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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n body_n particular_a unite_v 3,071 5 9.8162 5 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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in_o its_o policy_n and_o will_v not_o always_o hinder_v its_o stability_n and_o increase_v ans._n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o church_n against_o her_o popish_a adversary_n to_o unite_v all_o protestant_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o into_o one_o body_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o probable_a that_o a_o little_a church_n which_o have_v not_o many_o member_n nor_o any_o worldly_a strength_n and_o interest_n to_o support_v it_o shall_v be_v soon_o destroy_v than_o a_o numerous_a flourish_a and_o potent_a church_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v so_o model_v as_o to_o receive_v all_o protestant_n and_o papist_n also_o into_o our_o communion_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v have_v no_o enemy_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n but_o this_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v while_o both_o of_o they_o recede_v so_o far_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n 2._o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n within_o itself_o how_o small_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v a_o better_a security_n to_o it_o than_o schism_n and_o discord_n in_o its_o own_o bowel_n and_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o large_a as_o you_o please_v if_o the_o building_n be_v not_o close_o unite_v in_o all_o its_o part_n it_o will_v fall_v with_o its_o own_o weight_n while_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o schismatical_a principle_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o last_a union_n to_o remove_v those_o particular_a thing_n about_o which_o they_o differ_v at_o present_a for_o when_o man_n be_v give_v to_o quarrel_n they_o will_v never_o want_v occasion_n for_o it_o take_v away_o every_o thing_n which_o our_o dissenter_n quarrel_v at_o and_o you_o leave_v no_o remains_o of_o a_o church_n of_o england_n and_o thus_o indeed_o you_o may_v enlarge_v the_o church_n 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a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n but_o to_o the_o protection_n of_o christ._n his_o flock_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n but_o all_o the_o unite_a strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v destroy_v it_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o 4._o when_o we_o speak_v of_o enlarge_a the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o to_o encompass_v all_o true_a christian_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o principal_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o those_o who_o take_v any_o other_o compass_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n though_o they_o shall_v enclose_v a_o whole_a nation_n of_o dissenter_n they_o will_v mighty_o straiten_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o reject_v all_o external_a rite_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n as_o unlawful_a in_o christian_a worship_n and_o reform_v and_o enlarge_v the_o church_n upon_o these_o principle_n reject_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o 1500_o year_n and_o of_o most_o church_n at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v enlarge_v the_o church_n in_o england_n the_o catholic_n church_n will_v gain_v little_a by_o it_o when_o it_o unchurche_n most_o other_a church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v model_v by_o such_o principle_n that_o she_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o all_o sound_n and_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v now_o or_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o catholic_n church_n may_v have_v communion_n with_o she_o which_o be_v as_o large_a a_o compass_n as_o she_o ought_v to_o take_v for_o that_o church_n be_v a_o little_a too_o large_a which_o take_v in_o schismatic_n to_o her_o communion_n and_o too_o narrow_a which_o exclude_v any_o true_a catholic_n church_n thus_o i_o have_v answer_v those_o question_n which_o our_o reconciler_n borrow_v from_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n barret_n and_o to_o these_o he_o have_v add_v some_o of_o his_o own_o which_o i_o must_v consider_v also_o q._n 9_o whether_o baptism_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o new_a birth_n of_o infant_n 207._o and_o their_o regeneration_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v not_o hardship_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o unnecessary_a condition_n on_o the_o parent_n who_o have_v power_n to_o offer_v or_o withhold_v the_o child_n from_o baptism_n which_o shall_v cause_v they_o to_o deprive_v their_o infant_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n may_v not_o such_o child_n complain_v in_o the_o language_n of_o st._n cyprian_n nos_fw-la parvuli_fw-la quid_fw-la fecimus_fw-la ans._n now_o though_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v by_o observe_v that_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n child_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v baptize_v private_o without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o no_o child_n in_o ordinary_a case_n can_v die_v without_o baptism_n but_o by_o the_o great_a neglect_n and_o carelessness_n of_o parent_n how_o scrupulous_a soever_o they_o be_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v so_o much_o in_o fashion_n to_o ask_v question_n i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o may_v not_o ask_v a_o few_o question_n too_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v our_o reconciler_n to_o resolve_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o very_o short_a one_o as_o 1._o how_o do_v child_n come_v to_o have_v any_o right_n to_o baptism_n be_v it_o a_o original_a right_n of_o their_o own_o or_o in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o parent_n 2._o if_o child_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n only_o in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o parent_n how_o do_v the_o child_n of_o schismatic_n who_o though_o they_o be_v baptize_v themselves_o yet_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n come_v to_o have_v any_o right_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n 3._o how_o be_v the_o church_n oblige_v to_o receive_v those_o child_n into_o communion_n by_o baptism_n who_o she_o certain_o know_v if_o their_o parent_n live_v will_v be_v nurse_v up_o in_o a_o schism_n 4._o how_o be_v the_o church_n more_o concern_v to_o alter_v her_o constitution_n for_o the_o child_n of_o schismatic_n than_o for_o their_o schismatical_a parent_n when_o he_o have_v answer_v these_o question_n i_o will_v answer_v he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v proceed_v q._n 10._o if_o man_n conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v for_o the_o secure_n and_o restore_v of_o the_o civil_a peace_n when_o it_o be_v once_o disturb_v and_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o lay_v aside_o a_o civil_a if_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o civil_a broil_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o christian_a blood_n how_o frivolous_a soever_o be_v the_o exception_n of_o the_o seditious_a against_o it_o must_v they_o not_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o ecclesiastical_a confusion_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n ans._n no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o wise_a prince_n ought_v not_o to_o part_v with_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v civil_a war_n and_o confusion_n for_o the_o future_a only_o that_o he_o may_v allay_v and_o prevent_v some_o present_a heat_n and_o commotion_n no_o more_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o heal_v a_o present_a schism_n by_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o eternal_a schism_n the_o example_n of_o our_o late_a martyr_a sovereign_a will_v teach_v all_o prince_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o one_o and_o those_o infinite_a schism_n which_o follow_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v convince_v any_o man_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n q._n 11._o will_v not_o our_o
of_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n the_o gentile_a christian_n who_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n which_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n be_v perfect_o at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o that_o law_n and_o this_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o no_o body_n be_v direct_o concern_v but_o themselves_o neither_o any_o other_o particular_a man_n except_v the_o case_n of_o scandal_n nor_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o any_o man_n what_o be_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whether_o i_o eat_v such_o meat_n or_o not_o when_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v either_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n for_o charity_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v exercise_v only_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v perfect_o in_o our_o power_n and_o therefore_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v lawful_o extend_v his_o charity_n any_o far_a than_o his_o own_o private_a liberty_n extend_v whatever_o other_o be_v concern_v in_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o especial_o whatever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v in_o be_v the_o object_n neither_o of_o private_a liberty_n nor_o of_o private_a charity_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o private_a christian._n and_o whether_o we_o say_v that_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v only_o particular_a christian_n or_o church-governor_n also_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o concern_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n now_o if_o any_o such_o case_n shall_v happen_v again_o which_o i_o think_v can_v possible_o be_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o private_a liberty_n in_o our_o diet_n or_o clothes_n or_o way_n of_o live_v we_o shall_v give_v such_o offence_n to_o weak_a christian_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o endanger_v their_o final_a apostasy_n this_o 14_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n will_v be_v a_o admirable_a text_n to_o preach_v on_o to_o correct_v such_o uncharitable_a abuse_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o use_n of_o decent_a but_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n concern_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n not_o every_o christian_n private_a liberty_n every_o instance_n of_o our_o private_a liberty_n may_v indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v call_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o that_o signify_v what_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v not_o do_v as_o we_o please_v but_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a as_o