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doctrine_n according_a find_v great_a 311 4 2.0768 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33791 A Collection of cases and other discourses lately written to recover dissenters to the communion of the Church of England by some divines of the city of London ; in two volumes ; to each volume is prefix'd a catalogue of all the cases and discourses contained in this collection. 1685 (1685) Wing C5114; ESTC R12519 932,104 1,468

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in_o which_o she_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o plain_o contradict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n 3._o in_o each_o of_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o office_n 4._o in_o the_o book_n they_o each_o receive_v for_o canonical_a 5._o in_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o each_o of_o they_o find_v their_o whole_a religion_n first_o our_o church_n be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o of_o rome_n in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n by_o which_o she_o deprive_v her_o member_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n and_o miserable_o enslave_v they_o for_o instance_n 1._o this_o church_n deni_v her_o member_n all_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n she_o oblige_v they_o to_o follow_v her_o blindfold_a and_o to_o resolve_v both_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n into_o she_o as_o assume_v infallibility_n to_o herself_o and_o bind_v all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v her_o infallible_a but_o our_o church_n permit_v we_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o our_o due_a liberty_n in_o believe_v and_o judge_v and_o we_o act_n not_o like_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n injunction_n we_o prove_v not_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a if_o we_o believe_v every_o spirit_n which_o st._n john_n caution_n we_o against_o and_o do_v not_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o our_o church_n shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o herself_o because_o she_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n our_o church_n tell_v we_o in_o her_o 19_o article_n that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o alexandria_n and_o antioch_n have_v err_v so_o also_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v err_v not_o only_o in_o their_o live_n and_o manner_n of_o ceremony_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o our_o church_n acknowledgement_n be_v plain_o employ_v in_o assert_v the_o most_o famous_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n that_o she_o herself_o must_v needs_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o she_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o high_a impudence_n in_o deny_v it_o 2._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n impose_v a_o deal_n of_o most_o slavish_a drudgery_n in_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o her_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o unreasonable_o severe_a task_n and_o cruel_a penance_n as_o to_o her_o ceremony_n they_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o number_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o take_v up_o as_o sir_n edwin_n sandys_n have_v observe_v a_o great_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n mere_o to_o gaze_v on_o and_o abundance_n of_o they_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o childish_a so_o marvellous_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a as_o that_o they_o can_v natural_o bring_v to_o use_v that_o gentleman_n word_n who_o be_v a_o curious_a observer_n of_o they_o in_o the_o popish_a country_n no_o other_o than_o disgrace_n and_o contempt_n to_o those_o exercise_n of_o religion_n wherein_o they_o be_v stir_v in_o view_v only_o those_o that_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o common_a ritual_a one_o will_v bless_v one_o self_n to_o think_v how_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o much_o more_o of_o christian_n to_o invent_v such_o thing_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o popish_a task_n and_o penance_n in_o impose_v of_o which_o the_o priest_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o ordinary_o lay_v the_o most_o severe_a and_o cruel_a one_o on_o the_o light_a offender_n when_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o scandalous_a come_v off_o with_o a_o bare_a say_n of_o their_o bead_n thrice_o over_o or_o some_o such_o insignificant_a and_o idle_a business_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v nothing_o of_o that_o drudgery_n which_o make_v such_o vassal_n of_o the_o poor_a papist_n her_o rite_n be_v exceed_v few_o and_o those_o plain_a and_o easy_a grave_a and_o manly_a found_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n long_o before_o popery_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n our_o church_n have_v abandon_v the_o five_o popish_a sacrament_n and_o content_v herself_o with_o those_o two_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o her_o 25_o article_n where_o she_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sacrament_n ordain_v of_o christ_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o say_v baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n those_o five_o common_o call_v sacrament_n that_o be_v to_o say_v confirmation_n penance_n order_n matrimony_n and_o extreme_a vnxion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v for_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o have_v grow_v partly_o of_o the_o corrupt_a follow_v of_o the_o apostle_n partly_o be_v state_n of_o life_n allow_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o yet_o have_v not_o like_a nature_n of_o sacrament_n with_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o visible_a sign_n or_o ceremony_n ordain_v of_o god_n the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o ordain_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v gaze_v upon_o or_o to_o be_v carry_v about_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o say_v that_o our_o church_n own_v not_o the_o forementioned_a popish_a sacrament_n be_v imply_v that_o she_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o any_o of_o those_o very_o many_o superstitious_a foppery_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o office_n appoint_v for_o the_o administration_n of_o those_o sacrament_n again_o our_o church_n no_o whit_n more_o imitate_v that_o of_o rome_n in_o her_o cruel_a task_n and_o penance_n than_o in_o her_o ceremony_n as_o be_v needless_a to_o be_v show_v in_o short_a in_o our_o church_n few_o rite_n she_o have_v use_v no_o other_o liberty_n but_o what_o she_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o those_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o edification_n and_o she_o impose_v her_o rite_n not_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v she_o as_o necessary_a and_o as_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a and_o changeable_a thing_n as_o we_o find_v in_o her_o 34th_o article_n where_o she_o declare_v that_o every_o particular_a or_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v change_n and_o abolish_v ceremony_n or_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v only_o by_o man_n authority_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edify_v and_o this_o article_n begin_v thus_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o tradition_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o all_o place_n one_o or_o utter_o like_a for_o at_o all_o time_n they_o have_v be_v divers_a and_o may_v be_v change_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o country_n time_n and_o manner_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v ordain_v against_o god_n word_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n subject_n her_o member_n by_o several_a of_o her_o doctrine_n to_o enslave_v passion_n for_o instance_n that_o of_o purgatory_n make_v they_o all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o the_o bondage_n of_o fear_n at_o least_o those_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o the_o life_n to_o come_v as_o to_o entertain_v any_o mistrust_n or_o doubt_v as_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o the_o most_o credulous_a of_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o efficacy_n of_o penance_n and_o indulgence_n her_o doctrine_n of_o auricular_a confession_n subject_n all_o that_o be_v not_o forsake_v of_o all_o modesty_n to_o the_o passion_n of_o shame_n her_o doctrine_n of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n must_v needs_o expose_v all_o considerative_a people_n and_o those_o who_o have_v any_o serious_a concern_v about_o their_o state_n hereafter_o to_o great_a anxiety_n and_o solicitude_n but_o these_o doctrine_n be_v all_o reject_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o of_o purgatory_n she_o
many_o time_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o bright_a or_o a_o lower_a day_n can_v do_v act_v upon_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o a_o do_v of_o physic_n will_v do_v the_o same_o and_o if_o they_o carry_v the_o man_n no_o further_o improve_v no_o virtue_n in_o they_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o downright_a flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o they_o be_v hot_a and_o cold_a high_a and_o low_a very_o changeable_a and_o uncertain_a according_a as_o the_o humour_n flow_v and_o as_o be_v the_o bodily_a temper_n of_o the_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n some_o be_v melt_v into_o tear_n and_o other_o be_v fire_v into_o rage_n and_o zeal_n their_o spirit_n like_o tinder_n easy_o catch_v the_o flame_n and_o these_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n serve_v only_o the_o design_n of_o fury_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v call_v edification_n than_o the_o fire_n from_o the_o altar_n that_o may_v consume_v the_o temple_n zeal_n yet_o such_o mistake_n as_o these_o have_v be_v too_o common_a anger_n and_o revenge_n have_v be_v call_v zeal_n for_o god_n trade_n and_o interest_n have_v be_v baptise_a christianity_n fury_n and_o fume_n of_o the_o stomach_n have_v be_v think_v the_o divine_a spirit_n ridiculous_a look_n and_o unmanly_a posture_n have_v be_v fancy_v true_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o when_o they_o themselves_o be_v please_v and_o in_o the_o good_a humour_n god_n be_v reconcile_v and_o when_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a the_o spirit_n be_v withdraw_v and_o according_a as_o these_o heat_n and_o bodily_a passion_n be_v stir_v so_o the_o ministry_n be_v edify_v or_o unprofitable_a pale_a cheek_n and_o hollow_a look_n have_v be_v 16._o matth._n 6._o 16._o count_v sign_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o disease_n of_o their_o body_n pass_v for_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o when_o a_o doctrine_n have_v be_v so_o insinuate_v as_o to_o hit_v and_o favour_v these_o they_o be_v strange_o improve_v and_o have_v obtain_v a_o good_a degree_n in_o religion_n many_o of_o these_o may_v be_v beginning_n or_o occasion_n lead_v unto_o religion_n and_o may_v serve_v some_o good_a purpose_n in_o man_n that_o can_v manage_v they_o well_o but_o to_o cry_v up_o these_o for_o edification_n and_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n be_v to_o betray_v their_o people_n into_o the_o power_n of_o every_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n who_o have_v the_o knack_n to_o raise_v these_o heat_n which_o pass_v for_o reason_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n and_o most_o common_o be_v great_a hindrance_n to_o solid_a and_o sound_a reason_n plain_a discourse_n the_o true_a way_n to_o edification_n to_o make_v firm_a and_o last_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n while_o the_o silly_a and_o the_o weak_a who_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o these_o heat_n and_o cold_n the_o uncertain_a motion_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v fickle_a and_o inconstant_a turn_v round_o in_o all_o religion_n such_o man_n be_v all_o sail_n be_v more_o easy_o toss_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n 3._o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v cause_v endless_a division_n in_o the_o church_n this_o question_n do_v suppose_v that_o every_o man_n must_v judge_v and_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v ignorant_a and_o vicious_a partial_a and_o prejudice_v false_a and_o insincere_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o they_o may_v run_v from_o teacher_n to_o teacher_n from_o presbyterian_a to_o independent_a from_o independent_a to_o anabaptist_n or_o quaker_n and_o never_o stop_v till_o they_o come_v at_o their_o grave_n to_o find_v out_o better_a edification_n ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n ever_o seek_v and_o 7._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 7._o never_o satisfy_v till_o they_o find_v the_o pattern_n upon_o the_o mount_n or_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n be_v come_v down_o from_o above_o till_o they_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o perfect_a church_n as_o perhaps_o will_v never_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n till_o her_o great_a master_n come_v the_o ignorant_a will_n easy_o mistake_v and_o who_o can_v know_v the_o heart_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o false_a and_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o the_o governor_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v here_o to_o retrench_v this_o liberty_n which_o as_o they_o pretend_v be_v either_o bear_v with_o they_o or_o give_v they_o by_o god_n at_o this_o rate_n may_v not_o every_o single_a person_n be_v a_o church_n leave_v all_o other_o christian_a society_n fancy_v that_o he_o can_v better_o edify_v at_o home_n with_o the_o working_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o some_o pretend_a infusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o shall_v better_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n than_o in_o a_o external_a and_o carnal_a ministry_n and_o crowd_n when_o once_o they_o have_v tear_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o piece_n and_o set_v up_o their_o more_o edify_v meeting_n in_o come_v whole_a shoal_n of_o vice_n envy_n and_o detraction_n strife_n and_o emulation_n murmur_n and_o complain_n fierceness_n and_o wrath_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o thing_n more_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o interest_n of_o family_n the_o good_a of_o friendship_n and_o all_o civil_a conversation_n a_o wonderful_a edification_n destroy_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o christianity_n the_o same_o principle_n that_o divide_v they_o from_o this_o church_n will_v crumble_v they_o into_o endless_a party_n and_o every_o little_a chip_n may_v call_v itself_o a_o building_n and_o so_o destroy_v all_o good_a government_n and_o discipline_n so_o necessary_a to_o propagate_v and_o preserve_v christianity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v i_o live_v to_o see_v that_o fatal_a day_n when_o the_o government_n in_o our_o church_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v and_o liberty_n give_v to_o every_o man_n upon_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n to_o choose_v his_o pastor_n and_o his_o church_n so_o many_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n will_v follow_v from_o it_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o regard_n to_o common_a christianity_n or_o sense_n of_o temporal_a happiness_n leave_v within_o their_o breast_n they_o will_v too_o late_o repent_v their_o schism_n as_o once_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n many_o of_o they_o do_v and_o beg_v upon_o their_o knee_n that_o the_o pale_a of_o this_o government_n in_o church_n may_v be_v set_v up_o again_o and_o they_o will_v receive_v it_o with_o all_o its_o pretend_a load_n of_o imposition_n this_o will_v certain_o follow_v from_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n to_o the_o laughter_n of_o rome_n and_o joy_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n all_o this_o will_v be_v avoid_v if_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o schism_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v paint_v forth_o in_o such_o black_a colour_n though_o other_o think_v our_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o than_o variety_n of_o company_n and_o livery_n in_o a_o city_n 4._o what_o great_a discouragement_n this_o be_v to_o a_o honest_a and_o true_o christian_a ministry_n when_o a_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n shall_v diligent_o and_o faithful_o plain_o and_o devout_o unfold_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o lay_v down_o rule_n for_o practice_n which_o will_v certain_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n yet_o his_o flock_n or_o charge_n one_o after_o another_o upon_o pretence_n of_o green_a pasture_n great_a knowledge_n better_a elocution_n delivery_n tone_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v have_v elsewhere_o shall_v run_v from_o he_o will_v it_o not_o cool_v his_o zeal_n check_v his_o labour_n and_o affront_v his_o person_n and_o office_n this_o may_v be_v do_v to_o the_o painful_a as_o well_o as_o idle_a to_o the_o judicious_a and_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o imprudent_a and_o ignorant_a pastor_n where_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v liberty_n of_o separation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o edification_n the_o ill_a effect_n of_o this_o have_v turn_v upon_o their_o own_o minister_n and_o new_a government_n and_o the_o most_o judicious_a among_o they_o have_v sad_o complain_v of_o it_o former_o they_o petition_v for_o a_o painful_a and_o preach_a ministry_n but_o this_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n give_v denial_n to_o their_o own_o request_n such_o discouragement_n as_o these_o happen_v severe_o sometime_o to_o the_o best_a of_o pastor_n as_o well_o as_o the_o worst_a and_o they_o have_v no_o cure_n for_o this_o have_v put_v a_o power_n into_o the_o people_n hand_n which_o they_o can_v recall_v for_o neither_o king_n parliament_z bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v tell_v they_o what_o be_v edification_n so_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o treat_v and_o trifle_v with_o who_o derive_v their_o office_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n to_o command_v and_o
proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o premise_v the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o church_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a or_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v make_v it_o very_o easy_a to_o resolve_v those_o case_n which_o immediate_o respect_v church-communion_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o these_o three_o 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n 2._o whether_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n case_n 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n case_n 1_o or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n now_o methinks_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o christian_n be_v baptise_a into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o he_o renounce_v his_o membership_n by_o schism_n or_o infidelity_n or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n baptism_n incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o be_v frequent_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 12._o eph._n 5._o 23._o 4._o 12._o 4._o 4._o one_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v animate_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o one_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o this_o one_o body_n for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o 18._o col._n 1._o 18._o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a 13._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13._o into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n for_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o now_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o church_n communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o church-membership_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n contain_v both_o a_o right_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o actual_a communion_n he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v challenge_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n among_o which_o actual_a communion_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o christian-communion_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n which_o no_o man_n who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v any_o right_n to_o and_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v all_o those_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o church_n communion_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o religious_a assembly_n to_o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n to_o attend_v public_a instruction_n and_o to_o live_v like_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o put_v this_o past_a all_o doubt_n that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o a_o church-member_n i_o shall_v offer_v these_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o membership_n be_v bind_v to_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o all_o body_n and_o society_n of_o man_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o member_n of_o it_o a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v a_o community_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o community_n in_o which_o every_o member_n may_v act_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o communication_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n as_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o essential_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n to_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o he_o can_v for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n for_o all_o member_n and_o either_o all_o or_o none_o be_v bind_v to_o actual_a communion_n but_o this_o be_v more_o absurd_a still_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n as_o consist_v of_o variety_n of_o member_n of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n without_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o its_o member_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v christ_n appoint_v such_o variety_n of_o minister_n in_o his_o church_n apostles_n prophet_n evangelist_n 12._o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o what_o purpose_n have_v he_o institute_v a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o god_n to_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o adminster_n the_o christian_a sacrament_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o nay_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o can_v learn_v better_a than_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n of_o who_o st._n luke_n give_v we_o this_o account_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o 41._o act_n 2._o 41._o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n that_o which_o make_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o christian_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o the_o prayer_n of_o church-member_n yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o man_n who_o have_v their_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o offer_v these_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n if_o then_o we_o must_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n authorize_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n join_v in_o the_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o we_o can_v celebrate_v this_o feast_n but_o in_o church-communion_n for_o this_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n which_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v administer_v by_o consecrate_a person_n and_o in_o church-communion_n for_o it_o lose_v its_o nature_n and_o signification_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o private_a mass_n so_o that_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o true_a christian_a worship_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o we_o may_v observe_v further_o that_o church_n authority_n be_v exercise_v only_o about_o church-communion_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o all_o christian_n who_o
