which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v occasion_v by_o they_o our_o answer_n 1._o by_o exposition_n of_o the_o word_n scandal_n sect._n 1_o 2_o by_o division_n of_o it_o into_o active_a passive_a sect._n 2._o active_a scandal_n subdivide_v 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o party_n agent_n direct_v indirect_a sect._n 3_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v weak_a strong_a sect._n 4._o 3._o in_o respect_n both_o of_o person_n and_o cause_n either_o determine_v vndetermine_v sect._n 5._o 4._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n lapse_n into_o sin_n or_o error_n hindrance_n from_o god_n sect._n 6._o the_o passive_a scandal_n divide_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v matter_n of_o offence_n sect._n 7._o 1._o subdivision_n concern_v the_o party_n offend_v either_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o judgement_n or_o of_o his_o affection_n sect._n 8._o ii_o subdivision_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o indifferency_n necessity_n sect._n 9_o the_o general_a assumption_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n prove_v our_o ceremony_n to_o be_v scandalous_a i._o against_o superstitious_a papist_n our_a answer_n sect._n 10._o ii_o against_o profane_a person_n our_o answer_n sect._n 11._o iii_o against_o weak_a brethren_n our_o answer_n sect._n 12._o iv._o against_o unconformable_a congregation_n sect._n 13._o v._o against_o unconformable_a minister_n our_o answer_n sect._n 14._o vi_o against_o all_o sort_n by_o appearance_n of_o evil_a our_o answ_n sect._n 15_o our_o general_a confutation_n of_o their_o former_a assumption_n concern_v scandal_n by_o prove_v the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o manifest_a scandal_n as_o both_o in_o active_a and_o passive_a sect._n 16._o i._o active_a scandal_n by_o weaken_v some_o that_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n sect._n 17._o ii_o by_o drive_v some_o out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o separatist_n sect._n 18._o iii_o hinder_v some_o from_o the_o church_n as_o papist_n sect._n 19_o iv._o against_o the_o church_n itself_o first_o comparative_o by_o rather_o offend_v their_o mother_n than_o their_o brother_n sect._n 21._o by_o contempt_n sect._n 22._o chap._n vi_o the_o six_o general_a argument_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n against_o our_o ceremony_n be_v take_v from_o prejudice_n against_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n sect._n 1.2.3_o our_o distinction_n between_o necessity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n sect._n 3_o the_o first_o proof_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v from_o scripture_n i._o scripture_n 1._o cor._n 7._o forbid_v to_o cast_v a_o snare_n upon_o christian_n our_o answer_n sect._n 4._o ii_o script_n gal._n 5._o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n our_o answer_n sect._n 5._o their_o second_o proof_n from_o reason_n i._o reason_n thus_o else_o how_o shall_v not_o the_o popish_a ceremony_n be_v excusable_a our_o answer_n sect._n 6._o ii_o reason_n they_o be_v impose_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o bind_v man_n conscience_n sect._n 7._o our_o particular_a answer_n i._o distinguish_v between_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o bind_v man_n conscience_n sect._n 7._o ii_o confute_v the_o nonconformist_n from_o their_o own_o witness_n sect._n 8._o iii_o sheâ—ing_n that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o force_n to_o bind_v man_n conscience_n sect._n 10._o the_o nonconformist_n objection_n from_o bowl_v our_o answ_n se._n 11._o our_o general_n confutation_n of_o the_o foresay_a six_o general_a argument_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n concern_v the_o impeach_a of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o prove_v our_o church_n free_a from_o this_o error_n i._o reason_n from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o sect·_n 12._o ii_o reason_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o church_n sect._n 13._o iii_o from_o the_o contrary_a show_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n opinion_n of_o refusal_n be_v the_o very_a breach_n of_o christian_a liberty_n sect._n 14._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part_n the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o defence_n by_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o particular_a accusation_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n against_o the_o iii_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n viz._n surplice_n cross_n after_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o b._n communion_n chap._n 1._o i._o of_o the_o surplice_n and_o our_o particular_a defence_n thereof_o against_o their_o several_a accusation_n the_o i._o accusation_n of_o the_o non-conformists'_a against_o the_o surplice_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o apparel_n our_o answer_n sect._n 1_o ii_o accusation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o office_n whereunto_o the_o surplice_n be_v apply_v which_o be_v ecclesiastical_a our_o answer_n sect._n 2._o iii_o accusation_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o colour_n as_o not_o ancient_o use_v our_o answer_n sect._n 3_o iv._o accusation_n because_o it_o be_v make_v significant_a our_o answer_n sect._n 4._o v._o accusation_n because_o it_o have_v resemblance_n with_o the_o jewish_a attire_n our_o answer_n sect._n 5._o vi_o accusation_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o resemblance_n and_o of_o the_o signification_n joint_o together_o our_o answer_n sect._n 6._o vii_o accusation_n from_o the_o pretend_a author_n thereof_o as_o be_v a_o pope_n our_o answer_n sect._n 7._o viii_o accusation_n from_o the_o former_a abuse_n of_o it_o in_o popery_n our_o answer_n sect._n 8._o ix_o accusation_n that_o the_o people_n account_v it_o holy_a and_o other_o think_v it_o scandalous_a etc._n etc._n our_o answer_n sect._n 9_o our_o summarie_a confutation_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n argue_v against_o the_o surplice_n chap._n 2._o our_o particular_a defence_n of_o the_o second_o ceremony_n which_o be_v the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n against_o their_o several_a accusation_n their_o accusation_n i._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o second_o commandment_n our_o answer_n sect._n 1.2_o ii_o that_o it_o detract_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o baptism_n in_o many_o respect_n as_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o baptism_n our_o answer_n sect._n 3_o 2._o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v while_o the_o word_n of_o baptism_n be_v in_o pronounce_v our_o answer_n sect._n 4._o 3._o it_o be_v use_v after_o baptism_n which_o be_v worse_o our_o answer_n sect._n 5._o 4._o it_o be_v call_v a_o token_n of_o our_o profession_n our_o answer_n sect._n 6._o 5._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o child_n be_v dedicate_v thereby_o etc._n etc._n our_o answer_n sect._n 7._o iii_o accusation_n that_o it_o be_v abuse_v by_o papist_n our_o answ_n sec._n 8._o iv._o that_o this_o cross_n of_o the_o forehead_n be_v allow_v many_o justify_v the_o popish_a cross_v of_o their_o breast_n our_o answer_n sect._n 9_o v._o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v the_o heretic_n valentinus_n our_o answer_n sect._n 10.11_o vi_o that_o the_o countenancer_n thereof_o be_v montanus_n a_o heretic_n our_o answer_n sect._n 12._o vii_o the_o superstitious_a abuse_n of_o it_o by_o ancient_a father_n who_o they_o gross_o imitate_v our_o answer_n sect._n 13._o our_o summarie_a confutation_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n sect._n 14._o chap._n 3._o our_o particular_a defence_n of_o the_o three_o ceremony_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n against_o their_o several_a accusation_n their_o first_o accusation_n be_v from_o the_o example_n of_o christ._n our_o answer_n sect._n 2.3_o our_o confutation_n of_o their_o former_a accusation_n i._o by_o reason_n 1._o fron_n the_o word_n of_o the_o evangelist_n sect._n 4._o 2._o from_o the_o like_a action_n of_o christ._n sect._n 5._o ii_o by_o their_o own_o witness_n sect._n 6._o iii_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o sect._n 7._o our_o determination_n of_o the_o point_n concern_v the_o first_o accusation_n their_o second_o accusation_n because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o christ._n their_o reason_n i._o because_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o banquet_n our_o answer_n sect._n 9_o ii_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o tablegesture_n our_o answer_n sect_n 11._o iii_o contrary_a to_o the_o due_a disposition_n of_o the_o receiver_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o thankfulness_n etc._n etc._n our_o answer_n sect._n 12._o iv._o because_o such_o reverence_n become_v not_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o element_n our_o answer_n sect._n 13._o v._o contrary_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o answer_n sect._n 14._o our_o summarie_a confutation_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n second_o accusation_n i._o from_o reason_n sect._n 15._o ii_o from_o their_o own_o witness_n sect._n 16._o iii_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o sect._n 17._o their_o three_o accusation_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v stand_v etc._n etc._n our_o answer_n sect._n 18._o their_o four_o accusation_n because_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n hold_v they_o necessary_a and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a our_o answer_n sect._n 19.20_o their_o v._o
