will_v allow_v that_o christian_a prince_n ought_v to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o must_v grant_v they_o so_o much_o authority_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o censure_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n how_o far_o this_o may_v extend_v be_v another_o question_n i_o think_v all_o protestant_n with_o great_a reason_n reject_v sanguinary_a law_n in_o this_o case_n but_o whoever_o grant_v any_o authority_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o christian_a prince_n must_v grant_v what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n thus_o i_o have_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n about_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n i_o grant_v st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a writer_n do_v accommodate_v this_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n to_o other_o case_n some_o of_o which_o passage_n our_o reconciler_n have_v transcribe_v from_o they_o that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o scandalize_v our_o weak_a brother_n by_o use_v our_o innocent_a liberty_n much_o less_o by_o our_o wicked_a example_n by_o do_v thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o which_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o i_o grant_v such_o accommodation_n as_o these_o be_v very_o allowable_a in_o popular_a harangue_n but_o i_o hope_v our_o reconciler_n do_v not_o take_v they_o for_o argument_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v he_o can_v no_o more_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n than_o he_o can_v the_o case_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v but_o because_o this_o discourse_n have_v be_v somewhat_o long_o though_o as_o plain_a and_o methodical_a as_o i_o can_v contrive_v it_o i_o shall_v reduce_v some_o of_o the_o most_o material_a thing_n in_o it_o into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o compare_v the_o apostle_n argument_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o reconciler_n which_o will_v enable_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n to_o judge_v how_o unlike_a they_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n 14_o rom._n the_o dispute_n between_o the_o believe_a jew_n &_o gentile_n be_v concern_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o about_o thing_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v indifferent_a the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o occasion_v their_o scruple_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o a_o express_a law_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n as_o visible_o repeal_v as_o it_o be_v give_v the_o offence_n the_o jew_n take_v against_o the_o gentile_n be_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o still_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o so_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v as_o they_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o law_n which_o be_v so_o much_o as_o to_o render_v forbearance_n reasonable_a that_o weakness_n which_o plead_v for_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v tender_o use_v and_o indulge_v as_o be_v neither_o capable_a at_o present_a of_o better_a instruction_n nor_o severe_a government_n for_o the_o danger_n which_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v in_o and_o which_o st._n paul_n endeavour_v to_o prevent_v be_v lest_o they_o shall_v reject_v christianity_n if_o christianity_n reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o while_n till_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n before_o they_o give_v they_o any_o disturbance_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o will_v endanger_v their_o apostasy_n while_o they_o more_o firm_o believe_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n than_o they_o do_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n and_o indeed_o god_n himself_o have_v by_o visible_a sign_n instruct_v both_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o nor_o to_o break_v christian_a communion_n upon_o theâ—e_n dispute_n because_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o one_o catholic_n church_n by_o the_o visible_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o both_o though_o one_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o it_o become_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o christian_a brethren_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a office_n and_o whoever_o after_o this_o visible_a determination_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o undertake_v to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o deprive_v each_o other_o of_o communion_n for_o such_o matter_n usurp_v a_o authority_n to_o judge_v over_o god_n judgement_n to_o reject_v those_o who_o god_n receive_v which_o be_v like_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n which_o god_n allow_v who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o we_o all_o beside_o this_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o observe_v and_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n act_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n observe_v the_o law_n because_o god_n give_v they_o this_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o have_v not_o so_o visible_o repeal_v it_o as_o to_o remove_v all_o just_a scruple_n about_o it_o the_o gentile_n never_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o church_n without_o impose_v that_o burden_n on_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n out_o of_o reverence_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o and_o therefore_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v reason_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o since_o it_o be_v not_o humour_n peevishness_n or_o faction_n which_o make_v they_o differ_v but_o a_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o a_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n which_o they_o both_o pretend_v and_o which_o at_o that_o time_n they_o both_o have_v and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a gentile_n not_o to_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v very_o kind_a to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n if_o they_o please_v it_o be_v only_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o no_o body_n be_v concern_v but_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o every_o thing_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n have_v forbid_v but_o we_o may_v abstain_v if_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n not_o to_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v especial_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v great_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n which_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o especial_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o man_n may_v keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o enjoy_v the_o private_a exercise_n of_o their_o liberty_n without_o offence_n whereas_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n can_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o gentile_a christian_n without_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o make_v it_o very_o reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o charitable_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n where_o they_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o restraint_n of_o no_o other_o law_n neither_o of_o god_n nor_o man_n for_o in_o this_o