they_o may_v not_o lawful_o join_v together_o with_o who_o shall_v the_o faithful_a join_v at_o all_o be_v not_o this_o to_o fill_v the_o conscience_n with_o scruple_n and_o the_o church_n with_o rent_n such_o as_o these_o must_v if_o they_o will_v be_v true_a 95._o sacri●eg_fw-mi defer_v p._n 95._o to_o their_o own_o principle_n renounce_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o world_n and_o be_v like_o those_o that_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o he_o 47._o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 47._o know_v that_o never_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n nor_o ever_o public_o hear_v or_o pray_v or_o worship_n god_n at_o all_o because_o they_o think_v all_o your_o way_n which_o he_o direct_v to_o mr._n bagshaw_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v bad_a with_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o continuance_n in_o any_o communion_n so_o much_o mr._n burrough_n do_v maintain_v there_o will_v be_v no_o continuance_n in_o church-fellowship_n 163._o irenic_n c._n 23._o p._n 163._o if_o this_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n for_o corruption_n in_o it_o be_v admit_v for_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a and_o have_v all_o thing_n so_o comfortable_a but_o within_o a_o while_n another_o church_n will_v be_v more_o pure_a and_o some_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o comfortable_a there_o upon_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o this_o do_v mr._n r._n allein_a ground_n his_o last_o advice_n to_o his_o parishioner_n destroy_v 127._o godly_a man_n portion_n p._n 127._o not_o say_v he_o all_o communion_n by_o seek_v after_o a_o pure_a church_n than_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v according_a to_o this_o principle_n no_v communion_n at_o all_o if_o not_o in_o all_o where_n shall_v we_o rest_v in_o all_o society_n something_o will_v offend_v with_o this_o last_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n union_n or_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n so_o mr._n baines_n a_o person_n of_o 297._o comment_fw-fr on_o ●phes_n c._n 2._o 15._o p._n 297._o great_a experience_n this_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n reprove_v such_o as_o make_v a_o secession_n or_o departure_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n our_o visible_a assembly_n either_o upon_o dislike_n of_o some_o disorder_n in_o administration_n ecclesiastical_a or_o disallow_v form_n and_o manner_n of_o procure_v thing_n which_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o full_a compliment_n and_o perfection_n require_v this_o be_v not_o in_o my_o conceit_n so_o much_o to_o reform_v as_o to_o deform_v to_o massacre_v the_o body_n and_o divide_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n and_o will_v end_v in_o the_o dissolution_n 171._o morton_n memorial_n p._n 78_o etc._n etc._n mr._n baxter_n def._n of_o cure_n part_v 2._o p._n 171._o of_o all_o church-communion_n if_o it_o be_v follow_v as_o be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n r._n williams_n of_o new-england_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o great_a purity_n separate_v so_o long_o that_o he_o own_v no_o church_n nor_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o his_o motion_n the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o he_o dissolve_a themselves_o as_o we_o have_v the_o account_n from_o thence_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o avoid_v according_a to_o the_o prudent_a advice_n in_o a_o book_n above-cited_n doctrine_n cry_v up_o purity_n to_o the_o 371._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 14._o p._n 371._o ruin_n of_o unity_n reject_v for_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o unity_n as_o well_o as_o purity_n five_o they_o argue_v that_o to_o separate_v upon_o such_o arg._n 5_o a_o account_n be_v not_o at_o all_o warrant_v in_o scripture_n thus_o mr._n cawdrey_n it_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o christ_n impose_v no_o 192._o independ_v a._n schism_n p._n 192._o privilege_n of_o his_o purchase_n either_o to_o deprive_v a_o man_n self_n of_o his_o ordinance_n for_o other_o man_n sin_n or_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n right_o constitute_v for_o want_v of_o some_o reformation_n in_o light_a matter_n say_v mr._n blake_n 228._o vindiciae_fw-la foed_n c._n 31._o p._n 228._o we_o read_v not_o of_o separation_n in_o his_o way_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n approve_v nor_o any_o precedent_n to_o go_v before_o we_o in_o it_o we_o read_v a_o heavy_a brand_n lay_v upon_o it_o judas_n 19_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n so_o the_o congregation_n in_o new-england_n declare_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o 8._o platform_n of_o discipline_n in_o new-england_n c._n 14._o §_o 8._o corinth_n wherein_o be_v many_o unworthy_a person_n and_o practice_n be_v never_o command_v to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o of_o the_o same_o therefore_o the_o godly_a in_o like_a case_n be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v it_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v infer_v be_v not_o to_o separate_v for_o so_o much_o must_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o premise_n if_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o this_o be_v according_o infer_v by_o mr._n noyes_n for_o brethren_n to_o separate_v from_o 78._o temple_n measure_v p._n 78._o church_n and_o church-ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_o defective_a neither_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n in_o heresy_n or_o profaneness_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n unto_o who_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o mr._n tomb_n separation_n 48._o theodulia_n answ_n to_o pref._n §_o 25._o p._n 48._o from_o a_o church_n somewhat_o erroneous_a or_o corrupt_a in_o worship_n or_o conversation_n etc._n etc._n be_v utter_o dissonant_n from_o any_o of_o the_o rule_n or_o example_n which_o either_o of_o old_a the_o prophet_n or_o holy_a man_n or_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v prescribe_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o fault_n of_o pride_n or_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o tend_v to_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n sixthly_a they_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n arg._n 6_o for_o separation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o corruption_n because_o a_o person_n may_v communicate_v in_o the_o worship_n without_o partake_v in_o those_o corruption_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n at_o the_o savoy-conference_n 35._o confer_v savoy_n p._n 12_o 13._o mr._n baxter_n defence_n of_o the_o cure_n p._n 34_o 35._o that_o not_o only_o the_o hear_n but_o the_o read_v a_o defective_a liturgy_n be_v lawful_a to_o he_o that_o by_o violence_n be_v necessitate_v to_o offer_v up_o that_o or_o none_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o thus_o separate_v the_o substance_n from_o the_o circumstantial_a defect_n in_o the_o ministerial_a use_n of_o such_o worship_n much_o more_o may_v this_o be_v suppose_v to_o to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o that_o only_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o to_o give_v a_o explicit_a consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n use_v in_o it_o 1._o this_o separation_n of_o the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a in_o divine_a worship_n they_o grant_v possible_a so_o mr._n ball_n if_o 308._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n p._n 308._o some_o thing_n human_a be_v mix_v with_o divine_a a_o sound_n christian_n must_v separate_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o not_o cast_v away_o what_o be_v of_o god_n as_o a_o nullity_n fruitless_a unprofitable_a defile_v because_o somewhat_o of_o man_n be_v annex_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o body_n we_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o substance_n and_o the_o sickness_n which_o cleave_v unto_o it_o betwixt_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o part_n or_o member_n and_o some_o bunch_n or_o swelling_n which_o be_v a_o deformity_n but_o destroy_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o part_n or_o member_n etc._n etc._n so_o mr._n calamy_n it_o be_v 7._o door_n of_o truth_n open_v p._n 7._o one_o thing_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a from_o pollution_n another_o to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n 2._o they_o grant_v that_o what_o be_v faulty_a and_o a_o sin_n in_o worship_n be_v no_o sin_n to_o we_o when_o we_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o it_o so_o mr._n corbet_n my_o 6._o nonconformist_n plea_n &c_n &c_n p._n 6._o partake_n in_o any_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a for_o the_o matter_n and_o allowable_a or_o passable_a in_o the_o mode_n for_o the_o main_a do_v not_o involve_v i_o in_o the_o blame_n of_o some_o sinful_a defect_n therein_o to_o which_o i_o consent_v not_o and_o which_o i_o can_v redress_v so_o another_o in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n while_o all_o necessary_a fundamental_a truth_n be_v 94._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94._o public_o profess_v and_o maintain_v in_o a_o church_n be_v teach_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o public_a
for_o not_o separate_v the_o clean_a from_o the_o unclean_a the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a the_o 26._o jer._n 15._o 16._o ezek._n 22._o 26._o holy_a from_o the_o profane_a yet_o do_v they_o never_o teach_v that_o because_o the_o unclean_a come_v into_o the_o congregation_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o whole_a communion_n be_v pollute_v by_o it_o but_o as_o many_o as_o touch_v the_o unclean_a person_n be_v unclean_a so_o as_o many_o as_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n be_v pollute_v by_o it_o to_o partake_v with_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n in_o a_o moral_a sense_n answer_v to_o the_o legal_a touch_v a_o unclean_a thing_n 3._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o unclean_a person_n that_o do_v not_o purify_v himself_o defile_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pollute_v the_o sanctuary_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v so_o to_o himself_o but_o not_o to_o other_o so_o do_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o but_o not_o of_o other_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n go_v up_o as_o a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n and_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o the_o person_n that_o come_v unworthy_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o those_o who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n come_v better_o prepare_v may_v do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o eternal_a comfort_n and_o salvation_n to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a 15._o tit._n 1._o 15._o be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o suggestion_n that_o the_o whole_a communion_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v pollute_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n company_n at_o and_o among_o they_o be_v lay_v open_a the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n may_v be_v far_o evince_v from_o these_o particular_n 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o sin_n either_o of_o the_o priest_n or_o the_o people_n become_v at_o any_o time_n a_o occasion_n of_o separation_n to_o they_o what_o sin_n can_v be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eli_n son_n what_o high_a aggravation_n can_v there_o be_v of_o sin_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n that_o sin_v be_v the_o high-priest_n son_n or_o the_o public_a scandal_n ae_v impudence_n of_o the_o sin_n lie_v with_o the_o woman_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n yet_o do_v not_o the_o people_n of_o god_n not_o elkanab_n and_o hannah_n by_o name_n refrain_v to_o come_v up_o to_o shilo_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n nay_o they_o be_v say_v to_o transgress_v who_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o they_o refuse_v out_o of_o abhorance_n and_o detestation_n to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o 24._o 1_o sam._n 2._o 17._o 24._o those_o man_n they_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o lord_n you_o make_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o transgress_v in_o ahab_n time_n when_o almost_o all_o israel_n be_v idolater_n and_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n yet_o then_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n summon_v all_o israel_n to_o appear_v on_o mount_n carmel_n and_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o offer_v a_o miraculous_a sacrifice_n neither_o do_v the_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v keep_v themselves_o upright_o and_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n absent_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o come_v and_o join_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n perform_v by_o the_o prophet_n all_o the_o people_n fall_v on_o their_o face_n say_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n 39_o 1_o king_n 18._o 39_o all_o along_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o both_o prince_n and_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o debauch_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n at_o any_o time_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a to_o separate_v or_o that_o they_o themselves_o set_v up_o any_o separate_a meeting_n but_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o apostolic_a church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n many_o of_o the_o member_n be_v grow_v very_o bad_a and_o scandalous_a yet_o do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o the_o example_n of_o any_o good_a man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o any_o such_o precept_n from_o the_o apostle_n so_o to_o do_v they_o do_v not_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v pollute_v by_o those_o filthy_a member_n and_o that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v safe_a themselves_o they_o must_v withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n but_o exhort_v they_o to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v they_o and_o if_o neither_o private_a nor_o public_a admonition_n and_o reproof_n will_v do_v then_o to_o suspend_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n they_o render_v themselves_o capable_a of_o be_v restore_v to_o peace_n and_o pardon_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o revelation_n send_v his_o instruction_n to_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o preach_v repentance_n to_o they_o and_o by_o their_o authority_n to_o reform_v abuse_n but_o give_v they_o no_o command_n to_o cease_v the_o public_a administration_n or_o to_o advise_v the_o unpolluted_a part_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n nay_o although_o those_o candlestick_n be_v very_o foul_a yet_o be_v our_o lord_n please_v still_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o 1._o rev._n 2._o 1._o and_o certain_o so_o sing_v as_o christ_n afford_v his_o presence_n in_o a_o church_n none_o of_o its_o member_n ought_v to_o withdraw_v they_o 3._o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o his_o time_n be_v a_o most_o corrupt_a church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o very_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a yet_o keep_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o command_v his_o disciple_n so_o to_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o rule_v the_o ecclesiastical_a chair_n at_o that_o time_n have_v pervert_v the_o law_n corrupt_v 8._o mat._n 15._o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v blind_a guide_n devour_v widow_n house_n be_v hypocrite_n and_o such_o as_o only_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n yet_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n separate_v from_o their_o communion_n but_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n free_o subject_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o it_o he_o be_v circumcise_a on_o the_o eight_o day_n redeem_v by_o a_o certain_a price_n be_v a_o son_n and_o a_o first-born_a 22._o luke_n 2._o 22._o observe_v their_o passover_n and_o other_o feast_n enjoin_v by_o their_o law_n yea_o and_o that_o of_o the_o dedication_n too_o though_o 26._o matth._n 26._o but_o of_o humane_a institution_n be_v baptize_v among_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n reason_v 37._o john_n 17._o 37._o with_o they_o about_o religion_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n to_o hear_v their_o doctrine_n though_o not_o to_o follow_v their_o practice_n 7._o john_n 10._o 6_o 7._o mat._n 6._o 7._o what_o great_a cause_n on_o the_o account_n of_o cortuption_n in_o manner_n can_v be_v give_v to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n than_o be_v here_o yet_o how_o careful_a be_v our_o saviour_n both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n to_o forbid_v and_o discountenance_v it_o they_o fit_v in_o moses_n be_v chair_n hear_v they_o 4._o from_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o great_a immorality_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o there_o be_v schism_n 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 3._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 1._o and_o contention_n among_o they_o strife_n and_o envy_n fornication_n and_o incest_n eat_v at_o the_o idol_n table_n and_o come_v not_o so_o sober_o as_o become_v they_o to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o not_o command_v they_o to_o separate_v but_o approve_v their_o meeting_n together_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o but_o let_v 18_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o
case_n and_o we_o have_v a_o easy_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n before_o we_o viz._n that_o since_o a_o great_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v before_o a_o less_o when_o a_o man_n suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a that_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v his_o unworthiness_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v customary_o and_o habitual_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o do_v this_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a well_o but_o some_o say_v how_o can_v this_o consist_v with_o st._n paul_n doctrine_n who_o express_o affirm_v that_o whoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v 29._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 29._o damnation_n to_o himself_o can_v there_o be_v any_o more_o dreadful_a sin_n than_o that_o which_o if_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o will_v actual_o damn_v he_o certain_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o that_o a_o man_n run_v a_o much_o less_o hazard_n in_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o than_o in_o venture_v to_o receive_v while_o he_o have_v the_o least_o doubt_n that_o he_o receive_v unworthithy_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o to_o this_o i_o brief_o answer_v such_o a_o man_n as_o we_o all_o along_o suppose_v in_o our_o case_n be_v in_o no_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o receive_v unworthy_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o st._n paul_n use_v this_o term._n for_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n that_o he_o so_o severe_o censure_v in_o the_o corinthian_n be_v their_o approach_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o so_o little_a a_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o be_v about_o that_o they_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o common_a food_n 22._o ibid._n v._o 29._o v._n 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o meeting_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o use_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o eat_v or_o tipple_a house_n some_o of_o they_o revel_v it_o there_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o go_v away_o drink_v from_o these_o religious_a assembly_n all_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o text._n but_o i_o hope_v none_o among_o we_o especial_o none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o doubtful_a about_o their_o be_v due_o qualify_v do_v profane_a the_o sacrament_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o further_a perhaps_o the_o damnation_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o denounce_v be_v not_o so_o frightful_a as_o be_v common_o apprehend_v for_o all_o that_o he_o say_v if_o either_o the_o original_a or_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o english_a bibles_n be_v consult_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o mean_v hereby_o in_o all_o probability_n that_o he_o who_o do_v thus_o affront_v our_o lord_n instistution_n by_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o common_a meat_n do_v by_o this_o his_o profaneness_n draw_v severe_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o himself_o for_o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o many_o be_v weak_a and_o 30._o ver._n 30._o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o be_v fall_v asleep_o but_o here_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n much_o less_o of_o any_o man_n be_v put_v into_o that_o state_n by_o thus_o receive_v unworthy_o unless_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v