the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a for_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n and_o the_o particular_a rite_n of_o worship_n the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a prudence_n and_o authority_n and_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n this_o make_v in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n will_v appear_v from_o my_o second_o observation_n on_o st._n paul_n discourse_n which_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o this_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n must_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o religion_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o concern_v for_o by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n persuade_v they_o to_o this_o forbearance_n because_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n their_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o act_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v the_o charity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o give_v such_o great_a scandal_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n for_o thing_n in_o which_o religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v those_o who_o expound_v meat_n and_o drink_n in_o this_o place_n to_o signify_v all_o the_o external_o of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o all_o such_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n as_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a institution_n and_o command_n as_o our_o reconciler_n plain_o do_v do_v mighty_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n 59_o and_o affix_v such_o doctrine_n to_o he_o as_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unaccountable_a when_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n it_o plain_o signify_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o or_o such_o meat_n that_o no_o man_n be_v the_o better_a christian_a for_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o other_o prohibit_v meat_n nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n mere_o for_o not_o eat_v they_o no_o man_n question_n whether_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n signify_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v that_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o must_v mean_v not_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o dream_v of_o but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o no_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v to_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n how_o mean_a and_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v think_v can_v be_v comprehend_v under_o those_o general_a term_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n because_o this_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v no_o act_n nor_o part_n nor_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n nor_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v necessary_a to_o public_a worship_n now_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o exercise_v forbearance_n and_o condescension_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o matter_n by_o this_o very_a argument_n because_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o our_o reconciler_n will_v be_v a_o very_a wonderful_a man_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o we_o must_v exercise_v the_o same_o indulgence_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o do_v concern_v religious_a worship_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v indulge_v private_a christian_n in_o the_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o religious_a worship_n because_o private_a christian_n must_v indulge_v each_o other_o in_o such_o different_a practice_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o relate_v to_o religion_n i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o dispute_v more_o with_o he_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n able_a to_o make_v good_a the_o great_a paradox_n in_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o christian_n not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o nor_o to_o divide_v the_o unity_n or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o dispute_n as_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o religion_n for_o where_o it_o be_v pure_o matter_n of_o our_o own_o liberty_n there_o be_v room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o where_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v what_o we_o please_v in_o such_o matter_n nor_o to_o allow_v other_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v what_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v any_o such_o liberty_n which_o will_v effectual_o undermine_v all_o order_n decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n add_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v neither_o that_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n or_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v about_o as_o the_o reconciler_n understand_v it_o for_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o these_o but_o these_o be_v plain_a and_o acknowledge_v duty_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o violate_v a_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o be_v no_o duty_n at_o all_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n as_o
prove_v by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n himself_o make_v a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o a_o offence_n offer_v to_o private_a and_o particular_a man_n and_o that_o public_a offence_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n 10.32_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o different_a regard_n to_o particular_a man_n in_o their_o single_a or_o private_a capacity_n whether_o they_o be_v believe_v or_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o to_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a community_n of_o christian_n for_o this_o be_v a_o eternal_a law_n in_o all_o society_n to_o prefer_v the_o public_a good_a before_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o must_v have_v a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o particular_a man_n and_o have_v a_o great_a care_n lest_o we_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o a_o private_a nature_n and_o use_n yet_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n i._n e._n in_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v christian_a communion_n we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o offend_v the_o church_n than_o particular_a christian_n though_o their_o number_n may_v be_v great_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v argue_v that_o because_o we_o must_v grant_v all_o reasonable_a indulgence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v church-communion_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n therefore_o the_o public_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n must_v be_v make_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o private_a fancy_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n and_o submit_v to_o unreasonable_a scruple_n our_o reconciler_n own_v this_o consequence_n as_o to_o dissenter_n 154._o see_v the_o refusal_n of_o submission_n to_o these_o thing_n give_v great_a offence_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o equal_o concern_v the_o dissenter_n upon_o these_o motive_n to_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o concern_v they_o both_o to_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n careful_a to_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v their_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o why_o can_v not_o our_o reconciler_n observe_v that_o this_o rule_n equal_o concern_v governor_n as_o it_o do_v dissenter_n not_o to_o offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n when_o he_o so_o earnest_o dispute_v that_o church-governor_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o all_o these_o rule_n of_o charity_n forbearance_n avoid_v offence_n and_o scandal_n as_o private_a christian_n and_o st._n paul_n urge_v this_o exhortation_n from_o his_o own_o example_n even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n now_o if_o church-governor_n must_v not_o offend_v the_o church_n they_o can_v grant_v a_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o private_a scruple_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n only_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o public_a communion_n of_o christian_n the_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o method_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n must_v be_v fix_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o general_a direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o the_o please_a and_o humour_v some_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a christian_n for_o it_o be_v a_o just_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o church_n to_o make_v some_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o groundless_a scruple_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o christian_a worship_n second_o this_o will_n more_o plain_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v a_o very_a material_a difference_n between_o indulge_v man_n private_a scruple_n which_o concern_v matter_n of_o private_a use_n and_o observance_n and_o indulge_v such_o scruple_n as_o affect_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o the_o first_o case_n christian_n communion_n may_v be_v secure_v man_n may_v worship_v god_n together_o according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n though_o believe_v jew_n be_v allow_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o believe_v gentile_n indifferent_o to_o eat_v of_o all_o but_o when_o man_n differ_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a worship_n one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n must_v happen_v either_o 1._o that_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o these_o matter_n must_v divide_v communion_n and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o or_o 2._o that_o christian_a worship_n must_v be_v make_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o groundless_a fancy_n of_o scrupulous_a christian_n or_o 3._o that_o man_n of_o differ_v opinion_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o observe_v different_a modes_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o same_o christian_a assembly_n each_o of_o which_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1._o that_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n must_v divide_v communion_n and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a effect_n of_o such_o dispute_n about_o the_o modes_n of_o worship_n as_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n witness_v but_o this_o our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o plead_v for_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a st._n paul_n never_o intend_v as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o present_o 2._o christian_n worship_n than_o must_v be_v make_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o groundless_a fancy_n of_o scrupulous_a christian_n