be_v not_o so_o much_o behold_v to_o he_o but_o the_o present_a clergy_n be_v as_o little_a to_o who_o he_o have_v by_o very_o broad_a sign_n and_o intimation_n apply_v theophylact_n observation_n upon_o the_o text_n that_o our_o lord_n complain_v the_o labourer_n be_v but_o few_o because_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o present_a labourer_n not_o only_o do_v not_o profit_n but_o do_v hurt_v the_o people_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o good_a pastor_n to_o be_v merciful-towards_a they_o he_o know_v very_o well_o this_o objection_n oâ—_n the_o paucity_n of_o labourer_n can_v not_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o who_o have_v such_o a_o numerous_a clergy_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v room_n for_o dissenter_n he_o fair_o insinuate_v that_o the_o present_a minister_n do_v no_o good_a but_o hurt_n such_o a_o impudent_a calumny_n as_o need_v no_o confutation_n and_o let_v other_o consider_v what_o censure_n it_o deserve_v iv._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o our_o saviour_n command_n 51._o not_o to_o scandalize_v or_o despise_v little_a one_o 18_o mat._n where_o by_o little_a one_o he_o understand_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o well_o instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n or_o mistake_v in_o it_o though_o very_o obstinate_a and_o peremptory_a in_o their_o mistake_n for_o so_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o will_v apply_v it_o to_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n and_o by_o scandalize_a offend_a or_o despise_v they_o he_o understand_v do_v any_o action_n which_o occasion_n their_o ruin_n and_o thus_o he_o tâ—inks_v church-governor_n fall_v under_o this_o woe_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o offend_v these_o little_a one_o when_o they_o impose_v such_o ceremony_n which_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o which_o occasion_n the_o schism_n and_o consequent_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o weak_a brother_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o want_v argument_n who_o have_v such_o a_o admirable_a faculty_n not_o at_o find_v but_o make_v they_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o remote_a from_o our_o saviour_n intention_n in_o these_o word_n than_o such_o a_o inference_n as_o this_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o little_a one_o our_o saviour_n understand_v those_o who_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o modest_a who_o be_v as_o void_a of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o earthly_a ambition_n as_o a_o little_a child_n as_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v to_o correct_v the_o ambition_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o a_o little_a child_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o they_o for_o their_o imitation_n thus_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o st._n jerom_n expound_v the_o word_n though_o the_o latter_a observe_v also_o that_o those_o who_o be_v scandalize_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n also_o little_a one_o for_o great_a and_o strong_a christian_n will_v not_o receive_v scandal_n that_o be_v though_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a etc._n etc._n yet_o these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o so_o well_o root_v and_o confirm_v in_o they_o but_o that_o the_o ill_a usage_n they_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n may_v turn_v they_o out_o of_o their_o bias_n and_o occasion_n their_o fall_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o dissenter_n who_o be_v neither_o in_o one_o sense_n nor_o other_o little_a one_o who_o neither_o have_v the_o modesty_n humility_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o child_n nor_o their_o soft_a and_o ductile_a nature_n but_o be_v stiff_a and_o inflexible_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o conceit_n that_o they_o will_v neither_o hearken_v to_o reason_n nor_o yield_v to_o conviction_n 〈◊〉_d 2._o to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v these_o little_a one_o st._n chrysostom_n tell_v we_o be_v to_o dishonour_n to_o reproach_n to_o vilify_v they_o to_o despise_v they_o as_o it_o be_v express_v v._n 10._o which_o as_o he_o observe_v be_v a_o great_a temptation_n and_o scandal_n to_o man_n of_o weak_a mind_n our_o reconciler_n observe_v that_o st._n jerom_n say_v we_o be_v say_v to_o scandalize_v when_o by_o our_o action_n we_o give_v occasion_n to_o their_o ruin_n i_o find_v no_o such_o say_n in_o st._n jerom_n upon_o the_o place_n but_o however_o the_o say_n be_v a_o very_a good_a one_o if_o we_o apply_v it_o right_n to_o action_n of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o which_o both_o st._n jerom_n and_o st._n chrysostom_n speak_v which_o be_v apt_a to_o spoil_v this_o good_a temper_n of_o mind_n when_o man_n see_v themselves_o only_o scorn_v and_o deride_v for_o it_o and_o expose_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o violence_n and_o injury_n this_o be_v the_o usual_a reward_n of_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n secure_v these_o little_a one_o from_o contempt_n by_o denounce_v severe_a woe_n against_o those_o who_o offer_v it_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o church_n which_o offer_v no_o contempt_n to_o the_o mean_a christian_n much_o less_o to_o man_n of_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n she_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o of_o the_o rich_a and_o despise_v no_o man_n who_o have_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v save_v and_o will_v submit_v to_o wise_a instruction_n must_v the_o church_n be_v charge_v with_o scandalize_a little_a one_o because_o she_o will_v not_o renounce_v she_o own_o authority_n nor_o suffer_v these_o little_a one_o to_o give_v law_n to_o she_o certain_o our_o saviour_n never_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n and_o upon_o this_o very_a occasion_n