visit_v with_o god_n judgement_n in_o this_o world_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n as_o to_o the_o next_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o very_a place_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a viz._n in_o the_o 32._o verse_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o judge_v in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n i._n e._n with_o wicked_a man_n in_o another_o life_n but_o further_a admit_v st._n paul_n in_o these_o word_n to_o mean_a damnation_n in_o the_o usual_a sense_n yet_o still_o the_o utmost_a they_o can_v come_v to_o will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o whosoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v thus_o unworthy_o as_o the_o corinthian_n do_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o damnable_a sin_n but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o case_n beside_o this_o of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o a_o damnable_a sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o that_o pray_v or_o hear_v unworthy_o he_o that_o fast_n or_o give_v alm_n unworthy_o in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o in_o any_o instance_n perform_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unworthy_o i_o say_v such_o a_o man_n according_a to_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n to_o his_o own_o damnation_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o damnation_n that_o communicate_v unworthy_o in_o the_o sacrament_n though_o indeed_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n damnable_a and_o may_v prove_v actual_o so_o to_o he_o unless_o either_o by_o a_o particular_a or_o general_a repentance_n he_o obtain_v god_n pardon_n for_o it_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o man_n will_v for_o these_o reason_n think_v it_o adviseable_a to_o leave_v off_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n but_o the_o only_a consequence_n he_o will_v draw_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o concern_v to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o perform_v they_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v the_o sin_n of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o be_v as_o great_a and_o as_o damnable_a as_o we_o reasonable_o can_v suppose_v it_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o we_o contend_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o total_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o damnable_a so_o that_o if_o he_o who_o partake_v of_o it_o unworthy_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o he_o that_o partake_v not_o at_o all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mend_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o do_v much_o increase_n that_o damnation_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v full_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v before_o speak_v in_o general_n concern_v the_o much_o great_a sin_n of_o transgress_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n than_o of_o observe_v that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v though_o with_o much_o unworthiness_n i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o further_a with_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o encourage_v any_o to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o due_a qualification_n or_o from_o extenuate_v any_o man_n sin_n that_o come_v unworthy_o unworthy_o i_o mean_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v by_o many_o melancholy_a scrupulous_a person_n yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v what_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o live_v without_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o live_v in_o a_o open_a affront_n to_o the_o express_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o a_o renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n and_o withal_o what_o dreadful_a consequence_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o hereby_o even_o the_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v if_o man_n do_v serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n voluntary_o to_o excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o to_o the_o partake_n in_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o apprehension_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o they_o will_v for_o all_o that_o think_v it_o more_o sinful_a and_o more_o dangerous_a not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n from_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o too_o much_o consider_v how_o often_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o with_o our_o case_n in_o the_o three_o place_n therefore_o let_v we_o suppose_v our_o doubt_v man_n for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v give_v to_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o
authority_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absurd_a as_o may_v by_o some_o be_v imagine_v for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o take_v upon_o trust_n from_o their_o lawful_a teacher_n what_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o themselves_o but_o the_o difficulty_n here_o be_v how_o shall_v a_o private_a christian_a govern_v himself_o when_o the_o very_a guide_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n determine_v different_o concern_v these_o matter_n in_o question_n among_o we_o some_o warrant_v and_o allow_v they_o other_o as_o much_o disapprove_v and_o condemn_v they_o by_o what_o rule_n shall_v he_o choose_v his_o guide_n to_o which_o i_o brief_o reply_v 1._o as_o for_o those_o who_o scruple_n at_o conformity_n and_o be_v tolerable_o able_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o let_v not_o such_o rely_v bare_o upon_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v equal_o hear_v both_o side_n that_o they_o will_v think_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v some_o sense_n and_o conscience_n too_o as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v somewhat_o for_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o or_o require_v of_o other_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudices_fw-la favour_n to_o or_o admiration_n of_o man_n person_n they_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v propound_v to_o they_o be_v diffident_a of_o their_o own_o apprehension_n and_o indifferent_a to_o either_o part_n of_o the_o question_n that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o change_v their_o mind_n when_o they_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o can_v we_o thus_o prevail_v with_o the_o people_n diligent_o to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n our_o church_n will_v every_o day_n gain_v more_o ground_n among_o all_o wise_a man_n for_o we_o care_v not_o how_o much_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n our_o people_n have_v so_o they_o be_v but_o humble_a and_o modest_a with_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o desire_v man_n to_o become_v our_o proselyte_n any_o further_a than_o we_o give_v they_o good_a scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o 2._o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o examine_v or_o judge_v for_o themselves_o as_o few_o of_o the_o common_a people_n who_o separate_v from_o we_o real_o be_v they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o only_o in_o general_a word_n declaim_v against_o popery_n superstition_n antichristian_a and_o unscriptural_a ceremony_n humane_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n such_o have_v better_a trust_n to_o and_o depend_v on_o those_o minister_n of_o know_a sufficiency_n for_o their_o office_n who_o be_v regular_o and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n set_v over_o they_o than_o any_o other_o guide_n or_o teacher_n that_o they_o can_v choose_v for_o themselves_o this_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o safe_a course_n which_o in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v always_o to_o be_v take_v i_o speak_v now_o of_o these_o present_a controversy_n about_o form_n and_o ceremony_n so_o hot_o agitate_a among_o we_o which_o be_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o common_a people_n out_o of_o their_o profession_n not_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n when_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n about_o which_o we_o can_v easy_o satisfy_v ourselves_o we_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o public_o authorize_v guide_n and_o preacher_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o chance_v to_o mislead_v we_o we_o have_v something_o to_o say_v or_o apologise_v for_o ourselves_o our_o error_n be_v more_o excusable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o be_v occasion_v by_o those_o to_o who_o judgement_n by_o god_n command_n we_o do_v owe_v a_o great_a respect_n and_o submission_n but_o when_o we_o choose_v instructor_n and_o counsellor_n to_o ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o like_n and_o they_o teach_v we_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lawful_a minister_n if_o then_o we_o prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o be_v betray_v into_o sin_n we_o may_v thank_v our_o own_o wantonness_n for_o it_o and_o be_v more_o severe_o accountable_a for_o such_o mistake_v thus_o let_v a_o man_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o any_o threaten_a disease_n apply_v himself_o rather_o to_o the_o license_v physician_n or_o chirurgeon_n of_o approve_a skill_n and_o honesty_n and_o if_o he_o chance_v to_o miscarry_v under_o they_o yet_o he_o have_v this_o contentment_n that_o he_o use_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a mean_n for_o his_o health_n and_o recovery_n but_o if_o he_o leave_v they_o all_o and_o will_v hearken_v only_o to_o quack_n and_o empiric_n though_o they_o advise_v he_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o other_o prescribe_v if_o under_o their_o hand_n he_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o he_o must_v then_o charge_v his_o own_o perverse_a folly_n or_o idle_a humour_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o ruin_n 4._o in_o order_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o our_o scruple_n we_o shall_v thorough_o understand_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o from_o what_o be_v sinful_a that_o be_v necessary_a or_o our_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v that_o be_v sinful_a which_o god_n have_v forbid_v that_o be_v lawful_a which_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n oblige_v we_o either_o command_v or_o forbid_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4._o 15._o there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n but_o either_o omit_v what_o the_o law_n command_v or_o do_v what_o the_o law_n forbid_v for_o instance_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v where_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n where_o fit_v be_v require_v where_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n be_v forbid_v and_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v enjoin_v then_o indeed_o the_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o if_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o can_v be_v find_v as_o most_o certain_o they_o can_v then_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o read_v prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n must_v be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n lawful_a and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o scruple_v they_o because_o they_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n nay_o where_o they_o be_v require_v by_o our_o superior_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o convince_a and_o can_v be_v evade_v but_o by_o give_v another_o notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a especial_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v or_o that_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o evil_a purpose_n and_o on_o these_o two_o mistake_v be_v chief_o ground_a man_n scruple_n about_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n 1._o that_o only_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lawful_a in_o god_n worship_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v and_o appoint_v so_o that_o this_o be_v think_v exception_n sufficient_a against_o the_o form_n and_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o where_o command_v in_o scripture_n who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n now_o here_o i_o only_o ask_v where_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v forbid_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o by_o himself_o command_v or_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_n forbid_v either_o by_o general_n or_o particular_a law_n for_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v show_v there_o can_v be_v no_o colour_n for_o this_o pretence_n and_o we_o be_v sufficient_o sure_a that_o no_o such_o place_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o to_o all_o the_o essential_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o perfect_a rule_n but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n habit_n and_o gesture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v in_o many_o case_n by_o moses_n law_n and_o yet_o god_n can_v be_v at_o least_o visible_o and_o public_o worship_v without_o they_o if_o therefore_o these_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o
prejudice_v they_o against_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n thus_o our_o saviour_n own_o countryman_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o kindred_n who_o know_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o education_n mark_v 6._o 3._o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v at_o he_o they_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o do_v and_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o speak_v and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v believe_v on_o he_o have_v they_o not_o know_v his_o mean_a original_a and_o employment_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n after_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o our_o lord_n st._n john_n 6._o 61._o have_v discourse_v of_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o that_o hear_v he_o take_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a carnal_a sense_n be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v at_o he_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n or_o the_o messiah_n who_o will_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o turn_v cannibal_n thus_o again_o our_o saviour_n before_o the_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v tell_v his_o disciple_n st._n matt._n 26._o 31._o all_o of_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n that_o be_v shall_v fly_v away_o and_o shameful_o forsake_v i_o when_o you_o behold_v my_o hard_a usage_n and_o dismal_a suffering_n so_o christ_n crucify_a 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o to_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n that_o be_v they_o have_v set_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n on_o a_o temporal_a earthly_a king_n and_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o former_a dominion_n and_o greatness_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o come_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o prince_n and_o saviour_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v put_v to_o such_o a_o curse_a and_o ignominious_a death_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n they_o who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mark_v 4._o 17._o and_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o when_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o word_n sake_n be_v present_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o leave_v and_o renounce_v that_o profession_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a after_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o most_o stumble_v the_o jewish_a convert_v be_v the_o danger_n moses_n law_n and_o their_o temple_n worship_n and_o the_o singular_a preeminence_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o of_o be_v undermine_v by_o christianity_n they_o be_v strange_o wed_v to_o their_o legal_a observance_n fond_a of_o circumcision_n and_o those_o peculiarity_n which_o distinguish_v their_o nation_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v jealous_a of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o encroach_v upon_o their_o privilege_n or_o tend_v to_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o uncircumcised_a world_n this_o mighty_o offend_v they_o and_o harden_v they_o against_o christianity_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o gentile_a convert_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v afraid_a of_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o so_o heavy_a a_o yoke_n or_o be_v bring_v into_o subjection_n to_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a way_n to_o scare_v they_o from_o christianity_n as_o when_o it_o come_v attend_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n which_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o that_o be_v do_v discourage_v they_o from_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o continue_v in_o his_o faith_n now_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o these_o different_a apprehension_n among_o the_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o that_o first_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 15._o and_o of_o those_o direction_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v rom._n 14._o concern_v our_o behaviour_n towards_o weak_a brethren_n another_o case_n there_o be_v concern_v eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n discourse_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 8._o and_o 10._o the_o sum_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n though_o as_o ordinary_a meat_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o one_o who_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n do_v eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n for_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n so_o weak_a as_o not_o yet_o to_o have_v quite_o leave_v off_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o a_o christian_n eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n before_o such_o a_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o error_n who_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v of_o who_o soul_n st._n paul_n profess_v himself_o to_o have_v so_o great_a regard_n that_o he_o will_v eat_v no_o such_o meat_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n last_v rather_o than_o lay_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n before_o or_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n in_o all_o these_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o interpreter_n and_o those_o that_o have_v write_v large_o on_o this_o subject_n no_o less_o than_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o sin_n into_o which_o these_o weak_a christian_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v and_o by_o a_o undue_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n to_o give_v occasion_n to_o another_o forsake_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n lose_v a_o disciple_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n perish_v be_v the_o proper_a sin_n of_o offend_a or_o give_v scandal_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o which_o be_v revel_v 2._o 14._o where_o balaam_n be_v say_v to_o have_v teach_v balac_n to_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o scandal_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o relate_v othis_fw-la entice_v they_o by_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n to_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v god_n against_o they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o most_o general_a sense_n to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o consequent_o his_o ruin_n and_o undo_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o word_n hence_o i_o shall_v conclude_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o those_o be_v not_o such_o godly_a person_n as_o they_o will_v be_v think_v who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o turn_v to_o be_v offend_v for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v reckon_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n or_o goodness_n who_o be_v so_o easy_o upon_o every_o occasion_n draw_v or_o tempt_v to_o sin_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o tell_v the_o separatist_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n usual_o say_v he_o man_n talk_v most_o against_o scandalize_a those_o who_o they_o account_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o best_a be_v least_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o so_o they_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a or_o else_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v for_o suppose_v a_o separatist_n shall_v say_v if_o you_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o parish_n minister_n or_o church_n in_o england_n it_o will_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o many_o good_a people_n i_o will_v ask_v such_o a_o one_o why_o call_v you_o those_o good_a people_n that_o be_v easy_o draw_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n nay_o that_o will_v sin_n because_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n therefore_o if_o you_o know_v what_o you_o say_v you_o make_v the_o separatist_n almost_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o will_v sin_n against_o god_n because_o another_o will_v not_o sin_v the_o great_a thing_n our_o nonconformist_n pretend_v unto_o above_o other_o man_n be_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o they_o must_v mean_v if_o they_o mean_v any_o virtue_n by_o it_o a_o great_a fear_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a security_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v against_o be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v by_o what_o other_o man_n do_v that_o be_v against_o be_v draw_v into_o sin_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o do_v real_o disparage_v and_o severe_o reflect_v upon_o the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v thus_o afraid_a of_o give_v they_o offence_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o 2._o no_o man_n can_v with_o sense_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o
