a_o vindication_n of_o the_o right_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n by_o will._n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n london_n print_v for_o abel_n swalle_n at_o the_o unicorn_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o who_o exclude_v so_o many_o labourer_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a p._n 212_o his_o four_o argument_n from_o our_o saviour_n command_n not_o to_o scandalize_v little_a one_o p._n 213_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o little_a one_o p._n 214_o what_o it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o p._n 215_o his_o five_o argument_n from_o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o those_o who_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n p._n 216_o how_o the_o pharisee_n shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ibid._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o heavy_a burden_n p._n 218_o and_o what_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n condemn_v under_o that_o notion_n p._n 219_o his_o six_o argument_n that_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o disciple_n to_o forbid_v that_o man_n who_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n but_o do_v not_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o dissent_v preacher_n who_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v p._n 220_o his_o seven_o argument_n from_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v part_v with_o her_o ceremony_n for_o they_o p._n 223_o his_o last_o argument_n from_o christ_n prayer_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n chap._n v._n the_o answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n draw_v from_o the_o 14_o of_o rom._n p._n 225_o there_o may_v be_v some_o case_n wherein_o forbearance_n be_v reasonable_a other_o wherein_o it_o be_v neither_o prudent_a nor_o reasonable_a ibid._n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n unless_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o same_o ibid._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o rom._n only_o exhort_v the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v to_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n which_o have_v already_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o high_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n 226_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v any_o indifferent_a ceremony_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o dissenter_n 227_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o apostolical_a forbearance_n ibid._n private_a charity_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o such_o case_n where_o public_a authority_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a 231_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o one_o concern_v indifferent_a thing_n the_o other_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 235_o no_o dispute_v about_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o exhortation_n to_o forbearance_n in_o such_o matter_n 236_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o reconciler_n argument_n which_o he_o allege_n to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n do_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n ibid._n so_o that_o this_o chapter_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o dispute_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n 243_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n ibid._n the_o reason_n of_o his_o different_a treatment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o galatia_n 244_o whether_o though_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o dissenter_n be_v different_a yet_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o same_o indulgence_n ought_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o both_o 247_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o argument_n from_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n ibid._n that_o there_o be_v no_o parity_n of_o reason_n between_o these_o two_o case_n 249_o the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v in_o this_o 14_o chap._n very_o proper_a to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o not_o applicable_a to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v at_o large_a ibid._n etc._n etc._n what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o receive_v one_o another_o and_o dr._n falkner_n vindicate_v from_o the_o reconciler_n objection_n the_o apostle_n first_o arg._n that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o that_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o not_o applicable_a to_o dissenter_n 257_o etc._n etc._n 2_o arg._n that_o they_o must_v not_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n 262_o that_o this_o arg._n relate_v only_o to_o such_o matter_n as_o god_n have_v determine_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a authority_n 264_o 3_o arg._n that_o they_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n 265_o whether_o every_o man_n must_v be_v permit_v to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n 266_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o grant_v no_o such_o liberty_n as_o this_o 267_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o regard_v man_n conscience_n in_o make_v or_o execute_v law_n for_o the_o public_a good_a 268_o nor_n be_v there_o any_o obligation_n on_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o do_v this_o 269_o what_o st._n paul_n mean_v by_o regard_v a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n 270_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o mere_o signify_v a_o private_a persuasion_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o 272_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n not_o to_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n 274_o what_o the_o scandal_n be_v of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 275_o who_o this_o weak_a brother_n be_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v applicable_a to_o dissenter_n 276_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v give_v be_v a_o suppose_a violation_n of_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n 277_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o criminal_a scandal_n 279_o the_o danger_n of_o offend_v these_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v they_o against_o be_v lest_o they_o shall_v renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o fall_v back_o into_o judaism_n 282_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n who_o be_v to_o be_v indulge_v signify_v those_o who_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n 284_o the_o same_o indulgence_n not_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o schismatic_n though_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a in_o understanding_n ibid._n the_o reason_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o from_o give_v scandal_n 287_o a_o paraphrase_n on_o the_o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n verse_n of_o the_o 14_o rom._n ibid._n these_o argument_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n 292_o that_o this_o compliance_n must_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o religion_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o concern_v 293_o meat_n and_o drink_n do_v not_o signify_v the_o external_o of_o religious_a worship_n 294_o nor_n do_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n signify_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n 296_o the_o mistake_n of_o reconciler_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o of_o small_a account_n with_o god_n 297_o this_o apostolical_a exhortation_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o such_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n 298_o the_o meaning_n of_o have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o 299_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o he_o that_o doubt_v 302_o how_o far_o the_o apostle_n allow_v that_o every_o man_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n where_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n not_o where_o conscience_n itself_o have_v a_o rule_n 303_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o sure_a rule_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o 306_o this_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n ibid._n the_o case_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n brief_o state_v 304_o a_o short_a recapitulation_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n 311_o the_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n plead_v for_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o christian_a worship_n it_o neither_o destroy_v the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n nor_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n what_o the_o reconciler_n plead_v for_o must_v do_v one_o or_o both_o 321_o dr._n stillingfleet_n vindicate_v 322_o the_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n plead_v for_o be_v in_o order_n to_o prevent_v schism_n which_o our_o reconciler_n forbearance_n can_v do_v 333_o this_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v
god_n have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n whereas_o the_o dispute_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v actual_o determine_v by_o god_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v indulge_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o exceed_v their_o authority_n they_o judge_v over_o god_n judgement_n and_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o when_o she_o judge_n and_o censure_v she_o own_o refractory_a and_o dissent_v member_n for_o their_o disobedience_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v subject_a to_o her_o authority_n 3._o the_o apostle_n persuade_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o christian_a communion_n because_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o practice_n yet_o both_o of_o they_o act_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n know_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v repeal_v and_o therefore_o still_o observe_v the_o law_n in_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n which_o first_o give_v it_o the_o convert_a gentile_n know_v that_o the_o law_n be_v never_o give_v to_o they_o and_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o same_o person_n upon_o who_o authority_n they_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o they_o thankful_o accept_v that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o both_o of_o they_o at_o that_o time_n can_v true_o plead_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o not_o mere_o some_o unaccountable_a humour_n and_o prejudice_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o for_o such_o different_a practice_n one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n 6._o and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o which_o will_v be_v a_o profane_a and_o impudent_a mockery_n of_o god_n do_v he_o not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o liberty_n to_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o any_o thing_n and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v our_o reconciler_n represent_v the_o apostle_n argument_n thus_o 88_o these_o person_n say_v the_o apostle_n aught_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n although_o they_o differ_v in_o practice_n and_o in_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v from_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o do_v what_o be_v most_o please_a to_o he_o that_o some_o do_v eat_v and_o other_o not_o that_o some_o do_v regard_v a_o day_n and_o other_o not_o if_o charity_n therefore_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o conclude_v of_o such_o as_o do_v observe_v or_o do_v refuse_v observance_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o these_o inferior_a matter_n that_o as_o they_o outward_o profess_v so_o do_v they_o real_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n which_o they_o who_o can_v know_v man_n conscience_n but_o by_o their_o own_o profession_n can_v well_o deny_v then_o must_v they_o both_o by_o the_o apostle_n rule_v receive_v each_o other_o to_o communion_n and_o not_o reject_v each_o other_o on_o the_o account_n of_o difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o in_o practice_n in_o these_o lesser_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v under_o no_o government_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v usual_o mean_v by_o conscience_n viz._n man_n private_a opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n the_o plain_a english_a of_o it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n must_v do_v as_o he_o list_v and_o thus_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n be_v overrule_v by_o the_o more_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v so_o extreme_o absurd_a that_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o man_n of_o common_a understanding_n shall_v not_o blush_v to_o own_v it_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o condemn_v they_o too_o if_o they_o be_v erroneous_a and_o wicked_a the_o jew_n crucify_v our_o saviour_n and_o persecute_v his_o apostle_n out_o of_o zeal_n for_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n witness_n but_o god_n destroy_v their_o city_n temple_n and_o nation_n for_o it_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o charge_v all_o the_o heathen_a idolater_n even_o after_o the_o empire_n be_v turn_v christian_n with_o be_v a_o pack_n of_o damn_a hypocrite_n many_o of_o they_o no_o doubt_n very_o sincere_o follow_v their_o conscience_n and_o yet_o be_v damn_v not_o for_o hypocrite_n but_o for_o conscientious_a idolater_n