god_n and_o subject_a the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o comment_n and_o device_n unto_o the_o observation_n whereof_o they_o do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n praecisâ_fw-la necessitate_v by_o a_o strict_a necessity_n so_o he_o wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o speak_v which_o the_o example_n of_o romish_a doctrine_n do_v not_o confirm_v whereby_o they_o pharisaical_o make_v void_a the_o precept_n of_o god_n by_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o christ_n and_o that_o so_o express_o that_o m._n calvin_n dare_v again_o assume_v say_v vicerint_fw-la sanè_fw-la si_fw-la quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la ab_fw-la hac_fw-la christi_fw-la accusatione_fw-la purgare_fw-la se_fw-la poterant_fw-la that_o be_v 10._o we_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v they_o the_o victory_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o free_v themselves_o from_o this_o accusation_n of_o christ_n but_o what_o excuse_n can_v they_o make_v see_v that_o first_o it_o be_v hold_v with_o they_o a_o wickedness_n infinite_o more_o heinous_a to_o omit_v their_o auricular_a confession_n once_o within_o the_o year_n than_o to_o have_v live_v impious_o all_o the_o year_n long_o second_o to_o infect_v their_o tongue_n with_o the_o least_o taste_n of_o any_o flesh_n upon_o one_o friday_n than_o to_o have_v defile_v their_o body_n with_o filthy_a and_o fleshly_a fornication_n from_o day_n to_o day_n three_o to_o put_v their_o hand_n to_o work_v on_o any_o day_n that_o be_v dedicate_v to_o their_o own_o devise_a saint_n than_o to_o have_v exercise_v their_o whole_a body_n in_o all_o facinorous_a and_o mischievous_a act_n four_a for_o a_o priest_n to_o match_v himself_o in_o marriage_n with_o one_o wife_n than_o to_o wallow_v in_o a_o thousand_o adultery_n fifthly_o to_o break_v their_o vow_n of_o pilgrimage_n than_o to_o falsify_v their_o faith_n in_o their_o promise_n sixth_o not_o to_o be_v somewhat_o superfluous_a in_o bestow_v excessive_a cost_n for_o the_o prodigious_a and_o unprofitable_a gawdines_n of_o their_o church_n than_o to_o be_v want_v in_o contribution_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o their_o extreme_a necessity_n seventhly_a to_o pass_v by_o a_o image_n without_o reverence_n to_o it_o than_o to_o revile_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n with_o all_o contumely_n and_o reproach_n eight_o to_o omit_v the_o mutter_n with_o themselves_o in_o their_o matin_n some_o certain_a hour_n many_o word_n without_o understanding_n than_o never_o to_o conceive_v a_o lawful_a prayer_n with_o their_o understanding_n so_o m._n calvin_n and_o what_o be_v it_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prefer_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n furthermore_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o popish_a ceremony_n he_o add_v as_o follow_v as_o very_o many_o of_o their_o ceremony_n can_v easy_o 2._o so_o all_o of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v congest_v together_o can_v possible_o be_v observe_v so_o huge_a be_v the_o heap_n of_o they_o how_o therefore_o shall_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v extreme_o scorch_v with_o anxiety_n and_o terror_n by_o this_o difficulty_n yea_o impossibility_n of_o keep_v such_o ordinance_n wherewith_o their_o conscience_n be_v by_o they_o so_o fetter_v 13._o he_o proceed_v such_o and_o so_o infinite_a be_v the_o multitude_n of_o these_o ceremony_n that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o they_o have_v bring_v a_o judaism_n into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o if_o augustine_n can_v complain_v in_o his_o day_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v so_o press_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o ceremony_n that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v more_o tolerable_a what_o complaint_n will_v that_o holy_a man_n have_v make_v if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o our_o time_n to_o see_v the_o servitude_n which_o we_o behold_v at_o this_o day_n see_v that_o the_o ceremony_n be_v now_o tenfold_o more_o for_o number_n and_o every_o jot_n of_o they_o be_v more_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o exact_v by_o a_o hundred-fold_n here_o here_o be_v matter_n for_o your_o pen_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o to_o inveigh_v against_o this_o so_o outrageous_a a_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n by_o your_o many_o vae'_v and_o not_o to_o take_v part_n with_o pharisee_n in_o complain_v against_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o use_n of_o three_o guiltless_a ceremony_n as_o it_o be_v for_o only_o pluck_v of_o the_o ear_n of_o corn_n and_o couple_v together_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o different_a in_o nature_n as_o in_o number_n from_o the_o romish_a rite_n for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o great_a multitude_n in_o the_o number_n of_o three_o so_o in_o these_o our_o three_o none_o of_o we_o do_v ever_o place_v any_o essential_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o power_n of_o justification_n or_o religious_a piety_n and_o sanctification_n or_o do_v in_o our_o estimation_n prefer_v they_o before_o yea_o or_o do_v so_o much_o as_o equal_v they_o with_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o final_o yield_v unto_o they_o any_o other_o use_n than_o a_o religious_a decorum_n and_o godly_a signification_n now_o then_o for_o any_o to_o complain_v as_o one_o of_o you_o have_v do_v that_o the_o burden_n lay_v upon_o you_o by_o our_o church_n be_v more_o grievous_a than_o your_o forefather_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v 19_o be_v but_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o can_v hardly_o point_v out_o his_o father_n that_o do_v not_o know_v his_o own_o mother_n for_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o a_o true_a child_n of_o our_o church_n he_o will_v not_o cast_v such_o a_o slander_n of_o oppress_a god_n worshipper_n with_o burden_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a his_o father_n have_v and_o now_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o discreet_a among_o his_o brethren_n do_v bear_v with_o better_a conscience_n than_o he_o can_v forbear_v they_o thus_o much_o of_o their_o first_o reason_n sect_n vii_o their_o second_o reason_n why_o these_o ceremony_n prejudice_n our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v take_v from_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v impose_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o bind_v man_n conscience_n we_o have_v nothing_o as_o yet_o to_o settle_v our_o doubtful_a conscience_n upon_o but_o these_o two_o point_n which_o be_v also_o in_o some_o doubt_n nic._n that_o magistrate_n authority_n bind_v conscience_n and_o that_o the_o rite_n impose_v be_v indifferent_a but_o our_o divine_n teach_v we_o that_o humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v man_n conscience_n and_o that_o man_n do_v not_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o only_o by_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n our_o answer_n if_o you_o have_v understand_v those_o your_o