that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v no_o rule_n give_v for_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o what_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o most_o humoursome_a professor_n will_v ready_o submit_v to_o which_o be_v both_o absurd_a in_o itself_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o government_n and_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o secure_v the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a care_n of_o church-governor_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 3._o as_o for_o the_o three_o that_o man_n of_o differ_v opinion_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o observe_v different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o same_o christian_a assembly_n this_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o the_o other_o as_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v at_o this_o rate_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n in_o take_v care_n of_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o who_o can_v foresee_v what_o indecency_n will_v be_v commit_v when_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v nay_o this_o very_a thing_n in_o itself_o be_v extreme_o indecent_a for_o what_o order_n what_o decency_n can_v there_o be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o one_o rule_n of_o worship_n uniformity_n in_o worship_n be_v like_o the_o proportion_n and_o symmetry_n of_o part_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n wherein_o the_o external_a grace_n and_o beauty_n of_o it_o consist_v though_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o as_o to_o external_a reverence_n in_o the_o several_a posture_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n whether_o kneel_v standing_z or_o sit_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v indecent_a and_o disorderly_a in_o the_o communicant_o who_o receive_v together_o not_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o posture_n for_o some_o to_o kneel_v other_o to_o stand_v other_o to_o sit_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v think_v it_o so_o at_o any_o ordinary_a and_o common_a feast_n shall_v some_o of_o the_o guest_n sit_v at_o the_o table_n on_o chair_n other_o stand_v and_o eat_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o corner_n other_o sit_v on_o the_o ground_n other_o lean_a on_o couch_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o indecent_a in_o any_o of_o these_o posture_n according_a to_o the_o different_a mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o different_a country_n yet_o such_o a_o odd_a and_o humoursome_a variety_n itself_o be_v indecent_a and_o disorderly_a at_o the_o same_o feast_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o at_o a_o common_a table_n i_o think_v the_o indecency_n be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o unpardonable_a at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o require_v the_o most_o universal_a harmony_n and_o consent_n nay_o such_o a_o variety_n as_o this_o must_v needs_o give_v mutual_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o receive_v 124._o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v the_o only_a reason_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v pretend_v why_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o think_v best_o be_v because_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o the_o mode_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n one_o think_v that_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a which_o another_o think_v necessary_a one_o think_v that_o posture_n or_o habit_n etc._n etc._n
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
as_o we_o may_v suppose_v from_o his_o own_o character_n of_o himself_o by_o a_o dignify_a clergyman_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o he_o also_o who_o plead_v for_o separation_n from_o communion_n with_o we_o on_o account_n of_o those_o few_o scrupled_a ceremony_n and_o disputable_a expression_n of_o our_o liturgy_n be_v sinful_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o well_o as_o mischievous_a do_v also_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n or_o that_o one_o shall_v not_o impose_v these_o thing_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o other_o shall_v not_o when_o they_o be_v once_o impose_v refuse_v communion_n upon_o that_o account_n i._n e._n the_o church_n sin_n in_o impose_v and_o the_o dissent_a sin_n in_o disobey_v such_o imposition_n the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o she_o impose_v but_o sin_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o authority_n in_o command_v lawful_a thing_n the_o dissenter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o affirm_v these_o imposition_n to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o yet_o sin_n in_o not_o obey_v they_o that_o be_v the_o dissent_a judge_n aright_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o superior_n but_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o own_o and_o if_o he_o can_v reconcile_v these_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v one_o good_a step_n towards_o a_o reconciliation_n governors_n indeed_o may_v be_v overrigorous_a and_o severe_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o they_o always_o sin_v when_o they_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v so_o wise_o or_o so_o charitable_o as_o they_o may_v do_v for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n of_o government_n be_v so_o nice_a a_o thing_n and_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o difficulty_n that_o the_o case_n of_o governor_n will_v be_v very_o hard_a shall_v every_o mistake_v in_o such_o matter_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o government_n itself_o must_v necessary_o lose_v its_o sacredness_n and_o authority_n if_o every_o subject_a may_v censure_v the_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n of_o lawful_a command_n and_o imposition_n and_o vote_v they_o to_o be_v mischievous_a and_o sinful_a if_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o his_o notion_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n all_o that_o subject_n be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v about_o the_o command_v of_o their_o superior_n be_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o if_o they_o go_v any_o far_a they_o make_v themselves_o governor_n not_o subject_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o very_o modest_a to_o condemn_v the_o command_n otherwise_o civil_o call_v imposition_n of_o superior_n as_o sinful_a and_o mischievous_a when_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o obey_v they_o and_o he_o who_o think_v dissenter_n do_v ill_a in_o refuse_v obedience_n do_v not_o well_o himself_o in_o charge_v the_o church_n with_o do_v what_o be_v sinful_a and_o mischievous_a in_o impose_v but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o church_n do_v sin_n in_o impose_v she_o either_o exceed_v her_o authority_n and_o commission_n and_o so_o impose_v without_o authority_n or_o else_o she_o impose_v something_o unlawful_a and_o in_o either_o of_o these_o case_n no_o man_n can_v blame_v dissenter_n for_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o unlawful_a thing_n nor_o to_o obey_v where_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v and_o therefore_o our_o reconciler_n can_v never_o reconcile_v these_o two_o proposition_n that_o the_o church_n sin_n in_o impose_v the_o dissent_a sin_n in_o reject_v such_o imposition_n and_o in_o refuse_v communion_n where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o submit_v to_o ●hem_n for_o though_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n when_o they_o act_v illegal_o because_o we_o be_v bind_v never_o to_o resist_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o yield_v a_o active_a obedience_n to_o any_o illegal_a command_n but_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n or_o ecclesiastical_a body_n have_v no_o external_a and_o compulsory_a authority_n if_o she_o command_v what_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v she_o and_o if_o this_o occasion_n a_o schism_n she_o herself_o be_v the_o schismatic_a but_o to_o show_v how_o ominous_o our_o reconciler_n stumble_v at_o the_o threshold_n let_v we_o state_n the_o case_n a_o little_a otherwise_o the_o great_a reason_n he_o assign_v throughout_o his_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n sin_n in_o these_o imposition_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o either_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o positive_o afsert_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o and_o this_o occasion_n a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n to_o prevent_v which_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v in_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o to_o command_v such_o scruple_v and_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n and_o sin_n if_o she_o do_v now_o in_o this_o case_n also_o the_o sin_n and_o guilt_n can_v lie_v but_o on_o one_o side_n for_o if_o the_o dissenter_n notwithstanding_o this_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o conform_v to_o such_o imposition_n than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n upon_o that_o account_n for_o the_o church_n to_o alter_v her_o constitution_n nor_o do_v she_o sin_n in_o impose_v if_o they_o may_v not_o than_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o reject_v such_o imposition_n if_o some_o particular_a governor_n be_v act_v by_o ill_a principle_n this_o contract_v a_o personal_a guilt_n on_o themselves_o but_o it_o neither_o excuse_n dissenter_n nor_o affect_v the_o government_n while_o they_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v and_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o obey_v but_o if_o the_o mere_a scruple_n of_o dissenter_n will_v make_v the_o command_v of_o the_o church_n sinful_a when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o her_o constitution_n but_o that_o disfenter_n will_v not_o obey_v they_o this_o overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o our_o reconciler_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o prove_v both_o these_o proposition_n that_o the_o church_n sin_n in_o impose_v and_o the_o dissenter_n in_o break_v communion_n for_o such_o imposition_n will_v have_v much_o ado_n to_o reconcile_v his_o two_o book_n together_o one_o part_n of_o his_o task_n be_v certain_o needless_a for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o either_o part_n he_o effectual_o do_v the_o business_n if_o he_o can_v convince_v the_o dissenter_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o conform_v to_o these_o imposition_n the_o church_n may_v impose_v without_o sin_n or_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v our_o governor_n that_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o impose_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o deal_v with_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o methinks_v it_o have_v savour_v of_o more_o modesty_n and_o great_a deference_n to_o authority_n to_o have_v try_v his_o skill_n upon_o dissenter_n first_o