all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whatever_o their_o particular_a persuasion_n may_v be_v and_o if_o man_n conscience_n will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n will_v judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o and_o yet_o it_o seem_v as_o hard_a a_o thing_n that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v man_n who_o act_n out_o of_o conscience_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o do_v what_o be_v most_o please_a to_o he_o as_o that_o earthly_a governor_n shall_v condemn_v and_o punish_v they_o no_o you_o will_v say_v god_n be_v the_o sole_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o conscience_n and_o he_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v but_o all_o this_o be_v senseless_a cant_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o conscience_n do_v it_o signify_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o command_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o disobey_v and_o have_v not_o all_o governor_n then_o who_o have_v receive_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o command_v the_o government_n of_o man_n conscience_n too_o as_o far_o as_o their_o authority_n reach_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o question_n who_o have_v authority_n to_o give_v law_n to_o conscience_n for_o whoever_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n for_o conscience_n unless_o they_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n without_o oblige_v any_o body_n to_o obey_v they_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o after_o law_n be_v make_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n every_o man_n may_v equitable_o challenge_v a_o liberty_n to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n though_o his_o conscience_n mistake_v its_o rule_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v this_o liberty_n for_o he_o punish_v such_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o will_v eternal_o damn_v those_o who_o do_v wicked_a action_n out_o of_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n or_o equity_n in_o the_o case_n it_o will_v more_o oblige_v god_n than_o any_o earthly_a governor_n because_o such_o misguide_a zealot_n be_v suppose_v to_o intend_v god_n glory_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o if_o god_n will_v not_o indulge_v such_o man_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n though_o they_o intend_v to_o please_v he_o by_o it_o what_o reason_n have_v earthly_a governor_n to_o do_v it_o who_o receive_v their_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o can_v imitate_v a_o better_a example_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o than_o god_n himself_o 2._o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o man_n conscience_n in_o make_v or_o execute_v law_n for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o nation_n if_o the_o saint_n shall_v think_v it_o their_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n to_o rob_v and_o plunder_v and_o murder_v the_o ungodly_a if_o they_o shall_v think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o pull_v down_o earthly_a prince_n to_o set_v up_o king_n jesus_n on_o his_o throne_n shall_v magistrate_n be_v afraid_a of_o hang_v such_o villain_n as_o these_o as_o commit_v such_o horrid_a outrage_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n nay_o if_o man_n refuse_v to_o give_v security_n to_o the_o government_n or_o a_o legal_a testimony_n in_o any_o civil_a cause_n out_o of_o a_o scruple_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n be_v the_o government_n to_o take_v notice_n or_o to_o make_v any_o allowance_n for_o this_o if_o god_n do_v not_o magistrate_n have_v less_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o because_o god_n know_v what_o man_n conscience_n
be_v which_o magistrate_n can_v never_o know_v hypocrite_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sincere_a and_o government_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a if_o justice_n must_v be_v administer_v not_o by_o know_a and_o stand_a law_n but_o in_o compliance_n with_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v no_o body_n know_v what_o 3._o the_o only_a doubt_n than_o be_v about_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o in_o make_v law_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v more_o bind_v than_o either_o god_n or_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o various_a and_o different_a pretension_n of_o conscience_n if_o there_o be_v any_o equity_n in_o it_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o hold_v in_o other_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o these_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o be_v of_o what_o religion_n he_o please_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o will_v to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v a_o image_n or_o the_o host_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o yet_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a imposition_n it_o be_v upon_o conscience_n i_o have_v rather_o submit_v to_o twenty_o ceremony_n than_o to_o be_v require_v to_o subscribe_v to_o one_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o our_o reconciler_n pretend_v only_o to_o this_o indulgence_n in_o inferior_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v his_o reason_n for_o that_o for_o certain_o the_o less_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o less_o need_n there_o be_v and_o the_o less_o reason_n to_o humour_v man_n conscience_n about_o they_o the_o only_a reason_n he_o assign_v for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o do_v observe_v or_o do_v refuse_v observance_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o these_o inferior_a matter_n do_v real_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v good_a in_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o such_o inferior_a matter_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v st._n paul_n argument_n not_o the_o reconciler_n no_o say_v i_o it_o be_v the_o reconciler_n argument_n not_o st._n paul_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v yes_o i_o grant_v that_o these_o be_v st._n paul_n word_n and_o do_v not_o this_o signify_v that_o they_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o eat_v act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n yes_o i_o grant_v that_o too_o the_o convert_a gentile_n do_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o the_o convert_a jew_n abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n forbid_v by_o their_o law_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o their_o law_n which_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o legal_a pollution_n but_o this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o case_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o dissenter_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o observe_v our_o ceremony_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n god_n have_v give_v a_o positive_a law_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n which_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n and_o other_o festival_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o though_o this_o law_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o repeal_v in_o as_o public_a a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v give_v and_o god_n have_v no_o way_n declare_v that_o they_o shall_v observe_v this_o law_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o those_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n dare_v not_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o therefore_o these_o believe_a jew_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o observe_v day_n and_o not_o to_o eat_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v that_o law_n the_o believe_a gentile_n be_v never_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o god_n declare_v by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o in_o their_o uncircumcision_n and_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v by_o these_o divine_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o jewish_a observation_n of_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v day_n to_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n which_o have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n nor_o any_o public_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n whatever_o our_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o opinion_n may_v be_v we_o do_v not_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n or_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o therefore_o unless_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v any_o positive_a law_n either_o against_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n in_o general_a or_o against_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n the_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o particular_a how_o much_o soever_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n pretend_v to_o conscience_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n nor_o do_v conformist_n observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o foundation_n for_o conscience_n but_o either_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v may_v not_o that_o man_n also_o be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n who_o do_v or_o forbear_v do_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o persuasion_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o he_o can_v produce_v no_o law_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n while_o man_n design_v to_o please_v god_n in_o what_o they_o do_v sure_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n i_o answer_v i_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o any_o man_n but_o let_v they_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o use_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n in_o scripture_n say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v produce_v a_o plain_a law_n for_o what_o he_o do_v other_o man_n may_v intend_v god_n glory_n in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o they_o may_v miss_v of_o their_o aim_n when_o they_o have_v no_o rule_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n instead_o of_o please_a god_n and_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n can_v grant_v any_o indulgence_n to_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o this_o but_o when_o both_o contend_v party_n can_v produce_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o never_o do_v and_o never_o can_v happen_v but_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o because_o they_o both_o act_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n in_o a_o word_n two_o contrary_a party_n as_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v in_o this_o controversy_n can_v never_o both_o of_o they_o
scandal_n now_o these_o two_o do_v so_o wide_o differ_v that_o the_o one_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a scandal_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o prove_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n of_o fall_v to_o he_o be_v scandal_n in_o the_o apostle_n notion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o only_a scandal_n of_o which_o he_o treat_v in_o this_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o thus_o it_o seem_v we_o do_v not_o scandalize_v the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v not_o offend_v in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n at_o what_o we_o do_v so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o own_o liberty_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o dissenter_n be_v concern_v in_o what_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n about_o scandal_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o as_o for_o that_o offence_n and_o scandal_n they_o take_v at_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o restrain_v their_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a pretence_n to_o liberty_n it_o be_v no_o other_o offence_n than_o what_o all_o criminal_n take_v at_o law_n and_o public_a government_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v such_o a_o scandal_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o avoid_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o religion_n than_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v think_v nothing_o impossible_a if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v out_o of_o this_o chapter_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v prescribe_v no_o rule_n of_o worship_n nor_o lay_v any_o restraint_n upon_o the_o giddy_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n of_o man_n for_o fear_v of_o give_v offence_n to_o they_o 4._o the_o last_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o represent_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o forbearance_n be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o gentile_a christian_n without_o sin_n or_o without_o any_o injury_n to_o their_o own_o liberty_n may_v comply_v with_o their_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n yet_o these_o jewish_a christian_n who_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v any_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n without_o sin_v against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o bring_v judgement_n and_o condemnation_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o that_o doubt_v which_o do_v not_o signify_v what_o we_o common_o call_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o certain_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o eat_v such_o meat_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o i_o