of_o what_o he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v true_o observe_v by_o some_o that_o consider_v the_o know_a temper_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n it_o be_v not_o very_o likely_a any_o such_o mischief_n shall_v ensue_v viz._n that_o by_o the_o example_n of_o one_o or_o more_o leave_v their_o separate_a assembly_n other_o shall_v be_v move_v to_o follow_v they_o against_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n it_o be_v abundant_o notorious_a how_o they_o have_v use_v to_o treat_v those_o that_o have_v desert_v they_o with_o what_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n they_o have_v prosecute_v they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o worst_a enemy_n pass_v more_o grievous_a censure_n upon_o they_o than_o upon_o those_o who_o have_v all_o their_o life_n long_o continue_v in_o our_o communion_n 4._o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o observe_v from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v concern_v give_v offence_n that_o if_o to_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o lead_v he_o into_o sin_n than_o we_o may_v scandalize_v and_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o as_o soon_o by_o please_v they_o and_o comply_v with_o they_o as_o by_o diplease_v they_o and_o go_v contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n and_o humour_n st._n paul_n who_o circumcise_a timothy_n act_v 16._o 3._o in_o favour_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n that_o he_o may_v insinuate_v and_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o they_o refuse_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n galat._n 2._o 3._o though_o he_o make_v the_o jew_n angry_a by_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o give_v place_n by_o subjection_n or_o submission_n and_o condescension_n to_o they_o no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n he_o consider_v the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n he_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o he_o comply_v to_o circumcise_v timothy_n lest_o all_o the_o jew_n with_o he_o shall_v have_v forsake_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o deny_v to_o circumcise_v titus_n lest_o those_o of_o jerusalem_n shall_v think_v he_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o jewish_a law_n hold_v still_o in_o force_n and_o so_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v become_v of_o no_o effect_n to_o they_o he_o please_v indeed_o the_o former_a for_o fear_n of_o drive_v they_o from_o christianity_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o displease_v the_o latter_a lest_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v the_o observation_n of_o moses_n law_n always_o necessary_a he_o have_v true_o scandalize_v they_o if_o he_o have_v do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v have_v he_o he_o have_v offend_v they_o in_o the_o true_a scripture_n sense_n if_o he_o have_v please_v and_o humour_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a way_n of_o scandalize_a christian_n among_o we_o by_o not_o plain_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o mistake_n by_o not_o speak_v free_o and_o round_o to_o they_o nor_o act_v courageous_o whereby_o they_o become_v harden_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o can_v but_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o mr._n baxter_n in_o the_o book_n i_o have_v so_o often_o cite_v many_o a_o time_n say_v he_o i_o have_v the_o rather_o go_v to_o the_o common-prayer_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o same_o man_n that_o call_v the_o go_n to_o they_o a_o scandal_n that_o be_v for_o fear_v of_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o sinful_a separation_n and_o error_n because_o i_o know_v that_o be_v not_o scandal_n which_o they_o call_v scandal_n that_o be_v displease_v they_o and_o cross_v their_o opinion_n but_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o error_n or_o other_o sin_n be_v true_a scandalize_a understand_v this_o or_o you_o will_v displease_v god_n under_o pretence_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n p._n 135._o thus_o by_o comply_v with_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o real_o do_v they_o that_o mischief_n which_o we_o will_v avoid_v and_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o give_v scandal_n while_o we_o be_v run_v from_o it_o we_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v their_o sinful_a separation_n and_o division_n we_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v we_o by_o our_o practice_n condemn_v those_o thing_n which_o yet_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o allow_v and_o approve_v of_o and_o by_o our_o authority_n and_o influence_n harden_v other_o in_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o opposition_n against_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n they_o think_v we_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o themselves_o whilst_o we_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o judge_v as_o ill_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o long_o as_o we_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o as_o themselves_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o give_v occasion_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o those_o infinite_a mischief_n which_o have_v happen_v both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o religious_a dispute_n and_o division_n which_o sure_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o think_v of_o and_o consider_v by_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o shall_v go_v to_o church_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o to_o a_o conventicle_n in_o the_o afternoon_n who_o halt_v between_o both_o and_o will_v fain_o displease_v neither_o side_n but_o indeed_o give_v real_a offence_n to_o both_o from_o all_o this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o he_o who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n but_o be_v afraid_a of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o this_o principle_n aught_o to_o hasten_v the_o fast_o to_o his_o parish-church_n that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v those_o very_a dissenter_n of_o who_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a 3._o it_o remain_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n i_o can_v i_o shall_v now_o suppose_v notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v true_o weak_a person_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o danger_n of_o their_o be_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n offend_v by_o our_o conformity_n yet_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v i_o shall_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o who_o be_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o come_v to_o his_o parish-church_n and_o use_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v ought_v not_o to_o forbear_v do_v the_o same_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v such_o offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brethren_n there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n beside_o this_o matter_n of_o private_a scandal_n and_o if_o there_o be_v great_a evil_n in_o and_o great_a mischief_n to_o other_o and_o a_o more_o public_a scandal_n do_v follow_v our_o forbear_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o withdraw_n into_o private_a assembly_n than_o can_v happen_v by_o our_o leave_v they_o and_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v then_o to_o conform_v notwithstanding_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o for_o these_o two_o thing_n as_o i_o suppose_v be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n one_o be_v that_o nothing_o which_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v scandalize_a other_o the_o other_o be_v that_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a scandal_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n and_o by_o these_o two_o rule_n i_o shall_v now_o judge_v of_o the_o case_n at_o first_o propound_v 1._o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v other_o be_v scandalize_v which_o be_v direct_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rom._n 3._o 8._o that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o be_v any_o necessary_a duty_n to_o be_v omit_v out_o of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o other_o lest_o they_o through_o error_n or_o ignorance_n be_v hurt_v by_o it_o we_o must_v not_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a sin_n in_o another_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n ourselves_o nor_o disobey_v god_n law_n and_o so_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o our_o own_o damnation_n though_o it_o be_v to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n thus_o calvin_n tell_v we_o instit_fw-la lib._n 3._o c._n 19_o quae_fw-la necessaria_fw-la sunt_fw-la factu_fw-la nullius_fw-la offendiculi_fw-la timore_fw-la omittenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v
question_n beside_o that_o it_o can_v serve_v any_o purpose_n of_o piety_n if_o it_o decline_v from_o duty_n in_o any_o instance_n it_o be_v like_o give_v alm_n out_o of_o the_o portion_n of_o orphan_n or_o build_v hospital_n with_o the_o money_n and_o spoil_n of_o sacrilege_n 4._o it_o be_v further_a say_v by_o mr._n jean_n out_o of_o amesius_n if_o determination_n by_o superior_n be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n than_o they_o do_v very_o ill_a that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a determine_v all_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o so_o no_o danger_n may_v be_v leave_v of_o give_v offence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v in_o that_o she_o have_v determine_v so_o many_o indifferent_a thing_n then_o st._n paul_n may_v have_v spare_v all_o his_o direction_n about_o forbearance_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o weak_a brethren_n and_o full_o determine_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n and_o so_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o fear_n of_o scandal_n this_o true_o seem_v a_o very_a odd_a way_n of_o argue_v and_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o it_o be_v that_o it_o suppose_v nothing_o else_o worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o make_n of_o law_n or_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o only_o this_o one_o matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o project_n itself_o shall_v it_o take_v will_v prove_v very_o vain_a and_o unsuccessful_a for_o though_o we_o true_o say_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o innocent_a and_o so_o give_v no_o real_a ground_n of_o offence_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o same_o upon_o supposition_n our_o church_n have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n in_o god_n worship_n she_o possible_o can_v which_o will_v perhaps_o have_v be_v a_o yoke_n great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o the_o jew_n nor_o if_o she_o have_v prescribe_v as_o many_o ceremony_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o scandal_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o for_o the_o course_n st._n paul_n take_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o some_o thing_n upon_o good_a reason_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o the_o gentile_a convert_v shall_v abstain_v from_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v and_o offer_v to_o idol_n which_o decree_n i_o presume_v they_o may_v not_o transgress_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o any_o of_o their_o brethren_n who_o may_v take_v offence_n at_o such_o abstinence_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o great_a reason_n be_v for_o a_o time_n leave_v at_o liberty_n which_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o those_o the_o apostle_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o though_o afterward_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o when_o that_o reason_n cease_v determination_n be_v make_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o if_o st._n paul_n have_v determine_v the_o dispute_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n one_o way_n they_o who_o have_v follow_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n whatever_o have_v happen_v have_v sure_o be_v free_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o still_o the_o scandal_n have_v not_o be_v prevent_v but_o all_o the_o contrary_a part_n have_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v be_v utter_o estrange_v from_o christianity_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a why_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o make_v any_o determination_n in_o that_o case_n for_o governor_n be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n to_o free_v those_o that_o obey_v they_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o also_o to_o provide_v that_o as_o little_a occasion_n as_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o be_v scandalize_v there_o be_v other_o objection_n offer_v by_o mr._n jean_n out_o of_o amesius_n and_o rutherford_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a notwithstanding_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v follow_v but_o they_o either_o may_v be_v answer_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v or_o else_o they_o chief_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o governor_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o act_n uncharitable_o and_o give_v great_a offence_n contrary_a to_o st._n paul_n rule_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o determinate_o to_o impose_v unnecessary_a rite_n by_o which_o they_o know_v many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v scandalize_v but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o discourse_n of_o though_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o think_v very_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v take_v all_o reasonable_a care_v not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o have_v be_v since_o take_v at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v foresee_v by_o those_o who_o make_v our_o first_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o be_v any_o reason_n against_o the_o first_o establishment_n nor_o 2._o be_v they_o now_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v it_o reasonable_a to_o alter_v public_a law_n make_v with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o deliberation_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v dislike_v by_o or_o prove_v offensive_a to_o private_a person_n if_o this_o be_v admit_v there_o then_o can_v never_o be_v any_o settle_a government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n because_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o establishment_n that_o will_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o give_v such_o offence_n they_o who_o now_o take_v offence_n at_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v on_o the_o same_o or_o a_o like_a account_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o whatever_o can_v be_v enjoin_v and_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n will_v be_v good_a against_o any_o establishment_n they_o themselves_o shall_v make_v for_o though_o they_o will_v not_o use_v these_o reason_n against_o their_o own_o establishment_n yet_o in_o a_o short_a time_n other_o will_v take_v up_o their_o weapon_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o what_o serve_v to_o destroy_v the_o present_a church_n will_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o overthrow_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o its_o room_n so_o that_o whatever_o alteration_n be_v make_v if_o this_o be_v allow_v for_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o it_o viz._n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o man_n take_v at_o the_o present_a constitution_n yet_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v and_o new_a offence_n will_v arise_v and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v continual_a change_n and_o alter_v to_o gratify_v the_o unreasonable_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v any_o one_o party_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o get_v their_o form_n of_o government_n and_o worship_n establish_v by_o law_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v preach_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n we_o do_v now_o to_o they_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o private_a person_n must_v bend_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o law_n to_o private_a person_n that_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n that_o we_o be_v offend_v that_o our_o weakness_n proceed_v from_o our_o unwillingness_n to_o receive_v instruction_n that_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o be_v govern_v not_o to_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n that_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o what_o be_v with_o good_a reason_n appoint_v and_o order_v shall_v be_v present_o abrogate_a or_o change_v out_o of_o compliance_n with_o man_n foolish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v how_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a botht_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o be_v and_o have_v be_v where_o they_o have_v have_v any_o advantage_n and_o what_o little_a consideration_n or_o regard_n they_o have_v have_v of_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o they_o will_v have_v we_o so_o tender_a of_o they_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o precept_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v in_o such_o instance_n though_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o because_o no_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v for_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n i_o may_v from_o this_o head_n further_o argue_v that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o commit_v any_o sin_n to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o our_o parish-church_n upon_o that_o account_n because_o all_o voluntary_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n in_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o
and_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n to_o wound_v and_o destroy_v their_o precious_a soul_n and_o to_o provide_v matter_n for_o eternal_a torment_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o discourage_v a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o render_v it_o more_o perplex_v and_o troublesome_a to_o he_o may_v be_v just_o call_v a_o offence_n or_o grief_n to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o easy_o understand_v how_o this_o kind_n of_o offence_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v any_o other_o but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o way_n now_o let_v our_o debate_n be_v determine_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o let_v the_o issue_n be_v whether_o conformity_n can_v be_v grieve_v other_o upon_o any_o of_o these_o account_n it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a be_v say_v or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n be_v offer_v that_o we_o offend_v man_n hereby_o because_o we_o either_o do_v any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o to_o his_o holy_a religion_n by_o it_o it_o be_v much_o true_a that_o we_o bring_v honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o both_o by_o it_o to_o god_n by_o take_v the_o best_a course_n we_o can_v pitch_v upon_o to_o secure_v the_o solemnity_n and_o decency_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o to_o religion_n by_o take_v care_n that_o all_o the_o great_a service_n of_o it_o be_v perform_v decent_o and_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o profane_v by_o the_o ignorance_n or_o temerity_n of_o every_o bold_a and_o unskilful_a undertaker_n 2._o nor_o second_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o hereby_o we_o let_v man_n be_v spectator_n of_o our_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o so_o grieve_v and_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n while_o they_o see_v we_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o our_o eye_n i_o have_v that_o charity_n for_o the_o modesty_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o they_o will_v not_o call_v our_o worship_n idolatry_n and_o the_o service_n of_o baal_n any_o long_o though_o it_o can_v be_v dissemble_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o less-discerning_a rabble_n have_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o so_o to_o account_v and_o think_v of_o it_o but_o if_o any_o have_v be_v mislead_v into_o such_o a_o opinion_n i_o will_v beg_v they_o to_o come_v and_o behold_v our_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o their_o better_a conviction_n 3._o no_o nor_o three_o do_v i_o see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o offence_n upon_o its_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a or_o difficult_a to_o other_o than_o it_o will_v be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o any_o to_o show_v where_o he_o be_v hinder_v from_o be_v good_a by_o see_v other_o conformable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o what_o obstruction_n that_o cast_v in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o will_v at_o any_o time_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n and_o advantage_n to_o he_o and_o a_o furtherance_n to_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n but_o let_v or_o hindrance_n it_o can_v be_v none_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o by_o this_o we_o make_v religion_n cumbersome_a and_o clog_v that_o with_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a thing_n i_o grant_v the_o objection_n be_v reasonable_a and_o the_o charge_n of_o give_v offence_n undeniable_a be_v it_o either_o so_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v of_o old_a in_o st._n augustin_n time_n or_o be_v at_o present_a in_o the_o roman-church_n clog_v with_o so_o many_o antic_a and_o garish_a ceremony_n that_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o study_n to_o be_v a_o exact_a ritualist_n and_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n hard_a to_o remember_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o any_o service_n and_o office_n in_o religion_n than_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n a_o hundred_o time_n over_o but_o let_v i_o beg_v man_n to_o consider_v whether_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v just_a against_o a_o church_n and_o its_o liturgy_n which_o enjoin_v but_o three_o ceremony_n against_o which_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v object_v and_o these_o too_o not_o in_o the_o same_o but_o so_o many_o distinct_a service_n and_o which_o be_v little_o more_o than_o bare_o determine_v those_o circumstance_n of_o habit_n and_o gesture_n which_o be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a to_o all_o our_o action_n if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v think_v to_o make_v the_o practice_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n burdensome_a than_o any_o of_o the_o posture_n in_o which_o our_o brethren_n perform_v their_o worship_n will_v make_v that_o so_o too_o and_o then_o the_o directory_n will_v be_v as_o chargeable_a and_o faulty_a in_o this_o as_o the_o liturgy_n these_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o this_o first_o way_n that_o i_o propose_v to_o show_v