he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n even_o in_o the_o point_n of_o scandal_n and_o command_v we_o not_o to_o converse_v with_o those_o man_n who_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o her_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o 18._o shall_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thâ—u_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o or_o two_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n but_o of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n our_o reconciler_n have_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o discourse_v more_o in_o another_o place_n v._o his_o next_o argument_n be_v as_o wise_a as_o the_o rest_n he_o tell_v we_o 13._o our_o lord_n denounce_v woe_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n because_o they_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n but_o he_o shall_v have_v add_v the_o whole_a verse_n for_o you_o neither_o go_v in_o yourselves_o neither_o suffer_v you_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o go_v in_o st._n jerom_n expound_v this_o two_o way_n 1._o they_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n by_o hinder_v their_o belief_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o will_v neither_o believe_v themselves_o nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o believe_v who_o be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o it_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o true_a exposition_n of_o the_o word_n but_o then_o he_o add_v 2._o that_o these_o teacher_n and_o rabbi_n may_v be_v say_v to_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o scandalize_v their_o disciple_n with_o their_o wicked_a life_n that_o be_v who_o tempt_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o their_o example_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o dispute_n about_o ceremony_n do_v the_o imposition_n of_o ceremony_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n shut_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n can_v none_o be_v save_v then_o who_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n about_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o no_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n christ_n condemn_v the_o pharisee_n for_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n our_o reconciler_n draw_v up_o the_o same_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n because_o some_o man_n take_v unjust_a offence_n against_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o her_o worship_n and_o will_v not_o enter_v though_o she_o use_v all_o manner_n of_o entreaties_n and_o argument_n and_o wise_a art_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o enter_v
of_o the_o cross_n on_o their_o forehead_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n which_o do_v no_o more_o derogate_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o baptism_n than_o their_o form_n of_o renounce_v the_o devil_n with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o west_n and_o spit_v at_o he_o those_o constant_a persecution_n which_o in_o those_o day_n attend_v christianity_n make_v this_o a_o very_a useful_a and_o necessary_a ceremony_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o no_o christian_n in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o scruple_v to_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n on_o their_o forehead_n but_o those_o who_o think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o can_v as_o profane_o scoff_n at_o a_o suffer_a religion_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v at_o a_o crucify_a christ_n none_o but_o those_o who_o profess_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n for_o christ_n and_o never_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o suffer_v but_o when_o they_o want_v strength_n and_o power_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o which_o â—ives_n little_a encouragement_n to_o christian_a prince_n to_o part_v with_o this_o symbolical_a sign_n and_o ceâ—â—mony_n of_o a_o suffer_a religion_n but_o there_o be_v one_o objection_n which_o our_o reconciler_n make_v against_o the_o positive_a order_n and_o dcency_n of_o these_o ceremony_n which_o aâ—e_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 38_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o place_n and_o that_o be_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o use_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o either_o worship_v god_n indecent_o or_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n now_o this_o be_v sufficient_o answer_v by_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v that_o though_o the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o some_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n yet_o where_o there_o be_v choice_n of_o such_o ceremony_n which_o be_v very_o decent_a we_o can_v say_v that_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a because_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v preserve_v by_o the_o use_n of_o other_o decent_a rite_n and_o therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v worship_v very_o decent_o without_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ceremony_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v worship_v very_o decent_o with_o they_o but_o yet_o to_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v consider_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o time_n christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n he_o never_o set_v up_o any_o public_a worship_n distinct_a from_o the_o jewish_a worship_n he_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n anâ—_n worship_v god_n with_o they_o at_o the_o temple_n oâ—_n in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o it_o be_v as_o pleasant_a 〈◊〉_d argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d use_v such_o ceremony_n now_o because_o 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o use_v they_o as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v