to_o eat_v together_o at_o a_o common_a table_n be_v a_o civil_a action_n and_o a_o testimony_n of_o civil_a kindness_n and_o respect_n but_o when_o this_o be_v do_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n as_o a_o testimony_n and_o expression_n of_o christian_a charity_n it_o become_v a_o holy_a kiss_n and_o a_o religious_a feast_n these_o ceremony_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o those_o duty_n and_o grace_n be_v which_o we_o exercise_v and_o profess_v in_o they_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a but_o they_o be_v no_o part_n nor_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o perform_v in_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o ceremony_n show_v we_o what_o a_o ridiculous_a pretence_n it_o be_v to_o charge_v they_o with_o be_v sacrament_n of_o humane_a institution_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o definition_n our_o church_n give_v of_o a_o sacrament_n belong_v to_o such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o that_o it_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n and_o here_o they_o stop_v as_o if_o this_o be_v the_o full_a definition_n of_o a_o sacrament_n but_o our_o church_n add_v give_v unto_o we_o and_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o humane_a sacrament_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sacrament_n but_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ._n true_a say_v they_o but_o that_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o it_o that_o when_o upon_o other_o account_v it_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n it_o have_v not_o that_o authority_n which_o shall_v make_v it_o a_o divine_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o a_o humane_a sacrament_n these_o ceremony_n than_o it_o seem_v will_v be_v sacrament_n if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v one_o sacrament_n more_o than_o they_o think_v of_o viz._n wash_v the_o disciple_n foot_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o much_o a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o any_o other_o significant_a ceremony_n can_v be_v but_o it_o want_v what_o our_o church_n add_v to_o make_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v this_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o which_o show_v that_o no_o ceremony_n how_o symbolical_a soever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v a_o sacrament_n which_o be_v not_o the_o seal_n of_o a_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o a_o institute_v mean_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o grace_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o ceremony_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o visible_a exercise_n or_o profession_n of_o some_o grace_n or_o duty_n their_o nature_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o be_v signify_v sign_n to_o teach_v a_o duty_n but_o in_o signify_v the_o actual_a exercise_n or_o profession_n of_o some_o duty_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v do_v not_o make_v they_o sacrament_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o decency_n of_o such_o ceremony_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o dispute_n there_o can_v be_v about_o it_o for_o if_o the_o exercise_n or_o profession_n of_o such_o virtue_n be_v decent_a than_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n whereby_o such_o a_o profession_n be_v make_v if_o it_o be_v use_v in_o a_o grave_a manner_n and_o upon_o a_o solemn_a occasion_n and_o be_v a_o proper_a and_o natural_a sign_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n must_v be_v decent_a too_o if_o it_o be_v a_o decent_a thing_n for_o christian_n to_o express_v their_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n to_o each_o other_o when_o they_o come_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o their_o unite_a prayer_n to_o their_o common_a father_n or_o to_o feast_v at_o the_o table_n of_o their_o common_a lord_n and_o saviour_n then_o to_o kiss_v one_o another_o and_o to_o feast_v at_o a_o common_a table_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o significant_a expression_n of_o mutual_a charity_n must_v be_v decent_a also_o at_o such_o time_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n they_o use_v to_o kiss_v each_o other_o after_o prayer_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v call_v signaculum_fw-la orationis_fw-la or_o the_o seal_n of_o prayer_n thus_o they_o kiss_v each_o other_o before_o their_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o begin_v this_o mysterious_a supper_n with_o a_o love-feast_n which_o be_v a_o common_a table_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o if_o it_o be_v decent_a at_o such_o time_n to_o express_v their_o servant_n charity_n to_o each_o other_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o this_o must_v be_v decent_a also_o for_o inward_a charity_n can_v be_v express_v but_o either_o by_o word_n or_o sign_n and_o visible_a sign_n which_o be_v also_o the_o external_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o word_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v decent_a upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a christ_n and_o our_o resolution_n to_o follow_v he_o even_o to_o the_o cross_n and_o rather_o to_o die_v with_o he_o than_o deny_v he_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o solemn_a occasion_n for_o this_o than_o at_o our_o baptism_n when_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n this_o be_v a_o express_a condition_n of_o our_o discipleship_n to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o also_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a sign_n and_o emblem_n of_o this_o profession_n than_o to_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o our_o forehead_n for_o to_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o natural_a profession_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n and_o a_o suffer_a religion_n and_o to_o receive_v this_o sign_n in_o our_o forehead_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o modesty_n and_o bashfulness_n be_v a_o visible_a profession_n that_o we_o be_v not_o and_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o cross._n and_o as_o this_o be_v decent_a in_o itself_o so_o it_o contribute_v to_o the_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o that_o religious_a administration_n as_o all_o awful_a grave_a and_o solemn_a ceremony_n do_v if_o we_o consider_v this_o as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o person_n baptize_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o decent_a at_o such_o a_o time_n than_o to_o confess_v a_o crucify_a christ_n under_o who_o command_n we_o then_o lift_v ourselves_o and_o our_o resolution_n to_o fight_v under_o the_o banner_n of_o the_o cross._n if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n who_o by_o her_o public_a minister_n solemn_o own_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o declare_v it_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o discipleship_n when_o she_o receive_v any_o person_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n unbecoming_a in_o this_o nay_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o