divine_n aright_o you_o will_v have_v distinguish_v between_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o bind_v of_o conscience_n where_o by_o manner_n be_v mean_v the_o authority_n of_o bind_v and_o by_o measure_v the_o limit_n of_o this_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o manner_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o immediate_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o make_v his_o transgression_n damnable_a before_o god_n which_o authority_n proceed_v only_o from_o he_o who_o can_v first_o prohibit_v the_o internal_a act_n of_o man_n mind_n as_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n 4.5_o as_o it_o be_v write_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o shall_v manifest_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o who_o know_v man_n thought_n can_v second_o judge_v according_a to_o man_n conscience_n to_o wit_n god_n only_o concern_v who_o saint_n paul_n say_v 2.2_o their_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_n and_o their_o thought_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v in_o that_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v secret_n of_o man_n and_o three_o who_o judge_v man_n thought_n can_v according_o render_v punishment_n or_o reward_v everlasting_o a_o act_n likewise_o proper_a to_o god_n 4.12_o as_o s._n james_n teach_v there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v and_o save_v but_o the_o law_n of_o man_n be_v say_v to_o bind_v man_n conscience_n not_o immediate_o but_o as_o it_o be_v reflective_o by_o way_n of_o consequence_n that_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o supremacy_n of_o god_n that_o command_v obedience_n to_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o that_o apostolical_a doctrine_n that_o say_v 13.1_o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n where_o we_o first_o observe_v that_o magistracy_n be_v god_n ordinance_n 5._o whereof_o he_o further_o say_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o you_o be_v subject_a whereby_o there_o be_v impose_v upon_o subject_n that_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n whereof_o we_o speak_v which_o notwithstanding_o no_o way_n derogate_v from_o the_o liberty_n of_o doctrine_n three_o the_o same_o apostle_n make_v this_o necessity_n fast_o by_o a_o bond_n of_o
conscience_n say_v that_o we_o must_v be_v obedient_a for_o conscience_n sake_n how_o as_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n in_o obey_v man_n be_v immediate_o tie_v unto_o man_n no_o but_o unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o obedience_n unto_o magistrate_n be_v there_o express_v because_o that_o magistracy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o last_o concern_v god_n punishment_n he_o add_v they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v condemnation_n 2._o thereby_o impute_v a_o guilt_n of_o damnation_n upon_o all_o wilful_a and_o contemptuous_a disobedience_n we_o may_v not_o therefore_o confound_v the_o distinct_a court_n &_o jurisdiction_n one_o whereof_o be_v god_n and_o the_o other_o be_v man_n the_o first_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a the_o second_o only_o civil_a and_o sensible_a but_o rather_o ought_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o act_n of_o bind_v man_n conscience_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a to_o be_v proper_o belong_v unto_o forum_n coeli_fw-la god_n judge_v according_a to_o the_o inward_a transgression_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o not_o unto_o forum_n soli_fw-la wherein_o man_n have_v power_n as_o to_o punish_v so_o to_o judge_v direct_o only_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o man_n it_o be_v god_n therefore_o and_o not_o man_n that_o proper_o and_o direct_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man._n sect_n viii_o our_o second_o answer_n be_v by_o confute_v the_o nonconformist_n own_o objection_n from_o their_o own_o witness_n our_o divine_n say_v you_o teach_v that_o humane_a law_n bind_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n where_o by_o our_o divine_n you_o understand_v such_o doctor_n of_o our_o church_n who_o condemn_v your_o nonconformity_n as_o though_o all_o other_o divine_n who_o you_o usual_o produce_v in_o favour_n of_o your_o cause_n be_v contrarily-minded_n among_o who_o one_o catechise_v you_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o political_a law_n of_o man_n tell_v you_o that_o such_o politic_a precept_n of_o magistrate_n and_o other_o governor_n mean_v of_o parent_n 735._o and_o master_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o be_v say_v he_o we_o must_v necessary_o perform_v they_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v neglect_v without_o offence_n unto_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v they_o even_o without_o the_o cause_n of_o scandal_n as_o for_o example_n to_o carry_v arm_n be_v not_o a_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v make_v a_o worship_n of_o god_n accidental_o when_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v we_o to_o carry_v arm_n because_o that_o obedience_n due_a to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n another_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n instruct_v you_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a 618._o know_v that_o magistracy_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v willing_o yield_v obedience_n this_o cause_n say_v he_o move_v godly_a man_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o magistrate_n even_o then_o when_o they_o have_v power_n to_o deceive_v they_o and_o to_o transgress_v without_o punishment_n and_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o godly_a and_o wicked_a the_o one_o obey_v for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n the_o other_o do_v it_o in_o conscience_n a_o three_o will_v reveal_v his_o judgement_n in_o the_o section_n follow_v sect_n ix_o our_o three_o point_n in_o answer_v be_v to_o show_v that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n have_v no_o less_o force_n in_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n than_o have_v the_o politic_a your_o former_a witness_n although_o they_o attribute_v to_o the_o politic_a law_n a_o power_n of_o bind_v man_n conscience_n yet_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o same_o to_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v of_o ecclesiastical_a cognizance_n 771._o among_o other_o p._n martyr_n affirm_v ecclesiastica_fw-la non_fw-la obstringunt_fw-la conscientias_fw-la si_fw-la removeatur_fw-la contemptus_fw-la &_o scandalum_fw-la nè_fw-la aut_fw-la tumore_fw-la animi_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr industriâ_fw-la constituta_fw-la rescindamus_fw-la aut_fw-la turbemus_fw-la communem_fw-la pacem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la at_o praeceptis_fw-la civilibus_fw-la iubemur_fw-la parere_fw-la non_fw-la tantùm_fw-la propter_fw-la tram_n sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la propter_fw-la conscientiam_fw-la nec_fw-la alienam_fw-la sed_fw-la nostram_fw-la so_o he_o whereof_o vrsinus_n endeavour_v to_o give_v we_o a_o reason_n say_v cite_v no_o violatione_n legum_fw-la ecclesiasticarum_fw-la sine_fw-la scandalo_fw-la non_fw-la violatur_fw-la prima_fw-la tabula_fw-la decalogi_fw-la cui_fw-la seruire_fw-la debent_fw-la at_o violatione_n legum_fw-la politicarum_fw-la etiam_fw-la extra_fw-la scandalum_fw-la violatur_fw-la secunda_fw-la tabula_fw-la quià _fw-la vel_fw-la reipub_fw-la aliquid_fw-la detrahitur_fw-la &_o societas_fw-la politica_fw-la laeditur_fw-la vel_fw-la aliqua_fw-la laedendi_fw-la occasio_fw-la praebetur_fw-la but_o can_v this_o reason_n satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n think_v you_o as_o though_o that_o divine_a authority_n which_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o obedience_n unto_o politic_a magistrate_n say_v unto_o subject_n let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n and_o to_o servant_n 13._o obey_v they_o that_o be_v your_o bodily_a master_n and_o to_o child_n obey_v your_o parent_n in_o the_o lord_n 6._o the_o same_o do_v not_o likewise_o charge_v and_o command_v people_n concern_v their_o spiritual_a parent_n and_o governor_n say_v obey_v they_o that_o be_v set_v over_o you_o for_o they_o watch_v as_o those_o who_o must_v give_v account_n for_o your_o soul_n now_o 13.13_o the_o commandment_n of_o obey_v proceed_v equal_o in_o both_o