not_o use_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v proâ—er_n to_o the_o christian_a worship_n because_o they_o wre_v not_o use_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o jewish_a synagogue_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n for_o he_o never_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n anywhere_o else_o but_o you_o will_v say_v christ_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o blood_n but_o he_o neither_o receive_v kneel_v himself_o nor_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o do_v so_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o i_o that_o christ_n receive_v at_o all_o himself_o much_o less_o do_v it_o appear_v in_o what_o posture_n he_o receive_v it_o be_v say_v in_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n that_o after_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a supper_n when_o he_o have_v bless_v the_o bread_n and_o break_v it_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o his_o disciple_n and_o command_v they_o all_o to_o eat_v of_o it_o and_o have_v likewise_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o have_v give_v thanks_o command_v they_o all_o to_o drink_v of_o it_o that_o he_o add_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o will_v not_o henceforth_o drink_v of_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n 25._o until_o that_o day_n that_o i_o drink_v it_o new_a with_o you_o â—n_v my_o father_n kingdom_n from_o whence_o some_o â—ay_v conclude_v that_o he_o do_v at_o that_o time_n drink_v 〈◊〉_d the_o cup_n though_o he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d time_n he_o will_v drink_v of_o it_o but_o st._n luke_n 〈◊〉_d we_o 17._o that_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v at_o eat_a 〈◊〉_d passover_n before_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o last_o super_n and_o then_o they_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstratiâ—â—_n that_o he_o do_v not_o drink_v of_o the_o sacramental_a wâ—e_n and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o he_o shall_v feaâ—_n on_o the_o symbol_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o bloâ—_n but_o suppose_v he_o have_v it_o have_v be_v as_o imprper_n for_o he_o to_o have_v receive_v kneel_v as_o it_o â—s_v decent_a in_o we_o to_o do_v so_o for_o this_o have_v be_v â—n_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o himself_o and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o read_v in_o what_o posture_n the_o apostle_n receive_v yet_o i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a they_o do_v receive_v in_o their_o ordinary_a eat_a posture_n for_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o our_o saviour_n will_v require_v they_o to_o kneel_v for_o he_o exact_v no_o act_n of_o worship_n from_o they_o while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n they_o never_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o their_o great_a highpriest_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v that_o we_o must_v not_o pray_v to_o he_o now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n because_o he_o do_v not_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n as_o that_o we_o must_v not_o worship_v he_o when_o we_o approach_v his_o table_n nor_o receive_v that_o mysterious_a bread_n and_o wine_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n because_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a supper_n while_o he_o be_v still_o visible_o present_a witâ—_n they_o he_o do_v not_o command_v his_o apostle_n tâ—_n receive_v kneel_v nor_o be_v it_o likely_a the_o apostle_n will_v do_v 〈◊〉_d of_o themselves_o any_o more_o than_o that_o they_o 〈◊〉_d any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o ch_v on_o earth_n for_o though_o they_o hear_v the_o wrds_fw-mi of_o institution_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n they_o understod_v nothing_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v impoâ—ble_a they_o shall_v who_o understand_v so_o little_a oâ—_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n much_o less_o of_o the_o merorious_a virtue_n and_o expiation_n of_o his_o blood_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o foun_v a_o christian_a church_n and_o set_v up_o christian_a worship_n after_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n they_o use_v we_o be_v no_o certain_a though_o that_o they_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decot_o and_o in_o order_n and_o their_o love-feast_n anâ—_n the_o holy_a kiss_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o without_o their_o religious_a rite_n also_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n by_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n even_o while_o they_o be_v under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n there_o be_v no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n till_o the_o reformation_n so_o free_a from_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v at_o this_o day_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o our_o reconciler_n state_n this_o matter_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o examine_v whatever_o i_o can_v find_v in_o his_o book_n pertinent_a to_o this_o argument_n i._o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o our_o reconciler_n agree_v with_o bishop_n taylor_n that_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o necessary_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n 313._o and_o that_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o same_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o this_o must_v be_v the_o perpetual_a judge_n of_o it_o and_o he_o add_v it_o can_v therefore_o rational_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o command_v thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o positive_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o be_v so_o fair_a a_o concession_n that_o methinks_v we_o may_v agree_v upon_o it_o but_o he_o immediate_o undo_v all_o again_o and_o say_v that_o this_o command_n afford_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o
