoin_v conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n that_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n for_o substance_n to_o attend_v peaceable_o upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o serve_v god_n and_o his_o church_n the_o best_a they_o can_v whether_o they_o use_v the_o ceremony_n and_o scruple_v expression_n of_o the_o liturgy_n or_o no_o without_o uncharitable_a reflection_n or_o bitter_a censure_n upon_o one_o another_o in_o word_n or_o writing_n where_o will_v be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o such_o a_o law_n ans._n this_o be_v much_o like_o mr._n humphrey_n project_n of_o unite_n all_o dissenter_n into_o one_o national_a church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n under_o the_o king_n as_o the_o accidental_a head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v large_o and_o particular_o answer_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n the_o only_a fault_n in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o it_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divide_v christian_n into_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a schism_n and_o emulation_n which_o no_o law_n can_v prevent_v as_o for_o mr._n baxter_n liturgy_n i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o man_n may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v allow_v to_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la as_o to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v write_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la it_o argue_v very_o little_a modesty_n in_o those_o man_n to_o present_v such_o crude_a and_o indigested_a stuff_n to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o it_o argue_v as_o little_a understanding_n and_o honesty_n in_o our_o reconciler_n to_o plead_v for_o it_o q._n 5._o dissenter_n ought_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o shall_v not_o imposer_n do_v the_o like_a be_v this_o one_o rule_n agree_v on_o what_o peace_n and_o unity_n will_v soon_o follow_v and_o if_o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n peace_n extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o schism_n in_o their_o set_n up_o unnecessary_a rule_n which_o other_o can_v submit_v to_o as_o in_o man_n vary_v from_o such_o rule_n ans._n i_o wonder_v what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o dissenter_n yield_v as_o if_o they_o stand_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n like_o two_o equal_n to_o compose_v a_o difference_n and_o quarrel_n shall_v yield_v and_o condescend_v to_o each_o other_o the_o dissenter_n ought_v not_o to_o yield_v to_o but_o to_o obey_v the_o church_n the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o yield_v to_o dissenter_n but_o to_o govern_v prudent_o and_o charitable_o the_o church_n have_v do_v her_o part_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 2._o and_o the_o only_a quarrel_n be_v that_o dissenter_n will_v not_o do_v they_o but_o what_o a_o admirable_a rule_n be_v this_o to_o make_v peace_n when_o they_o do_v not_o they_o can_v tell_v we_o how_o far_o the_o dissenter_n will_v yield_v and_o what_o the_o church_n must_v yield_v to_o make_v peace_n but_o for_o aught_o i_o perceive_v this_o be_v a_o great_a secret_a and_o like_a to_o continue_v so_o i_o suppose_v the_o dissenter_n a●ter_v all_o think_v they_o can_v yield_v nothing_o and_o the_o church_n see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v any_o thing_n and_o here_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o project_n indeed_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o church_n to_o yield_v every_o thing_n all_o her_o unnecessary_a rule_n which_o other_o can_v otherwise_o call_v will_v not_o submit_v to_o that_o be_v at_o least_o all_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o worship_n if_o not_o her_o own_o authority_n too_o and_o the_o only_a argument_n he_o use_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o yield_v be_v because_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o yield_v that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o governor_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o subject_n because_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o governor_n i_o do_v not_o much_o care_n to_o be_v a_o undertaker_n and_o yet_o i_o will_v venture_v for_o once_o to_o propose_v this_o expedient_a for_o peace_n let_v the_o dissenter_n as_o in_o duty_n bind_v yield_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o church_n shall_v yield_v every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o desire_a union_n this_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a proposition_n not_o only_o because_o subject_n ought_v first_o to_o yield_v but_o because_o the_o church_n know_v not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v yield_v till_o she_o see_v how_o far_o the_o dissenter_n can_v yield_v indeed_o will_v the_o dissenter_n yield_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n for_o the_o church_n yield_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n enjoin_v nothing_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o injurious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o do_v not_o think_v she_o do_v both_o dissent_v preacher_n and_o hearer_n when_o it_o serve_v a_o secular_a interest_n can_v hear_v the_o common-prayer_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v though_o the_o minister_n officiate_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o i_o be_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o hope_v that_o when_o they_o do_v so_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o this_o they_o can_v yield_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n or_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o yield_v and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v little_o leave_v for_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v his_o two_o next_o question_n whether_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v perform_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n without_o these_o ceremony_n and_o whether_o if_o man_n must_v be_v without_o the_o word_n and_o without_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o without_o these_o ceremony_n which_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o etc._n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v this_o do_v not_o make_v they_o of_o equal_a necessity_n with_o divine_a institution_n have_v be_v already_o answer_v at_o large_a in_o the_o first_o chapter_n q._n 8._o whether_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v set_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o encompass_v of_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o whether_o the_o take_n of_o a_o narrow_a compass_n be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a error_n