from_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o obligation_n and_o bond_n of_o obey_v in_o both_o be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o charge_v we_o as_o well_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o be_v there_o not_o in_o the_o church_n a_o society_n and_o be_v not_o also_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o uniform_a concord_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o same_o society_n a_o unsufferable_a injury_n and_o mischief_n as_o whereby_o aliquid_fw-la reip._n christianae_n detrahitur_fw-la &_o ipsa_fw-la societas_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la laeditur_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o how_o shall_v not_o this_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o well_o as_o the_o like_a transgression_n against_o law_n politic_a but_o i_o need_v not_o use_n much_o argue_v to_o confute_v the_o former_a opinion_n 1._o because_o the_o opinion_n itself_o be_v not_o common_a 2._o because_o it_o can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o our_o church_n wherein_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_a lord_n and_o king_n have_v set_v his_o royal_a stamp_n upon_o our_o constitution_n and_o ceremony_n by_o his_o majesty_n politic_a authority_n and_o last_o because_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n be_v evident_o against_o it_o especial_o in_o diverse_a apostolical_a constitution_n whereof_o some_o be_v ceremonial_a and_o yet_o challenge_v obedience_n in_o their_o time_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o oblige_v man_n conscience_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o measure_n sect_n x._o our_o four_o point_n in_o answer_v be_v to_o express_v how_o far_o humane_a law_n do_v bind_v man_n conscience_n and_o whether_o all_o just_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v they_o against_o scandal_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n as_o the_o measure_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o uniform_a judgement_n of_o the_o author_n above_o mention_v but_o also_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o divine_n that_o write_v of_o this_o argument_n that_o all_o person_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o perform_v obedience_n as_o well_o to_o governor_n ecclesiastical_a as_o unto_o civil_a so_o far_o as_o to_o avoid_v all_o scandal_n and_o contempt_n against_o their_o lawful_a precept_n and_o ordinance_n so_o that_o to_o suppose_v a_o adversary_n in_o this_o case_n be_v but_o to_o fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n this_o therefore_o be_v but_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o conscience_n i_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v wherein_o the_o transgression_n of_o conscience_n by_o scandal_n and_o contempt_n concern_v matter_n indifferent_a do_v principal_o consist_v sect_n xi_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n if_o a_o bare_a omission_n of_o a_o rite_n be_v a_o contempt_n than_o all_o that_o use_v bowl_v which_o the_o law_n disallow_v and_o do_v not_o wear_v cap_n nic._n and_o such_o habit_n as_o the_o statute_n enjoin_v shall_v be_v contemner_n our_o answer_n this_o point_n concern_v the_o measure_n of_o that_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o question_n of_o due_a obedience_n require_v a_o more_o exact_a and_o accurate_a discussion_n because_o this_o case_n be_v various_o dispute_v off_o in_o the_o school_n some_o take_v their_o measure_n from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n conceive_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v then_o bind_v to_o obedience_n whensoever_o the_o lawful_a governor_n do_v impose_v any_o law_n with_o a_o intention_n that_o man_n shall_v make_v conscience_n of_o his_o command_n some_o fetch_v the_o measure_n of_o obligation_n from_o the_o
docendo_fw-la &_o monendo_fw-la aliquem_fw-la habent_fw-la which_o have_v say_v he_o some_o use_n in_o teach_v and_o admonish_v the_o reader_n yet_o picture_n you_o know_v have_v no_o other_o property_n than_o signification_n 312_o and_o luther_n say_v chemnitius_n hold_v image_n which_o do_v represent_v the_o history_n of_o act_n do_v as_o thing_n indifferent_a which_o may_v be_v have_v both_o for_o ornament_n and_o for_o remembrance_n without_o superstition_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n which_o kind_n of_o picture_n as_o zepperus_n hold_v they_o from_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o frankford_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o church_n without_o impiety_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n namely_o ad_fw-la refricandam_fw-la rerum_fw-la praeteritarum_fw-la memoriam_fw-la which_o notwithstanding_o do_v no_o whit_n advantage_n the_o romish_a superstition_n in_o their_o manner_n of_o adoration_n junius_n likewise_o speak_v of_o the_o festival_n day_n of_o pentecost_n ancient_o celebrate_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n 183._o answer_v that_o they_o do_v serve_v ad_fw-la iustam_fw-la quandam_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o the_o due_a commemoration_n of_o that_o special_a benefit_n of_o god_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o church_n as_o upon_o that_o day_n and_o be_v not_o this_o also_o symbolical_a and_o this_o symbol_n of_o feast_n be_v former_o witness_v by_o danaeus_n in_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o altar_n furthermore_o chemnitius_n apud_fw-la vetustissimos_fw-la quidem_fw-la &_o puriores_fw-la scriptores_fw-la legimus_fw-la etc._n etc._n say_v 2._o we_o read_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a writer_n that_o their_o rite_n do_v signify_v something_o and_o admonish_v man_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n comprehend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v in_o these_o ancient_a writer_n any_o mention_n that_o by_o exorcism_n or_o exsufflation_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o party_n baptise_a and_o likewise_o that_o by_o unction_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o bishop_n after_o baptism_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v these_o thing_n which_o the_o father_n understand_v to_o be_v do_v significative_o that_o be_v by_o way_n of_o signification_n be_v afterward_o pervert_v by_o other_o and_o hold_v as_o operative_a in_o a_o opinion_n of_o efficacy_n and_o power_n for_o such_o effect_n in_o these_o word_n chemnitius_n approve_v of_o the_o father_n significant_a ceremony_n and_o condemn_v the_o popish_a superstition_n of_o more_o than_o significant_a now_o although_o these_o testimony_n may_v suffice_v to_o confute_v and_o condemn_v the_o general_a argument_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n against_o significant_a ceremony_n yet_o when_o as_o in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o particular_a exception_n against_o our_o foresay_a ceremony_n of_o white_a garment_n and_o cross_n in_o baptism_n we_o shall_v prove_v in_o these_o ceremony_n from_o the_o direct_a acknowledgement_n of_o p._n martyr_n chemnitius_n b._n jewel_n and_o zanchius_n a_o approbation_n of_o their_o moral_a signification_n of_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n respective_o i_o hope_v our_o opposite_n will_v abate_v something_o of_o their_o contradiction_n against_o our_o rite_n at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o signification_n whereof_o yet_o more_o remain_v to_o be_v say_v in_o our_o last_o proof_n in_o the_o interim_n we_o approach_v to_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o place_n sect_n xxxi_o our_o four_o proof_n for_o the_o confutation_n of_o the_o last_o general_a argument_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n against_o our_o ceremony_n and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o moral_a signification_n in_o such_o rite_n be_v as_o from_o the_o confession_n of_o witness_n so_o especial_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o our_o first_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n after_o much_o sail_v in_o this_o sea_n of_o dispute_n have_v thus_o far_o pass_v through_o the_o main_n i_o now_o direct_v my_o course_n homeward_o to_o the_o narrow_a sea_n of_o our_o nonconformist_n by_o instance_v in_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n wherein_o either_o our_o opposite_n be_v find_v to_o be_v ordinary_a actor_n or_o else_o their_o witness_n be_v become_v approver_n of_o some_o symbolical_a