that_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o any_o thing_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o this_o place_n nor_o can_v come_v under_o his_o notion_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o which_o he_o speak_v against_o in_o it_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o may_v be_v offend_v and_o trouble_v at_o it_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o much_o some_o man_n be_v trouble_v to_o see_v a_o church_n constitute_v among_o we_o to_o behold_v it_o protect_v by_o law_n and_o power_n and_o to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o deference_n and_o respect_n pay_v unto_o it_o and_o its_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v at_o present_a by_o multitude_n both_o of_o great_a and_o good_a man_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v great_o malign_v and_o envy_v by_o man_n and_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o continual_a trouble_n and_o grief_n to_o they_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o private_a interest_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v so_o their_o design_n and_o aim_n will_v never_o be_v effect_v but_o so_o ill_a man_n be_v trouble_v at_o a_o good_a government_n and_o thief_n and_o robber_n may_v be_v vex_v that_o honest_a man_n be_v secure_v from_o they_o and_o these_o may_v as_o well_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o law_n and_o the_o government_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o as_o other_o may_v that_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o church_n and_o conformity_n sure_o we_o know_v thing_n better_o than_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o scandal_n that_o any_o man_n be_v vex_v or_o trouble_v at_o if_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o offence_n or_o forbear_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n that_o every_o ill_n design_v man_n be_v please_v to_o take_v exception_n against_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a we_o must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o nor_o venture_v to_o undertake_v any_o thing_n till_o we_o see_v whether_o all_o person_n will_v be_v please_v with_o it_o or_o not_o we_o must_v not_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o offence_n that_o please_v not_o the_o humour_n of_o every_o man_n for_o than_o nothing_o can_v avoid_v that_o character_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o it_o will_v serve_v we_o much_o further_o not_o only_o to_o justify_v ourselves_o from_o this_o imputation_n but_o to_o reflect_v it_o back_o upon_o those_o that_o charge_v we_o for_o when_o we_o have_v well_o consider_v thing_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o scandal_n will_v fall_v upon_o our_o accuser_n and_o not_o conformity_n but_o separation_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o give_a offence_n and_o that_o in_o both_o the_o notion_n of_o give_v it_o that_o have_v be_v name_v separation_n be_v indeed_o the_o scandal_n as_o be_v both_o a_o evil_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o betray_v other_o into_o many_o evil_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o schism_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o donatist_n or_o any_o that_o be_v ever_o make_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v a_o schism_n i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v on_o our_o behalf_n that_o the_o present_a separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v real_o a_o schism_n and_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n and_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o will_v judge_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o best_a successor_n yea_o and_o few_o sin_n great_a than_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v separation_n to_o be_v indeed_o the_o scandal_n and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a notion_n of_o scandal_n too_o and_o we_o sad_o see_v what_o great_a mischief_n it_o be_v introductive_a of_o what_o uncharitableness_n and_o rail_n what_o pride_n and_o censoriousness_n it_o betray_v man_n into_o schism_n be_v scarce_o ever_o content_a to_o be_v alone_o man_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o go_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n by_o
appointment_n it_o be_v first_o erect_v but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o this_o upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v abuse_v for_o any_o considerable_a time_n and_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o a_o inclination_n in_o the_o people_n to_o abuse_v it_o again_o and_o no_o doubt_n all_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n that_o have_v former_o be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o governor_n whensoever_o they_o find_v their_o people_n again_o incline_v so_o to_o abuse_v they_o at_o least_o if_o such_o abuse_n can_v probable_o be_v prevent_v by_o other_o mean_n six_o but_o have_v hezekiah_n suffer_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n still_o to_o stand_v no_o doubt_n private_a person_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v public_a reformation_n may_v lawful_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o affect_v they_o with_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n express_v by_o it_o to_o their_o forefather_n notwithstanding_o that_o many_o have_v not_o only_o former_o but_o do_v at_o that_o very_a nick_n of_o time_n make_v a_o idol_n of_o it_o and_o much_o more_o may_v they_o have_v lawful_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o constraint_n lay_v upon_o they_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatry_n as_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n while_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v permit_v to_o stand_v as_o woeful_o abuse_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o generality_n i_o will_v also_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o mr._n calvin_n concern_v rite_n use_v and_o consequent_o superstitious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n express_v in_o these_o word_n let_v not_o any_o think_v i_o so_o austere_a or_o bind_v up_o etc._n calv._n de_fw-fr vitandâ_fw-la superstitione_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o forbid_v a_o christian_a without_o any_o exception_n to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o papist_n in_o any_o ceremony_n or_o observance_n for_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o condemn_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v clear_o evil_a and_o open_o vicious_a to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v many_o other_o such_o like_a say_n of_o this_o learned_a person_n and_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v discourse_v upon_o our_o second_o general_a head_n viz._n that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o symbolise_v we_o now_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o agreement_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a we_o have_v show_v what_o a_o vast_o wide_a distance_n and_o disagreement_n there_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n and_o we_o have_v sufficient_o though_o with_o the_o great_a brevity_n make_v it_o apparent_a that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o such_o too_o as_o she_o have_v abuse_v in_o idolatrous_a and_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v and_o we_o have_v answer_v the_o chief_a of_o those_o argument_n which_o have_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v it_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n be_v prove_v that_o those_o thing_n wherein_o our_o own_o church_n particular_o agree_v with_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v none_o of_o they_o speak_v such_o a_o agreement_n therewith_o as_o will_v justify_v separation_n from_o our_o church_n communion_n now_o the_o particular_n wherein_o our_o church_n symbolize_v with_o that_o of_o rome_n which_o our_o dissenter_n take_v offence_n at_o and_o make_v a_o pretence_n for_o separation_n though_o all_o dissenter_n be_v not_o offend_v at_o all_o of_o they_o and_o much_o less_o so_o offend_v as_o to_o make_v they_o all_o a_o pretence_n for_o separation_n be_v principal_o these_o follow_v first_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n by_o bishop_n second_o our_o church_n prescribe_v a_o liturgy_n or_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a office_n three_o a_o liturgy_n so_o contrive_v as_o that_o of_o our_o church_n be_v four_o certain_a rite_n of_o our_o church_n particular_o the_o surplice_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o certain_a holiday_n and_o to_o all_o these_o i_o shall_v speak_v very_o succinct_o the_o limit_n i_o be_o confine_v to_o not_o permit_v i_o to_o enlarge_v much_o upon_o any_o of_o they_o but_o i_o must_v first_o premise_v concern_v they_o all_o in_o the_o general_a these_o follow_a thing_n first_o that_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v all_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o viciousness_n or_o immorality_n in_o any_o of_o they_o to_o make_v they_o unlawful_a i_o know_v no_o body_n so_o unreasonable_a as_o not_o to_o grant_v this_o second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o such_o law_n object_v against_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v unlawful_a they_o must_v be_v make_v so_o either_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o divine_a law_n or_o certain_a circumstance_n attend_v they_o three_o that_o i_o be_o concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n to_o vindicate_v they_o from_o be_v unlawful_a upon_o the_o account_n only_o of_o this_o one_o circumstance_n viz._n our_o symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o they_o now_o then_o first_o as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n by_o bishop_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o unlawful_a symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o have_v most_o clear_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v a_o symbolise_n with_o she_o in_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o what_o eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a party_n have_v acknowledge_v and_o be_v too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v or_o doubt_v by_o any_o who_o be_v not_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o church-history_n be_v sufficient_a i_o shall_v think_v to_o satisfy_v unprejudiced_a person_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o that_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o about_o 1500_o year_n together_o beza_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o a_o threefold_a kind_n of_o episcopacy_n divine_a humane_a and_o satanical_a assert_n concern_v the_o second_o which_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v apostolical_a that_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v whatsoever_o we_o read_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n in_o ignatius_n and_o other_o more_o ancient_a writer_n and_o the_o famous_a peter_n du_n moulin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n acknowledge_v that_o present_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o even_o in_o their_o time_n as_o ecclesiastical_a story_n witness_v it_o be_v ordain_v that_o in_o every_o city_n one_o of_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o bishop_n who_o shall_v have_v pre-eminence_n over_o his_o colleague_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n which_o oft_o time_n arise_v out_o of_o equality_n and_o true_o say_v he_o this_o form_n of_o government_n all_o church_n every_o where_o receive_v mr._n calvin_n say_v in_o his_o institution_n of_o christian_a religion_n quibus_fw-la docendi_fw-la munus_fw-la injunctum_fw-la erat_fw-la etc._n etc._n those_o to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o office_n of_o teach_v they_o call_v they_o all_o presbyter_n these_o elect_v out_o of_o their_o number_n in_o 2._o l._n 4._o cap._n 4._o §._o 2._o each_o city_n one_o to_o who_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n they_o give_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n lest_o strife_n and_o contention_n as_o it_o common_o happen_v shall_v arise_v out_o of_o equality_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o archbishop_n cranmer_n he_o thus_o accost_v he_o illustrissime_fw-la domine_fw-la &_o ornatissime_fw-la praesul_fw-la etc._n etc._n most_o illustrious_a sir_n and_o most_o honourable_a prelate_n and_o by_o i_o hearty_o reverence_v and_o tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o will_v not_o think_v much_o of_o pass_v over_o ten_o sea_n for_o that_o purpose_n again_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o king_n of_o poland_n he_o thus_o speak_v of_o patriarch_n and_o archbishop_n the_o ancient_a church_n do_v
and_o i_o perceive_v you_o mean_v that_o it_o please_v you_o to_o find_v it_o not_o write_v in_o a_o heat_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o censorious_a or_o peevish_a humour_n or_o of_o a_o haughty_a contempt_n of_o those_o he_o deal_v with_o therein_o express_v and_o he_o hope_v that_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n you_o be_v no_o less_o please_v with_o the_o other_o resolution_n of_o case_n which_o bear_v this_o company_n but_o he_o think_v it_o no_o mighty_a attainment_n to_o be_v able_a in_o write_v to_o manage_v a_o controversy_n cool_o and_o sedate_o without_o bitter_a or_o provoke_a reflection_n or_o contemptuous_a expression_n though_o man_n of_o warm_a temper_n may_v find_v it_o somewhat_o difficult_a to_o govern_v their_o spirit_n and_o passion_n as_o it_o become_v they_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o humility_n or_o good_a nature_n or_o of_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n shall_v make_v it_o no_o hard_a matter_n to_o acquire_v that_o other_o attainment_n and_o much_o more_o that_o no_o one_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o spirit_n and_o temper_n as_o well_o as_o in_o notion_n and_o profession_n can_v find_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o arrive_v at_o it_o but_o enough_o of_o this_o in_o your_o second_o paragraph_n you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o our_o author_n may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o distance_n between_o our_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o reason_n you_o give_v for_o the_o needlesness_n of_o so_o do_v your_o reason_n be_v two_o first_o because_o he_o argue_v chief_o for_o communion_n in_o worship_n and_o second_o you_o never_o meet_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n charge_v as_o popish_a nor_o our_o church_n reflect_v on_o as_o symbolise_v with_o that_o idolatrous_a church_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o these_o reason_n have_v not_o convince_v our_o author_n that_o he_o be_v over_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v not_o his_o design_n to_o show_v that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o symbolize_v in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n with_o that_o of_o rome_n but_o that_o she_o stand_v at_o great_a defiance_n with_o that_o church_n not_o that_o she_o do_v not_o teach_v her_o corrupt_a doctrine_n in_o her_o article_n but_o that_o she_o design_o confute_v they_o and_o expose_v the_o falsity_n and_o corruption_n of_o they_o and_o this_o sure_o be_v worth_a the_o show_n in_o so_o many_o instance_n for_o their_o sake_n who_o never_o read_v or_o consider_v those_o article_n as_o i_o fear_v very_o few_o of_o the_o dissenter_n have_v do_v and_o whereas_o you_o say_v you_o never_o meet_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n charge_v as_o popish_a and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o you_o have_v i_o say_v there_o be_v too_o great_a cause_n to_o suspect_v that_o very_o few_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v understand_v how_o anti-popish_a they_o be_v though_o they_o do_v not_o charge_v they_o as_o popish_a and_o i_o doubt_v you_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o i_o be_o sure_a very_o many_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o who_o have_v reflect_v upon_o our_o church_n as_o a_o idolatrous_a church_n though_o you_o never_o hear_v she_o accuse_v as_o symbolise_v with_o the_o idolatrous_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o they_o will_v find_v it_o somewhat_o hard_a to_o understand_v how_o a_o church_n can_v be_v idolatrous_a in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o yet_o be_v pure_a in_o her_o doctrine_n from_o any_o tang_n of_o idolatry_n sure_o her_o practice_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o her_o doctrine_n or_o they_o will_v be_v strange_a practice_n indeed_o and_o it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a if_o she_o shall_v practise_v idola_fw-la try_v and_o yet_o believe_v nothing_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o that_o foul_a sin_n nay_o believe_v and_o teach_v all_o those_o doctrine_n that_o be_v as_o opposite_a to_o idolatry_n as_o light_a to_o darkness_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o to_o our_o author_n purpose_n than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v that_o prejudice_n of_o many_o against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o opinion_n of_o its_o be_v near_o of_o kin_n to_o popery_n and_o what_o can_v signify_v more_o to_o their_o conviction_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o opinion_n than_o the_o show_v how_o abhorrent_n to_o popery_n our_o church_n be_v in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o what_o a_o testimony_n she_o bear_v in_o her_o article_n against_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o the_o practice_n which_o she_o found_v upon_o those_o doctrine_n as_o to_o the_o several_a addition_n you_o say_v may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o 4._o the_o the_o the_o pag._n 4._o anti-popish_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o 39_o article_n our_o author_n conceive_v he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o oversight_n in_o not_o prevent_v you_o because_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o anti-popish_a but_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o other_o sect_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o abhorrer_n of_o popery_n as_o well_o as_o papist_n and_o other_o of_o they_o our_o author_n have_v not_o omit_v but_o if_o you_o will_v look_v again_o you_o may_v find_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n viz._n those_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o artic._n vi_o and_o artic._n xi_o this_o under_o the_o head_n of_o doctrine_n flat_o contradict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n pag._n 9_o that_o under_o the_o head_n of_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o each_o of_o the_o two_o church_n find_v its_o whole_a religion_n pag._n 18._o now_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n you_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o our_o author_n will_v have_v you_o conclude_v from_o this_o first_o part_n of_o his_o performance_n which_o you_o say_v 4._o say_v say_v say_v pag._n 4._o you_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v and_o whereas_o you_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o 39_o article_n have_v in_o they_o nothing_o of_o kin_n to_o popery_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o add_v that_o you_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v not_o a_o judicious_a dissenter_n in_o england_n will_v say_v they_o have_v i_o answer_v if_o there_o be_v any_o injudicious_a dissenter_n in_o england_n that_o will_v say_v they_o have_v i_o hope_v these_o poor_a people_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o despise_v as_o that_o we_o shall_v use_v no_o mean_n for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o they_o but_o our_o author_n will_v have_v you_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v do_v what_o he_o design_v which_o be_v as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v not_o to_o show_v that_o the_o 39_o article_n have_v nothing_o of_o kin_n to_o popery_n but_o that_o they_o be_v most_o abhorrent_n from_o it_o and_o that_o our_o church_n be_v at_o the_o wide_a and_o vast_a distance_n from_o popery_n in_o her_o doctrinal_n and_o consequent_o one_o will_v think_v too_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n but_o our_o author_n do_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o to_o prove_v this_o by_o this_o consequence_n but_o go_v on_o to_o show_v it_o in_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o matter_n of_o practice_n after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o return_v now_o to_o your_o second_o page_n you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v mighty_o satisfactory_a to_o you_o to_o hear_v our_o author_n assure_v you_o that_o our_o church_n allow_v her_o member_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n etc._n etc._n but_o sir_n you_o need_v no_o author_n to_o assure_v you_o of_o this_o since_o our_o church_n have_v do_v it_o as_o full_o as_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o word_n and_o our_o author_n no_o otherwise_o assure_v you_o of_o it_o than_o by_o cite_v our_o church_n article_n but_o whereas_o you_o add_v that_o this_o you_o can_v but_o think_v impli_v a_o liberty_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v and_o judge_n but_o to_o do_v also_o according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n believe_v and_o judge_v sure_o you_o will_v find_v yourself_o able_a to_o think_v otherwise_o when_o you_o have_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o thought_n viz._n that_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o law_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o allow_v to_o man_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n according_a to_o this_o large_a notion_n and_o that_o therefore_o our_o church_n do_v faulty_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o have_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o government_n and_o discipline_n you_o next_o say_v that_o our_o author_n speak_v very_o true_a as_o to_o the_o popish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o that_o those_o in_o our_o church_n be_v