we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o disciple_n his_o very_a work_a miracle_n in_o christ_n name_n be_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n to_o make_v he_o and_o other_o also_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v permit_v by_o our_o lord_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n forbid_v he_o not_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n which_o shall_v do_v a_o miracle_n in_o my_o name_n that_o can_v light_o speak_v evil_a of_o i_o but_o be_v not_o our_o reconciler_n asleep_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o man_n do_v not_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o disciple_n what_o communion_n then_o be_v he_o of_o be_v he_o not_o a_o jew_n and_o a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o be_v he_o not_o then_o in_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o do_v not_o christ_n all_o the_o time_n he_o be_v on_o earth_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v he_o set_v up_o any_o distinct_a church_n and_o communion_n of_o his_o own_o but_o i_o perceive_v our_o reconciler_n be_v of_o mr._n baxter_n mind_n that_o church-communion_n be_v a_o presential_a communion_n and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o always_o follow_v christ_n and_o give_v his_o personal_a attendance_n on_o he_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o now_o let_v our_o reconciler_n try_v again_o how_o from_o this_o example_n he_o can_v prove_v that_o schismatic_n must_v be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n vii_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o observe_v how_o he_o turn_v the_o table_n in_o his_o next_o argument_n and_o prove_v from_o christ_n be_v the_o good_a shepherd_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v part_v with_o their_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o preserve_v the_o sheep_n from_o such_o thief_n that_o be_v schismatical_a preacher_n those_o who_o if_o his_o last_o argument_n be_v good_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v though_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v communion_n with_o we_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o that_o for_o the_o church_n to_o destroy_v her_o constitution_n to_o pull_v down_o all_o her_o hedge_n and_o fence_n be_v the_o way_n to_o let_v in_o these_o thief_n as_o he_o call_v they_o not_o to_o keep_v they_o out_o viii_o his_o last_o argument_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o because_o christ_n pray_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o to_o procure_v this_o unity_n and_o concord_n we_o must_v part_v with_o all_o unnecessary_a thing_n which_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n and_o true_o i_o think_v so_o too_o but_o if_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o so_o unnecessary_a a_o thing_n nor_o easy_o to_o be_v part_v with_o if_o part_v with_o these_o ceremony_n will_v not_o heal_v our_o schism_n and_o division_n of_o which_o i_o have_v discourse_v large_o already_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o be_v return_v to_o this_o argument_n he_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o retort_v some_o of_o these_o argument_n upon_o the_o dissenter_n i_o have_v answer_v for_o the_o church_n let_v the_o dissenter_n now_o try_v how_o they_o can_v answer_v for_o themselves_o for_o he_o very_o true_o observe_v that_o they_o fall_v with_o more_o weight_n upon_o they_o to_o prefer_v some_o arbitrary_a platform_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n which_o god_n have_v nowhere_o institute_v or_o command_v before_o the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n look_v more_o like_o a_o offence_n against_o that_o law_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n than_o what_o he_o charge_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o to_o forbid_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n as_o unlawful_a and_o superstitious_a be_v a_o much_o more_o intolerable_a yoke_n and_o burden_n than_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v leave_v the_o dissenter_n and_o our_o reconcileâ—_n to_o adjust_a this_o matter_n among_o themselves_o chap._n v._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n draw_v from_o the_o 14_o and_o 15_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n though_o our_o reconciler_n make_v a_o great_a flourish_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o argument_n as_o usual_o those_o man_n do_v who_o can_v find_v one_o good_a one_o yet_o he_o seem_v to_o put_v the_o great_a confidence_n in_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o that_o condescension_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v who_o differ_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o and_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n if_o it_o be_v a_o parallel_n case_n but_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o exercise_v such_o forbearance_n and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v other_o case_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o prudent_a and_o reasonable_a to_o allow_v the_o same_o indulgence_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o st._n paul_n require_v the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a christian_n to_o forbear_v each_o other_o in_o their_o dispute_n about_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v forbear_v dissenter_n and_o not_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n nor_o exact_a conformity_n to_o they_o unless_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o two_o case_n be_v the_o same_o or_o so_o like_a to_o each_o other_o that_o we_o may_v fair_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o these_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o mutual_a forbearance_n be_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v make_v so_o plain_a