ceremony_n 6.13_o god_n command_v in_o his_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n show_v sufficient_o how_o sacred_a a_o thing_n a_o oath_n be_v which_o be_v a_o immediate_a invocation_n of_o god_n and_o how_o it_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o do_v challenge_v as_o a_o part_n or_o at_o least_o proper_a cognizance_n of_o his_o supreme_a worship_n now_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o law_n and_o assume_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o be_v this_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o to_o kiss_v it_o swear_v by_o the_o content_n thereof_o that_o be_v by_o the_o way_n of_o stipulation_n pledge_v and_o pawn_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v record_v in_o that_o book_n upon_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v to_o perform_v in_o swear_v then_o their_o kiss_n and_o handle_v of_o that_o book_n be_v the_o visible_a sign_n that_o the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o whereby_o we_o adore_v the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n of_o blessedness_n and_o last_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v a_o vow_n to_o aver_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n unto_o man_n in_o all_o which_o you_o have_v 1._o the_o handle_n and_o kiss_v of_o the_o book_n a_o ceremony_n of_o man_n institution_n 2._o the_o end_n to_o express_v our_o faith_n towards_o god_n and_o truth_n to_o man_n which_o be_v of_o moral_a signification_n 3._o the_o manner_n by_o a_o invocation_n of_o god_n in_o call_v he_o to_o witness_v and_o so_o appropriate_a it_o to_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v full_o as_o much_o as_o this_o cause_n can_v challenge_v at_o our_o hand_n if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o scrupulous_a as_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o oath_n he_o may_v take_v his_o warrant_n from_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n in_o that_o ceremonial_a form_n of_o swear_v 9_o which_o he_o prescribe_v unto_o his_o servant_n before_o the_o jewish_a and_o leviticall_a law_n of_o ceremony_n be_v enact_v by_o god_n sect_n xxxii_o our_o second_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n you_o may_v if_o it_o please_v you_o consider_v the_o three_o ceremonial_a point_n of_o our_o saboth_n by_o a_o threefold_a figure_n the_o first_o be_v to_o signify_v a_o rest_n from_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a saboth_n the_o second_o to_o note_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a saboth_n be_v change_v into_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n his_o resurrection_n whence_o it_o have_v the_o denomination_n to_o be_v call_v 1_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o three_o be_v the_o everlasting_a saboth_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v say_v 4.9_o there_o remain_v sabatismus_fw-la a_o time_n of_o saboth_n or_o rest_v for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n what_o christian_a man_n be_v there_o religious_o affect_v towards_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v who_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n do_v not_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n upon_o that_o day_n and_o also_o why_o may_v lie_v not_o in_o his_o religious_a discretion_n from_o the_o analogy_n between_o this_o our_o bodily_a saboth_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o that_o rest_v in_o heaven_n entertain_v a_o contemplation_n of_o the_o everlasting_a saboth_n and_o rest_n of_o blessedness_n thus_o prefigure_v in_o the_o temporal_a and_o according_o make_v to_o himself_o for_o his_o better_a edification_n a_o double_a mystical_a use_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n 703._o to_o which_o purpose_n zanchius_n say_v of_o our_o church_n the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n sicut_fw-la tabernaculum_fw-la templumque_fw-la salomonis_fw-la typi_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la corporis_fw-la christi_fw-la sic_fw-la nostra_fw-la templa_fw-la typi_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o umbra_fw-la coelestibus_fw-la templi_fw-la ubi_fw-la coelestes_fw-la spiritus_fw-la animique_fw-la fidelium_fw-la collecti_fw-la laudant_fw-la deum_fw-la sicut_fw-la nos_fw-la hic_fw-la in_o terrenis_fw-la hisce_fw-la templis_fw-la colimus_fw-la debentque_fw-la haec_fw-la terrena_fw-la ad_fw-la illud_fw-la coeleste_fw-la animos_fw-la nostros_fw-la sublevare_fw-la usus_fw-la hic_fw-la contemnendus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quià _fw-la utilia_fw-la haec_fw-la sunt_fw-la that_o be_v as_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n of_o solomon_n be_v type_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o our_o temple_n be_v type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o celestial_a temple_n where_o the_o heavenly_a spirit_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v assemble_v for_o the_o praise_v of_o god_n
which_o make_v a_o man_n fall_v either_o into_o dangerous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o else_o some_o sinful_a act_n of_o conversation_n three_o by_o weakness_n they_o interpret_v such_o a_o hindrance_n whereby_o a_o christian_a be_v make_v only_o more_o slow_a and_o remiss_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o course_n of_o christianity_n which_o three_o phrase_n be_v notwithstanding_o expound_v more_o pertinent_o by_o other_o to_o be_v set_v down_o thus_o several_o not_o by_o way_n of_o distinction_n but_o for_o exaggeration_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o wilful_a offence_n against_o christian_n in_o provoke_v of_o they_o unto_o any_o damnable_a error_n or_o sin_n by_o any_o sensible_a external_a mean_n and_o in_o this_o last_o sense_n do_v we_o proceed_v to_o discuss_v this_o argument_n concern_v scandal_n sect_n ii_o our_o second_o answer_n be_v by_o distinction_n of_o the_o kind_n of_o scandal_n i._o division_n that_o distinction_n of_o scandal_n will_v best_o fit_v our_o purpose_n whereby_o it_o be_v usual_o divide_v into_o these_o two_o member_n the_o one_o be_v call_v active_a the_o other_o passive_a sect_n iii_o our_o i._o subdivision_n of_o active_a scandal_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o party_n agent_n direct_v indirect_a the_o active_a be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o party_n agent_n who_o by_o a_o act_n which_o he_o do_v shall_v willing_o provoke_v another_o to_o any_o evil_n and_o this_o kind_n admit_v many_o subdivision_n first_o than_o a_o active_a scandal_n be_v either_o direct_o evil_a or_o only_o indirect_o the_o direct_a manner_n of_o scandal_n be_v when_o the_o act_n be_v evil_a in_o itself_o thus_o the_o act_n of_o david_n murder_n be_v scandalous_a 12.24_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o scandal_n be_v no_o way_n excusable_a be_v evil_a ratione_fw-la obiecti_fw-la which_o be_v proper_o sin_n the_o indirect_a scandal_n be_v see_v in_o act_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a or_o at_o least_o not_o evil_a but_o yet_o because_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o time_n or_o place_n or_o of_o some_o other_o circumstance_n the_o act_n do_v occasional_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v scandalous_a as_o do_v the_o eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n 15._o which_o be_v therefore_o forbid_v be_v a_o sin_n either_o more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o diverse_a affection_n of_o the_o offender_n for_o this_o indirect_a scandal_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v after_o two_o sort_n sometime_o without_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o agent_n who_o have_v no_o meaning_n to_o give_v any_o such_o offence_n of_o which_o kind_n we_o may_v reckon_v the_o fact_n of_o saint_n peter_n when_o he_o do_v so_o partial_o apply_v himself_o unto_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o this_o we_o call_v the_o less_o sin_n the_o other_o manner_n of_o indirect_a scandal_n be_v that_o which_o sometime_o proceed_v from_o the_o wicked_a intent_n in_o the_o scandalizer_n and_o such_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o heretic_n 2.11_o who_o will_v use_v fast_n and_o other_o ceremony_n of_o devotion_n and_o austerity_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o and_o to_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o christ._n thus_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o