comely_a and_o decent_a than_o upon_o such_o solemn_a occasion_n to_o make_v such_o a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o cross_n three_o as_o for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o ceremony_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o prove_v that_o after_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v for_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o visible_a exercise_n or_o profession_n of_o some_o grace_n or_o duty_n upon_o fit_a and_o solemn_a occasion_n they_o can_v be_v unlawful_a unless_o the_o external_a act_n and_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n can_v be_v unlawful_a if_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n no_o time_n can_v be_v more_o proper_a for_o such_o a_o profession_n than_o the_o time_n of_o our_o baptism_n no_o sign_n can_v more_o natural_o signify_v this_o profession_n than_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross._n now_o i_o will_v glad_o hear_v a_o wise_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o this_o at_o our_o baptism_n or_o unlawful_a to_o do_v it_o by_o sign_n as_o well_o as_o word_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v why_o we_o may_v not_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o innocent_o and_o decent_o as_o make_v our_o appeal_n to_o god_n in_o a_o oath_n by_o lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v it_o nay_o i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v why_o the_o church_n may_v not_o as_o well_o receive_v man_n into_o her_o communion_n with_o the_o sign_n
great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross._n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n our_o reconciler_n himself_o have_v collect_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n or_o religion_n most_o of_o which_o be_v now_o out_o of_o use_n in_o most_o church_n which_o former_o use_v they_o and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v in_o uâ—e_v among_o we_o but_o what_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n ritual_n or_o ceremony_n but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a significant_a but_o a_o profess_v sign_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o for_o such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o which_o serve_v for_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o bishop_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o a_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o evident_a necessity_n or_o a_o great_a convenience_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o bishop_n speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n he_o understand_v by_o they_o exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n something_o which_o be_v like_o the_o ceremonial_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o religious_a rite_n such_o be_v their_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n their_o phylactery_n their_o fast_n and_o festival_n new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n not_o consider_v mere_o as_o circumstance_n of_o time_n but_o as_o have_v such_o a_o sacredness_n and_o religion_n stamp_v on_o they_o that_o the_o very_o observe_v they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o religious_a duty_n observe_v on_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o day_n not_o the_o day_n mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o numerous_a tradition_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o make_v broad_a their_o phylactery_n wash_v their_o cup_n and_o platter_n and_o their_o hand_n before_o dinner_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o superstitious_a observance_n now_o though_o some_o external_a action_n and_o thing_n wise_o choose_v and_o prudent_o use_v may_v be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v unless_o we_o will_v condemn_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o several_a age_n which_o use_v a_o great_a many_o external_a rite_n yet_o every_o one_o see_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o such_o rite_n as_o these_o and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o those_o man_n mistake_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o lie_v the_o controversy_n upon_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a signification_n of_o these_o word_n our_o fast_n and_o festival_n look_v most_o like_a such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o with_o we_o they_o be_v not_o religious_a day_n but_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n do_v from_o a_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o make_v a_o day_n religious_a which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v differ_v from_o appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n may_v do_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o observe_v a_o day_n differ_v from_o those_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v perform_v on_o such_o a_o day_n now_o this_o very_a observation_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n will_v answer_v most_o of_o his_o citation_n which_o he_o have_v impertinent_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o bishop_n write_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o have_v be_v very_o injudicious_o make_v against_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 214._o thus_o he_o observe_v from_o the_o bishop_n that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v mere_o such_o can_v be_v universal_a and_o perpetual_a but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n mere_o such_o that_o be_v say_v he_o those_o which_o do_v not_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n within_o their_o matter_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o they_o all_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o specification_n of_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n and_o include_v those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v and_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v enjoin_v to_o wear_v thesurplice_n it_o signify_v that_o he_o must_v perform_v divine_a office_n in_o a_o surplice_n these_o be_v but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o necessary_a duty_n and_o they_o found_v on_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o decency_n well_o but_o the_o bishop_n add_v when_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o to_o which_o all_o other_o nation_n be_v bind_v if_o they_o come_v into_o that_o communion_n it_o will_v be_v intolerable_a that_o the_o church_n who_o rejoice_v in_o their_o freedom_n from_o that_o yoke_n which_o god_n have_v impose_v shall_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o yoke_n of_o ordinance_n which_o man_n shall_v make_v for_o though_o before_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o now_o they_o may_v exercise_v communion_n and_o use_v the_o same_o religion_n without_o communicate_v in_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n now_o do_v not_o this_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o our_o english_a ceremony_n be_v but_o of_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o answer_v to_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ordinance_n which_o he_o call_v exterior_a thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o different_a rule_n and_o measure_n