as_o to_o satisfy_v all_o impartial_a reader_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v may_v pass_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o his_o four_o chapter_n i._o then_o i_o observe_v that_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n only_o exhort_v the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a christian_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n which_o have_v be_v already_o decree_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o high_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n between_o our_o reconciler_n and_o dr._n womack_n now_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o st._n david_n to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v whether_o only_o to_o the_o private_a christian_n at_o rome_n or_o to_o church-governor_n also_o and_o consequent_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n only_o of_o private_a christian_n or_o of_o church-governor_n also_o to_o exercise_v this_o forbearance_n towards_o dissenter_n the_o bishop_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o presbytery_n settle_v at_o rome_n at_o this_o time_n and_o offer_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o our_o reconciler_n attempt_v to_o answer_v these_o argument_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v without_o a_o settle_a ministry_n at_o that_o time_n i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o interpose_v in_o this_o dispute_n for_o though_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o answer_v all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n from_o this_o chapter_n be_v it_o certain_a that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o design_n these_o direction_n for_o church-governor_n but_o only_o for_o private_a christian_n as_o a_o expedient_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n till_o these_o dispute_n shall_v be_v determine_v by_o a_o just_a authority_n yet_o whatever_o fair_a probability_n there_o may_v be_v of_o this_o i_o doubt_v there_o be_v not_o evidence_n enough_o for_o it_o to_o convince_v a_o reconciler_n or_o a_o obstinate_a dissenter_n and_o indeed_o upon_o the_o principle_n which_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o for_o whether_o these_o exhortation_n to_o forbear_v one_o another_o and_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o and_o not_o to_o judge_v condemn_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o concern_v private_a christian_n or_o church-governor_n or_o equal_o both_o yet_o since_o this_o forbearance_n extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n as_o be_v determine_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a matter_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o christian_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n every_o one_o see_v how_o impertinent_o it_o be_v allege_v by_o our_o reconciler_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v any_o indifferent_a custom_n and_o usage_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o our_o dissenter_n for_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o that_o because_o private_a christian_n or_o church-governor_n must_v allow_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o
very_a foolish_a argument_n against_o either_o the_o true_a argument_n against_o the_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v for_o where_o god_n have_v not_o interpose_v his_o authority_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o governor_n the_o argument_n be_v not_o that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o case_n bind_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v they_o to_o do_v which_o be_v ridiculous_o absurd_a for_o what_o be_v not_o unlawful_a not_o forbid_v by_o god_n may_v either_o be_v do_v or_o may_v be_v let_v alone_o without_o sin_n unless_o some_o other_o consideration_n beside_o its_o being_n not_o forbid_v alter_v the_o case_n but_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v governor_n may_v command_v and_o subject_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v let_v we_o see_v then_o how_o he_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o imposer_n as_o he_o modest_o call_v our_o governor_n in_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a as_o not_o forbid_v by_o god_n to_o leave_v these_o ceremony_n indifferent_a so_o far_o indeed_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n that_o the_o ceremony_n be_v not_o unlawful_a as_o not_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n but_o now_o where_o be_v the_o superior_a authority_n over_o governor_n to_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o impose_v that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a not_o to_o impose_v than_o the_o case_n of_o imposer_n will_v be_v exact_o parallel_v with_o the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o governor_n which_o make_v that_o their_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a and_o that_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v by_o no_o express_a prohibition_n make_v unlawful_a but_o here_o the_o parallel_n fail_v and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n can_v have_v no_o superior_a authority_n on_o earth_n to_o make_v that_o unlawful_a to_o they_o which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v unlawful_a all_o that_o our_o reconciler_n offer_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n lay_v as_o necessary_a a_o obligation_n on_o governor_n to_o forbear_v what_o they_o may_v lawful_o forbear_v for_o the_o promote_a these_o end_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o governor_n oblige_v subject_n to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o lawful_o may_v that_o be_v that_o governor_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v lawful_o not_o command_v when_o hereby_o they_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n yet_o so_o the_o argument_n will_v not_o be_v the_o same_o for_o than_o we_o must_v state_n the_o case_n of_o