party_n agent_n sect_n four_o our_a 2._o subdivision_n of_o active_a scandal_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n offend_v either_o weak_a strong_a the_o second_o subdivision_n hereof_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v offend_v for_o it_o be_v either_o perfectorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la of_o man_n thorough_o ground_v or_o pusillorum_fw-la of_o weak_a and_o more_o simple_a concern_v the_o perfect_a the_o stumble_v block_n be_v on_o their_o part_n that_o give_v scandal_n albeit_o the_o party_n that_o be_v offend_v be_v not_o thereby_o scandalize_v that_o be_v not_o so_o offend_v as_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v say_v 16._o that_o peter_n do_v scandalize_v christ_n himself_o when_o wish_v christ_n to_o favour_v himself_o and_o not_o to_o die_v he_o receive_v that_o answer_n from_o christ_n satan_n thou_o be_v a_o scandal_n unto_o i_o for_o albeit_o this_o motion_n proceed_v from_o a_o good_a and_o most_o friendly_a intent_n in_o saint_n peter_n who_o be_v the_o speaker_n for_o it_o be_v only_a that_o christ_n shall_v favour_v himself_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o life_n yet_o do_v christ_n discern_v therein_o a_o wicked_a purpose_n of_o the_o suggester_n the_o devil_n for_o the_o which_o cause_n christ_n call_v peter_n satan_n because_o in_o peter_n seek_v to_o hinder_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n satan_n seek_v to_o hinder_v man_n redemption_n but_o christ_n prefer_v man_n salvation_n before_o his_o own_o life_n teach_v we_o by_o his_o own_o example_n to_o deal_v with_o all_o such_o scandal_n or_o block_n which_o be_v temptation_n to_o hinder_v we_o in_o our_o course_n of_o christianity_n even_o as_o a_o man_n will_v do_v with_o a_o block_n that_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n that_o be_v to_o cast_v it_o behind_o he_o for_o so_o say_v christ_n in_o his_o answer_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n as_o for_o the_o pusilli_fw-la &_o weak_a one_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o their_o behalf_n say_v he_o that_o offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o 18._o it_o be_v better_a etc._n etc._n thus_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o party_n sect_n v._o our_o 3._o subsidivision_n of_o active_a scandal_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o person_n and_o cause_n either_o determine_v vndetermine_v a_o three_o subdivision_n be_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o of_o the_o person_n in_o case_n of_o indifferency_n for_o sometime_o this_o case_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n and_o sometime_o it_o happen_v not_o to_o be_v public_o define_v when_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v once_o full_o conclude_v by_o the_o church_n whether_o in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o it_o great_o concern_v all_o such_o person_n to_o conform_v themselves_o thereunto_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n in_o a_o question_n of_o ceremony_n if_o any_o seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a 11.16_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o indeed_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o preserve_v above_o all_o thing_n the_o regard_n of_o the_o general_a peace_n of_o god_n church_n before_o the_o grievance_n of_o any_o sort_n or_o sect_n of_o man_n which_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v express_o teach_v say_v give_v offence_n to_o no_o man_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentle_a 10.13_o nor_o which_o the_o apostle_n add_v in_o a_o further_a speciality_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o such_o a_o scandal_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o heinous_a than_o other_o by_o how_o much_o more_o pernicious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o the_o endanger_n of_o the_o health_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n than_o to_o weaken_v or_o lame_a any_o one_o limb_n or_o member_n thereof_o but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v either_o not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o only_o in_o part_n determine_v by_o the_o church_n then_o be_v there_o a_o charitable_a consideration_n to_o be_v have_v of_o other_o man_n conscience_n who_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n then_o the_o general_a rule_n be_v that_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n may_v use_v indifferent_a thing_n without_o offence_n of_o other_o he_o need_v not_o to_o forbear_v they_o eat_v say_v the_o apostle_n make_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n 10.25_o why_o because_o god_n have_v give_v man_n a_o liberty_n to_o use_v such_o thing_n or_o not_o to_o use_v they_o and_o the_o apostle_n reason_n be_v this_o for_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n against_o other_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o eat_v namely_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o another_o man_n conscience_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o the_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v liberty_n to_o use_v such_o meat_n as_o have_v be_v former_o account_v unclean_a do_v notwithstanding_o make_v a_o restraint_n from_o eat_v of_o strangle_v and_o blood_n and_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n 15._o lest_o thereby_o they_o may_v give_v offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a proselyte_n new_o call_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n the_o apostle_n in_o great_a circumspection_n do_v circumcise_v timothy_n to_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o jewish_a new_a convert_v and_o late_o call_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o at_o another_o time_n will_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n 2.3_o lest_o he_o may_v give_v way_n to_o false_a apostle_n who_o defend_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o circumcision_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o both_o cause_n
there_o be_v a_o full_a a_o appearance_n of_o contempt_n of_o lawful_a authority_n as_o may_v just_o deny_v unto_o you_o that_o favour_n which_o you_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o we_o shall_v make_v evident_a in_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o next_o argument_n concern_v christian_n liberty_n whereunto_o we_o proceed_v chap._n vi_o sect_n i._o the_o six_o general_a argument_n make_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n against_o the_o three_o ceremony_n aforesaid_a upon_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n maior_n that_o which_o deprive_v mâ—n_z of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v unlawful_a hy._n assumption_n but_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n of_o surplice_n etc._n etc._n do_v deprive_v we_o of_o christian_a liberty_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v unlawful_a our_o answer_n we_o do_v so_o willing_o grant_v your_o mayor_n that_o we_o account_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a felony_n to_o deprive_v the_o subject_n of_o christ_n his_o kingdom_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v purchase_v unto_o all_o the_o faithful_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o we_o deny_v your_o assumption_n sect_n ii_o the_o nonconformist_n general_a assumption_n concern_v our_o ceremony_n hy._n but_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o three_o ceremony_n viz._n surplice_n cross_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o eucharist_n do_v deprive_v we_o of_o christian_a liberty_n our_o answer_n the_o sin_n of_o impeach_v the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o heinous_a a_o crime_n you_o stand_v either_o chargeable_a to_o prove_v this_o assumption_n or_o else_o compellable_a to_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o false_a and_o impious_a slander_n against_o the_o church_n proceed_v therefore_o to_o your_o proof_n sect_n iii_o their_o proof_n it_o be_v our_o christiâ—n_a liberty_n to_o use_v ceremony_n appoint_v by_o man_n ibid._n as_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o these_o ceremony_n be_v impose_v as_o necessary_a therefore_o do_v they_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n our_o answer_n by_o distinction_n show_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o our_o question_n in_o this_o