observe_v before_o signify_v he_o who_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o so_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v any_o meat_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o who_o thus_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n now_o here_o our_o reconciler_n think_v he_o have_v we_o fast_o 99_o for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n it_o must_v be_v also_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n if_o the_o gentile_a believer_n be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o compel_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o eat_v those_o meat_n which_o they_o believe_v unlawful_a because_o how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o while_o they_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o compel_v dissenter_n to_o conformity_n which_o they_o believe_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o great_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o conform_v as_o well_o as_o if_o he_o eat_v this_o look_v most_o like_a a_o parallel_n case_n of_o any_o thing_n yet_o and_o if_o this_o fail_v he_o i_o doubt_v his_o cause_n be_v desperate_a and_o yet_o i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a that_o this_o will_v do_v he_o no_o service_n 1._o for_o first_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a argument_n in_o all_o case_n to_o grant_v such_o a_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n that_o man_n act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a for_o this_o will_v subvert_v all_o order_n and_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o supersede_n the_o authority_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o other_o law_n but_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n 2._o let_v we_o then_o consider_v in_o what_o case_n this_o argument_n be_v good_a for_o certain_o it_o be_v good_a in_o the_o case_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n apply_v it_o now_o i_o know_v of_o but_o one_o general_a case_n to_o which_o this_o argument_n can_v be_v reasonable_o apply_v and_o that_o be_v where_o every_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n not_o where_o conscience_n itself_o have_v a_o rule_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n when_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o rule_n whereby_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o act_v and_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o when_o man_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o law_n they_o must_v have_v liberty_n to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o be_v according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o though_o man_n be_v under_o law_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o none_o that_o magistrate_n may_v make_v law_n but_o they_o must_v not_o execute_v they_o but_o must_v suffer_v every_o man_n when_o his_o conscience_n serve_v he_o to_o break_v both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n wherein_o he_o live_v but_o where_o we_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o divine_a or_o humane_a law_n in_o such_o case_n every_o man_n own_o conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n and_o in_o these_o case_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n because_o they_o concern_v only_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n and_o have_v no_o influence_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o public_a and_o if_o in_o such_o case_n any_o man_n shall_v fancy_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o it_o will_v be_v barbarous_o uncharitable_a by_o censure_n and_o reproach_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o rude_a and_o ungentile_a art_n to_o force_v he_o to_o a_o compliance_n contrary_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n every_o man_n conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o he_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o force_v he_o to_o such_o a_o compliance_n we_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a in_o it_o and_o be_v guilty_a of_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o law_n which_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o do_v no_o long_o oblige_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a both_o for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o eat_v what_o meat_n they_o please_v but_o the_o jew_n still_o think_v that_o law_n to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o law_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o meat_n yet_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v always_o a_o law_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o do_v still_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a in_o the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o reproach_v they_o for_o this_o for_o though_o they_o who_o understand_v their_o liberty_n may_v use_v it_o yet_o a_o believe_a jew_n can_v not_o do_v this_o without_o sin_n and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a many_o case_n in_o â—ome_o degree_n parallel_v to_o this_o as_o suppose_v a_o man_n scruple_n the_o use_n of_o lot_n and_o consequent_o all_o game_n which_o depend_v upon_o lot_n or_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o to_o see_v a_o play_n or_o apprehend_v himself_o oblige_v to_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v in_o former_a age_n think_v necessary_a though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o this_o man_n conscience_n be_v a_o law_n to_o he_o and_o while_o he_o think_v any_o
case_n if_o they_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o any_o body_n but_o themselves_o in_o a_o unnecessary_a restraint_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n but_o neither_o offend_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o hurt_v man_n but_o if_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o compliance_n with_o other_o they_o sin_n in_o it_o for_o every_o man_n private_a conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v he_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o dispute_n between_o dissenter_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n the_o scruple_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o ground_v on_o any_o express_a law_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o party_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n but_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o pervert_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o better_a instruction_n the_o dissenter_n can_v produce_v any_o plain_a positive_a law_n which_o be_v oâ—_n ever_o be_v in_o force_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n and_o so_o have_v no_o reasonable_a pretence_n to_o be_v offend_v the_o weakness_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o a_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o at_o best_a a_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v indulge_v but_o to_o be_v rectify_v by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o prudent_a restraint_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o every_o ignorant_a christian_a must_v give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v his_o own_o ignorant_a and_o childish_a prejudices_fw-la whatever_o offence_n the_o dissenter_n take_v at_o our_o ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o only_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o make_v they_o forsake_v the_o church_n for_o a_o conventicle_n but_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o in_o itself_o for_o any_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n to_o be_v sure_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reaâ—on_n there_o must_v be_v no_o authority_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o no_o exercise_n of_o it_o lest_o those_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v shall_v turn_v schismatic_n but_o now_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o those_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o communion_n without_o mutual_a offence_n and_o scandal_n who_o observe_v such_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o god_n have_v never_o by_o any_o such_o visible_a sign_n declare_v that_o dissenter_n shall_v be_v receive_v to_o communion_n notwithstanding_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o for_o our_o reconciler_n invisible_a communion_n with_o god_n which_o he_o grant_v to_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n who_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n st._n paul_n never_o think_v of_o it_o and_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o our_o reconciler_n shall_v know_v it_o especial_o if_o schism_n as_o he_o assert_n be_v a_o damn_v sin_n for_o no_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o case_n of_o schismatic_n can_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o when_o the_o church_n judge_n and_o censure_n and_o excommunicate_v those_o who_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o her_o worship_n she_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v for_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o though_o our_o dissenter_n pretend_v conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o nonconformity_n yet_o these_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o not_o to_o be_v allow_v of_o because_o there_o be_v no_o plain_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o it_o and_o neither_o governor_n nor_o private_a christian_n be_v concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o to_o make_v any_o allowance_n for_o every_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o will_v bring_v eternal_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o first_o require_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n for_o our_o rule_n which_o will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v what_o we_o do_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o man_n private_a conscience_n if_o they_o misguide_v they_o may_v deserve_v our_o pity_n but_o can_v challenge_v our_o indulgence_n our_o reconciler_n exhort_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n for_o public_a worship_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_a dissenter_n but_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o prudent_a and_o charitable_a but_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a government_n and_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o religious_a office_n which_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o other_o measure_n than_o a_o private_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o private_a christian_n to_o dispense_v in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o nor_o absolute_o in_o the_o power_n of_o church-governor_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n whoever_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n in_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n wherein_o religion_n be_v near_o concern_v for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o act_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n wherein_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n consist_v which_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o external_a worship_n be_v and_o therefore_o can_v refer_v to_o the_o public_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o they_o be_v practise_v at_o all_o must_v be_v practise_v public_o because_o they_o concern_v the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v offence_n in_o this_o case_n by_o dissemble_v our_o faith_n or_o by_o a_o private_a exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o governor_n must_v part_v with_o their_o authority_n and_o private_a christian_n with_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o the_o apostle_n nowhere_o require_v any_o man_n to_o do_v no_o not_o to_o avoid_v offence_n now_o though_o our_o dissenter_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o our_o reconciler_n plead_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a argument_n in_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o their_o mistake_n do_v not_o mere_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a liberty_n but_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o every_o man_n private_a conscience_n but_o to_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o where_o there_o be_v for_o if_o they_o sin_n in_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n which_o no_o man_n can_v force_v they_o to_o do_v so_o they_o sin_v also_o in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n which_o governor_n ought_v to_o hinder_v if_o they_o can_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n from_o that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n the_o dispute_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o those_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v and_o which_o be_v very_o proper_a argument_n in_o that_o case_n can_v by_o no_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o dispute_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o there_o be_v several_a other_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v at_o which_o plain_o show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n