but_o our_o author_n by_o over_n be_v like_a to_o spoil_v all_o for_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a he_o will_v convince_v dissenter_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v before_o that_o the_o church_n can_v impose_v such_o thing_n from_o whence_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o his_o logic_n they_o will_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v and_o he_o will_v convince_v the_o government_n that_o the_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o conform_v and_o sin_n in_o not_o do_v it_o which_o justify_v their_o imposition_n and_o thus_o he_o end_v just_a where_o he_o begin_v nay_o can_v he_o convince_v the_o church_n that_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o impose_v upon_o dissenter_n while_o their_o scruple_n last_o and_o the_o dissenter_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o scruple_n these_o thing_n nor_o disobey_v they_o when_o they_o be_v command_v we_o may_v expect_v it_o will_v take_v up_o some_o time_n to_o adjust_a the_o dispute_n after_o all_o this_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n which_o of_o they_o shall_v yield_v for_o both_o side_n can_v yield_v unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o church_n must_v leave_v off_o impose_v and_o then_o the_o dissenter_n must_v begin_v to_o obey_v that_o the_o church_n must_v no_o long_o command_v and_o then_o the_o dissenter_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v when_o no_o body_n command_v so_o that_o can_v he_o effectual_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n be_v both_o guilty_a of_o sin_n the_o one_o in_o impose_v the_o other_o in_o refuse_v obedience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reconciliation_n this_o be_v like_a to_o make_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o reconcile_v two_o contend_a party_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o fault_n unless_o you_o can_v propose_v some_o middle_a term_n of_o accommodation_n or_o prove_v that_o though_o they_o be_v both_o
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
of_o the_o cross_n as_o a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o a_o suffer_a religion_n as_o constantine_n make_v the_o cross_a his_o banner_n and_o royal_a standard_n and_o yet_o will_v any_o christian_a refuse_v to_o fight_v under_o a_o general_n who_o bear_v the_o cross_n in_o his_o banner_n if_o you_o say_v that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o civil_a sign_n and_o ceremony_n i_o deny_v it_o and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o religious_a ceremony_n as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n unless_o any_o man_n think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o field_n but_o only_o in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o make_v it_o a_o religious_a ceremony_n either_o upon_o a_o man_n forehead_n or_o in_o the_o emperor_n standard_n be_v that_o it_o be_v do_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n as_o a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o i_o think_v the_o cross_n in_o the_o emperor_n standard_n display_v in_o the_o open_a field_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o pagan_n be_v a_o more_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o cross_n than_o what_o be_v private_o transact_v in_o the_o church_n and_o leave_v no_o visible_a sign_n behind_o it_o and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v not_o as_o much_o scruple_n to_o fight_v under_o such_o a_o visible_a banner_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o to_o receive_v a_o invisible_a sign_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o forehead_n since_o the_o profession_n the_o ceremony_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v numerous_a nor_o too_o familiar_o use_v nor_o upon_o slight_a occasion_n for_o this_o burden_n religion_n and_o make_v they_o degenerate_a into_o superstition_n or_o formality_n but_o our_o church_n have_v retain_v but_o one_o such_o ceremony_n and_o that_o use_v but_o once_o in_o a_o man_n life_n upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a occasion_n in_o the_o world_n at_o our_o admission_n to_o baptism_n and_o it_o argue_v very_o little_a understanding_n in_o our_o reconciler_n to_o reproach_v the_o church_n for_o this_o and_o scornful_o to_o ask_v why_o she_o reject_v cross_v of_o the_o breast_n and_o retain_v cross_v in_o the_o forehead_n 297._o why_o she_o reject_v cross_v at_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o baptismal_a water_n and_o retain_v it_o at_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o infant_n why_o she_o reject_v exorcism_n chrysom_n unction_n dip_v trine_n immersion_n and_o retain_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o do_v not_o become_v i_o to_o censure_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o any_o of_o these_o ceremony_n but_o i_o think_v if_o the_o ancient_a church_n can_v be_v condemn_v for_o these_o thing_n our_o church_n can_v one_o ceremony_n be_v more_o easy_o justify_v than_o twenty_o and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o once_o upon_o a_o very_a solemn_a occasion_n than_o a_o too_o familiar_a use_n especial_o where_o it_o can_v so_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o profess_v sign_n which_o be_v all_o i_o undertake_v for_o the_o only_a objection_n i_o can_v think_v of_o against_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n as_o a_o profess_v sign_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o this_o because_o we_o make_v the_o very_a same_o profession_n at_o our_o baptism_n which_o represent_v and_o signify_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a addition_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o do_v tacit_o charge_v that_o divine_a institution_n with_o defect_n i_o answer_v the_o same_o objection_n for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n may_v have_v be_v make_v against_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v celebrate_v at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n with_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o signify_v that_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o that_o heavenly_a feast_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n but_o our_o union_n to_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o require_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o receive_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a institution_n observe_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n of_o those_o day_n the_o same_o answer_n than_o will_v serve_v for_o both_o that_o christian_a love_n and_o unity_n be_v include_v in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o a_o patient_a suffering_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v to_o signify_v these_o duty_n nor_o do_v they_o signify_v they_o otherwise_o than_o collateral_o and_o consequential_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o these_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o signify_v and_o represent_v a_o duty_n but_o to_o convey_v divine_a blessing_n and_o virtue_n to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o baptism_n which_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o renewal_n of_o pardon_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n where_o we_o feast_v on_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o but_o then_o as_o we_o all_o feast_n on_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n eat_v of_o the_o same_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n this_o consequential_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o natural_a affection_n but_o the_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o great_a a_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o proper_a to_o be_v exercise_v at_o this_o time_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o use_v also_o to_o kiss_v each_o other_o before_o receive_v and_o yet_o not_o direct_o and_o primary_o represent_v in_o this_o holy_a feast_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o think_v it_o any_o derogation_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o appoint_v a_o common_a table_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o eat_v at_o as_o a_o testimony_n and_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n with_o each_o other_o when_o we_o feast_n with_o any_o person_n it_o be_v a_o direct_a signification_n that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o friendship_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o at_o who_o table_n we_o eat_v but_o it_o do_v not_o so_o immediate_o signify_v that_o all_o the_o guest_n who_o eat_v at_o the_o same_o table_n be_v friend_n to_o each_o other_o it_o be_v reasonable_a indeed_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o god_n expect_v and_o require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o none_o be_v welcome_a at_o god_n table_n who_o do_v not_o come_v in_o perfect_a love_n and_o charity_n but_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n supper_n consider_v as_o a_o symbolical_a rite_n do_v not_o primary_o and_o direct_o signify_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o signify_v and_o profess_v this_o by_o a_o common_a table_n where_o christian_n first_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o as_o friend_n and_o have_v thus_o testify_v their_o mutual_a kindness_n to_o each_o other_o they_o be_v the_o better_o prepare_v to_o eat_v together_o at_o the_o table_n of_o their_o common_a lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o receive_v the_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o all_o so_o that_o this_o love-feast_n do_v not_o at_o all_o entrench_v upon_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v institute_v for_o a_o different_a end_n though_o in_o subserviency_n to_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o baptism_n it_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o initiation_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o entitle_v to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n but_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o baptism_n whereby_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v implant_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n death_n do_v not_o primary_o signify_v our_o lay_n down_o our_o life_n for_o christ_n though_o that_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o discipleship_n but_o it_o signify_v our_o new_a birth_n our_o spiritual_a conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n as_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 6_o rom._n and_o therefore_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o make_v such_o a_o express_a condition_n of_o our_o discipleship_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v it_o very_o fit_v to_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o this_o by_o receive_v the_o sign_n