dispute_n be_v not_o concern_v that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_v 6._o rom._n 6._o whereby_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n pronounce_v a_o curse_n upon_o all_o they_o that_o persist_v not_o in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o do_v they_o nor_o of_o the_o liberty_n from_o the_o jewish_a bondage_n of_o the_o leviticall_a law_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o importable_a yoke_n 15._o but_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o this_o our_o controversy_n be_v a_o liberty_n from_o the_o necessary_a observation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a as_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o obiector_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o our_o question_n our_o reader_n shall_v need_v no_o more_o for_o the_o resolution_n thereof_o than_o to_o know_v first_o what_o it_o be_v not_o &_o second_o what_o it_o be_v that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o deprive_v a_o christian_a of_o that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n by_o his_o testament_n have_v bequeath_v unto_o his_o church_n both_o which_o he_o may_v easy_o learn_v by_o distinguish_v between_o two_o kind_n of_o necessity_n which_o be_v incident_a unto_o humane_a precept_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferency_n the_o one_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n the_o other_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o doctrine_n the_o first_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n unto_o human_a precept_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a be_v so_o far_o from_o preiudice_v our_o christian_a liberty_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v establish_v this_o necessity_n in_o his_o church_n charge_v christian_n subject_n to_o obey_v their_o ruler_n child_n their_o parent_n servant_n their_o master_n 6.1.7_o therefore_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n can_v proper_o contradict_v our_o christian_a liberty_n i_o have_v say_v proper_o and_o in_o itself_o albeit_o accidental_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o imposition_n which_o may_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v our_o christian_a liberty_n may_v be_v extreme_o wrong_v but_o this_o be_v only_o accidental_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v call_v a_o depravation_n of_o christian_a liberty_n than_o a_o deprivation_n thereof_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n we_o return_v to_o the_o doctrinal_a necessity_n which_o be_v as_o often_o as_o a_o man_n shall_v attribute_v unto_o a_o humane_a constitution_n any_o of_o those_o property_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o divine_a ordinance_n these_o property_n be_v principal_o three_o 1._o immediate_o to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n 2._o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o salvation_n and_o 3._o to_o hold_v it_o altogether_o unalterable_a by_o any_o authority_n of_o man_n all_o which_o point_n do_v infer_v a_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o these_o that_o i_o may_v so_o say_v the_o image_n or_o superscription_n of_o caesar_n but_o character_n of_o a_o authority_n proper_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o consequent_o all_o such_o kind_n of_o prescription_n which_o contain_v in_o they_o any_o opinion_n of_o doctrinal_a necessity_n whensoever_o they_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o man_n although_o they_o concern_v only_o the_o outward_a ceremony_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o must_v we_o judge_v they_o no_o better_a than_o mere_a presumption_n and_o prevarication_n against_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o doctrine_n saint_n peter_n learned_a 11.12·_v in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferency_n of_o meat_n by_o that_o heavenly_a vision_n of_o the_o great_a sheet_n wherein_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o beast_n and_o bird_n which_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o divine_a oracle_n that_o say_v unto_o peter_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v purify_v pollute_v thou_o not_o 15._o if_o therefore_o when_o god_n have_v sign_v any_o doctrine_n with_o a_o mark_n of_o indifferency_n to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v man_n shall_v come_v and_o stamp_n upon_o it_o his_o own_o mark_n of_o necessity_n teach_v it_o to_o be_v unclean_a that_o it_o may_v not_o in_o any_o case_n be_v use_v by_o man_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a heresy_n whereinto_o notwithstanding_o diverse_a false_a &_o fantastical_a spirit_n plunge_v themselves_o who_o teach_v concern_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v represent_v in_o that_o sheet_n albeit_o that_o heavenly_a voice_n have_v say_v to_o peter_n kill_v and_o eat_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o 21_o handle_v not_o this_o explication_n thus_o premise_v you_o may_v proceed_v and_o show_v if_o you_o can_v that_o any_o of_o the_o foresay_a property_n of_o necessity_n be_v impose_v by_o our_o church_n as_o you_o have_v pretend_v sect_n four_o the_o pretend_a proof_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v take_v from_o 1._o scripture_n 2._o reason_n their_o first_o objection_n from_o scripture_n the_o first_o place_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 7.35_o this_o i_o speak_v to_o your_o profit_n 34._o not_o that_o i_o may_v cast_v a_o snare_n upon_o you_o show_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o necessity_n upon_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v a_o very_a snare_n of_o man_n conscience_n our_o answer_n when_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v 32.33_o that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n not_o to_o marry_v and_o again_o the_o unmarried_a care_v for_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n 32.33_o but_o the_o marry_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n lest_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v thereby_o to_o infer_v a_o general_a necessity_n of_o not_o marry_v he_o preoccupate_v say_v this_o i_o speak_v not_o to_o ensnare_v you_o meaning_n that_o his_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o entangle_v man_n conscience_n in_o a_o opinion_n of_o necessity_n of_o single_a life_n 35._o because_o god_n himself_o give_v a_o liberty_n of_o marry_v for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o enjoin_v a_o necessity_n be_v indeed_o man_n snare_n whereby_o the_o papist_n by_o their_o law_n of_o vow_n unto_o man_n burn_v in_o lust_n stringunt_fw-la imò_fw-la strangulant_fw-la do_v even_o stifle_v many_o thousand_o soul_n the_o case_n of_o necessity_n stand_v thus_o i_o marvel_v how_o you_o can_v apply_v the_o snare_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n unto_o our_o doctrine_n of_o ceremony_n without_o some_o twitch_n of_o your_o own_o conscience_n see_v that_o you_o never_o hear_v this_o point_n of_o necessity_n teach_v in_o our_o church_n examine_v her_o article_n review_v her_o rubric_n search_v her_o canon_n and_o constitution_n and_o try_v whether_o i_o mean_v in_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v the_o like_a prescription_n either_o the_o want_n of_o a_o surplice_n or_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o the_o not_o kneel_v at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n