for_o deny_v this_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v then_o that_o he_o be_v a_o reconciler_n for_o never_o any_o reconciler_n be_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o church_n and_o methinks_v the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n and_o the_o prosecution_n of_o dissenter_n upon_o that_o and_o former_a act_n may_v convince_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o our_o present_a sovereign_n be_v none_o of_o his_o protestant_a reconciler_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o can_v prove_v against_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o experience_n and_o complaint_n of_o dissenter_n all_o these_o to_o be_v reconcile_a king_n i_o be_o resolve_v i_o will_v be_v a_o protestant_a reconciler_n too_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v pass_v for_o as_o good_a a_o reconciler_n as_o any_o of_o these_o renown_a king_n without_o recant_v this_o book_n let_v we_o hear_v then_o how_o he_o prove_v these_o great_a prince_n to_o be_v reconciler_n as_o for_o king_n james_n he_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o reconciler_n 4._o from_o casaubon_n epistle_n to_o cardinal_n perroon_n now_o how_o faithful_o casaubon_n represent_v the_o king_n judgement_n be_v more_o than_o our_o reconciler_n can_v tell_v only_o i_o be_o certain_a he_o do_v misrepresent_v he_o if_o he_o make_v a_o reconciler_n of_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o this_o for_o whoever_o consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o word_n may_v put_v a_o very_a sober_a construction_n on_o they_o without_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o our_o reconciler_n for_o the_o dispute_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o religious_a worship_n but_o the_o unscriptural_a innovation_n of_o popery_n which_o they_o impose_v upon_o all_o church_n as_o term_n of_o catholic_n communion_n now_o in_o this_o controversy_n any_o man_n may_v safe_o say_v what_o casaubon_n say_v for_o the_o king_n without_o be_v a_o protestant_a reconciler_n for_o there_o be_v no_o near_a way_n of_o concord_n than_o to_o separate_v thing_n necessary_a from_o unnecessary_a to_o call_v nothing_o simple_o necessary_a but_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v or_o which_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o other_o humane_a constitution_n whatever_o antiquity_n or_o authority_n be_v pretend_v for_o they_o may_v be_v change_v mollify_v antiquate_a and_o that_o this_o may_v in_o the_o general_n be_v say_v of_o most_o ecclesiastical_a observation_n introduce_v without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o this_o do_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o such_o ecclesiastical_a observation_n as_o be_v in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a pilgrimage_n monastic_a vow_n the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n and_o the_o like_a for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o ancient_a council_n or_o the_o ancient_a practice_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n now_o in_o these_o case_n i_o be_o perfect_o of_o the_o king_n mind_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o take_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o protestant_a reconciler_n in_o our_o author_n way_n our_o royal_a martyr_n when_o he_o see_v what_o danger_n church_n and_o state_n and_o his_o own_o royal_a person_n be_v in_o from_o the_o outrageous_a zeal_n of_o dissent_v protestant_n who_o do_v not_o now_o humble_o beg_v for_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n but_o contend_v for_o rule_n and_o empire_n be_v willing_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o allay_v these_o heat_n and_o divert_v the_o storm_n by_o yield_v somewhat_o to_o their_o boisterous_a and_o threaten_a importunity_n and_o if_o he_o have_v yield_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o at_o that_o time_n than_o he_o do_v i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v no_o argument_n of_o his_o own_o settle_a judgement_n of_o thing_n the_o reconciler_n may_v hence_o prove_v that_o the_o king_n think_v it_o much_o better_a to_o yield_v a_o little_a at_o that_o time_n than_o to_o ruin_v church_n and_o state_n by_o too_o much_o stiffness_n not_o that_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v any_o thing_n on_o his_o subject_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o scruple_n and_o yet_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o king_n yield_v under_o these_o necessity_n for_o that_o our_o reconciler_n produce_v these_o word_n as_o for_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o for_o matter_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n concern_v religion_n we_o shall_v in_o tenderness_n to_o any_o number_n of_o our_o love_a subject_n very_o willing_o comply_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o parliament_n that_o some_o law_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o exemption_n of_o tender_a conscience_n from_o punishment_n or_o prosecution_n for_o such_o ceremony_n and_o in_o such_o case_n which_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o man_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v matter_n indifferent_a and_o of_o some_o to_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a do_v the_o king_n in_o these_o word_n promise_v to_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abolish_v all_o ceremony_n &_o c_o by_o no_o mean_n he_o only_o say_v that_o he_o will_v comply_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o parliament_n to_o exempt_v such_o tender_a conscience_n from_o punishment_n and_o how_o can_v our_o reconciler_n hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o king_n believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n because_o at_o such_o a_o critical_a time_n he_o be_v content_v there_o shall_v be_v some_o provision_n make_v to_o secure_a dissenter_n from_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o penal_a law_n and_o yet_o that_o ill_a usage_n which_o so_o excellent_a a_o prince_n meet_v with_o from_o these_o dissent_v protestant_n after_o such_o a_o condescension_n as_o this_o give_v no_o great_a encouragement_n to_o prince_n to_o try_v this_o experiment_n again_o thus_o he_o prove_v our_o present_a sovereign_n to_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n by_o his_o declaration_n from_o breda_n which_o he_o print_v at_o large_a i_o suppose_v for_o fear_v people_n shall_v forget_v that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o declaration_n or_o what_o be_v the_o content_n of_o it_o how_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n at_o that_o time_n may_v incline_v his_o majesty_n to_o such_o a_o condescension_n be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o inquire_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o present_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o king_n against_o that_o declaration_n which_o so_o far_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v be_v not_o of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n now_o and_o indeed_o never_o be_v notwithstanding_o that_o declaration_n for_o he_o never_o assert_v it_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v scruple_v ceremony_n upon_o dissenter_n but_o think_v it_o expedient_a at_o that_o time_n to_o indulge_v their_o weakness_n and_o while_o matter_n be_v under_o debate_n for_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n no_o wonder_n that_o the_o king_n and_o his_o great_a minister_n shall_v make_v proposal_n of_o accommodation_n and_o offer_v their_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o it_o but_o i_o always_o think_v that_o what_o be_v say_v by_o any_o person_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o while_o the_o matter_n be_v under_o debate_n be_v not_o so_o good_a a_o argument_n what_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n be_v as_o what_o he_o agree_v and_o consent_v to_o when_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n have_v be_v hear_v and_o scan_v thus_o our_o king_n be_v our_o own_o again_o and_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o countenance_v such_o a_o design_n as_o this_o which_o serve_v only_o to_o encourage_v a_o busy_a and_o restless_a party_n among_o we_o who_o first_o strike_v at_o the_o church_n but_o will_v never_o be_v quiet_a till_o they_o have_v usurp_v the_o throne_n what_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v evident_a from_o her_o article_n canon_n and_o constitution_n and_o this_o signify_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o i_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o private_a doctor_n of_o what_o note_n and_o eminency_n soever_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o particular_a doctor_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a work_n to_o number_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o private_a doctor_n on_o both_o side_n indeed_o their_o authority_n be_v no_o great_a than_o their_o reason_n be_v and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o speak_v without_o book_n unless_o they_o have_v something_o more_o
that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v express_v itself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o government_n 1._o that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o duty_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n for_o charity_n to_o other_o can_v dispense_v with_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n whatever_o pretence_n of_o charity_n there_o be_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o must_v govern_v it_o or_o they_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o themselves_o in_o neglect_v their_o own_o duty_n out_o of_o pretence_n of_o charity_n to_o other_o nay_o all_o private_a act_n of_o charity_n must_v give_v place_n to_o public_a charity_n now_o government_n be_v a_o public_a good_a that_o be_v be_v a_o public_a charity_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v neglect_v out_o of_o pretence_n of_o charity_n to_o private_a christian_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v do_v what_o our_o reconciler_n desire_v without_o neglect_v their_o own_o duty_n or_o injure_v their_o authority_n and_o government_n i_o think_v this_o plea_n of_o charity_n will_v be_v more_o specious_a and_o plausible_a but_o that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o be_v as_o plain_a to_o i_o as_o a_o first_o principle_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o they_o can_v do_v without_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o determine_v the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v the_o bishop_n govern_v the_o church_n nor_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n unless_o they_o command_v the_o minister_n to_o officiate_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o the_o people_n to_o receive_v kneel_v yes_o no_o doubt_n they_o may_v then_o these_o law_n be_v alterable_a they_o be_v so_o then_o in_o charity_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o alter_v they_o according_a to_o your_o own_o rule_n for_o they_o may_v do_v this_o without_o neglect_v their_o duty_n of_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n i_o deny_v the_o consequence_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o charity_n do_v not_o require_v any_o man_n much_o less_o governor_n to_o do_v a_o foolish_a thing_n which_o serve_v no_o good_a end_n at_o all_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v alter_v our_o present_a rule_n and_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o must_v prescribe_v some_o other_o or_o else_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n for_o the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o they_o can_v be_v secure_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o wherein_o so_o many_o man_n think_v a_o rude_a and_o slovenly_a worship_n to_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a without_o some_o fix_a and_o stand_a rule_n of_o decency_n now_o whatever_o change_n they_o make_v they_o can_v change_v for_o the_o better_a nor_o remove_v any_o scruple_n by_o such_o a_o change_n for_o most_o of_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o our_o dissenter_n dispute_v against_o our_o present_a ceremony_n will_v serve_v as_o well_o against_o any_o other_o establish_a order_n of_o worship_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o governor_n to_o alter_v law_n mere_o to_o try_v the_o humour_n of_o people_n to_o see_v whether_o those_o who_o without_o reason_n scruple_n imposition_n in_o one_o case_n will_v without_o reason_n submit_v to_o other_o imposition_n when_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v in_o both_o it_o be_v neither_o consistent_a with_o the_o prudence_n nor_o charity_n of_o government_n upon_o such_o slight_a pretence_n as_o these_o to_o make_v alteration_n so_o much_o for_o the_o worse_o as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o ever_o they_o alter_v our_o present_a rule_n of_o worship_n if_o this_o shall_v gratify_v some_o humoursome_a people_n it_o may_v just_o offend_v and_o scandalize_v much_o better_a man_n to_o see_v a_o decent_a way_n of_o worship_n change_v for_o that_o which_o be_v less_o decent_a no_o say_v our_o reconciler_n 333._o this_o can_v with_o any_o truth_n be_v pretend_v be_v not_o thing_n indifferent_a such_o as_o may_v be_v impose_v or_o not_o impose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o do_v not_o our_o church_n declare_v her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a can_v therefore_o any_o regular_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v offend_v that_o she_o do_v use_v her_o liberty_n in_o matter_n whole_o leave_v unto_o her_o liberty_n and_o by_o her_o first_o reformer_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o yes_o why_o not_o for_o all_o this_o must_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v alterable_a be_v alter_v for_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o may_v it_o not_o just_o offend_v a_o regular_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o see_v a_o more_o decent_a way_n of_o worship_n lay_v aside_o and_o that_o which_o be_v less_o decent_a