the_o king_n of_o england_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o law_n of_o england_n on_o italy_n or_o spain_n therefore_o he_o must_v not_o make_v law_n for_o england_n neither_o this_o our_o reconciler_n be_v aware_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o preface_n 53._o to_o strengthen_v these_o authority_n he_o ask_v this_o question_n why_o that_o agreement_n in_o fundamental_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v communion_n betwixt_o church_n disagree_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o doctrine_n of_o inferior_a moment_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a also_o to_o preserve_v communion_n among_o those_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n though_o disagree_v in_o like_a matter_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o christian_a church_n which_o do_v thus_o differ_v shall_v be_v receive_v and_o own_v as_o christian_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o be_v because_o these_o difference_n do_v not_o hinder_v their_o be_v real_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o therefore_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o since_o the_o same_o reason_n prove_v the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o who_o differ_v only_o in_o nonfundamentals_a capable_a of_o be_v real_a christian_n and_o so_o of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o christian_a brethren_n i._n e._n person_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n now_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o wonder_v our_o reconciler_n shall_v miss_v it_o for_o 1._o the_o reason_n of_o communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o hope_n one_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v whatever_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o as_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o since_o no_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o another_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o impose_v their_o own_o rule_n of_o discipline_n or_o worship_n upon_o each_o other_o but_o now_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n without_o submit_v to_o its_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n of_o worship_n though_o one_o church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o member_n and_o direct_v she_o own_o worship_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n nor_o decency_n of_o worship_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o worship_n no_o uniformity_n but_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v and_o yet_o 2._o though_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o do_v not_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o own_o church_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o distinct_a church_n shall_v communicate_v with_o each_o other_o and_o conform_v to_o each_o other_o custom_n where_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v present_a it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o two_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o will_v not_o as_o occasion_n serve_v communicate_v together_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o each_o other_o communion_n for_o calvinist_n to_o call_v the_o lutheran_n or_o lutheran_n the_o calvinist_n brethren_n but_o to_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n when_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o each_o other_o church_n this_o be_v not_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o or_o for_o a_o calvinist_n to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n or_o a_o lutheran_n in_o the_o calvinist_n but_o according_a to_o the_o rite_n of_o their_o own_o church_n not_o of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o communicate_v this_o be_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o but_o public_o to_o affront_v each_o other_o the_o only_a principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v so_o far_o to_o allow_v of_o each_o other_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o conform_v when_o occasion_n serve_v to_o such_o indifferent_a custom_n and_o usage_n though_o very_o different_a from_o their_o own_o rather_o than_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o submit_v to_o its_o authority_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n for_o 3._o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o church-communion_n than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a out_o of_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o if_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v he_o a_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o they_o will_v make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o a_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n but_o obedience_n to_o government_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o church-society_n as_o they_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o form_v a_o church-society_n only_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n consider_v as_o a_o systeme_n of_o doctrine_n and_o law_n which_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o observe_v for_o there_o be_v the_o essential_o of_o christian-communion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christian_a religion_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o publish_v the_o gospel_n but_o institute_v a_o church_n and_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o church-society_n lay_v some_o new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o beyond_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o a_o single_a state_n out_o of_o church-society_n but_o to_o return_v though_o this_o learned_a bishop_n do_v not_o urge_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o against_o any_o other_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n neither_o but_o only_o against_o such_o usurp_a authority_n as_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n yet_o this_o argument_n be_v frequent_o allege_v by_o other_o and_o more_o than_o once_o repeat_v by_o our_o reconciler_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o how_o trifle_n it_o be_v appear_v from_o this_o distinction_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n remove_v those_o burden_n which_o be_v on_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o impose_v new_a one_o but_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n lay_v any_o new_a burden_n upon_o man_n do_v she_o require_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a christ_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v celebrate_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o the_o minister_n shall_v perform_v all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o reverend_a manner_n and_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o more_o do_v she_o institute_v any_o ceremony_n except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o profess_v sign_n and_o relate_v to_o no_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v think_v decent_a to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n but_o what_o be_v decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o be_v decency_n than_o a_o new_a burden_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o impose_v on_o his_o disciple_n be_v decency_n a_o unnecessary_a or_o unreasonable_a thing_n do_v christ_n leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n then_o whether_o his_o disciple_n shall_v worship_v god_n decent_o or_o not_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n and_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n put_v another_o jewish_a yoke_n on_o the_o disciple_n neck_n be_v there_o any_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o have_v the_o least_o affinity_n with_o the_o jewish_a yoke_n do_v christ_n when_o he_o abrogate_a the_o jewish_a law_n abrogate_v all_o decency_n
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
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
of_o st._n paul_n make_v some_o proposal_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o scrupulous_a person_n with_o reference_n to_o these_o ceremony_n what_o thanks_o have_v he_o for_o it_o how_o many_o bitter_a invective_n be_v write_v against_o he_o and_o can_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o then_o that_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o ceremony_n will_v cure_v our_o division_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o why_o do_v he_o urge_v the_o evil_a and_o mischief_n of_o division_n to_o persuade_v the_o church_n to_o part_v with_o these_o ceremony_n whatever_o other_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v to_o part_v with_o these_o ceremony_n the_o cure_n of_o division_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n when_o we_o certain_o know_v beforehand_o that_o this_o will_v not_o cure_v they_o unless_o he_o think_v the_o church_n bind_v to_o act_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o he_o himself_o and_o every_o body_n else_o know_v to_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o reason_n for_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o do_v it_o but_o because_o our_o reconciler_n attempt_v to_o say_v something_o to_o this_o in_o his_o ten_o chapter_n i_o shall_v follow_v he_o thither_o 326._o his_o first_o objection_n be_v that_o the_o church_n will_v gain_v little_a by_o such_o a_o indulgence_n and_o this_o i_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a let_v we_o hear_v then_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o and_o 1._o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o superior_n to_o condescend_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n rather_o than_o to_o debar_v man_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o thing_n unnecessary_a and_o which_o they_o nowhere_o be_v command_v to_o impose_v and_o if_o so_o let_v we_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o commit_v the_o event_n to_o god_n now_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v that_o he_o have_v prove_v this_o and_o have_v in_o part_n already_o and_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v before_o i_o have_v do_v that_o he_o have_v not_o prove_v it_o but_o 2._o suppose_v he_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n to_o condescend_v in_o such_o matter_n when_o they_o can_v do_v any_o good_a by_o their_o condescension_n have_v he_o prove_v also_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o condescend_v when_o they_o know_v they_o can_v do_v no_o good_a by_o it_o when_o these_o division_n will_v not_o be_v cure_v by_o such_o condescension_n which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n the_o gain_n of_o some_o very_o few_o proselyte_n will_v not_o countervail_v the_o mischief_n of_o alter_v public_a constitution_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o reasonable_a to_o condescend_v to_o such_o alteration_n when_o we_o can_v propose_v any_o great_a and_o public_a good_a by_o do_v it_o ii_o our_o reconciler_n answer_v 327._o suppose_v that_o we_o by_o yield_v in_o these_o matter_n shall_v not_o reduce_v one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n yet_o shall_v we_o take_v off_o their_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n and_o leave_v they_o nothing_o which_o can_v be_v rational_o offer_v as_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n or_o accusation_n of_o our_o proceed_n against_o