and_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n be_v so_o unfortunate_a that_o if_o the_o bishop_n have_v mean_v this_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n it_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o he_o add_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n this_o do_v no_o way_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o any_o government_n what_o liberty_n they_o be_v to_o retain_v and_o use_v i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o the_o follow_a number_n but_o it_o concern_v distinct_a church_n under_o distinct_a government_n and_o it_o mean_n as_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n and_o the_o whole_a analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v suffer_v no_o man_n to_o put_v a_o law_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v not_o their_o governor_n for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o must_v not_o be_v universal_a he_o mean_v that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v intend_v to_o oblige_v all_o christendom_n except_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v that_o be_v do_v consent_n that_o no_o church_n or_o company_n of_o christian_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n in_o it_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n which_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o such_o a_o usurpation_n as_o must_v not_o be_v endure_v which_o be_v direct_o level_v against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o though_o one_o church_n can_v impose_v upon_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n have_v power_n over_o she_o own_o member_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o be_v over_o they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o answer_v all_o his_o testimony_n from_o bishop_n davenant_n etc._n and_o bishop_n hall_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o duraeus_n about_o his_o pacificatory_a design_n of_o unite_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n into_o one_o communion_n and_o several_a other_o cite_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n they_o discourse_n upon_o what_o term_n distinct_a church_n which_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o aught_o to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n and_o this_o he_o apply_v to_o particular_a church_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o particular_a church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n and_o dominion_n over_o each_o other_o nor_o deny_v communion_n upon_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n or_o different_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o modes_n of_o worship_n therefore_o no_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o communion_n nor_o give_v law_n to_o her_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o
for_o which_o a_o church_n may_v deny_v her_o communion_n to_o any_o person_n either_o because_o they_o renounce_v the_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n or_o because_o they_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o her_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o a_o church_n make_v every_o thing_n a_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n for_o the_o refusal_n of_o which_o she_o deny_v her_o communion_n to_o her_o own_o member_n we_o may_v call_v these_o if_o we_o please_v the_o term_n of_o her_o particular_a communion_n but_o this_o be_v no_o great_a fault_n for_o any_o church_n to_o make_v such_o term_n of_o communion_n than_o to_o make_v law_n for_o government_n and_o discipline_n for_o such_o term_n be_v nothing_o else_o to_o return_v then_o to_o our_o argument_n since_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o necessary_a circumstanâ—s_n of_o action_n though_o they_o may_v be_v distinct_o consider_v yet_o can_v be_v separate_v that_o church_n which_o command_v nothing_o but_o a_o decent_a performance_n of_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v command_v we_o to_o perform_v can_v be_v charge_v with_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o with_o command_v any_o new_a thing_n for_o the_o decent_a manner_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n be_v include_v in_o the_o command_n of_o do_v it_o unless_o we_o think_v our_o saviour_n be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o worship_v god_n decent_o or_o indecent_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o church_n only_o enjoin_v such_o habit_n and_o posture_n time_n and_o place_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o the_o action_n and_o be_v decent_a circumstance_n of_o do_v it_o she_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n have_v virtual_o command_v and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a answer_n to_o that_o other_o objection_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v authority_n to_o teach_v only_o such_o thing_n as_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o which_o if_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o their_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o make_v occasional_a law_n in_o emergent_a case_n be_v a_o very_a trifle_a objection_n but_o however_o the_o church_n of_o england_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n teach_v she_o teach_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o christ_n command_v and_o no_o other_o and_o she_o â—eaches_v the_o decent_a manner_n of_o do_v this_o which_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o very_a command_n of_o do_v it_o for_o though_o the_o particular_a decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o express_v yet_o all_o decent_a rite_n be_v include_v in_o the_o command_n of_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n may_v take_v her_o choice_n well_o but_o the_o apostle_n give_v law_n only_o about_o necessary_a thing_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o the_o disciple_n but_o what_o they_o think_v necessary_a at_o least_o for_o that_o time_n 15_o act_n 29._o now_o though_o there_o may_v several_a answer_n be_v give_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o that_o i_o take_v the_o decency_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v necessary_a i_o be_o sure_a st._n paul_n give_v a_o express_a law_n about_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o necessary_a thing_n which_o be_v determine_v at_o the_o council_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o some_o external_a ritual_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o burden_n we_o have_v nothing_o like_o it_o in_o our_o church_n and_o if_o ever_o the_o church_n shall_v undertake_v to_o determine_v such_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v seasonable_a to_o urge_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o determine_v only_o necessary_a thing_n these_o be_v the_o most_o material_a thing_n our_o reconciler_n have_v urge_v against_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whether_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v so_o useless_a and_o unnecessary_a that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o interpose_v her_o authority_n in_o such_o matter_n or_o be_v just_o unblamable_a for_o do_v it_o i_o must_v leave_v every_o man_n to_o judge_v chap._n ii_o concern_v charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n it_o oblige_v