come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n she_o allow_v that_o her_o ceremony_n may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v pray_v but_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v alter_v only_o upon_o just_a cause_n as_o she_o express_o determine_v and_o though_o in_o such_o case_n she_o allow_v of_o some_o alteration_n in_o her_o ceremony_n yet_o she_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o ceremony_n shall_v be_v retain_v since_o without_o some_o ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o keep_v any_o order_n or_o quit_v discipline_n in_o the_o church_n but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n they_o do_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o ceremony_n by_o law_n establish_v shall_v be_v abolish_v or_o that_o conformist_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o use_v they_o but_o only_o that_o other_o who_o conscience_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o in_o their_o omission_n of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o just_a offence_n than_o the_o other_o for_o this_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o same_o or_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n if_o in_o the_o same_o this_o introduce_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n confusion_n and_o schismâ—_n into_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o church_n if_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n this_o be_v to_o establish_v schism_n by_o a_o law_n and_o to_o make_v they_o only_o legal_a conventicle_n but_o he_o say_v as_o some_o sit_v some_o stand_n some_z kneel_z at_o common-prayer_n 338._o and_o prayer_n before_o sermon_n and_o this_o without_o confusion_n so_o may_v some_o sit_v some_z kneel_z some_o stand_n at_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o do_v our_o reconciler_n think_v this_o variety_n of_o posture_n at_o prayer_n a_o orderly_a and_o decent_a thing_n especial_o for_o man_n to_o sit_v at_o prayer_n stand_a may_v be_v sometime_o necessary_a because_o especial_o in_o full_a auditory_n all_o person_n may_v not_o have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o kneel_v but_o be_v one_o irregularity_n sufficient_a to_o justify_v another_o do_v not_o the_o church_n require_v a_o uniform_a posture_n at_o prayer_n too_o and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o decent_a and_o orderly_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o such_o various_a posture_n at_o prayer_n and_o at_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o except_v the_o rudeness_n of_o sit_v when_o man_n have_v strength_n of_o body_n to_o kneel_v or_o stand_v which_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n these_o variety_n of_o posture_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o man_n differ_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n about_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o occasion_v mutual_a scandal_n and_o offence_n censure_v and_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n but_o differ_v posture_n in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o scruple_n one_o think_v kneel_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a the_o other_o deserve_o think_v it_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a to_o sit_v and_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n occasion_n mutual_a emulation_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o receive_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o holy_a communion_n and_o if_o you_o say_v that_o man_n must_v lay_v aside_o this_o judge_n and_o censorious_a humour_n you_o must_v either_o mean_v that_o while_o man_n retain_v these_o differ_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o judge_v one_o another_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o man_n and_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v which_o be_v ridiculous_o impossible_a unless_o you_o can_v teach_v man_n not_o to_o think_v as_o they_o think_v or_o that_o they_o must_v alter_v their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o look_v upon_o all_o these_o as_o indifferent_a posture_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v
disadvantage_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n as_o be_v make_v schismatic_n upon_o this_o account_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o consider_v what_o likeness_n or_o affinity_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o dispute_n be_v here_o be_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n such_o as_o man_n impose_v upon_o themselves_o or_o observe_v in_o imitation_n of_o their_o sect_n and_o party_n or_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o several_a master_n christ_n impose_v no_o such_o fast_n upon_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n though_o in_o such_o matter_n christ_n conform_v himself_o and_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v all_o as_o much_o of_o humane_a institution_n as_o our_o ceremony_n be_v which_o be_v a_o admirable_a way_n of_o argue_v the_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n though_o it_o may_v offend_v some_o superstitious_a pharisee_n be_v no_o affront_n to_o public_a authority_n nor_o make_v any_o alteration_n or_o confusion_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n think_v as_o dissent_v from_o public_a constitution_n this_o christ_n never_o indulge_v his_o disciple_n in_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n any_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o 2._o this_o indulgence_n be_v but_o temporary_a during_o our_o saviour_n abode_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o than_o they_o shall_v fast_v and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n look_v upon_o this_o say_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o institution_n of_o the_o quadrigesimal_n fast_o and_o will_v our_o reconciler_n argue_v â—rom_o a_o short_a indulgence_n for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o grant_v to_o the_o disciple_n by_o christ_n to_o prove_v a_o perpetual_a indulgence_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o dissenter_n for_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v good_a they_o will_v last_v for_o ever_o christ_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v always_o child_n nor_o have_v he_o impose_v upon_o his_o church_n to_o indulge_v such_o childish_a weakness_n and_o fancy_n for_o ever_o 3._o fast_v be_v a_o very_a severe_a duty_n very_o afflictive_a both_o to_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o our_o saviour_n to_o forbear_v command_v it_o for_o some_o time_n but_o what_o severity_n be_v there_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n what_o mighty_a trouble_n be_v it_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n what_o offence_n be_v a_o white_a linen_n garment_n to_o the_o eye_n what_o disturbance_n do_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n make_v with_o the_o gentle_a motion_n of_o the_o finger_n cause_n but_o though_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v burdensome_a to_o the_o conscience_n let_v he_o show_v then_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v any_o regard_n in_o this_o to_o a_o doubtful_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n and_o i_o will_v grant_v it_o a_o good_a proof_n how_o can_v any_o jew_n scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v so_o often_o command_v and_o recommend_v in_o their_o law_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n take_v notice_n only_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o duty_n not_o of_o its_o burdensomness_n to_o the_o conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n indulgence_n 48._o well_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o theophylact_fw-mi and_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v that_o herein_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o rule_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v convert_v the_o world_n they_o also_o shall_v condescend_v and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o with_o the_o great_a meekness_n whether_o christ_n intend_v this_o or_o not_o in_o what_o he_o now_o say_v to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n careful_o observe_v they_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o bear_v with_o many_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n both_o in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o do_v this_o meekness_n extend_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v do_v they_o prescribe_v no_o rule_n or_o order_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n or_o do_v they_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n without_o exact_v obedience_n to_o they_o do_v they_o suffer_v any_o christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o case_n and_o be_v it_o think_v a_o act_n of_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v think_v so_o in_o after-age_n wherein_o the_o church_n exercise_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n and_o no_o christian_a ever_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n but_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v our_o saviour_n as_o one_o who_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o who_o will_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a well_o we_o ready_o grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o most_o kind_a and_o gentle_a master_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o do_v this_o signify_v that_o he_o will_v give_v no_o law_n about_o worship_n or_o that_o if_o any_o person_n scruple_v these_o law_n he_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o give_v they_o their_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o they_o please_v if_o christ_n be_v a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a lord_n without_o this_o his_o minister_n also_o may_v exercise_v great_a lenity_n and_o gentleness_n without_o prostitute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o the_o ignorance_n or_o giddiness_n or_o frowardness_n of_o professor_n christ_n give_v very_o easy_a and_o gentle_a law_n instruct_v his_o hearer_n with_o great_a mildness_n and_o calmness_n bear_v their_o dulness_n and_o infidelity_n their_o indignity_n and_o affront_n with_o admirable_a patience_n converse_v even_o with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o gain_v they_o to_o repentance_n encourage_v the_o least_o beginning_n and_o cherish_v the_o first_o and_o weak_a essay_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n he_o expect_v they_o shall_v submit_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o law_n and_o still_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v submit_v to_o that_o authority_n he_o have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n and_o if_o church-governor_n use_v this_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n in_o their_o law_n and_o in_o their_o behaviour_n though_o they_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n and_o exact_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n which_o our_o reconciler_n so_o charitable_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v 50._o iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v a_o wonderful_a one_o that_o christ_n take_v compassion_n on_o the_o jew_n as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n that_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v himself_o that_o he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v that_o he_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v send_v forth_o more_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o query_n then_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v conform_v to_o this_o example_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o prayer_n who_o do_v exclude_v so_o many_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o labour_v in_o his_o harvest_n for_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a true_o i_o think_v they_o may_v though_o they_o exclude_v the_o reconciler_n into_o the_o bargain_n for_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o now_o with_o we_o asit_fw-la be_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v now_o send_v out_o numerous_a labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n man_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o diligence_n more_o indeed_o than_o there_o be_v entertainment_n or_o employment_n for_o and_o the_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o this_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o scruple_v cast_v schismatical_a presbyter_n out_o of_o christ_n vineyard_n but_o have_v our_o reconciler_n the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o mere_o for_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o themselves_o give_v another_o account_n of_o it_o renounce_v of_o the_o covenant_n keep_v they_o out_o a_o great_a while_n reordination_n episcopal_a government_n a_o national_a church_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v all_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o the_o dissent_v preacher_n