all_o of_o they_o as_o not_o to_o be_v in_o the_o least_o stumble_v at_o any_o of_o they_o the_o second_o instance_n be_v the_o people_n bear_v a_o part_n with_o the_o minister_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o whereas_o our_o author_n have_v think_v it_o enough_o to_o transcribe_v what_o mr._n baxter_n have_v say_v in_o five_o particular_n to_o vindicate_v both_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o fitness_n hereof_o you_o reply_v not_o one_o word_n to_o any_o of_o they_o but_o you_o think_v you_o have_v balance_v as_o your_o word_n be_v those_o five_o with_o five_o of_o your_o own_o 1._o you_o say_v these_o response_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o we_o say_v they_o do_v and_o our_o yea_o be_v as_o good_a as_o your_o nay_o 2._o you_o say_v many_o read_v false_a oftentimes_o and_o who_o fault_n be_v it_o if_o they_o do_v but_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o be_v come_v that_o you_o can_v prove_v it_o 3._o you_o say_v many_o child_n and_o girl_n 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when_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o be_v build_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o who_o be_v they_o that_o tell_v you_o that_o from_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v gather_v the_o apostolical_a institution_n of_o the_o other_o holiday_n name_v any_o one_o if_o you_o be_v able_a that_o so_o say_v or_o that_o say_v that_o they_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n now_o we_o be_v come_v to_o those_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n in_o which_o our_o author_n say_v pag._n 45._o our_o symbolise_n with_o popery_n be_v so_o much_o condemn_v and_o you_o say_v pag._n 24_o that_o he_o observe_v in_o the_o general_n 1._o that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v not_o the_o hundred_o part_n you_o shall_v have_v add_v scarce_o of_o those_o use_v by_o the_o papist_n and_o this_o you_o grant_v but_o you_o add_v that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o symbolize_v in_o thirty_o as_o in_o three_o but_o i_o must_v make_v bold_a to_o tell_v you_o you_o never_o utter_v a_o more_o inconsiderative_a say_n it_o seem_v then_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o many_o ceremony_n be_v use_v in_o divine_a worship_n so_o they_o be_v all_o innocent_a i_o be_o sure_a st._n augustin_n be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n but_o it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v none_o innocent_a but_o if_o so_o you_o can_v say_v that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o use_v thirty_o as_o three_o because_o the_o thirty_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o that_o attention_n of_o mind_n that_o divine_a worship_n call_v for_o but_o he_o must_v have_v a_o weak_a head_n indeed_o who_o mind_n must_v needs_o be_v divert_v by_o three_o 2._o our_o author_n say_v that_o our_o
indian_a church_n in_o coulan_n and_o crangonor_n and_o about_o maliapur_n plant_v by_o st._n thomas_n both_o which_o practice_n infant-baptism_n though_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o never_o have_v it_o one_o from_o the_o other_o or_o both_o from_o any_o three_o church_n it_o be_v very_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v all_o church_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o practice_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o church-destroying_a practice_n if_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o assistant_n do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n but_o only_o grow_v person_n one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o harmless_a practice_n as_o that_o of_o infant-communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v any_o one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o least_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o no_o such_o prohibition_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o in_o the_o four_o place_n what_o account_n can_v rational_o be_v give_v why_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v refuse_v to_o initiate_v child_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v always_o be_v initiate_v under_o the_o old_a be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o complain_v so_o much_o mere_o because_o the_o 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right_a unto_o baptismal_a initiation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o idolater_n who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n they_o have_v teach_v a_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o will_v have_v offend_v they_o more_o than_o all_o they_o preach_v against_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n wherefore_o since_o we_o never_o read_v among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jew_n custom_n that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n not_o be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o assistant_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o they_o baptise_a they_o not_o have_v now_o show_v first_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n second_o that_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v very_o convince_a reason_n to_o 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allowable_a but_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v further_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o this_o point_n he_o may_v have_v it_o abundant_o in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v he_o it_o be_v more_o my_o business_n to_o show_v here_o that_o infant-baptism_n be_v at_o least_o a_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a thing_n to_o prove_v this_o i_o need_v but_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o two_o first_o question_n for_o if_o infant_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o it_o neither_o direct_o nor_o consequential_o otherwise_o if_o baptism_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o as_o great_a latitude_n in_o its_o self_n as_o circumcision_n its_o forerunner_n be_v and_o christ_n have_v not_o determine_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o one_o age_n more_o than_o one_o sex_n once_o more_o if_o child_n may_v be_v take_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o under_o the_o law_n and_o christ_n never_o say_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v interpret_v to_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v take_v in_o in_o a_o word_n if_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o baptism_n now_o that_o they_o be_v of_o circumcision_n then_o and_o of_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n consign_v unto_o they_o and_o christ_n neither_o by_o himself_o nor_o by_o his_o apostle_n do_v forbid_v the_o church_n to_o satisfy_v and_o fulfil_v this_o their_o capacity_n or_o last_o of_o all_o if_o christ_n have_v only_o appoint_v baptism_n instead_o of_o circumcision_n but_o say_v nothing_o to_o determine_v the_o subject_a of_o it_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o infant-baptism_n must_v at_o least_o be_v lawful_a and_o allowable_a because_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a and_o not_o a_o forbid_a or_o sinful_a thing_n but_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a and_o indifferent_a by_o christ_n it_o may_v like_v other_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v lawful_o appoint_v by_o any_o church_n from_o which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v upon_o that_o account_n for_o in_o this_o case_n church_n may_v safe_o differ_v in_o their_o practice_n about_o infant-baptism_n as_o they_o do_v now_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptism_n and_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o church_n which_o do_v practise_v it_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o for_o appoint_v of_o it_o than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o another_o church_n which_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o aught_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o for_o not_o appoint_v thereof_o thus_o much_o i_o have_v say_v i_o hope_v with_o sufficient_a moderation_n upon_o supposition_n that_o all_o i_o have_v write_v upon_o former_a question_n do_v but_o satisfactory_o prove_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v only_o lawful_a and_o not_o high_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a but_o than_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a so_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v appoint_v than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o sinful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a now_o as_o to_o the_o requisite_a necessity_n of_o infant-baptism_n suppose_v that_o my_o reader_n bear_v in_o memory_n that_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o last_o question_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v with_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o credibility_n that_o christ_n institute_v baptism_n for_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o companion_n practise_v infant-baptism_n i_o must_v here_o entreat_v he_o further_a to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a necessity_n in_o matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n one_o which_o proceed_v from_o plain_n dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n or_o from_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o sense_n be_v so_o obvious_a and_o clear_a that_o no_o sober_a man_n can_v mistake_v it_o or_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o another_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o general_a scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o from_o doubtful_a place_n in_o it_o so_o or_o so_o understand_v and_o interpret_v by_o the_o unanimous_a voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n the_o first_o degree_n of_o necessity_n be_v found_v on_o oftensive_a certainty_n and_o demonstration_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o objection_n and_o the_o second_o be_v found_v upon_o violent_a presumption_n where_o the_o objection_n on_o one_o hand_n be_v insufficient_a to_o move_v or_o at_o least_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n if_o put_v in_o the_o scale_n against_o the_o other_o which_o be_v weigh_v down_o mole_n universatis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o because_o this_o rule_n like_o other_o be_v not_o so_o intelligible_a without_o a_o example_n i_o will_v add_v some_o instance_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o every_o good_a christian_n under_o both_o these_o notion_n of_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v be_v better_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o equal_a unto_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a and_o coequal_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v all_o but_o one_o god_n because_o these_o doctrine_n though_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v collect_v from_o several_a place_n of_o it_o which_o be_v always_o so_o interpret_v by_o that_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n again_o according_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o speak_v or_o write_v because_o natural_a reason_n teach_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o according_a to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o other_o how_o divine_a and_o orthodox_n and_o ancient_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v because_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o such_o by_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n by_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christian_n to_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n because_o reason_n and_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o by_o the_o second_o sort_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v assemble_v themselves_o periodical_o to_o worship_n god_n on_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n because_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n from_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o tehy_a be_v interpret_v to_o this_o sense_n by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o necessity_n church-government_n be_v necessary_a because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a reason_n and_o most_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o other_o how_o divine_a and_o orthodox_n and_o ancient_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v because_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o such_o by_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n church_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n by_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christian_n to_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n because_o reason_n and_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o by_o the_o second_o sort_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v assemble_v themselves_o periodical_o to_o worship_n god_n on_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n because_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n from_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v interpret_v to_o this_o sense_n by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n church_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o necessity_n church-governmenr_a be_v necessary_a because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a reason_n and_o
probable_a and_o no_o demonstrative_a reason_n that_o all_o the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o canon_n and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n church_n amount_v to_o a_o demonstration_n so_o though_o the_o text_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v be_v of_o themselves_o but_o probable_a argument_n for_o the_o requisite_a necessity_n of_o infant-baptism_n yet_o in_o concurrence_n with_o such_o a_o comment_n upon_o they_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o next_o age_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o age_n since_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o they_o amount_v to_o such_o a_o demonstration_n as_o be_v call_v in_o logic_n demonstratio_fw-la ducens_fw-la ad_fw-la absurdum_fw-la and_o be_v a_o violent_a presumption_n that_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a i_o may_v run_v on_o the_o parallel_n as_o to_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o episcopal_a government_n the_o admit_v of_o woman_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o adversary_n of_o infant_n baptism_n consider_v well_o with_o themselves_o whether_o reject_v of_o it_o after_o a_o concurrence_n of_o such_o text_n and_o such_o a_o tradition_n to_o establish_v it_o they_o do_v not_o teach_v other_o especial_o atheist_n pure_a deist_n and_o sabbatizer_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v sceptic_n socinian_n and_o quaker_n a_o way_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o rest_n thus_o much_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o requisite_a necessity_n of_o infant-baptism_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o appoint_v of_o infant_n to_o be_v baptise_a when_o there_o be_v such_o cogent_a reason_n arise_v from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n to_o presume_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o have_v design_o call_v it_o a_o requisite_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n lest_o the_o reader_n shall_v think_v i_o be_v of_o st._n augustin_n opinion_n who_o think_v baptism_n indispensible_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n so_o that_o a_o child_n die_v unbaptise_v through_o the_o carelessness_n or_o superstition_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o through_o their_o mistake_a belief_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v 8._o be_v be_v be_v potest_fw-la proinde_fw-la rectè_fw-la dici_fw-la parvulos_fw-la sine_fw-la baptismo_fw-la de_fw-la corpore_fw-la exeuntes_fw-la in_o damnatione_fw-la omnium_fw-la mitissima_fw-la futuros_fw-la multum_fw-la autem_fw-la fallit_fw-la &_o fallitur_fw-la qui_fw-la eos_fw-la in_o damnatione_fw-la praedicat_fw-la non_fw-la futuros_fw-la dicente_fw-la apostolo_n judicium_fw-la ex_fw-la uno_fw-la delicto_fw-la august_n de_fw-fr peccat_fw-la merit_n &_o remiss_a contra_fw-la pelag._n l._n 1._o c._n 16._o vid._n &_o contra_fw-la julianum_fw-la pelag._n l._n 5._o c._n 8._o infallible_o damn_v no_o i_o intend_v no_o such_o severe_a conclusion_n because_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o tie_v god_n to_o the_o same_o mean_n to_o which_o he_o have_v tie_v we_o but_o only_a to_o show_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o young_a child_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a and_o 27._o and_o and_o and_o article_n of_o religion_n artic._n 27._o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o set_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v more_o home_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o infant-baptism_n i_o appeal_v unto_o they_o whether_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n stand_v against_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o same_o posture_n of_o evidence_n that_o they_o now_o stand_v for_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unjustifiable_a for_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n for_o not_o baptise_v infant_n as_o they_o do_v now_o for_o baptise_v of_o they_o let_v we_o suppose_v for_o example_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n instead_o of_o rebuke_v those_o that_o bring_v little_a child_n unto_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o he_o themselves_o and_o he_o have_v be_v much_o displease_v at_o they_o for_o it_o and_o say_v i_o suffer_v not_o little_a child_n to_o come_v unto_o i_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o such_o let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n that_o two_o evangelist_n have_v record_v this_o suppose_a story_n and_o according_o we_o have_v be_v assure_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o two_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n that_o then_o there_o be_v no_o baptise_v of_o infant_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a they_o not_o and_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o church_n in_o after_o age_n which_o do_v practice_v infant-baptism_n upon_o this_o supposition_n i_o appeal_v unto_o they_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o not_o allow_v of_o infant-baptism_n against_o the_o concurrence_n of_o such_o a_o text_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o case_n which_o i_o suppose_v one_o way_n be_v the_o real_a case_n the_o other_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o suppose_a case_n will_v have_v but_o the_o benefit_n of_o one_o text_n whereas_o the_o real_a have_v the_o benefit_n of_o many_o in_o conjunction_n with_o tradition_n and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o text_n and_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o infant-baptism_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o of_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o christianity_n like_o the_o parallel_n doctrine_n abovementioned_a though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v especial_o when_o as_o i_o have_v show_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o command_v of_o it_o in_o express_a word_n i_o know_v the_o dissenter_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o especial_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n i_o be_o now_o write_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o great_a prejudice_n and_o sinister_a suspicion_n against_o tradition_n declaim_v against_o it_o as_o very_o uncertain_a and_o against_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o very_a derogatory_n to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o objection_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n i_o desire_v they_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a as_o well_o as_o a_o uncertain_a a_o undoubted_a as_o well_o as_o a_o pretend_a tradition_n as_o there_o be_v true_a certain_a and_o undoubted_a as_o well_o as_o pretend_v and_o uncertain_a scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v sure_a way_n whereby_o ingenious_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n may_v satisfy_v themselves_o which_o be_v one_o and_o which_o be_v the_o other_o the_o way_n then_o to_o find_v out_o true_a and_o undoubted_a tradition_n as_o 3._o as_o as_o as_o advers._fw-la haeres_fw-la c._n 3._o vincentius_n lirinensis_n teach_v be_v to_o try_v it_o by_o these_o three_o test_n universality_n antiquity_n and_o consent_v first_o by_o universality_n if_o all_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o disperse_v or_o how_o different_a soever_o in_o their_o language_n and_o custom_n do_v believe_v or_o practise_v such_o a_o doctrine_n second_o antiquity_n if_o what_o all_o the_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o do_v so_o believe_v or_o practice_n be_v no_o innovation_n but_o believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o age_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n when_o such_o father_n govern_v the_o church_n or_o such_o famous_a man_n live_v in_o they_o as_o know_v the_o apostle_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o or_o live_v near_o unto_o those_o or_o with_o those_o apostolical_a man_n who_o so_o know_v they_o or_o converse_v with_o they_o or_o live_v near_o unto_o they_o three_o consent_n if_o it_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v the_o consentient_a belief_n or_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o father_n in_o those_o age_n or_o of_o all_o except_o a_o very_a few_o who_o have_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v first_o that_o this_o tradition_n must_v be_v write_v and_o not_o oral_a and_o second_o that_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v in_o every_o age_n from_o book_n that_o be_v write_v in_o it_o and_o who_o author_n whether_o under_o their_o own_o or_o under_o borrow_a name_n have_v no_o interest_n to_o write_v so_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o testimony_n for_o infant-baptism_n in_o the_o constitution_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o not_o of_o of_o of_o l._n 6._o c._n 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d baptise_v your_o infant_n &_o educate_v they_o in_o the_o discipline_n and_o admonition_n of_o god_n for_o say_v our_o lord_n suffer_v little_a child_n to_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o forbid_v they_o not_o clemens_n romanus_n and_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o we_o