church-governor_n and_o what_o regard_n church-governor_n ought_v to_o have_v to_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_v and_o scruple_n of_o private_a christian_n under_o their_o care_n have_v discourse_v thus_o large_o of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o our_o reconciler_n who_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v useless_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o to_o have_v no_o positive_a order_n or_o decency_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v command_v it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o consider_v the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o argument_n viz._n that_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n oblige_v church-governor_n not_o to_o impose_v any_o such_o unnecessary_a thing_n or_o to_o alter_v and_o remove_v they_o if_o already_o impose_v when_o through_o the_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n of_o some_o christian_n about_o such_o matter_n they_o occasion_n their_o sin_n and_o fall_v and_o hazard_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v when_o such_o imposition_n as_o these_o which_o some_o man_n believe_v unlawful_a and_o other_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o tempt_v man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lift_v themselves_o in_o a_o schism_n which_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n i_o need_v not_o point_v out_o to_o any_o particular_a place_n wherein_o this_o be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o his_o book_n and_o come_v in_o at_o the_o tail_n of_o every_o argument_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o consider_v these_o principle_n also_o and_o begin_v here_o with_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o in_o the_o method_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v the_o second_o general_a principle_n i_o promise_v to_o examine_v the_o question_n than_o be_v this_o second_o what_o obligation_n charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n lay_v upon_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o exercise_v great_a tenderness_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o ready_o grant_v for_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n and_o our_o reconciler_n can_v not_o have_v pitch_v upon_o a_o more_o popular_a argument_n to_o declaim_v upon_o as_o he_o do_v at_o large_a p._n 187_o etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o i_o find_v his_o talon_n lie_v more_o in_o some_o insinuate_a harangue_n than_o in_o c'ose_a reason_n but_o though_o he_o have_v make_v a_o fine_a sâ—ory_n of_o this_o and_o say_v thing_n artificial_o enough_o to_o move_v the_o passion_n of_o his_o reader_n he_o have_v never_o offer_v fair_o to_o state_n the_o extent_n and_o measure_n of_o charity_n with_o relation_n to_o act_n of_o government_n but_o only_o assert_v charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o of_o private_a christian_n which_o no_o body_n deny_v that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o from_o thence_o infer_v the_o alteration_n of_o our_o ceremony_n and_o that_o church-governor_n act_v uncharitable_o if_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o such_o a_o alteration_n now_o the_o alteration_n of_o public_a law_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n which_o some_o man_n take_v a_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a offence_n at_o whatever_o mischief_n they_o do_v to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o such_o a_o unjust_a offence_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o immediate_a consequence_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n to_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v something_o at_o least_o offer_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o a_o argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n since_o therefore_o i_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o answer_v upon_o this_o argument_n which_o our_o reconciler_n think_v better_a to_o take_v for_o grant_v than_o to_o prove_v it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o state_n this_o matter_n so_o plain_o as_o to_o vindicate_v our_o governor_n from_o this_o spiteful_a and_o uncharitable_a accusation_n of_o want_n of_o charity_n to_o man_n soul_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v brief_o inquire_v wherein_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v consist_v and_o how_o it_o must_v express_v itself_o which_o i_o shall_v explain_v by_o these_o two_o principle_n i._o that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o duty_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n ii_o
that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v express_v itself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o government_n 1._o that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o duty_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n for_o charity_n to_o other_o can_v dispense_v with_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n whatever_o pretence_n of_o charity_n there_o be_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o must_v govern_v it_o or_o they_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o themselves_o in_o neglect_v their_o own_o duty_n out_o of_o pretence_n of_o charity_n to_o other_o nay_o all_o private_a act_n of_o charity_n must_v give_v place_n to_o public_a charity_n now_o government_n be_v a_o public_a good_a that_o be_v be_v a_o public_a charity_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v neglect_v out_o of_o pretence_n of_o charity_n to_o private_a christian_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v do_v what_o our_o reconciler_n desire_v without_o neglect_v their_o own_o duty_n or_o injure_v their_o authority_n and_o government_n i_o think_v this_o plea_n of_o charity_n will_v be_v more_o specious_a and_o plausible_a but_o that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o be_v as_o plain_a to_o i_o as_o a_o first_o principle_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o they_o can_v do_v without_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o determine_v the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v the_o bishop_n govern_v the_o church_n nor_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n unless_o they_o command_v the_o minister_n to_o officiate_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o the_o people_n to_o receive_v kneel_v yes_o no_o doubt_n they_o may_v then_o these_o law_n be_v alterable_a they_o be_v so_o then_o in_o charity_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o alter_v they_o according_a to_o your_o own_o rule_n for_o they_o may_v do_v this_o without_o neglect_v their_o duty_n of_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n i_o deny_v the_o consequence_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o charity_n do_v not_o require_v any_o man_n much_o less_o governor_n to_o do_v a_o foolish_a thing_n which_o serve_v no_o good_a end_n at_o all_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v alter_v our_o present_a rule_n and_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o must_v prescribe_v some_o other_o or_o else_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n for_o the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o they_o can_v be_v