conceive_v non_fw-la enim_fw-la carnes_z secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la sed_fw-la sola_fw-la olera_fw-la manducabant_fw-la because_o the_o weak_a person_n mention_v here_o only_o do_v eat_v herb_n abstain_v from_o all_o flesh_n and_o not_o from_o that_o alone_a which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o commentator_n we_o must_v understand_v also_o one_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o body_n who_o have_v a_o ill_a stomach_n or_o ill_a digestion_n and_o therefore_o eat_v herb_n because_o he_o can_v eat_v flesh_n through_o sickness_n or_o old_a age_n infirmus_fw-la aetate_fw-la aut_fw-la corporis_fw-la vigore_fw-la which_o be_v the_o word_n immediate_o before_o and_o then_o how_o this_o will_v reach_v the_o case_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n i_o can_v tell_v as_o for_o his_o reason_n that_o these_o weak_a person_n eat_v only_a herb_n it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o the_o text._n herb_n may_v be_v take_v synecdochical_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n allow_v by_o the_o law_n no_o sort_n of_o herb_n be_v forbid_v or_o it_o may_v signify_v that_o rather_o than_o eat_v any_o meat_n forbid_v by_o their_o law_n they_o choose_v to_o live_v on_o herb_n which_o may_v be_v often_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jew_n who_o live_v among_o heathen_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n who_o be_v primary_o concern_v in_o this_o epistle_n do_v and_o st._n chrysostom_n who_o positive_o assert_n that_o this_o concern_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n assign_v another_o reason_n for_o their_o eat_a herb_n loc._n because_o if_o they_o have_v only_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n and_o other_o forbid_a meat_n they_o will_v have_v discover_v their_o reverence_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n still_o which_o he_o suppose_v they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o conceal_v and_o therefore_o to_o palliate_v the_o business_n they_o abstain_v from_o all_o flesh_n and_o eat_v only_a herb_n that_o it_o may_v look_v more_o like_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n than_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n or_o not_o i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v it_o plain_o show_n what_o st._n chrysostom_n opinion_n be_v in_o the_o case_n which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v think_v as_o considerable_a as_o this_o commentator_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n about_o this_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v v_o 14._o for_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d common_a the_o word_n peculiar_o use_v to_o signify_v the_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n that_o ever_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n for_o though_o the_o pythagorean_n do_v forbid_v eat_v of_o flesh_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o inconsiderable_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n which_o can_v not_o occasion_v such_o a_o general_a dispute_n as_o this_o be_v and_o they_o do_v not_o forbid_v flesh_n upon_o this_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o for_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o their_o philosophy_n which_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o superstitious_a that_o we_o can_v imagine_v the_o apostle_n will_v grant_v any_o indulgence_n to_o such_o fancy_n 2._o his_o next_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o colossion_n speak_v severe_o against_o their_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a festival_n and_o therefore_o here_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n indifferent_a concern_v which_o it_o be_v only_o needful_a that_o the_o observer_n or_o not_o observer_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o assure_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o practice_n as_o st._n ambrose_n say_v the_o apostle_n here_o assert_n nor_o be_v it_o like_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n he_o will_v permit_v they_o to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n which_o last_o assertion_n direct_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a hypothesis_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n may_v have_v require_v of_o they_o to_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o whatever_o scruple_n they_o pretend_v and_o then_o how_o do_v it_o become_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n in_o church-governor_n to_o renounce_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o gratify_v and_o humour_v every_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o be_v favourable_a to_o scruple_n it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o scruple_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v be_v abrogate_a and_o out_o of_o date_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o apostle_n shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v much_o less_o reason_n to_o expect_v this_o from_o church-governor_n in_o other_o matter_n where_o no_o such_o authority_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o justify_v their_o scruple_n but_o of_o the_o different_a behaviour_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n i_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o account_n in_o what_o follow_v as_o will_v not_o be_v much_o to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n 3._o because_o the_o apostle_n confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o meat_n not_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v now_o abolish_v that_o law_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v unto_o and_o so_o can_v not_o oblige_v the_o gentile_a world_n or_o any_o thing_n which_o seem_v proper_a to_o oppose_v unto_o those_o judaize_v christian_n but_o only_o say_v that_o meat_n do_v not_o commend_v to_o god_n and_o suchlike_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o proper_a to_o be_v speak_v unto_o those_o who_o understand_v of_o their_o liberty_n free_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o eat_v of_o the_o idol-sacrifice_n now_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o apostle_n confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o meat_n and_o day_n not_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o his_o whole_a epistle_n treat_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o he_o do_v not_o repeat_v all_o that_o he_o say_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n about_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n and_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n in_o this_o 14_o chapter_n therefore_o these_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o day_n must_v not_o refer_v to_o moysaicall_a observance_n the_o whole_a epistle_n concern_v the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o other_o meat_n and_o day_n which_o the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o observe_v and_o the_o gentile_n think_v themselves_o free_v from_o by_o christ_n he_o will_v say_v something_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o whereas_o he_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o urge_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o prove_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o his_o business_n in_o this_o chapter_n but_o he_o prove_v what_o he_o intend_v to_o prove_v how_o reasonable_a mutual_a forbearance_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n which_o suppose_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n already_o prove_v as_o indeed_o he_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o before_o for_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o forbearance_n against_o a_o positive_a law_n 4._o his_o last_o reason_n be_v as_o good_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a because_o have_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o strong_a jewish_a christian_n and_o declare_v his_o freedom_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a law_n he_o will_v have_v contradict_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o his_o own_o practice_n there_o 24._o for_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o do_v esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o be_v and_o do_v not_o judge_v he_o a_o strong_a but_o a_o disorderly_a christian_a who_o be_v a_o jew_n observe_v not_o their_o law_n and_o custom_n now_o if_o this_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o dispute_v against_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o jewish_a convert_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o new_a commentator_n upon_o most_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o deliver_v he_o from_o that_o scandal_n which_o all_o expositor_n hitherto_o have_v cast_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v in_o many_o place_n industrious_o prove_v that_o neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o it_o be_v
in_o which_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v and_o another_o thing_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v the_o dispute_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o which_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o st._n paul_n exhort_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n now_o let_v our_o reconciler_n speak_v his_o conscience_n free_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n alike_o in_o these_o two_o case_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o indulge_v a_o dissenter_n in_o his_o scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o never_o be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o any_o divine_a law_n as_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o indulge_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o know_v be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n till_o that_o day_n religious_o observe_v by_o they_o from_o the_o time_n it_o be_v first_o give_v and_o which_o they_o think_v do_v â—till_o as_o much_o oblige_v they_o as_o ever_o the_o dispute_n be_v not_o about_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o indulge_v the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n in_o observe_v the_o law_n till_o it_o shall_v be_v repeal_v in_o such_o a_o evident_a manner_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o reasonable_a scruple_n about_o it_o yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_a to_o indulge_v man_n in_o their_o scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v any_o such_o reason_n for_o these_o scruple_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v indulge_v but_o our_o reconciler_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o dr._n falkner_n have_v urge_v 77._o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n 14_o rom._n be_v not_o treat_v about_o and_o therefore_o not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n mean_v by_o that_o expression_n the_o impose_v ceremony_n add_v that_o still_o the_o sequel_n be_v firm_a for_o the_o apostle_n may_v dispute_v upon_o another_o subject_n and_o yet_o lie_v down_o such_o principle_n and_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o equal_o confute_v the_o press_a or_o impose_v of_o those_o ceremony_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n when_o such_o a_o imposition_n will_v silence_v many_o able_a minister_n and_o involve_v many_o myriad_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o may_v be_v sometime_o true_a but_o then_o the_o subject_n must_v be_v near_o of_o kin_n and_o there_o must_v be_v something_o contain_v in_o the_o argument_n which_o indifferent_o relate_v to_o all_o other_o case_n which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n 2._o but_o yet_o whatever_o the_o argument_n be_v it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n and_o can_v challenge_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o any_o other_o case_n as_o it_o have_v in_o that_o to_o which_o it_o be_v immediate_o apply_v the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o persuade_v jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o upon_o account_n of_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v st._n paul_n argument_n as_o apply_v to_o that_o case_n but_o be_v only_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n as_o apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o he_o have_v nor_o any_o great_a strength_n than_o his_o reason_n give_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v against_o the_o imposition_n of_o our_o church_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o confess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o say_v one_o word_n about_o the_o matter_n he_o ought_v plain_o to_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n which_o express_o condemn_v the_o imposition_n of_o our_o church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o argument_n use_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n upon_o other_o occasion_n which_o he_o think_v by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n condemn_v these_o imposition_n but_o to_o pretend_v scripture_n against_o we_o when_o he_o can_v produce_v any_o one_o scripture_n which_o primary_o relate_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v to_o set_v up_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v general_o such_o as_o few_o man_n will_v allow_v to_o be_v senâ—e_n our_o saviour_n and_o st._n paul_n argument_n be_v scripture_n when_o apply_v to_o those_o case_n to_o which_o they_o apply_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o purpose_n though_o the_o word_n be_v scripture_n still_o yet_o this_o new_a application_n of_o they_o be_v not_o and_o i_o will_v desire_v my_o reader_n to_o observe_v this_o that_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v allege_v numerous_a place_n of_o scripture_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o one_o scripture-proof_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n be_v scripture_n but_o apply_v by_o he_o to_o other_o purpose_n than_o the_o scripture_n intend_v 3._o but_o yet_o parity_n of_o reason_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n and_o therefore_o here_o i_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o he_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n