for_o deny_v this_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v then_o that_o he_o be_v a_o reconciler_n for_o never_o any_o reconciler_n be_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o church_n and_o methinks_v the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n and_o the_o prosecution_n of_o dissenter_n upon_o that_o and_o former_a act_n may_v convince_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o our_o present_a sovereign_n be_v none_o of_o his_o protestant_a reconciler_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o can_v prove_v against_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o experience_n and_o complaint_n of_o dissenter_n all_o these_o to_o be_v reconcile_a king_n i_o be_o resolve_v i_o will_v be_v a_o protestant_a reconciler_n too_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v pass_v for_o as_o good_a a_o reconciler_n as_o any_o of_o these_o renown_a king_n without_o recant_v this_o book_n let_v we_o hear_v then_o how_o he_o prove_v these_o great_a prince_n to_o be_v reconciler_n as_o for_o king_n james_n he_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o reconciler_n 4._o from_o casaubon_n epistle_n to_o cardinal_n perroon_n now_o how_o faithful_o casaubon_n represent_v the_o king_n judgement_n be_v more_o than_o our_o reconciler_n can_v tell_v only_o i_o be_o certain_a he_o do_v misrepresent_v he_o if_o he_o make_v a_o reconciler_n of_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o this_o for_o whoever_o consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o word_n may_v put_v a_o very_a sober_a construction_n on_o they_o without_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o our_o reconciler_n for_o the_o dispute_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o religious_a worship_n but_o the_o unscriptural_a innovation_n of_o popery_n which_o they_o impose_v upon_o all_o church_n as_o term_n of_o catholic_n communion_n now_o in_o this_o controversy_n any_o man_n may_v safe_o say_v what_o casaubon_n say_v for_o the_o king_n without_o be_v a_o protestant_a reconciler_n for_o there_o be_v no_o near_a way_n of_o concord_n than_o to_o separate_v thing_n necessary_a from_o unnecessary_a to_o call_v nothing_o simple_o necessary_a but_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v or_o which_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o other_o humane_a constitution_n whatever_o antiquity_n or_o authority_n be_v pretend_v for_o they_o may_v be_v change_v mollify_v antiquate_a and_o that_o this_o may_v in_o the_o general_n be_v say_v of_o most_o ecclesiastical_a observation_n introduce_v without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o this_o do_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o such_o ecclesiastical_a observation_n as_o be_v in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a pilgrimage_n monastic_a vow_n the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n and_o the_o like_a for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o ancient_a council_n or_o the_o ancient_a practice_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n now_o in_o these_o case_n i_o be_o perfect_o of_o the_o king_n mind_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o take_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o protestant_a reconciler_n in_o our_o author_n way_n our_o royal_a martyr_n when_o he_o see_v what_o danger_n church_n and_o state_n and_o his_o own_o royal_a person_n be_v in_o from_o the_o outrageous_a zeal_n of_o dissent_v protestant_n who_o do_v not_o now_o humble_o beg_v for_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n but_o contend_v for_o rule_n and_o empire_n be_v willing_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o allay_v these_o heat_n and_o divert_v the_o storm_n by_o yield_v somewhat_o to_o their_o boisterous_a and_o threaten_a importunity_n and_o if_o he_o have_v yield_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o at_o that_o time_n than_o he_o do_v i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v no_o argument_n of_o his_o own_o settle_a judgement_n of_o thing_n the_o reconciler_n may_v hence_o prove_v that_o the_o king_n think_v it_o much_o better_a to_o yield_v a_o little_a at_o that_o time_n than_o to_o ruin_v church_n and_o state_n by_o too_o much_o stiffness_n not_o that_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v any_o thing_n on_o his_o subject_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o scruple_n and_o yet_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o king_n yield_v under_o these_o necessity_n for_o that_o our_o reconciler_n produce_v these_o word_n as_o for_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o for_o matter_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n concern_v religion_n we_o shall_v in_o tenderness_n to_o any_o number_n of_o our_o love_a subject_n very_o willing_o comply_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o parliament_n that_o some_o law_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o exemption_n of_o tender_a conscience_n from_o punishment_n or_o prosecution_n for_o such_o ceremony_n and_o in_o such_o case_n which_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o man_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v matter_n indifferent_a and_o of_o some_o to_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a do_v the_o king_n in_o these_o word_n promise_v to_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abolish_v all_o ceremony_n &_o c_o by_o no_o mean_n he_o only_o say_v that_o he_o will_v comply_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o parliament_n to_o exempt_v such_o tender_a conscience_n from_o punishment_n and_o how_o can_v our_o reconciler_n hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o king_n believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n because_o at_o such_o a_o critical_a time_n he_o be_v content_v there_o shall_v be_v some_o provision_n make_v to_o secure_a dissenter_n from_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o penal_a law_n and_o yet_o that_o ill_a usage_n which_o so_o excellent_a a_o prince_n meet_v with_o from_o these_o dissent_v protestant_n after_o such_o a_o condescension_n as_o this_o give_v no_o great_a encouragement_n to_o prince_n to_o try_v this_o experiment_n again_o thus_o he_o prove_v our_o present_a sovereign_n to_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n by_o his_o declaration_n from_o breda_n which_o he_o print_v at_o large_a i_o suppose_v for_o fear_v people_n shall_v forget_v that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o declaration_n or_o what_o be_v the_o content_n of_o it_o how_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n at_o that_o time_n may_v incline_v his_o majesty_n to_o such_o a_o condescension_n be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o inquire_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o present_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o king_n against_o that_o declaration_n which_o so_o far_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v be_v not_o of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n now_o and_o indeed_o never_o be_v notwithstanding_o that_o declaration_n for_o he_o never_o assert_v 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