secure_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o wherein_o so_o many_o man_n think_v a_o rude_a and_o slovenly_a worship_n to_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a without_o some_o fix_a and_o stand_a rule_n of_o decency_n now_o whatever_o change_n they_o make_v they_o can_v change_v for_o the_o better_a nor_o remove_v any_o scruple_n by_o such_o a_o change_n for_o most_o of_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o our_o dissenter_n dispute_v against_o our_o present_a ceremony_n will_v serve_v as_o well_o against_o any_o other_o establish_a order_n of_o worship_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o governor_n to_o alter_v law_n mere_o to_o try_v the_o humour_n of_o people_n to_o see_v whether_o those_o who_o without_o reason_n scruple_n imposition_n in_o one_o case_n will_v without_o reason_n submit_v to_o other_o imposition_n when_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v in_o both_o it_o be_v neither_o consistent_a with_o the_o prudence_n nor_o charity_n of_o government_n upon_o such_o slight_a pretence_n as_o these_o to_o make_v alteration_n so_o much_o for_o the_o worse_o as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o ever_o they_o alter_v our_o present_a rule_n of_o worship_n if_o this_o shall_v gratify_v some_o humoursome_a people_n it_o may_v just_o offend_v and_o scandalize_v much_o better_a man_n to_o see_v a_o decent_a way_n of_o worship_n change_v for_o that_o which_o be_v less_o decent_a no_o say_v our_o reconciler_n 333._o this_o can_v with_o any_o truth_n be_v pretend_v be_v not_o thing_n indifferent_a such_o as_o may_v be_v impose_v or_o not_o impose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o do_v not_o our_o church_n declare_v her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a can_v therefore_o any_o regular_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v offend_v that_o she_o do_v use_v her_o liberty_n in_o matter_n whole_o leave_v unto_o her_o liberty_n and_o by_o her_o first_o reformer_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o yes_o why_o not_o for_o all_o this_o must_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v alterable_a be_v alter_v for_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o may_v it_o not_o just_o offend_v a_o regular_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o see_v a_o more_o decent_a way_n of_o worship_n lay_v aside_o and_o that_o which_o be_v less_o decent_a come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n she_o allow_v that_o her_o ceremony_n may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v pray_v but_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v alter_v only_o upon_o just_a cause_n as_o she_o express_o determine_v and_o though_o in_o such_o case_n she_o allow_v of_o some_o alteration_n in_o her_o ceremony_n yet_o she_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o ceremony_n shall_v be_v retain_v since_o without_o some_o ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o keep_v any_o order_n or_o quit_v discipline_n in_o the_o church_n but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n they_o do_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o ceremony_n by_o law_n establish_v shall_v be_v abolish_v or_o that_o conformist_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o use_v they_o but_o only_o that_o other_o who_o conscience_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o in_o their_o omission_n of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o just_a offence_n than_o the_o other_o for_o this_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o same_o or_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n if_o in_o the_o same_o this_o introduce_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n confusion_n and_o schismâ—_n into_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o church_n if_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n this_o be_v to_o establish_v schism_n by_o a_o law_n and_o to_o make_v they_o only_o legal_a conventicle_n but_o he_o say_v as_o some_o sit_v some_o stand_n some_z kneel_z at_o common-prayer_n 338._o and_o prayer_n before_o sermon_n and_o this_o without_o confusion_n so_o may_v some_o sit_v some_z kneel_z some_o stand_n at_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o do_v our_o reconciler_n think_v this_o variety_n of_o posture_n at_o prayer_n a_o orderly_a and_o decent_a thing_n especial_o for_o man_n to_o sit_v at_o prayer_n stand_a may_v be_v sometime_o necessary_a because_o especial_o in_o full_a auditory_n all_o person_n may_v not_o have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o kneel_v but_o be_v one_o irregularity_n sufficient_a to_o justify_v another_o do_v not_o the_o church_n require_v a_o uniform_a posture_n at_o prayer_n too_o and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o decent_a and_o orderly_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o such_o various_a posture_n at_o prayer_n and_o at_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o except_v the_o rudeness_n of_o sit_v when_o man_n have_v strength_n of_o body_n to_o kneel_v or_o stand_v which_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n these_o variety_n of_o posture_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o man_n differ_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n about_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o occasion_v mutual_a scandal_n and_o offence_n censure_v and_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n but_o differ_v posture_n in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o scruple_n one_o think_v kneel_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a the_o other_o deserve_o think_v it_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a to_o sit_v and_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n occasion_n mutual_a emulation_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o receive_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o holy_a communion_n and_o if_o you_o say_v that_o man_n must_v lay_v aside_o this_o judge_n and_o censorious_a humour_n you_o must_v either_o mean_v that_o while_o man_n retain_v these_o differ_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o judge_v one_o another_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o man_n and_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v which_o be_v ridiculous_o impossible_a unless_o you_o can_v teach_v man_n not_o to_o think_v as_o they_o think_v or_o that_o they_o must_v alter_v their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o look_v upon_o all_o these_o as_o indifferent_a posture_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v