can_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a part_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o argument_n proper_a to_o each_o and_o though_o our_o reconciler_n confound_v they_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o distinct_o first_o the_o first_o part_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n or_o break_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o different_a custom_n he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v 1._o that_o be_v receive_v to_o communion_n which_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o judge_v of_o each_o other_o differ_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o thing_n for_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n 2._o another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n this_o be_v the_o matter_n about_o which_o they_o differ_v the_o gentile_a convert_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o therefore_o may_v eat_v any_o thing_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o persuade_v of_o his_o freedom_n from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n abstain_v from_o all_o forbid_a meat_n and_o feed_v on_o herb_n let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v 3._o despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o let_v not_o the_o gentile_a despise_v the_o jew_n as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v let_v not_o the_o jew_n condemn_v and_o reject_v the_o gentile_n as_o profane_v and_o unclean_a person_n with_o who_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o converse_v much_o less_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o communion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n design_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o prevent_v that_o schism_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v occasion_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o either_o jew_n shall_v yield_v to_o gentile_n or_o gentile_n to_o jew_n but_o each_o of_o they_o retain_v their_o own_o liberty_n in_o these_o matter_n they_o shall_v still_o own_v each_o other_o as_o christian_a brethren_n and_o live_v in_o christian_a communion_n together_o which_o show_v how_o remote_a this_o case_n be_v from_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n notwithstanding_o their_o dispute_n about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n may_v join_v together_o in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a worship_n whereas_o the_o dispute_v between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v about_o the_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o while_o this_o difference_n last_v they_o can_v join_v in_o one_o communion_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a case_n but_o before_o i_o consider_v the_o apostle_n reason_n for_o
meat_n be_v perfect_o take_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o may_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v just_a as_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o great_a breach_n of_o charity_n to_o eat_v with_o offence_n to_o destroy_v our_o brother_n with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v 15_o 16_o v._n which_o may_v just_o cause_v our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o valuable_a thing_n in_o it_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o condemn_v on_o all_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v use_v so_o uncharitable_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o v_o 16._o and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v our_o charity_n it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v and_o perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n which_o we_o will_v do_v so_o neither_o be_v religion_n concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n indeed_o be_v concern_v in_o thedispute_n about_o the_o lawfulnessof_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a convert_v to_o renounce_v this_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v they_o but_o bare_a eat_n or_o not_o eat_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o opinion_n about_o it_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v neither_o the_o better_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v eat_v nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 17._o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v no_o law_n about_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o diet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o eat_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o liberty_n of_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o act_n of_o eat_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o though_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o direct_a and_o positive_a command_n about_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o duty_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n consist_v which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v a_o collateral_a restraint_n upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o deal_v kind_o and_o compassionate_o with_o our_o fellow-christians_a to_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o delight_n which_o christian_n brethren_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o each_o other_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o the_o joint_a worship_n of_o their_o common_a father_n and_o saviour_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o please_v to_o our_o great_a master_n and_o have_v so_o much_o natural_a goodness_n as_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o man_n 18._o for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v this_o rule_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o give_v we_o free_a leave_n to_o eat_v of_o every_o thing_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o company_n to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v former_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o since_o we_o know_v that_o to_o do_v so_o gives_z great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a jew_n without_o serve_v any_o end_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o essential_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n unity_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a edification_n let_v we_o not_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n as_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o though_o no_o meat_n be_v now_o unclean_a but_o all_o thing_n all_o kind_n of_o diet_n be_v now_o pure_a and_o lawful_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n by_o his_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o his_o weak_a brother_n think_v unclean_a to_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o he_o it_o be_v good_a much_o better_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a discourage_v in_o his_o christian_a course_n and_o tempt_v to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o beside_o this_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o in_o our_o choice_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o require_v either_o and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o not_o eat_v be_v in_o itself_o consider_v of_o any_o concernment_n to_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n at_o all_o to_o thy_o christian_a liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o brother_n have_v thou_o faith_n do_v thou_o believe_v thou_o may_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o meat_n believe_v so_o still_o and_o use_v this_o liberty_n private_o when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o offence_n but_o thou_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o publish_v this_o belief_n nor_o of_o act_v according_a to_o it_o in_o all_o company_n but_o have_v this_o faith_n to_o thyself_o before_o god_n this_o faith_n make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v but_o then_o thou_o must_v take_v great_a care_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o become_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o be_v thou_o must_v not_o eat_v how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o with_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o thy_o weak_a brother_n which_o make_v it_o very_o unlawful_a happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v who_o do_v not_o do_v a_o good_a action_n in_o so_o ill_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o bring_v condemnation_n upon_o himself_o but_o then_o as_o thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v do_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o eat_v nor_o lawful_a in_o all_o circumstance_n when_o it_o be_v do_v with_o offence_n and_o scandal_n so_o much_o less_o do_v thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thy_o weak_a brother_n to_o eat_v for_o if_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o doubt_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o still_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o he_o notwithstanding_o this_o eat_v such_o forbid_a meat_n he_o be_v damn_v self-condemned_n by_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n do_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o cenâ—ure_n and_o reproach_v thy_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o case_n but_o to_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o avoid_v give_v he_o any_o scandal_n or_o offence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_v in_o this_o place_n to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v by_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o contain_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a determination_n of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o review_v and_o inquire_v how_o applicable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n can_v be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o forbid_v offer_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o exercise_n
of_o these_o thing_n unlawful_a they_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a by_o any_o art_n to_o force_v he_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v only_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v in_o it_o especial_o while_o they_o be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o use_v their_o innocent_a liberty_n innocent_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o guide_v we_o but_o what_o the_o apostle_n give_v let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 5._o which_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o sure_a rule_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o for_o this_o must_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o case_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n for_o if_o in_o all_o case_n we_o must_v suffer_v every_o man_n to_o act_v according_a as_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n this_o will_v subvert_v all_o law_n and_o government_n but_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o such_o case_n as_o only_o concern_v man_n private_a liberty_n and_o be_v under_o the_o restraint_n and_o government_n of_o no_o law_n but_o what_o man_n make_v or_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v true_a all_o man_n who_o act_n upon_o any_o principle_n will_v in_o all_o case_n do_v as_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v give_v in_o all_o case_n it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n only_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o let_v a_o man_n judgement_n and_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_v he_o act_v safe_o while_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n which_o can_v never_o be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o beside_o our_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n for_o though_o we_o act_v with_o never_o so_o full_a a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n if_o we_o break_v the_o divine_a law_n we_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v judge_v for_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o he_o urge_v the_o danger_n a_o weak_a brother_n be_v in_o of_o sin_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v persuade_v or_o force_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o sin_n if_o he_o follow_v his_o own_o judgement_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a danger_n of_o sin_n both_o way_n this_o argument_n have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o prove_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o a_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n for_o if_o this_o weak_a brother_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o sin_n by_o follow_v his_o judgement_n if_o we_o do_v forbear_v he_o as_o he_o will_v by_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n if_o we_o do_v not_o the_o danger_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o determine_v we_o either_o way_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o such_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o only_o in_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n that_o be_v only_o to_o such_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o but_o only_o our_o own_o private_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o this_o danger_n of_o scandal_n can_v affect_v governor_n who_o have_v authority_n to_o command_v nor_o extend_v to_o such_o case_n which_o be_v determine_v by_o divine_a or_o humane_a law_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o whatever_o our_o own_o persuasion_n be_v if_o we_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o just_a law_n of_o man_n by_o follow_v a_o misguide_a and_o erroneous_a conscience_n we_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n