they_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o our_o dissenter_n despise_v this_o reconciler_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o plausible_a pretence_n nor_o rational_a ground_n of_o separation_n but_o the_o dispute_n about_o ceremony_n what_o pretence_n then_o have_v the_o dissenter_n in_o scotland_n where_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v impose_v and_o be_v they_o more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a or_o less_o clamorous_a in_o their_o complaint_n than_o our_o dissenter_n in_o england_n for_o who_o sake_n shall_v the_o church_n make_v this_o experiment_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o own_o order_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o dissenter_n and_o what_o charity_n be_v it_o to_o they_o to_o discover_v their_o obstinacy_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o render_v they_o more_o inexcusable_a to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v it_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o the_o dissenter_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o peevish_a and_o obstinate_a schismatic_n who_o will_v make_v division_n without_o any_o just_a pretence_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o we_o know_v this_o already_o we_o know_v they_o have_v no_o rational_a ground_n for_o their_o separation_n though_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o remove_v or_o do_v we_o think_v to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o escape_v their_o reproach_n and_o censure_n as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o a_o schismatic_a or_o make_v he_o blush_v those_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v schismatic_n will_v always_o find_v something_o to_o say_v for_o it_o and_o let_v they_o talk_v on_o the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v defend_v her_o constitution_n with_o more_o reason_n than_o dissenter_n reproach_n they_o iii_o however_o he_o say_v this_o will_v entire_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o laity_n 330._o and_o if_o they_o be_v gain_v their_o preacher_n must_v follow_v but_o who_o tell_v he_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a mr._n baxter_n often_o complain_v that_o their_o laity_n be_v so_o headstrong_a and_o stubborn_a that_o they_o can_v govern_v they_o and_o in_o all_o my_o observation_n i_o find_v that_o they_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o schism_n as_o zealous_a against_o liturgy_n and_o bishop_n as_o obstinate_o addict_v to_o the_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o party_n as_o their_o preacher_n be_v though_o i_o be_o of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n that_o their_o preacher_n will_v soon_o follow_v their_o people_n to_o church_n than_o the_o people_n their_o preacher_n but_o with_o what_o face_n can_v our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o these_o ceremony_n chief_o debar_v the_o laity_n from_o full_a communion_n with_o we_o when_o every_o one_o know_v the_o contrary_a they_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o notwithstanding_o these_o ceremony_n when_o they_o please_v and_o when_o they_o can_v serve_v any_o interest_n by_o it_o and_o their_o preacher_n can_v give_v they_o leave_v to_o do_v so_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o admirable_a reason_n for_o alter_v the_o establish_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n to_o gratify_v such_o humoursome_a schismatic_n who_o can_v conform_v when_o they_o please_v iv._o he_o add_v they_o who_o at_o first_o dissent_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n declare_v they_o do_v it_o pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n i._n e._n the_o ceremony_n still_o use_v among_o we_o this_o now_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o history_n for_o the_o first_o dislike_n that_o be_v take_v against_o our_o church_n be_v for_o the_o square_a cap_n and_o tippet_n and_o some_o episcopal_a habit_n which_o be_v not_o talk_v of_o in_o our_o day_n and_o some_o of_o which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o university_n without_o scruple_n in_o the_o late_a bless_a time_n of_o reformation_n but_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v never_o scruple_v till_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o former_a heat_n at_o francford_n during_o the_o marian_n persecution_n 4._o and_o these_o man_n indeed_o do_v dissent_v as_o our_o reconciler_n express_v it_o that_o be_v they_o express_v their_o dislike_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v upon_o it_o the_o first_o that_o make_v any_o step_n to_o separation_n set_v up_o other_o pretence_n complain_v for_o want_n of_o a_o right_a ministry_n 25._o a_o right_a government_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o right_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o our_o separatist_n at_o this_o day_n well_o but_o suppose_v what_o he_o say_v to_o be_v true_a what_o reason_n be_v this_o for_o alter_v our_o ceremony_n at_o this_o day_n will_v our_o separatist_n conform_v now_o if_o these_o ceremony_n be_v take_v away_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v but_o we_o shall_v gain_v this_o by_o it_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o the_o old_a dissent_v protestant_n as_o if_o any_o man_n but_o a_o reconciler_n be_v to_o learn_v that_o now_o when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o often_o prove_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o themselves_o scorn_v and_o huff_v at_o the_o argument_n and_o will_v not_o have_v the_o old_a puritan_n make_v a_o precedent_n for_o they_o v._o in_o the_o treaty_n at_o the_o savoy_n the_o abatement_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o disputable_a passage_n in_o the_o liturgy_n be_v all_o that_o be_v contend_v for_o that_o be_v he_o mean_v the_o dispute_n go_v no_o far_o but_o if_o they_o have_v gain_v these_o point_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v hear_v more_o of_o they_o i_o be_o sure_a whoever_o read_v their_o petition_n for_o peace_n will_v find_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o mr._n baxter_n
late_a plea_n for_o peace_n that_o so_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v he_o so_o very_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o as_o some_o man_n do_v but_o do_v they_o plead_v only_o for_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o disputable_a passage_n in_o the_o liturgy_n when_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o draw_v up_o a_o new_a liturgy_n it_o seem_v they_o will_v first_o have_v reform_v a_o liturgy_n for_o we_o and_o then_o have_v have_v liberty_n to_o have_v use_v a_o better_a themselves_o and_o to_o have_v be_v at_o their_o liberty_n too_o whether_o they_o will_v have_v use_v it_o or_o not_o what_o if_o mr._n baxter_n and_o his_o brethren_n impose_v upon_o their_o prince_n with_o a_o pretend_a zeal_n for_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o they_o pretend_v still_o as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n as_o the_o great_a incendiary_n in_o church_n and_o state_n common_o do_v and_o with_o a_o equivocal_a use_n of_o the_o name_n episcopacy_n when_o we_o all_o know_v what_o bishop_n they_o mean_v not_o diocesan_n but_o a_o new_a baxterian_a invention_n of_o parochial_a bishop_n though_o these_o pretence_n at_o first_o be_v plausible_a yet_o the_o king_n and_o the_o parliament_n soon_o discover_v what_o they_o will_v be_v at_o and_o it_o be_v modest_o do_v of_o our_o reconciler_n to_o allege_v the_o king_n declaration_n when_o the_o king_n have_v since_o that_o more_o authentical_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o his_o judgement_n of_o these_o matter_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o he_o further_o add_v moreover_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o dr._n burnet_n and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n hales_n that_o dr._n bates_n dr._n manton_n and_o mr._n baxter_n confer_v with_o the_o bishop_n of_o chester_n and_o dr._n burton_n at_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o lord_n keeper_n bridgman_n come_v to_o a_o agreement_n draw_v up_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o act_n by_o my_o lord_n chief_a justice_n to_o every_o word_n of_o which_o they_o consent_v whereupon_o mr._n baxter_n query_n whether_o after_o such_o agreement_n it_o be_v ingenuity_n to_o say_v we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o will_v have_v i_o will_v give_v all_o the_o money_n in_o my_o pocket_n to_o see_v this_o act_n to_o every_o word_n of_o which_o all_o these_o person_n can_v consent_v but_o till_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o may_v with_o ingenuity_n enough_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o will_v have_v and_o i_o be_o still_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o do_v it_o know_v neither_o but_o what_o if_o these_o three_o man_n do_v consent_n to_o such_o a_o act_n be_v they_o constitute_v the_o representatives_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o nonconformist_n can_v they_o undertake_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n shall_v consent_v too_o or_o must_v the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o alter_v her_o constitution_n at_o the_o instigation_n of_o some_o few_o busy_a undertake_v dissenter_n but_o since_o this_o story_n be_v so_o often_o allege_v i_o will_v free_o tell_v what_o i_o know_v of_o it_o from_o dr._n burton_n own_o mouth_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n have_v meet_v with_o this_o story_n in_o some_o of_o mr._n baxter_n write_n for_o he_o have_v tell_v it_o more_o than_o once_o and_o go_v to_o visit_v dr._n burton_n at_o his_o house_n at_o bar●es_n and_o find_v he_o alone_o among_o other_o discourse_n i_o tell_v he_o how_o often_o mr._n baxter_n use_v his_o name_n in_o such_o a_o story_n and_o i_o think_v it_o concern_v he_o to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v represent_v to_o his_o disadvantage_n i_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o can_v remember_v what_o the_o term_n of_o accommodation_n be_v or_o whether_o he_o have_v any_o paper_n about_o it_o he_o tell_v i_o he_o do_v not_o remember_v particular_o what_o the_o term_n be_v but_o he_o believe_v he_o have_v his_o paper_n still_o though_o he_o can_v not_o at_o present_a tell_v where_o to_o find_v they_o but_o will_v look_v for_o they_o and_o show_v they_o i_o if_o he_o can_v find_v they_o i_o desire_v he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o he_o remember_v about_o the_o management_n of_o that_o affair_n and_o he_o give_v i_o this_o relation_n of_o it_o that_o when_o he_o be_v chaplain_n to_o my_o lord_n keeper_n bridgman_n my_o lord_n be_v very_o zealous_a to_o bring_v the_o presbyterian_a dissenter_n into_o the_o church_n and_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n very_o seasible_a and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o do_v procure_v a_o meeting_n between_o the_o bishop_n of_o chester_n and_o mr._n baxter_n and_o some_o other_o and_o command_v he_o to_o attend_v they_o which_o as_o be_v his_o chaplain_n he_o can_v not_o refuse_v but_o beside_o