meat_n be_v perfect_o take_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o may_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v just_a as_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o great_a breach_n of_o charity_n to_o eat_v with_o offence_n to_o destroy_v our_o brother_n with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v 15_o 16_o v._n which_o may_v just_o cause_v our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o valuable_a thing_n in_o it_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o condemn_v on_o all_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v use_v so_o uncharitable_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o v_o 16._o and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v our_o charity_n it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v and_o perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n which_o we_o will_v do_v so_o neither_o be_v religion_n concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n indeed_o be_v concern_v in_o thedispute_n about_o the_o lawfulnessof_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a convert_v to_o renounce_v this_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v they_o but_o bare_a eat_n or_o not_o eat_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o opinion_n about_o it_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v neither_o the_o better_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v eat_v nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 17._o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v no_o law_n about_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o diet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o eat_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o liberty_n of_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o act_n of_o eat_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o though_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o direct_a and_o positive_a command_n about_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o duty_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n consist_v which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v a_o collateral_a restraint_n upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o deal_v kind_o and_o compassionate_o with_o our_o fellow-christians_a to_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o delight_n which_o christian_n brethren_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o each_o other_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o the_o joint_a worship_n of_o their_o common_a father_n and_o saviour_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o please_v to_o our_o great_a master_n and_o have_v so_o much_o natural_a goodness_n as_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o man_n 18._o for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v this_o rule_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o give_v we_o free_a leave_n to_o eat_v of_o every_o thing_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o company_n to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v former_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o since_o we_o know_v that_o to_o do_v so_o gives_z great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a jew_n without_o serve_v any_o end_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o essential_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n unity_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a edification_n let_v we_o not_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n as_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o though_o no_o meat_n be_v now_o unclean_a but_o all_o thing_n all_o kind_n of_o diet_n be_v now_o pure_a and_o lawful_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n by_o his_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o his_o weak_a brother_n think_v unclean_a to_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o he_o it_o be_v good_a much_o better_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a discourage_v in_o his_o christian_a course_n and_o tempt_v to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o beside_o this_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o in_o our_o choice_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o require_v either_o and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o not_o eat_v be_v in_o itself_o consider_v of_o any_o concernment_n to_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n at_o all_o to_o thy_o christian_a liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o brother_n have_v thou_o faith_n do_v thou_o believe_v thou_o may_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o meat_n believe_v so_o still_o and_o use_v this_o liberty_n private_o when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o offence_n but_o thou_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o publish_v this_o belief_n nor_o of_o act_v according_a to_o it_o in_o all_o company_n but_o have_v this_o faith_n to_o thyself_o before_o god_n this_o faith_n make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v but_o then_o thou_o must_v take_v great_a care_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o become_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o be_v thou_o must_v not_o eat_v how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o with_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o thy_o weak_a brother_n which_o make_v it_o very_o unlawful_a happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v who_o do_v not_o do_v a_o good_a action_n in_o so_o ill_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o bring_v condemnation_n upon_o himself_o but_o then_o as_o thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v do_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o eat_v nor_o lawful_a in_o all_o circumstance_n when_o it_o be_v do_v with_o offence_n and_o scandal_n so_o much_o less_o do_v thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thy_o weak_a brother_n to_o eat_v for_o if_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o doubt_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o still_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o he_o notwithstanding_o this_o eat_v such_o forbid_a meat_n he_o be_v damn_v self-condemned_n by_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n do_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o cenâ—ure_n and_o reproach_v thy_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o case_n but_o to_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o avoid_v give_v he_o any_o scandal_n or_o offence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_v in_o this_o place_n to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v by_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o contain_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a determination_n of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o review_v and_o inquire_v how_o applicable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n can_v be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o forbid_v offer_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o exercise_n