impediment_n yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o receive_v it_o afterward_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v in_o any_o degree_n become_v capable_a thereof_o those_o be_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n consequent_a upon_o baptism_n by_o god_n appointment_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v as_o capable_a as_o actual_a believer_n and_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o for_o their_o benefit_n that_o this_o manifold_a capacity_n in_o they_o shall_v be_v actual_o answer_v by_o the_o timely_a administration_n of_o baptism_n or_o that_o it_o shall_v lay_v void_a and_o unsatisfied_a till_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n which_o be_v best_a for_o a_o child_n that_o have_v the_o evil_a to_o be_v touch_v for_o it_o while_o he_o be_v a_o child_n or_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o be_v of_o sufficient_a age_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n or_o to_o make_v one_o comparison_n more_o which_o will_v be_v best_a for_o a_o traitor_n child_n to_o be_v present_o restore_v to_o his_o blood_n and_o and_o estate_n and_o his_o prince_n favour_n or_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o mere_a capacity_n of_o be_v restore_v till_o he_o be_v a_o man_n but_o beside_o these_o benefit_n which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o baptism_n by_o god_n appointment_n there_o be_v another_o no_o less_o profitable_a to_o young_a child_n which_o will_v justify_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-initiation_a and_o that_o be_v to_o have_v such_o a_o early_a pre-engagement_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o without_o the_o high_a baseness_n can_v ingratitude_n they_o can_v afterward_o retract_v no_o person_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o honour_n or_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o conscience_n within_o he_o can_v without_o shame_n and_o horror_n break_v those_o sacred_a bond_n asunder_o by_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o god_n in_o his_o infancy_n when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a will_v think_v himself_o in_o honour_n and_o gratitude_n bind_v to_o own_o and_o stand_v to_o the_o obligation_n which_o he_o then_o contract_v when_o he_o be_v gracious_o admit_v to_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n before_o he_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n himself_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o or_o understand_v his_o own_o good_a it_o will_v argue_v a_o person_n to_o be_v of_o a_o very_a ill_a nature_n and_o untoward_a disposition_n to_o break_v such_o solemn_a foederal_n vow_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o child_n general_o do_v ready_o take_v upon_o themselves_o their_o baptismal_a obligation_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n whereas_o be_v they_o leave_v alone_o to_o their_o own_o freedom_n when_o they_o will_v be_v baptise_a they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o put_v it_o off_o from_o time_n to_o time_n through_o the_o averseness_n that_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n have_v to_o such_o strict_a and_o spiritual_a engagement_n and_o in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o liberty_n as_o this_o man_n will_v need_v as_o many_o and_o as_o earnest_a exhortation_n unto_o baptism_n as_o unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o we_o be_v at_o least_o reluct_v as_o much_o to_o come_v unto_o that_o as_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n they_o do_v unto_o this_o wherefore_o upon_o supposition_n that_o christ_n do_v but_o allow_v child_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o in_o baptism_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v high_o to_o be_v applaud_v for_o bring_v they_o under_o such_o a_o early_a and_o beneficial_a pre-engagement_n and_o not_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n at_o such_o year_n when_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o find_v out_o so_o many_o shift_n and_o excuse_n and_o make_v they_o regret_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v very_o beneficial_a and_o profitable_a unto_o they_o so_o it_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o well-being_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v those_o scandalous_a and_o shameful_a delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o grow_v person_n otherwise_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v put_v of_o it_o off_o till_o the_o time_n of_o some_o great_a sickness_n as_o many_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n when_o be_v not_o baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n they_o do_v ordinary_o receive_v baptism_n as_o papist_n now_o receive_v extreme_a unction_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o expire_v for_o as_o it_o be_v usual_a now_o for_o person_n to_o defer_v the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o fear_v of_o damnation_n mistake_v the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o so_o in_o those_o age_n it_o be_v usual_a for_o person_n to_o defer_v their_o own_o and_o their_o child_n baptism_n out_o of_o a_o baptismo_fw-la a_o a_o a_o dr._n cave_n prim._n christian_n part_n 1._o ch_z 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d greg._n nazianz._n orat._n 40._o p._n 647_o &_o 649._o sed_fw-la mundus_fw-la rursus_fw-la delinquit_fw-la quò_fw-la male_a comparetur_fw-la diluvio_fw-la itaque_fw-la igni_fw-la destinatur_fw-la sicut_fw-la &_o homo_fw-la qui_fw-la post_fw-la baptismum_fw-la delicta_fw-la restaurat_fw-la tertull._n de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d greg._n nyssen_n de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la kind_n of_o novatian_a principle_n for_o fear_v that_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o sin_n after_o baptism_n there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n mistake_v that_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o they_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v i._n e._n baptise_a fall_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n now_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n be_v defer_v by_o their_o parent_n out_o of_o this_o superstitious_a fear_n they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n put_v the_o do_v of_o it_o off_o for_o several_a reason_n and_o pretence_n which_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n some_o defer_v it_o out_o of_o worldly_a love_n and_o a_o carnal_a loathness_n to_o renounce_v their_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n some_o put_v it_o off_o pretend_v want_n of_o leisure_n through_o multitude_n of_o worldly_a business_n other_o out_o of_o laziness_n and_o careless_a negligence_n other_o be_v wont_a to_o plead_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o knowledge_n infant-baptism_n see_v mr._n walker_n excellent_a preface_n to_o his_o treatise_n of_o infant-baptism_n other_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o the_o present_a time_n other_o will_v not_o be_v baptise_a but_o at_o such_o a_o time_n or_o in_o such_o a_o place_n as_o such_o a_o city_n or_o such_o a_o river_n or_o by_o such_o a_o person_n or_o in_o such_o a_o company_n some_o will_v put_v it_o off_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o not_o have_v such_o or_o such_o relation_n present_a other_o will_v decline_v it_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o small_a expense_n that_o attend_v it_o other_o because_o they_o reluct_v to_o confess_v their_o sin_n other_o because_o they_o favour_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n or_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o arian_n some_o because_o they_o will_v imitate_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o baptise_a till_o the_o 30_o year_n of_o his_o age_n and_o some_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o persecution_n this_o happen_v former_o to_o the_o great_a shame_n and_o dishonour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o the_o basil_n the_o the_o the_o gregor_n nazianz_n greg._n nyss_n and_o st._n basil_n father_n sharp_o and_o vehement_o write_v and_o preach_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o bare_a lawfulness_n or_o indifferency_n of_o infant-baptism_n i_o can_v but_o approve_v the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o those_o church_n which_o appoint_v it_o because_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o do_v prevent_v such_o shameful_a and_o scandalous_a neglect_v of_o baptism_n which_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n as_o experience_n have_v teach_v we_o will_v otherwise_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n thus_o much_o upon_o enquiry_n into_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o infant-baptism_n to_o show_v christian_a parent_n what_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o their_o conscience_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a in_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n which_o have_v appoint_v infant-baptism_n but_o then_o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a because_o the_o church_n have_v appoint_v it_o but_o the_o church_n have_v appoint_v it_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v retain_v than_o this_o antecedent_n sort_n of_o necessity_n do_v yet_o lay_v a_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o parent_n to_o initiate_v their_o child_n as_o
by_o the_o devil_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o catholic_n truth_n deliver_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n plain_o determine_v that_o all_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a as_o who_o god_n acknowledge_v for_o his_o people_n and_o vouchsufe_v they_o worthy_a of_o sanctification_n or_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n therefore_o since_o that_o infant_n be_v in_o the_o number_n or_o scroll_n of_o god_n people_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o their_o purification_n in_o christ_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v thereby_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o can_v profess_v their_o faith_n for_o we_o judge_v the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o well_o by_o the_o free_a and_o liberal_a promise_n of_o god_n as_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n for_o to_o whosoever_o god_n promise_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o who_o he_o acknowledge_v for_o his_o those_o no_o man_n without_o great_a impiety_n may_v exclude_v from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o be_v the_o god_n of_o such_o as_o do_v profess_v he_o but_o also_o of_o infant_n promise_v they_o his_o grace_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v unto_o abraham_n i_o will_v set_v my_o covenant_n between_o thou_o and_o i_o say_v 17._o gen._n 17._o the_o lord_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n with_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o to_o the_o which_o covenant_n circumcision_n be_v add_v to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o sanctification_n as_o well_o in_o child_n as_o in_o man_n and_o no_o man_n may_v think_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v abrogate_a with_o circumcision_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o christ_n come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n and_o 5._o matth._n 5._o not_o to_o dissolve_v they_o therefore_o in_o the_o gospel_n he_o say_v of_o infant_n that_o be_v of_o such_o as_o yet_o believe_v not_o let_v the_o little_a 10._o matth._n 10._o one_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o forbid_v they_o not_o for_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n again_o it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o your_o father_n which_o 19_o matth._n 19_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o any_o of_o these_o little_a one_o do_v perish_v also_o he_o 18._o matth._n 18._o that_o receive_v one_o such_o little_a child_n in_o my_o name_n receive_v i_o take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o babe_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o their_o angel_n do_v continual_o see_v in_o heaven_n my_o father_n face_n and_o what_o may_v be_v say_v more_o plain_a than_o this_o it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n that_o the_o infant_n shall_v perish_v whereby_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o he_o receive_v they_o free_o unto_o his_o grace_n although_o as_o yet_o they_o confess_v not_o their_o faith_n since_o then_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o baptism_n pertain_v as_o well_o to_o child_n as_o man_n why_o shall_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v baptism_n in_o water_n be_v withdraw_v from_o child_n when_o christ_n himself_o command_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v of_o we_o and_o promise_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o prophet_n to_o those_o that_o receive_v such_o a_o little_a infant_n as_o he_o for_o a_o example_n do_v put_v before_o his_o disciple_n now_o will_v i_o prove_v with_o manifest_a argument_n that_o child_n 28._o matth._n 28._o ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n do_v baptise_v child_n the_o lord_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n therefore_o also_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a for_o they_o be_v comprehend_v under_o this_o word_n all_o nation_n further_o who_o god_n do_v account_n among_o the_o faithful_a they_o be_v faithful_a for_o it_o be_v say_v to_o peter_n that_o thing_n which_o 10._o act_n 10._o god_n have_v purify_v thou_o shall_v not_o say_v to_o be_v common_a or_o unclean_a but_o god_n do_v repute_v child_n among_o the_o faithful_a ergo_fw-la they_o be_v faithful_a except_o we_o have_v rather_o to_o resist_v god_n and_o seem_v strong_a and_o wise_a than_o he_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n the_o apostle_n baptise_a those_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o which_o christ_n command_v but_o he_o command_v the_o faithful_a to_o be_v baptise_a among_o the_o which_o infant_n be_v reckon_v the_o apostle_n than_o baptise_a infant_n the_o gospel_n be_v more_o than_o baptism_n for_o paul_n say_v the_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o lord_n send_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o not_o to_o baptise_v not_o that_o he_o deny_v absolute_o that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o baptise_v but_o that_o he_o prefer_v doctrine_n before_o baptism_n for_o the_o lord_n command_v both_o to_o the_o apostle_n but_o child_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n and_o not_o refuse_v therefore_o what_o person_n be_v of_o reason_n may_v deny_v they_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n lesser_a than_o the_o gospel_n for_o in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o thing_n signify_v and_o the_o sign_n and_o thing_n signify_v be_v great_a than_o the_o sign_n and_o from_o the_o thing_n signify_v in_o baptism_n child_n be_v not_o exclude_v who_o therefore_o may_v deny_v they_o the_o sign_n which_o be_v baptism_n in_o water_n st._n peter_n can_v not_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a in_o water_n to_o who_o he_o see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v which_o be_v the_o certain_a sign_n of_o god_n people_n for_o he_o say_v in_o the_o act_n may_v 10._o act_n 10._o any_o body_n forbid_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a in_o water_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o therefore_o st._n peter_n deny_v not_o baptism_n to_o infant_n for_o he_o know_v certain_o both_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v everlasting_a that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n pertain_v to_o infant_n none_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o 8._o rom._n 8._o such_o as_o god_n love_v and_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o his_o spirit_n for_o whoso_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o but_o infant_n be_v belove_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o want_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wherefore_o if_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n if_o they_o be_v number_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o be_v of_o age_n who_o i_o pray_v you_o may_v well_o withstand_v child_n to_o be_v baptise_a with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n in_o time_n past_o be_v yet_o not_o sufficient_o instruct_v do_v murmur_n against_o those_o which_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o lord_n rebuke_v they_o and_o say_v let_v the_o babe_n come_v unto_o i_o why_o then_o do_v not_o these_o rebellious_a 10._o matth._n 10._o anabaptist_n obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o what_o do_v they_o now_o a-days_o else_o that_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n than_o that_o they_o do_v in_o time_n past_a which_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o our_o lord_n receive_v they_o and_o put_v his_o hand_n on_o they_o bless_v they_o and_o both_o by_o word_n and_o by_o gentle_a behaviour_n towards_o they_o declare_v manifest_o that_o child_n be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o entire_o belove_v of_o god_n but_o some_o will_v say_v why_o then_o do_v not_o christ_n baptise_v they_o because_o it_o be_v write_v jesus_n himself_o baptise_a not_o but_o his_o disciple_n moreover_o circumcision_n in_o the_o old_a law_n be_v minister_v 4._o john_n 4._o to_o infant_n therefore_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v minister_v in_o the_o new_a law_n unto_o child_n for_o baptism_n be_v come_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o circumcision_n as_o st._n paul_n witness_v say_v to_o the_o colossian_n by_o christ_n you_o be_v circumcise_a with_o a_o circumcision_n which_o be_v 2._o colos_n 2._o without_o hand_n when_o you_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n be_v bury_v together_o with_o he_o through_o baptism_n behold_v paul_n call_v baptism_n the_o circumcision_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n which_o be_v do_v without_o hand_n not_o that_o water_n may_v be_v minister_v without_o hand_n but_o that_o with_o hand_n no_o man_n any_o long_a aught_o to_o be_v circumcise_a albeit_o the_o mystery_n of_o circumcision_n do_v still_o remain_v in_o faithful_a people_n to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o minister_v the_o
the_o figure_n of_o a_o man_n face_n by_o the_o place_n of_o the_o nose_n betwixt_o the_o two_o eye_n and_o much_o more_o in_o the_o position_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o man_n with_o his_o arm_n extend_v they_o can_v discern_v it_o in_o the_o sword_n in_o paradise_n 179._o see_v the_o note_n of_o laur._n le_fw-fr bar_n upon_o tertul._n advers._fw-la martion_n l._n 3._o p._n 178_o 179._o and_o in_o the_o cross_n stick_v that_o noah_n dove_n bring_v back_o into_o the_o ark_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o some_o of_o the_o father_n bend_v their_o imagination_n something_o that_o way_n and_o will_v fancy_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o moses_n his_o stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n while_o the_o israelite_n be_v fight_v with_o amalek_n in_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n when_o the_o spit_n go_v through_o it_o etc._n etc._n which_o however_o they_o be_v conceit_n too_o much_o suit_v that_o way_n of_o allegorise_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v fond_a of_o yet_o do_v it_o at_o least_o confirm_v what_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o i_o mean_v the_o ancient_a reception_n of_o this_o sign_n into_o the_o primitive_a church_n nay_o i_o may_v further_o add_v that_o in_o some_o of_o the_o passage_n they_o have_v of_o this_o kind_n the_o hint_n they_o take_v may_v not_o deserve_v perhaps_o to_o be_v absolute_o explode_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o weight_n or_o moment_n at_o all_o in_o it_o i_o will_v crave_v leave_n to_o instance_n particular_o in_o one_o thing_n which_o some_o of_o the_o father_n do_v a_o little_a insist_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v that_o mark_v in_o ezek._n 9_o 4._o that_o be_v to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o the_o man_n that_o sigh_v etc._n etc._n this_o mark_n in_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_a version_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o hebrew_n tau_n which_o st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o be_v in_o the_o samaritan_n character_n like_o our_o t_o and_o so_o make_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o cross_n from_o whence_o he_o collect_v that_o this_o be_v signum_fw-la crucis_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o christianorum_fw-la frontibus_fw-la pingitur_fw-la a_o token_n of_o that_o cross_n that_o be_v imprint_v upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o the_o christian_n if_o st._n hierom_n be_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o samaritan_n character_n his_o conjecture_n in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v not_o very_o unjustifiable_a because_o as_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o so_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 20._o all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o old_a where_o they_o concern_v any_o signal_n advantage_n or_o deliverance_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v the_o assurance_n of_o they_o frequent_o confirm_v by_o some_o hint_n or_o remembrance_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v reveal_v thus_o in_o that_o confirmation_n that_o isaiah_n be_v to_o give_v to_o ahaz_n of_o his_o present_a deliverance_n from_o the_o invasion_n of_o ephraim_n and_o syria_n he_o give_v he_o this_o sign_n behold_v 4._o isai_n 7._o 4._o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n how_o can_v that_o great_a event_n that_o be_v not_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v of_o so_o many_o age_n after_o ahaz_n his_o death_n affect_v he_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o immediate_a deliverance_n but_o that_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o instance_n not_o only_o that_o as_o god_n can_v bring_v about_o such_o a_o wonder_n as_o the_o birth_n of_o a_o child_n from_o a_o virgin_n can_v as_o easy_o relieve_v judah_n in_o its_o present_a strait_n but_o further_o he_o that_o have_v so_o gracious_a a_o design_n towards_o they_o as_o to_o send_v the_o messiah_n among_o they_o will_v in_o the_o prospect_n he_o have_v to_o that_o show_v now_o his_o particular_a regard_n for_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n in_o analogy_n to_o this_o may_v this_o passage_n in_o ezekiel_n look_v towards_o that_o mark_n which_o christian_n in_o after_o age_n shall_v wear_v upon_o their_o forehead_n as_o a_o present_a symbol_n of_o the_o escape_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v find_v sigh_v for_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v then_o do_v in_o israel_n and_o to_o this_o probable_o may_v that_o seal_n of_o the_o live_a god_n have_v some_o reference_n which_o be_v to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n revel_v 7._o 2_o 3._o for_o as_o they_o be_v there_o reckon_v up_o by_o the_o number_n of_o twelve_o time_n twelve_o to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n so_o the_o seal_n loc_n vid._n med._n in_o loc_n of_o the_o live_a god_n upon_o their_o forehead_n may_v point_v at_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o betoken_v they_o though_o under_o the_o prophetic_a denomination_n of_o the_o jewish_a tribe_n to_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o i_o will_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o lay_v any_o great_a stress_n of_o argument_n upon_o only_o offer_v the_o conjecture_n to_o the_o candour_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o thus_o have_v show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o sign_n as_o it_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n long_o before_o the_o corruption_n of_o popery_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n i_o know_v but_o of_o one_o thing_n can_v be_v