governor_n thus_o that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v not_o that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a not_o to_o be_v do_v the_o authority_n of_o governor_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o intrinsic_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v very_o proper_o say_v that_o subject_n must_v obey_v their_o governor_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a and_o that_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n unlawful_a be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o obey_v but_o the_o end_n and_o circumstance_n of_o action_n alter_v its_o moral_a nature_n and_o that_o which_o in_o some_o circumstance_n be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o other_o circumstance_n become_v absolute_o unlawful_a and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o that_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v unlawful_a when_o it_o give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n then_o the_o argument_n to_o dissuade_v governor_n from_o such_o imposition_n be_v not_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o forbear_v impose_v which_o be_v parallel_n to_o the_o argument_n use_v against_o dissenter_n that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o obey_v but_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o impose_v in_o such_o circumstance_n which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o to_o persuade_v man_n not_o to_o do_v what_o they_o lawful_o may_v not_o do_v differ_v from_o dissuade_v they_o from_o do_v what_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v this_o i_o think_v be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o show_v that_o our_o reconciler_n be_v very_o much_o out_o in_o his_o logic_n when_o he_o make_v this_o argument_n against_o dissenter_n and_o imposer_n to_o be_v the_o same_o as_o for_o the_o argument_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o governor_n to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n when_o it_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o weak_a brethren_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v sufficient_o answer_v that_o already_o 3._o his_o next_o argument_n which_o he_o say_v equal_o hold_v against_o the_o dissenter_n and_o imposer_n be_v take_v from_o the_o littleness_n and_o small_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v divide_v and_o it_o be_v in_o short_a this_o that_o dissenter_n ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o refuse_v obedience_n in_o such_o little_a thing_n nor_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o impose_v such_o little_a thing_n now_o i_o need_v not_o concern_v myself_o about_o this_o argument_n which_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o have_v any_o effect_n either_o upon_o dissenter_n or_o imposer_n who_o if_o they_o understand_v themselves_o and_o act_v honest_o it_o be_v plain_a do_v not_o think_v these_o thing_n so_o little_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o worth_a contend_v about_o that_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o such_o very_a contemptible_a thing_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o little_a that_o governor_n ought_v not_o to_o impose_v they_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o governor_n and_o if_o as_o our_o reconciler_n say_v it_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n against_o dissenter_n i_o be_o content_v to_o leave_v it_o so_o however_o our_o reconciler_n be_v mighty_o out_o when_o he_o think_v the_o littleness_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o governor_n as_o against_o the_o disobedience_n of_o dissenter_n for_o governor_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o little_a as_o well_o as_o of_o great_a thing_n because_o thing_n which_o be_v little_a in_o themselves_o may_v have_v very_o great_a effect_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o the_o disobedience_n of_o subject_n in_o such_o case_n for_o the_o less_o the_o command_n be_v the_o less_o reason_n have_v they_o to_o refuse_v obedience_n i_o believe_v all_o parent_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o world_n think_v so_o except_v our_o reconciler_n in_o the_o next_o place_n our_o reconciler_n argue_v from_o many_o general_a topic_n receive_v and_o own_a by_o all_o casuist_n 200._o as_o 1._o qui_fw-la non_fw-la vetat_fw-la peccare_fw-la cum_fw-la possit_fw-la jubet_fw-la which_o he_o translate_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v a_o superior_a a_o father_n a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o what_o lawful_o he_o may_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o government_n become_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n now_o suppose_v all_o this_o what_o care_n can_v be_v take_v to_o prevent_v sin_n which_o it_o become_v governor_n to_o take_v which_o be_v neglect_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n yes_o say_v the_o reconciler_n they_o may_v abate_v those_o imposition_n which_o occasion_n the_o schism_n but_o this_o have_v be_v so_o often_o answer_v already_o that_o i_o shall_v now_o only_o direct_v my_o reader_n in_o the_o margin_n where_o to_o find_v the_o answer_n etc._n 2._o he_o say_v divine_n concern_v the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v general_o lay_v down_o these_o rule_n viz._n that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v forbid_v by_o these_o law_n all_o those_o thing_n be_v forbid_v also_o which_o follow_v from_o that_o forbid_a action_n and_o for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v forbid_v now_o i_o think_v this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a rule_n and_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v a_o forbid_a action_n i_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o schism_n which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o be_v imputable_a to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v if_o the_o church_n have_v this_o