it_o on_o the_o second_o month_n by_o those_o who_o be_v unclean_a or_o in_o a_o journey_n on_o the_o first_o month_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o what_o god_n have_v prescribe_v when_o god_n himself_o have_v express_o prescribe_v it_o and_o let_v he_o consider_v once_o more_o whether_o work_v of_o necessity_n and_o mercy_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o that_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v exclude_v such_o work_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o reconciler_n can_v produce_v any_o one_o instance_n wherein_o god_n permit_v and_o allow_v the_o violation_n of_o any_o ceremonial_a law_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n without_o express_a order_n for_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n be_v very_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a in_o exact_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o do_v give_v as_o signal_n example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o upon_o any_o other_o whatever_o witness_v the_o man_n who_o gather_v stick_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n for_o it_o the_o fate_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n who_o quarrel_v with_o moses_n and_o aaron_n which_o be_v more_o like_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o offer_v incense_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o a_o fire_n consume_v the_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o man_n that_o offer_v incense_n numb_a to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o case_n of_o vzzah_n who_o be_v strike_v dead_a upon_o the_o place_n for_o touch_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v though_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o very_a pious_a intention_n to_o preserve_v it_o from_o fall_v 7._o thus_o saul_n offering_n sacrifice_n in_o samuel_n absence_n etc._n though_o he_o have_v a_o very_a plausible_a excuse_n for_o it_o and_o his_o spare_a agag_n the_o king_n of_o the_o amalakite_n etc._n and_o the_o best_a of_o the_o sheep_n and_o ox_n etc._n etc._n cost_v he_o his_o kingdom_n this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o god_n be_v so_o little_o concern_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o ceremonial_a law_n or_o think_v any_o thing_n little_a which_o he_o command_v when_o he_o so_o severe_o revenge_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o god_n indeed_o do_v prefer_v true_a and_o real_a righteousness_n before_o any_o ceremonial_a observance_n but_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o countenance_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o mean_a law_n what_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n who_o pay_v thythe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v 23._o and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o stand_a rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v they_o shall_v observe_v they_o both_o the_o great_a and_o the_o less_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o neglect_v or_o despise_v either_o so_o that_o god_n example_n in_o theâ—e_n matter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v our_o reconciler_n cause_n that_o it_o make_v against_o he_o god_n do_v not_o equal_a the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n of_o judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n equal_v a_o ceremony_n with_o the_o dear_a interest_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n but_o yet_o god_n institute_v these_o ceremony_n and_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o even_o when_o the_o whole_a congregation_n mutinied_a and_o rebel_v upon_o it_o as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o corah_n that_o be_v when_o they_o come_v as_o much_o in_o competition_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n as_o the_o reconciler_n pretend_v our_o ceremony_n at_o this_o day_n do_v 2._o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v our_o reconciler_n have_v another_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dissenter_n among_o we_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o 1._o the_o example_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n 178._o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o who_o be_v command_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n refuse_v to_o part_v with_o their_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n and_o to_o refrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n will_v give_v i_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o i_o will_v tell_v he_o why_o they_o shall_v god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n but_o still_o they_o must_v be_v save_v in_o that_o method_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o this_o end_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o his_o law_n institute_v a_o church-society_n appoint_a steward_n of_o his_o family_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o household_n and_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o renounce_v this_o authority_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o in_o its_o rank_n and_o order_v it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contribute_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o that_o it_o destroy_v they_o what_o destroy_v they_o the_o use_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n no_o man_n may_v observe_v these_o ceremony_n without_o prejudice_v their_o salvation_n what_o then_o be_v it_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n nor_o that_o neither_o for_o to_o command_v that_o which_o will_v not_o destroy_v man_n soul_n can_v destroy_v they_o what_o be_v it_o then_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o obey_v such_o imposition_n right_o for_o this_o make_v man_n schismatic_n and_o will_v damn_v they_o and_o thus_o disobedience_n to_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n law_n will_v damn_v man_n though_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v god_n who_o do_v so_o infinite_o love_v sinner_n as_o to_o send_v christ_n to_o save_v they_o aught_o to_o have_v give_v they_o no_o law_n nor_o make_v any_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o fear_v man_n shall_v break_v they_o and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a thing_n to_o give_v his_o son_n for_o sinner_n than_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o some_o little_a folly_n and_o extravagance_n will_v god_n who_o love_v sinner_n so_o as_o to_o give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o they_o damn_v they_o for_o steal_v a_o shilling_n or_o two_o for_o play_v the_o goodfellow_n sometime_o or_o for_o some_o kind_n and_o amorous_a embrace_n sure_o he_o be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v repeal_v all_o these_o soul-destroying_a law_n and_o when_o we_o see_v this_o do_v it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n too_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n ibid._n ii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a to_o weak_a and_o err_a person_n as_o not_o to_o judge_v condemn_v or_o exclude_v they_o from_o his_o favour_n for_o any_o error_n of_o their_o judgement_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o true_a love_n to_o he_o and_o which_o they_o do_v not_o wilful_o embrace_v nor_o do_v persist_v in_o against_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o will_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o their_o unknown_a sin_n receive_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n though_o they_o live_v and_o die_v under_o such_o error_n and_o mistake_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v command_v to_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a reject_v they_o from_o communion_n who_o god_n will_v receive_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o forbear_v to_o condemn_v and_o censure_v they_o who_o god_n will_v absolve_v this_o be_v so_o fulsom_o ridiculous_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o answer_v it_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a to_o expose_v such_o popular_a cant._n for_o 1._o though_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n do_v incline_v we_o to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o invincible_a error_n yet_o we_o know_v