this_o my_o lord_n draw_v up_o some_o proposal_n of_o a_o limit_a indulgence_n for_o the_o independent_n who_o as_o he_o easy_o foresee_v can_v not_o be_v comprehend_v in_o any_o national_a establishment_n and_o send_v for_o dr._n owen_n and_o some_o other_o of_o that_o party_n to_o discourse_v they_o about_o it_o they_o thank_v his_o lordship_n for_o his_o kindness_n to_o they_o and_o desire_v some_o time_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o proposal_n and_o after_o some_o few_o day_n they_o return_v to_o my_o lord_n again_o and_o renew_v their_o thanks_o to_o his_o lordship_n and_o glad_o accept_v of_o the_o term_n and_o do_v solemn_o declare_v that_o if_o these_o term_n may_v be_v grant_v they_o they_o will_v acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o never_o give_v the_o least_o disturbance_n to_o the_o government_n all_o this_o while_n the_o conference_n with_o mr._n baxter_n and_o his_o brethren_n go_v on_o and_o in_o short_a they_o can_v come_v to_o no_o agreement_n insomuch_o that_o he_o say_v my_o lord_n tell_v he_o in_o the_o great_a passion_n that_o ever_o he_o see_v he_o in_o these_o man_n mean_v the_o independent_n from_o who_o i_o expect_v the_o least_o compliance_n thank-ful_o accept_v the_o term_n propose_v but_o the_o other_o presbyterian_o mr._n baxter_n and_o his_o brethren_n who_o i_o believe_v most_o ready_a to_o promote_v such_o a_o peaceable_a design_n will_v never_o agree_v in_o any_o thing_n and_o i_o will_v never_o have_v more_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o thus_o that_o conference_n wherein_o dr._n burton_n be_v concern_v end_v without_o any_o effect_n whether_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v towards_o a_o accommodation_n at_o other_o time_n or_o by_o other_o hand_n he_o know_v not_o but_o at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o be_v concern_v which_o mr._n baxter_n make_v the_o time_n of_o form_v this_o act_n there_o be_v nothing_o agree_v on_o i_o press_v he_o earnest_o to_o search_v for_o his_o paper_n and_o to_o make_v this_o story_n public_a for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o decease_a bishop_n and_o his_o own_o reputation_n but_o i_o never_o see_v he_o again_o till_o i_o find_v he_o upon_o his_o deathbed_n which_o be_v about_o a_o fortnight_n after_o i_o have_v this_o discourse_n with_o he_o and_o now_o let_v our_o reconciler_n make_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o this_o story_n 2._o another_o thing_n whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o ineffectual_a this_o condescension_n he_o plead_v for_o will_v be_v to_o cure_v our_o division_n be_v this_o that_o shall_v we_o grant_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o unity_n 331._o dissenter_n will_v only_o be_v encourage_v by_o these_o concession_n to_o ask_v more_o and_o we_o shall_v never_o know_v where_o their_o demand_n will_v end_v till_o they_o have_v rob_v we_o of_o the_o whole_a church-government_n and_o do_v not_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o late_a time_n manifest_o confirm_v this_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o yield_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o those_o man_n who_o we_o know_v beforehand_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o nothing_o but_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n think_v he_o can_v persuade_v man_n out_o of_o their_o sense_n for_o 1._o say_v he_o be_v not_o the_o power_n in_o your_o own_o hand_n to_o grant_v or_o refuse_v as_o you_o shall_v see_v expedient_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o your_o whole_a ministry_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n yes_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v and_o the_o church_n have_v grant_v what_o she_o think_v expedient_a which_o shall_v satisfy_v our_o reconciler_n do_v he_o not_o think_v himself_o wise_a than_o the_o church_n for_o if_o he_o will_v own_v the_o power_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o she_o must_v stop_v somewhere_o whatever_o division_n it_o occasion_n she_o must_v
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
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
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
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
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
one_o another_o throat_n this_o be_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v that_o be_v among_o schismatic_n and_o dissenter_n but_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o love_n and_o peace_n as_o make_v the_o church_n one_o for_o that_o consist_v in_o one_o communion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v have_v where_o man_n differ_v in_o the_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o every_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v quest._n 11._o if_o a_o patient_n will_v not_o take_v a_o medicine_n from_o one_o man_n hand_n whether_o will_v not_o a_o good_a physician_n consent_n that_o another_o shall_v give_v it_o he_o whether_o will_v the_o merciful_a father_n let_v the_o infant_n famish_v that_o will_v take_v food_n from_o none_o but_o his_o mother_n and_o if_o the_o people_n culpable_o will_v hear_v no_o other_o but_o dissenter_n be_v it_o better_a to_o let_v they_o hear_v none_o at_o all_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v preach_v to_o they_o ans._n now_o i_o will_v ask_v our_o reconciler_n one_o question_v why_o all_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v as_o well_o in_o civil_a as_o ecclesiastical_a government_n if_o the_o people_n culpable_o will_v be_v govern_v not_o by_o a_o king_n and_o parliament_n but_o by_o some_o select_a and_o trusty_a member_n of_o a_o house_n of_o commons_o or_o by_o another_o oliver_n be_v it_o better_o these_o poor_a people_n shall_v be_v without_o any_o government_n than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o rebel_n or_o a_o new_a model_v commonwealth_n now_o here_o be_v a_o excellent_a argument_n to_o persuade_v the_o king_n out_o of_o great_a charity_n to_o his_o people_n to_o resign_v up_o the_o government_n and_o let_v they_o choose_v their_o own_o governor_n though_o i_o be_o afraid_a then_o they_o will_v be_v canton_v into_o as_o many_o little_a independent_a kingdom_n as_o there_o be_v now_o independent_a pastor_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v his_o comparison_n he_o say_v if_o a_o patient_n will_v not_o receive_v a_o medicine_n from_o one_o man_n hand_n whether_o will_v not_o a_o good_a physician_n consent_n that_o another_o man_n shall_v give_v it_o he_o yes_o why_o not_o so_o long_o as_o the_o physician_n prescribe_v the_o physic_n but_o will_v such_o a_o physician_n suffer_v such_o a_o humoursome_a patient_n can_v he_o hinder_v it_o to_o go_v to_o a_o quack_n or_o a_o mountebank_n or_o to_o take_v physic_n very_o hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a to_o he_o i_o believe_v the_o college_n of_o physician_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n who_o have_v be_v as_o industrious_a to_o suppress_v such_o quack_n as_o the_o church_n have_v be_v to_o silence_n dissenter_n but_o whether_o will_v the_o merciful_a father_n let_v the_o infant_n famish_v that_o will_v take_v food_n from_o none_o but_o his_o mother_n but_o suppose_v he_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o a_o strumpet_n as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o mother_n what_o will_v the_o father_n do_v in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v a_o pretty_a insinuation_n this_o that_o dissent_v preacher_n be_v the_o true_a mother_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o pardonable_a in_o the_o people_n to_o long_o after_o they_o but_o be_v not_o our_o reconciler_n a_o great_a politician_n who_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o public_a government_n shall_v humour_v subject_n as_o a_o physician_n do_v a_o sick_a patient_n or_o a_o indulgent_a father_n a_o froward_a child_n that_o the_o hospital_n or_o the_o nursery_n shall_v be_v the_o best_a platform_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o now_o our_o reconciler_n speak_v out_o and_o in_o downright_a term_n plead_v for_o the_o toleration_n of_o dissent_v preacher_n that_o the_o people_n may_v have_v somebody_o to_o hear_v and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o let_v they_o hear_v they_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v none_o at_o all_o but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o either_o that_o i_o know_v of_o for_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v other_o excellent_a preacher_n to_o hear_v though_o the_o dissenter_n be_v never_o to_o preach_v more_o and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n that_o those_o people_n who_o have_v such_o itch_a ear_n shall_v ever_o grow_v so_o sullen_a as_o to_o hear_v none_o at_o all_o when_o they_o can_v hear_v who_o they_o will_v they_o will_v hear_v who_o they_o can_v and_o by_o hear_v wise_a and_o honest_a instruction_n may_v in_o time_n grow_v wise_a themselves_o which_o i_o suspect_v some_o man_n be_v afraid_a of_o whatever_o our_o reconciler_n be_v these_o query_n our_o author_n have_v borrow_v from_o mr._n baxter_n and_o make_v they_o his_o own_o by_o his_o approbation_n of_o they_o and_o now_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o mr._n barret_n have_v offer_v many_o question_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n 20●_n which_o he_o be_v slow_a of_o understanding_n which_o i_o believe_v the_o reader_n by_o this_o time_n will_v take_v his_o word_n for_o can_v answer_v to_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o great_a fright_n cry_v out_o passionate_o for_o help_v man_n of_o israel_n help_n and_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o help_v he_o out_o here_o too_o q._n 1._o may_v not_o conformist_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v forbear_v those_o needless_a imposition_n which_o they_o very_o well_o know_v will_v be_v so_o needless_a and_o burdensome_a to_o many_o be_v ever_o schism_n make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n of_o and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n value_v at_o so_o low_a a_o rate_n that_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o other_o the_o impose_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o not_o necessary_a in_o their_o own_o judgement_n but_o thing_n doubtful_a and_o unlawful_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o may_v not_o be_v forbear_v etc._n ans._n this_o i_o have_v sufficient_o answer_v already_o in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o savoy-commissioner_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o add_v here_o that_o it_o do_v become_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o secure_v the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o know_v a_o great_a many_o man_n will_v be_v offend_v at_o it_o and_o turn_v schismatic_n and_o when_o man_n quarrel_v with_o those_o ceremony_n which_o have_v be_v ancient_o receive_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o schismatical_a principle_n as_o equal_o overthrow_v all_o decent_a and_o orderly_a constitution_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o