say_v calvin_n be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n 1._o cor._n 10.28_o where_o albeit_o god_n command_v he_o to_o abstain_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o respect_n of_o scandal_n yet_o do_v not_o man_n thereby_o lose_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n because_o his_o own_o conscience_n have_v respect_n unto_o god_n viz._n by_o believe_v that_o the_o meat_n be_v in_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v lawful_o eat_v but_o his_o abstinence_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o another_o that_o he_o be_v not_o offend_v who_o think_v such_o eat_a unlawful_a and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a treatise_n he_o show_v that_o to_o make_v such_o tradition_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o place_n in_o they_o the_o justice_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o piety_n be_v to_o invade_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o we_o have_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a all_o which_o do_v evident_o show_v that_o christian_a liberty_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o use_n or_o disuse_a of_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o in_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o use_v or_o not_o use_v they_o which_o point_n may_v be_v yet_o furthermore_o most_o plain_o demonstrate_v thus_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n where_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v certain_a meat_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_v a_o weak_a christian_a my_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o be_v free_a in_o regard_n of_o my_o opinion_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o meat_n which_o i_o abstain_v from_o may_v be_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n sect_n xiii_o our_o second_o reason_n of_o confutation_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o church_n harken_v i_o pray_v you_o unto_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o church_n whereby_o albeit_o she_o challenge_v a_o necessary_a obedience_n to_o her_o command_n yet_o do_v she_o not_o command_v or_o teach_v any_o use_n of_o these_o cereremony_n in_o any_o opinion_n of_o necessity_n thereof_o but_o say_v plain_o these_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v for_o discipline_n and_o order_n service_n which_o upon_o just_a cause_n may_v be_v alter_v and_o change_v and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v equal_a with_o god_n law_n what_o then_o need_v this_o loud_a clamour_n or_o rather_o lewd_a slander_n which_o some_o blush_v not_o to_o cast_v upon_o she_o impute_v unto_o she_o no_o less_o a_o crime_n than_o the_o bereave_v they_o of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n by_o who_o notwithstanding_o they_o themselves_o do_v at_o this_o day_n enjoy_v all_o the_o spiritual_a freedom_n and_o happy_a interest_n that_o they_o have_v in_o christ._n sect_n xiiii_o our_o last_o proof_n or_o rather_o reproof_n against_o the_o nonconformist_n show_v that_o they_o by_o their_o manner_n of_o refuse_v these_o ceremony_n have_v superstitious_o withstand_v that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o defend_v christian_n liberty_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o acknowledge_v be_v proper_o impeach_v by_o a_o doctrinal_a necessity_n namely_o by_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v necessary_a in_o itself_o which_o christ_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o new_a testament_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n as_o free_a and_o indifferent_a which_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n our_o church_n condemn_v as_o false_a and_o superstitious_a and_o this_o superstition_n be_v twofold_a the_o one_o be_v affirmative_a the_o other_o negative_a affirmative_a superstition_n be_v to_o affirm_v the_o use_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a to_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o without_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o consist_v 4._o of_o which_o kind_n we_o have_v have_v many_o example_n in_o popery_n the_o negative_a superstition_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v free_a with_o whâ—ch_a kind_n of_o superstition_n not_o only_a papist_n but_o also_o many_o ancient_a heretic_n have_v be_v dangerous_o infect_v the_o marcionite_n teach_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o marry_v the_o discalceati_fw-la to_o wear_v shoe_n the_o tatiani_n to_o eat_v flesh_n the_o severiani_n to_o drink_v wine_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o negative_a superstition_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o heresy_n that_o have_v take_v root_n in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n teach_v concern_v meat_n and_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o say_v 2.21_o eat_v not_o touch_v not_o handle_v not_o now_o your_o negative_a superstition_n in_o oppose_v against_o those_o ceremony_n do_v bewray_v itself_o by_o your_o doctrinal_a opinion_n say_v for_o example_n wear_v not_o a_o linen_n surplice_n and_o that_o by_o two_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o unholinesse_n and_o pollution_n in_o it_o because_o as_o you_o say_v it_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a mass_n 8._o this_o opinion_n i_o judge_v to_o be_v notorious_o superstitious_a and_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o m._n jewel_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o surplice_n do_v judicial_o account_v it_o to_o be_v a_o equal_a error_n 325._o to_o commend_v any_o apparel_n as_o holy_a and_o to_o condemn_v it_o as_o unholy_a the_o papist_n be_v in_o the_o first_o extremity_n and_o you_o in_o the_o other_o which_o negative_a superstition_n be_v flat_o condemn_v by_o that_o say_n of_o saint_n paul_n place_n a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o that_o be_v as_o m._n beza_n confess_v it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o unhallow_a any_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v unto_o it_o which_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n where_o except_v the_o case_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o then_o stand_v he_o do_v teach_v that_o man_n may_v eat_v of_o the_o idolothytes_n or_o meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n make_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sakâ—_n the_o second_o degree_n of_o your_o negative_a superstition_n be_v see_v in_o your_o other_o opinion_n which_o you_o allege_v for_o refuse_v of_o it_o even_o because_o it_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o you_o in_o god_n worship_n in_o a_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a overthrow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n by_o take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n that_o authority_n of_o ordain_v ceremony_n and_o prescribe_v obedience_n thereunto_o which_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o these_o latter_a time_n be_v never_o question_v by_o any_o orthodox_n yea_o or_o heretic_n except_v only_o the_o acephalist_n and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n condemn_v by_o m._n calvin_n and_o all_o other_o divine_n of_o sound_a judgement_n but_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v this_o kind_n of_o negative_a opposition_n unto_o ceremony_n to_o be_v superstitious_a and_o to_o bring_v in_o with_o it_o a_o doctrine_n of_o servitude_n upon_o the_o church_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o own_o witness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o superstition_n m._n calvin_n can_v not_o have_v warn_v christian_a church_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o in_o oppose_v of_o ceremony_n they_o be_v not_o too_o superstitious_a 29._o nor_o can_v p._n martyr_n have_v conclude_v that_o to_o think_v that_o that_o speak_v of_o the_o surplice_n which_o have_v be_v use_v in_o popery_n may_v not_o be_v use_v of_o we_o be_v to_o oppress_v the_o church_n with_o too_o much_o servitude_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a in_o this_o place_n only_o to_o point_n at_o that_o my_o reader_n may_v discern_v that_o our_o church_n be_v not_o so_o superstitious_a in_o her_o prescribe_v of_o ceremony_n as_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v superstitious_a in_o oppose_v against_o they_o as_o will_n furthermore_o appear_v in_o full_a view_n by_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o particular_a accusation_n against_o the_o surplice_n and_o the_o rest_n whereunto_o we_o instant_o descend_v part_n ii_o a_o particular_a defence_n of_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o three_o ceremony_n viz._n surplice_n cross_n after_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a accusation_n make_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n against_o they_o chap._n i._o i._n of_o the_o surplice_n sect_n i._o the_o first_o accusation_n of_o the_o non_fw-fr conformist_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o habit_n 54._o in_o appoint_v any_o several_a apparel_n unto_o minister_n there_o be_v some_o injury_n do_v unto_o they_o for_o bucer_n profess_v that_o in_o all_o the_o church_n where_o he_o have_v be_v teacher_n he_o take_v order_n that_o no_o special_a apparel_n may_v be_v prescribe_v for_o the_o minister_n to_o wear_v our_o answer_n although_o as_o in_o woman_n the_o best_a