urge_v to_o take_v off_o the_o strength_n of_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n may_v probable_o take_v up_o this_o custom_n of_o thus_o sign_v themselves_o because_o they_o live_v whole_o among_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n the_o jew_n make_v the_o cross_a a_o stumbling-block_n and_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n so_o that_o their_o design_n of_o do_v it_o be_v only_o to_o bear_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o face_n of_o both_o that_o be_v though_o the_o cross_n be_v scandal_n to_o the_o one_o and_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n to_o the_o other_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o cross_n but_o make_v it_o the_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n whereas_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n and_o nation_n where_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o seem_v no_o such_o occasion_n because_o christianity_n be_v the_o religion_n we_o open_o and_o universal_o profess_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v thus_o make_v do_v at_o least_o suppose_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o cross_n not_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a because_o if_o so_o no_o good_a end_n or_o design_n in_o use_v it_o can_v hallow_v the_o action_n so_o that_o the_o ceremony_n be_v not_o evil_a in_o its_o self_n but_o that_o upon_o some_o weighty_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v reasonable_o think_v that_o the_o injunction_n of_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n may_v justify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o much_o more_o if_o the_o reason_n now_o allege_v may_v be_v a_o just_a occasion_n for_o the_o church_n in_o its_o first_o age_n to_o take_v the_o usage_n up_o god_n know_v the_o occasion_n may_v be_v as_o urgent_a still_o upon_o a_o equal_o sad_a account_n and_o that_o be_v the_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a contempt_n that_o be_v throw_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o sign_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n by_o the_o pretend_a wit_n of_o our_o age._n he_o have_v a_o very_a slender_a concernment_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o sensible_o touch_v with_o those_o blasphemous_a railleries_n he_o may_v every_o where_o meet_v with_o upon_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o christianity_n especial_o that_o which_o we_o make_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n viz._n the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n cross_n and_o passion_n that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n if_o ever_o it_o be_v reasonable_a upon_o such_o a_o score_n as_o this_o it_o be_v so_o now_o and_o st._n cyprian_n caution_n be_v strong_a and_o pertinent_a enough_o at_o this_o time_n of_o the_o day_n against_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o pride_n of_o the_o dare_a and_o haughty_a atheist_n muniatur_fw-la frons_fw-la etc._n etc._n arm_v your_o forehead_n that_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n may_v be_v keep_v thiberitano_n epist_n 56._o add_v thiberitano_n safe_a q._n d._n remember_v the_o badge_n you_o take_v upon_o you_o in_o baptism_n and_o so_o long_o as_o you_o have_v that_o upon_o your_o forehead_n never_o be_v ashamed_a or_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n as_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o your_o saviour_n love_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o your_o hope_n lay_v in_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o now_o since_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a how_o ancient_a a_o practice_n this_o have_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o will_v not_o have_v this_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n pretend_v further_a than_o it_o be_v first_o design_v which_o be_v only_o to_o
against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n rise_v up_o do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v that_o a_o man_n stand_v or_o kneel_v afterward_o but_o somewhat_o previous_a to_o both_o for_o we_o general_o rise_v before_o we_o do_v either_o but_o however_o sit_v at_o the_o sermon_n and_o lesson_n be_v usual_a in_o those_o assembly_n which_o this_o holy_a father_n and_o martyr_n frequent_v yet_o in_o most_o other_o place_n the_o people_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o lesson_n or_o in_o sermon-time_n as_o appear_v partly_o from_o what_o philostorgius_n a_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a historian_n observe_v 425_o hist_o eccles_n l._n 3._o n._n 5._o p._n 29._o flor._n a._n d._n 425_o of_o theophilus_n a_o indian_a bishop_n that_o among_o several_a irregularity_n which_o he_o correct_v in_o those_o church_n he_o particular_o reform_v this_o that_o the_o people_n be_v wont_a to_o sit_v when_o the_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v unto_o they_o and_o partly_o from_o sozomen_n history_n wherein_o he_o note_v it_o as_o a_o very_a unusual_a thing_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n that_o he_o do_v not_o rise_v up_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v read_v but_o the_o full_a evidence_n optatus_n bishop_n of_o milevis_n afford_v we_o 440_o eccles_n hist_o l._n 7._o c._n 19_o p._n 734._o flor._n a._n d._n 440_o by_o what_o he_o write_v against_o parmenianus_n the_o donatist_n for_o after_o he_o have_v tax_v he_o with_o pride_n and_o innovation_n with_o a_o censorious_a uncharitable_a spirit_n which_o animate_v all_o his_o tractate_v or_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n he_o cite_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n and_o apply_v it_o home_o to_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n thou_o sit_v and_o speak_v against_o thy_o brother_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o place_n god_n reprove_v he_o o●tat_fw-la psal_n 49._o in_o our_o transl_n 50._o 20._o lib._n 4._o de_fw-fr schis_n donat._n p._n 78._o par._n edit_n an._n d._n 365._o vid._n albasp_n not_o in_o 4_o lib._n o●tat_fw-la who_o fit_v and_o defame_v his_o brother_n and_o therefore_o such_o evil_a teacher_n as_o you_o say_v he_o be_v more_o particular_o point_v at_o in_o this_o text_n for_o the_o people_n be_v not_o license_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n this_o text_n chief_o respect_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n who_o have_v only_o a_o right_n and_o privilege_n to_o sit_v in_o the_o public_a and_o religious_a assembly_n but_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o people_n who_o stand_v all_o the_o time_n now_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o general_a and_o prevail_a custom_n among_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n as_o well_o heretical_a as_o orthodox_n to_o stand_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o particular_o at_o the_o lesson_n and_o sermon_n parmenianus_n may_v have_v easy_o retort_v this_o argument_n upon_o optatus_n as_o be_v weak_a and_o conclude_v nothing_o against_o he_o in_o particular_a but_o what_o may_v be_v charge_v in_o common_a upon_o all_o private_a christian_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o he_o again_o that_o sit_v be_v esteem_v irreverent_a in_o the_o worship_n etc._n floruit_fw-la an._n d._n 198._o tertul._n de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 12._o tom._n 2._o p._n 130._o edit_n collon_n agrip._n 1617._o item_n quod_fw-la adsignata_fw-la oratione_fw-la assidendi_fw-la mos_fw-la est_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la etc._n etc._n of_o god_n will_v further_o be_v manifest_v from_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o in_o tertullian_n who_o live_v in_o the_o same_o century_n with_o justin_n martyr_v before_o cite_v and_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o plain_a and_o home_o to_o the_o purpose_n than_o what_o he_o deliver_v concern_v this_o gesture_n which_o be_v so_o much_o contend_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n for_o among_o other_o vanity_n and_o ill_a custom_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o reprove_v by_o this_o ancient_a father_n this_o be_v one_o that_o they_o be_v wont_a some_o of_o they_o to_o fit_v at_o prayer_n a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n tertullian_n have_v these_o word_n add_v hereunto_o the_o sin_n of_o 12._o eo_fw-la apponitur_fw-la &_o irreverentiae_fw-la crimen_fw-la etiam_fw-la ipsis_fw-la nationibus_fw-la si_fw-la quid_fw-la saperent_fw-la intelligendum_fw-la si_fw-mi quidem_fw-la irreverens_fw-la est_fw-la assidere_fw-la sub_fw-la conspectu_fw-la contraque_fw-la conspectum_fw-la ejus_fw-la quem_fw-la cum_fw-la maxim_n reverearis_fw-la ac_fw-la venereris_fw-la quanto_fw-la magis_fw-la sub_fw-la conspectu_fw-la dei_fw-la vivi_fw-la angelo_n adhuc_fw-la orationis_fw-la adstante_fw-la factum_fw-la illud_fw-la irreligiosissimum_fw-la est_fw-la nisi_fw-la exprobramus_fw-la deo_fw-la quod_fw-la oratio_fw-la fatigaverit_fw-la tertull._n de_fw-fr oratione_fw-la c._n 12._o irreverence_n which_o the_o very_a heathen_a if_o they_o do_v perceive_v well_o and_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v will_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o if_o it_o be_v irreverent_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o and_o to_o confront_v one_o who_o you_o have_v a_o high_a respect_n and_o veneration_n for_o how_o much_o more_o irreligious_a be_v this_o gesture_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o angel_n of_o prayer_n yet_o stand_v by_o unless_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o upbraid_v god_n that_o prayer_n have_v tire_v we_o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o say_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a 1612._o euseb_n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr const_n make_fw-mi lib._n 4_o p._n 400._o col._n allob._n 1612._o record_v by_o eusebius_n as_o a_o indication_n of_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o christian_a emperor_n with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o point_n it_o be_v upon_o occasion_n of_o a_o panegyric_n concern_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v by_o eusebius_n not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o historian_n observe_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o excellent_a prince_n that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o long_a and_o tedious_a oration_n and_o though_o the_o emperor_n be_v earnest_o solicit_v to_o fit_v down_o on_o his_o throne_n which_o be_v hard_o by_o yet_o he_o refuse_v and_o stand_v attentive_o all_o the_o time_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o auditory_a do_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v unfit_a to_o attend_v upon_o any_o discourse_n concern_v god_n with_o ease_n and_o softness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o consonant_a to_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o discourse_n about_o divine_a thing_n shall_v be_v hear_v stand_v thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v of_o sit_v or_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o fit_v to_o be_v use_v in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n except_o at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o lesson_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o sermon_n which_o too_o be_v only_o practise_v in_o some_o place_n for_o in_o other_o the_o people_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o sit_v at_o all_o in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n which_o custom_n be_v still_o observe_v in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n at_o this_o day_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o seat_n erect_v or_o allow_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o people_n now_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o make_v this_o brief_a reflection_n and_o so_o proceed_v if_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n have_v in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n in_o their_o travel_n throughout_o the_o world_n every_o where_o teach_v and_o establish_v sit_v or_o discumb_n which_o be_v the_o common_a table-gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o eastern_a country_n not_o only_o as_o convenient_a but_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o worthy_a receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a thing_n how_o there_o shall_v be_v 1_o such_o a_o early_a and_o universal_a revolt_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o 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five_o thing_n think_v fit_a to_o be_v extinguish_v viz._n the_o lord's-day_n tithe_n minister_n magistrate_n the_o bible_n then_o by_o a_o public_a intelligencer_n who_o call_v himself_o mercurius_n britanicus_n 97._o britanicus_n britanicus_n britanicus_n merc._n brit._n n_o 13._o nou._n a._n 43_o p._n 97._o the_o lord_n primate_n usher_n himself_o be_v reproach_v as_o a_o old_a dote_v apostate_v bishop_n instance_n be_v endless_a but_o what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o further_a witness_n than_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n of_o london_n who_o complaint_n and_o acknowledgement_n be_v here_o subjoin_v the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o one_o of_o their_o ordinance_n 1646._o ordinance_n ordinance_n ordinance_n die_fw-fr jou●z_fw-fr febr._n 4_o 1646._o use_v these_o word_n we_o have_v think_v fit_a lest_o we_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n to_o set_v forth_o this_o 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erastianism_n brownism_n and_o independency_n so_o our_o utter_a abhorrence_n of_o anti-scripturism_a popery_n arianism_n socinianism_n arminianism_n antimonianism_n anabaptism_n libertinism_n and_o familism_n with_o all_o such_o like_a now_o too_o rife_o among_o we_o three_o some_o dissenter_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n mean_v agreeableness_n of_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o life_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o removal_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o notion_n be_v true_a but_o with_o reference_n to_o our_o church_n it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a reflection_n for_o it_o have_v but_o one_o principal_a rule_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o subordinate_a rule_n in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o general_a canon_n in_o holy_a writ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o our_o church_n any_o more_o than_o in_o the_o pure_a and_o primitive_a christian_a church_n who_o pattern_n it_o follow_v humane_a imagination_n but_o 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gift_n of_o
but_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o we_o mortify_v all_o pride_n and_o overween_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o way_n let_v they_o lay_v aside_o all_o zeal_n of_o party_n and_o little_a singularity_n and_o learn_v to_o judge_v righteous_o and_o sober_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o then_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o offence_n will_v be_v soon_o remove_v 2._o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o this_o fear_n of_o offend_v that_o be_v displease_v their_o weak_a brethren_n hinder_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o church_n ought_v serious_o to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o real_o only_o the_o care_n of_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n with_o their_o party_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o conformity_n they_o be_v ●oth_o to_o lose_v that_o share_n they_o have_v in_o the_o affection_n of_o so_o many_o or_o to_o sink_v in_o that_o estimation_n they_o have_v obtain_v of_o great_a sanctity_n by_o join_v with_o the_o strict_a and_o pure_a 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not_o some_o paltry_a secular_a interest_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n they_o dare_v not_o offend_v their_o weak_a brethren_n that_o be_v they_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v lose_v their_o trade_n they_o shall_v disoblige_v many_o of_o their_o good_a customer_n they_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o such_o a_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v continue_v of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v true_o to_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o most_o rank_a men-pleasers_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n of_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n p._n 141._o please_v man_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a for_o their_o good_a and_o edification_n and_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n but_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o christian_a union_n communion_n charity_n or_o sobriety_n to_o please_v a_o divide_v hot_a brain_a party_n not_o to_o escape_v their_o sharp_a censure_n 3._o if_o to_o displease_v our_o weak_a brother_n be_v the_o sinful_a offend_v he_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n it_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a yoke_n upon_o man_n conscience_n will_v beget_v endless_a perplexity_n and_o difficulty_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o indifferent_a with_o a_o quiet_a and_o well_o assure_v mind_n since_o as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v some_o one_o or_o other_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o by_o do_v we_o shall_v anger_v some_o by_o forbear_v we_o shall_v provoke_v other_o and_o since_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o weak_a be_v divide_v and_o shatter_v into_o several_a sect_n and_o faction_n each_o condemn_v all_o the_o other_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comply_v with_o any_o one_o of_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v thereby_o displease_v all_o the_o rest_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n perform_v his_o duty_n in_o whatever_o place_n he_o live_v or_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o must_v displease_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o thing_n now_o be_v among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n when_o they_o pass_v their_o unwarrantable_a censure_n upon_o we_o and_o our_o action_n and_o they_o who_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o other_o can_v never_o tell_v whither_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o this_o principle_n they_o be_v slave_n to_o the_o party_n they_o espouse_v and_o must_v run_v with_o they_o into_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o or_o if_o at_o last_o they_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v they_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n be_v more_o hate_v and_o despise_v by_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o humour_v they_o at_o all_o 4._o i_o add_v only_o that_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v displease_v or_o grieve_v our_o weak_a brethren_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a christian_n and_o yield_v to_o they_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o we_o which_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o our_o lawful_a superior_n and_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o they_o who_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o think_v it_o so_o high_o infringe_v and_o violate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a matter_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o strait_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o will_n and_o passion_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n if_o this_o be_v so_o say_v mr._n baxter_n p._n 134._o of_o the_o forename_a book_n the_o most_o childish_a and_o womanish_a sort_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v the_o weak_a judgement_n and_o the_o strong_a will_n and_o passion_n must_v rule_v all_o the_o world_n for_o these_o be_v hardly_a please_v and_o no_o man_n must_v displease_v they_o whatever_o condescension_n therefore_o may_v be_v due_a to_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a yet_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v that_o they_o shall_v govern_v the_o wise_a and_o better_o instruct_v christian_n in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o who_o can_v govern_v more_o absolute_o than_o they_o who_o will_n must_v never_o be_v cross_v and_o who_o none_o must_v displease_v from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o this_o can_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o scandalize_a or_o give_v offence_n viz._n do_v of_o something_o which_o another_o take_v ill_a or_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o it_o 2._o i_o be_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a in_o scripture_n the_o greek_a word_n which_o we_o translate_v scandal_n or_o offence_n signify_v either_o a_o trap_n and_o snare_n or_o else_o more_o common_o something_o lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o another_o which_o occasion_n his_o stumble_a or_o fall_v by_o which_o he_o be_v bruise_v and_o hurt_v and_o so_o consequent_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v man_n from_o become_v christ_n disciple_n or_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o new_a profession_n or_o tempt_v they_o to_o forsake_v that_o faith_n they_o have_v late_o embrace_v be_v call_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n it_o be_v sometime_o render_v a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v as_o rom._n 14._o 13._o occasion_n of_o stumble_v as_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 10._o a_o stumbling-block_n revel_v 2._o 14._o or_o a_o thing_n that_o do_v offend_v as_o st._n matt._n 13._o 41._o in_o all_o which_o place_n there_o be_v the_o same_o original_a word_n hence_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v any_o one_o as_o it_o be_v common_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o do_v something_o which_o tend_v to_o estrange_v or_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o christian_a profession_n to_o beget_v in_o they_o hard_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o it_o or_o be_v apt_a when_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o turn_v they_o from_o it_o and_o make_v they_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o few_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n st._n matth._n 17._o 27._o be_v say_v to_o have_v pay_v tribute_n lest_o he_o shall_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v the_o jew_n this_o be_v more_o than_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o child_n be_v free_a but_o he_o do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v not_o give_v any_o occasion_n to_o his_o enemy_n to_o represent_v he_o to_o the_o people_n as_o a_o contemner_n of_o their_o law_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o caesar_n according_a as_o you_o understand_v that_o tribute_n to_o be_v pay_v either_o to_o the_o roman_n or_o the_o temple_n and_o so_o