regard_n have_v to_o they_o nor_o any_o alteration_n make_v upon_o their_o account_n when_o these_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v retain_v in_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o superstitious_a use_n in_o the_o reformation_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o they_o be_v scruple_v by_o no_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n foresee_v that_o they_o will_v be_v scruple_v and_o as_o for_o the_o happy_a resettlement_n of_o the_o church_n under_o our_o present_a gracious_a sovereign_n who_o god_n long_o preserve_v to_o which_o i_o suppose_v mr._n barret_n and_o our_o reconciler_n refer_v it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o justify_v the_o late_a horrid_a schism_n and_o rebellion_n by_o yield_v to_o the_o unjust_a clamour_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v by_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n once_o already_o overturn_v both_o church_n and_o state_n such_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o chastise_v not_o indulge_v q._n 2._o whether_o they_o pray_v as_o they_o ought_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v or_o whether_o indeed_o they_o act_v not_o against_o their_o own_o prayer_n who_o endeavour_n to_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o make_v these_o unnecessary_a thing_n the_o condition_n of_o so_o do_v let_v we_o bring_v the_o case_n before_o our_o supreme_a and_o final_a judge_n and_o bethink_v yourself_o whether_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n he_o will_v most_o likely_a have_v regard_n unto_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n which_o he_o buy_v with_o his_o blood_n or_o the_o preserve_n inviolate_a certain_a humane_a institution_n and_o rule_n confess_v by_o the_o deviser_n of_o they_o not_o to_o be_v necessary_a ans._n as_o for_o their_o be_v confess_v not_o to_o be_v necessary_a that_o have_v be_v often_o enough_o answer_v already_o and_o as_o for_o his_o appeal_n to_o the_o final_a judgement_n we_o be_v very_o well_o content_v with_o that_o as_o be_v satisfy_v that_o no_o popular_a cant_n will_v pass_v currant_n there_o that_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v evident_a to_o sense_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o preach_v and_o i_o hope_v to_o better_a purpose_n than_o in_o the_o late_a day_n of_o rebellion_n and_o as_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n it_o signify_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o
duty_n but_o the_o power_n of_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o the_o power_n of_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o power_n as_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o office_n be_v a_o trust_n and_o a_o duty_n the_o prudent_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o when_o they_o please_v either_o part_n with_o the_o power_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n be_v content_v to_o part_v with_o the_o temporal_a reward_n of_o his_o ministry_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o successful_o discharge_v the_o ministry_n itself_o therefore_o church-governor_n must_v not_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o humour_n dissenter_n st._n paul_n do_v more_o than_o his_o strict_a duty_n require_v that_o he_o may_v have_v something_o to_o glory_n in_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v neglect_v their_o duty_n and_o lose_v their_o reward_n indeed_o our_o reconciler_n talk_v as_o if_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v only_o a_o personal_a right_n a_o compliment_n to_o church-governor_n a_o ornamental_a power_n which_o they_o may_v use_v or_o may_v let_v alone_o as_o they_o please_v and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v present_o be_v of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n but_o i_o believe_v they_o have_v no_o such_o kind_n of_o useless_a authority_n as_o this_o christ_n have_v not_o complemented_a his_o minister_n with_o any_o power_n which_o be_v not_o for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o useful_a power_n and_o that_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v when_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o whoever_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o another_o reason_n why_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospsl_n free_o at_o corinth_n he_o give_v we_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 12_o 13._o what_o i_o do_v that_o i_o will_v do_v that_o i_o may_v cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o wherein_o they_o glory_v they_o may_v be_v find_v even_o as_o we_o for_o such_o be_v false_a apostle_n deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o there_o be_v several_a false_a teacher_n who_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o and_o use_v all_o manner_n of_o art_n to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o among_o other_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o to_o they_o only_o as_o they_o pretend_v out_o of_o love_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o very_a popular_a art_n especial_o to_o that_o people_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o to_o they_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o be_v to_o disappoint_v those_o art_n of_o deceit_n whereby_o these_o false_a teacher_n endeavour_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o that_o wherein_o they_o glory_v they_o may_v be_v find_v even_o as_o we_o that_o whereas_o they_o glory_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o this_o may_v give_v they_o no_o advantage_n since_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o myself_o have_v all_o along_o do_v and_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v our_o reconciler_n paraphrase_v these_o word_n thus_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o be_v lest_o his_o enemy_n shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o his_o liberty_n to_o charge_n 138._o or_o to_o traduce_v he_o as_o one_o who_o more_o consult_v his_o own_o profit_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o occasion_n have_v there_o be_v for_o this_o though_o he_o have_v take_v wage_n of_o they_o as_o he_o say_v he_o do_v of_o other_o church_n to_o supply_v his_o necessity_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a notwithstanding_o that_o he_o do_v exact_v nothing_o from_o they_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n for_o certain_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v the_o supply_n of_o his_o want_n without_o be_v charge_v with_o covetousness_n but_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o suffer_v these_o false_a prophet_n by_o a_o pretend_a and_o hypocritical_a zeal_n to_o outdo_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n now_o the_o apostle_n care_n to_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o false_a teacher_n be_v a_o good_a example_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n not_o to_o do_v so_o neither_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v give_v they_o great_a advantage_n than_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o order_n and_o decency_n to_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n well_o but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n do_v 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 of_o poor_a soul_n from_o damn_v schism_n and_o the_o church_n from_o sad_a division_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v very_o spiteful_a but_o very_o foolish_a insinuation_n as_o for_o schism_n and_o division_n we_o have_v already_o consider_v where_o that_o charge_n must_v rest_v and_o then_o how_o do_v ceremony_n come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v the_o appointment_n of_o some_o ceremony_n for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n hinder_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n can_v man_n be_v save_v who_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n then_o indeed_o our_o reconciler_n may_v well_o complain_v that_o those_o who_o impose_v such_o damn_v ceremony_n have_v more_o regard_n to_o a_o ceremony_n than_o to_o a_o immortal_a soul_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n between_o ceremony_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v schismatic_n for_o a_o ceremony_n will_v be_v schismatic_n without_o it_o and_o will_v be_v damn_v for_o their_o schism_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o ceremony_n or_o not_o all_o that_o remain_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v his_o answer_n to_o meisner_n argument_n which_o i_o have_v already_o consider_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o purpose_n chap._n vii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o motive_n to_o mutual_a condescension_n urge_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n i_o find_v nothing_o in_o this_o chapter_n beside_o some_o harangue_n and_o popular_a declamation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v already_o the_o whole_a proceed_v upon_o those_o general_a topic_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o these_o thing_n the_o danger_n man_n soul_n be_v in_o by_o these_o imposition_n the_o obligation_n to_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v particular_o discourse_v above_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v particular_o examine_v but_o however_o i_o will_v brief_o try_v whether_o i_o can_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o all_o this_o which_o may_v be_v as_o popular_a as_o his_o objection_n be_v i._o his_o first_o argument_n or_o motive_n be_v from_o consider_v how_o small_a the_o thing_n be_v which_o cause_n our_o discord_n and_o division_n 166._o when_o they_o be_v set_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o love_n peace_n and_o the_o church_n union_n and_o edification_n and_o the_o avoid_v the_o offence_n and_o scandal_n of_o jew_n gentile_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o very_o pompous_o prove_v to_o be_v great_a gospel-duty_n now_o suppose_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v never_o so_o small_a if_o they_o be_v of_o any_o use_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n as_o our_o reconciler_n own_v they_o be_v what_o will_v he_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o little_a thing_n must_v not_o be_v enjoin_v what_o not_o when_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o enjoin_v they_o do_v christ_n then_o give_v any_o authority_n to_o his_o church_n which_o she_o must_v not_o use_v must_v nothing_o be_v enjoin_v which_o be_v little_a in_o comparison_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n or_o must_v they_o be_v enjoin_v and_o leave_v indifferent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n must_v the_o church_n appoint_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o command_v no_o body_n to_o observe_v they_o but_o those_o who_o please_v in_o all_o well-governed_a society_n there_n must_v be_v law_n about_o little_a as_o well_o as_o about_o great_a thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v the_o least_o matter_n both_o in_o
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