appear_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o to_o exercise_v this_o forbearance_n out_o of_o charity_n to_o their_o weak_a brother_n but_o what_o charity_n be_v it_o to_o suffer_v our_o brother_n to_o sin_n in_o follow_v a_o misguide_a conscience_n if_o our_o brother_n sin_n as_o much_o in_o follow_v a_o misguide_a conscience_n as_o in_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v as_o uncharitable_a a_o man_n who_o patient_o suffer_v his_o brother_n to_o sin_n in_o follow_v his_o conscience_n as_o he_o who_o compel_v he_o to_o sin_n by_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n or_o rather_o by_o not_o suffer_v he_o to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n nay_o since_o external_a force_n and_o restraint_n may_v and_o very_o often_o do_v make_v man_n consider_v better_a of_o thing_n and_o help_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistate_n it_o be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o give_v check_n to_o man_n than_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v quiet_o on_o in_o sin_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n very_o free_o and_o plain_o about_o that_o perplex_a dispute_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n it_o seem_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o force_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o voluntary_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o no_o man_n be_v religious_a who_o be_v religious_a against_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v himself_o of_o any_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o suffer_v under_o heathen_a persecution_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o their_o apology_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v monstrous_o unreasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o the_o wild_a fancy_n of_o man_n that_o every_o one_o who_o please_v may_v have_v liberty_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n with_o enthusiastic_a conceit_n and_o new-fangled_a heresy_n and_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n with_o infinite_a schism_n and_o faction_n the_o patron_n of_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n declaim_v large_o on_o the_o first_o of_o these_o head_n those_o who_o be_v for_o preserve_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n on_o the_o second_o and_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v my_o mind_n free_o i_o think_v they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n and_o have_v divide_v the_o truth_n between_o they_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v force_v to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n whether_o turk_n or_o jew_n or_o christian_a though_o idolatry_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o though_o man_n may_v not_o be_v force_v to_o worship_n god_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v not_o to_o worship_v the_o devil_n nor_o to_o blaspheme_v or_o do_v any_o public_a dishonour_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o restraint_n that_o christian_a emperor_n lay_v upon_o the_o pagan_a idolater_n they_o demolish_v their_o temple_n and_o forbid_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o though_o no_o man_n must_v be_v compel_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n yet_o if_o they_o voluntary_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n they_o become_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n and_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n either_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n or_o worship_n of_o it_o or_o prove_v refractory_a and_o disobedient_a to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v censure_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v to_o thrust_v a_o member_n out_o of_o any_o society_n who_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o this_o distinction_n st._n paul_n himself_o make_v between_o judge_v those_o who_o be_v without_o and_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o church_n they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o force_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n but_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o profess_a christian_n to_o judge_v and_o censure_v they_o as_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v proper_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o condemn_v heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o cast_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o all_o disorderly_a christian_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o govern_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o so_o much_o authority_n as_o this_o come_v to_o as_o for_o temporal_a restraint_n and_o punishment_n they_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o if_o we_o
authority_n and_o aught_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n than_o the_o schism_n can_v be_v charge_v only_o upon_o the_o disobey_v schismatic_a but_o this_o i_o have_v large_o discourse_v in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o those_o shrewd_a question_n which_o our_o reconciler_n say_v he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o dissenter_n â—02_n to_o which_o he_o find_v no_o answer_n in_o the_o reply_v of_o any_o of_o their_o adversary_n and_o which_o he_o entreat_v the_o champion_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o respect_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o church-governor_n the_o reputation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o her_o discipline_n not_o to_o pass_v by_o without_o the_o least_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v now_o though_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o character_n of_o a_o champion_n yet_o i_o have_v such_o a_o hearty_a love_n and_o reverence_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o i_o can_v deny_v so_o easy_a a_o request_n as_o this_o the_o most_o troublesome_a task_n be_v to_o transcribe_v all_o these_o question_n quest._n 1._o the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o do_v well_o that_o unnecessary_o bring_v subject_n into_o such_o a_o straight_o by_o needless_a law_n for_o addition_n in_o religion_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n must_v unavoidable_o be_v perplex_v between_o a_o fear_n of_o treason_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n and_o disobedience_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n ans._n i_o answer_v such_o man_n do_v certain_o very_o ill_o in_o it_o but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o she_o have_v make_v no_o needless_a law_n for_o law_n to_o direct_v and_o determine_v the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v not_o needless_a but_o necessary_a as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v our_o reconciler_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o authority_n and_o if_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v needless_a the_o authority_n be_v so_o too_o and_o than_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n a_o needless_a authority_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v not_o own_o that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n but_o what_o she_o have_v from_o christ._n nor_o do_v the_o church_n make_v any_o addition_n in_o religion_n for_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o addition_n to_o external_a worship_n but_o as_o necessary_a to_o it_o as_o decency_n be_v unless_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o command_v we_o to_o reverence_v our_o prince_n and_o parent_n and_o superior_n to_o command_v child_n servant_n or_o subject_n to_o stand_v bare_a before_o they_o nor_o need_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n be_v unavoidable_o perplex_v between_o a_o fear_n of_o treason_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n and_o of_o disobedience_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n for_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o fear_n god_n be_v not_o thus_o perplex_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unavoidable_a i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o if_o he_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o reckon_v he_o among_o those_o man_n who_o either_o fear_n god_n or_o reverence_v their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v another_o good_a reason_n why_o this_o be_v not_o unavoidable_a because_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n in_o this_o case_n between_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o prince_n and_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n need_v to_o be_v perplex_v about_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a competition_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v thus_o perplex_v neither_o because_o all_o man_n who_o fear_n god_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o understand_v that_o where_o christ_n command_v one_o thing_n and_o our_o prince_n another_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n quest._n 2._o whether_o ruler_n may_v command_v any_o indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n which_o will_v notable_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a or_o make_v a_o unnecessary_a necessary_a thing_n a_o mean_n or_o occasion_n of_o exclude_v the_o necessary_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n ans._n if_o by_o indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n he_o mean_v thing_n whole_o useless_a and_o by_o their_o notable_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n hurtful_a as_o well_o as_o useless_a it_o be_v certain_a governor_n ought_v not_o to_o command_v such_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n though_o upon_o some_o account_n they_o may_v be_v call_v indifferent_a yet_o be_v very_o useful_a as_o contribute_v to_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o public_a worship_n be_v and_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o do_v any_o hurt_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o with_o what_o face_n can_v our_o reconciler_n pretend_v that_o they_o exclude_v the_o necessary_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n when_o god_n be_v still_o worship_v and_o the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o all_o the_o parish-church_n of_o england_n unless_o he_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o worship_v nor_o the_o gospel_n preach_v any_o where_o but_o at_o a_o conventicle_n quest._n 3._o whether_o be_v it_o more_o to_o common_a good_a and_o the_o interest_n of_o honesty_n and_o conscience_n that_o all_o the_o parson_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v imprison_v banish_a or_o silence_v that_o dare_v not_o swear_v say_v and_o practice_v all_o that_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o unnecessary_a imposition_n be_v alter_v or_o forbear_v now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o ask_v our_o reconciler_n a_o question_n now_o and_o then_o i_o ask_v therefore_o whether_o be_v most_o for_o the_o common_a good_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o settle_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o whether_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o order_n or_o government_n without_o reject_v and_o censure_v those_o who_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o it_o whether_o be_v most_o for_o the_o public_a good_a to_o maintain_v and_o encourage_v a_o loyal_a and_o conformable_a clergy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o such_o man_n or_o to_o nourish_v shism_n and_o schismatic_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o quest._n 4._o have_v image_n be_v lawful_o use_v in_o place_n or_o exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o whether_o be_v it_o not_o inhuman_a and_o unchristian_a in_o those_o bishop_n and_o council_n who_o anathematise_v all_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o eject_v and_o silence_v the_o dissenter_n ans._n the_o bare_a lawfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o fit_a matter_n for_o a_o law_n but_o whatever_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o useful_a if_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o just_a authority_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v by_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o be_v censure_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n but_o why_o he_o particular_o instance_n in_o image_n i_o can_v tell_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o but_o our_o church_n which_o retain_v ceremony_n remove_v image_n as_o just_a matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n quest._n 5._o whether_o christ_n who_o make_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n the_o test_n and_o stand_a term_n of_o entrance_n do_v set_v up_o pastor_n over_o his_o church_n to_o make_v new_a and_o strict_a term_n and_o law_n or_o to_o preserve_v concord_n on_o the_o term_n that_o he_o have_v found_v it_o and_o to_o see_v that_o man_n live_v in_o unity_n and_o piety_n according_a to_o those_o term_n and_o when_o they_o as_o christ_n minister_n have_v receive_v man_n on_o christ_n term_n whether_o they_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n again_o for_o want_n of_o more_o or_o only_o for_o violate_v these_o 104._o ans._n the_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n but_o church-communion_n require_v our_o submission_n to_o church-authority_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o to_o say_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o society_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o society_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o the_o