they_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o christ_n as_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n though_o he_o have_v not_o command_v as_o mr._n baxter_n well_o observe_v five_o disput_fw-la pag._n 9_o in_o what_o word_n i_o shall_v pray_v whether_o impose_v by_o other_o or_o not_o whether_o with_o a_o book_n or_o foreconceived_a form_n or_o not_o yet_o he_o have_v command_v obedience_n and_o peace_n where_o thing_n therefore_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v determine_v by_o our_o superior_n which_o as_o mr._n baxter_n agree_v with_o mr._n ball_n and_o the_o reverend_a calvin_n say_v pag._n 8._o have_v be_v unfit_a for_o christ_n to_o have_v determine_v in_o his_o word_n because_o his_o word_n be_v a_o universal_a law_n for_o all_o age_n and_o country_n and_o these_o circumstance_n will_v not_o be_v a_o universal_a determination_n else_o why_o can_v not_o christ_n have_v do_v it_o nay_o how_o be_v his_o law_n perfect_a else_o that_o do_v omit_v be_v for_o example_n god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o read_v the_o word_n preach_v hear_v sing_v which_o must_v necessary_o be_v do_v in_o some_o time_n and_o place_n gesture_z number_n of_o word_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o have_v not_o command_v we_o on_o what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n our_o lecture_n shall_v be_v or_o at_o what_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n nor_o what_o chapter_n i_o shall_v read_v nor_o how_o many_o at_o once_o nor_o what_o text_n i_o shall_v preach_v on_o nor_o what_o psalm_n i_o shall_v sing_v &c_n &c_n these_o thing_n belong_v to_o a_o synod_n to_o prescribe_v for_o common_a union_n and_o concord_n among_o many_o church_n as_o mr._n baxter_n grant_v pag._n 7._o i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o be_v then_o uncomely_a and_o uncharitable_a for_o inferior_n to_o argue_v that_o these_o determination_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o but_o pretence_n for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 9_o but_o to_o fix_v upon_o this_o golden_a sentence_n of_o mr._n baxter_n in_o these_o case_n that_o whatsoever_o we_o may_v be_v uncertain_a of_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o christ_n have_v command_v obedience_n and_o peace_n obedience_n in_o these_o general_a text_n where_o we_o be_v command_v to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o peace_n in_o all_o those_o pathetical_a exhortation_n of_o his_o apostle_n to_o follow_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n put_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o that_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o enter_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n heb._n 12.14_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n now_o to_o work_v this_o peaceable_a frame_n into_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o now_o persuade_v one_o another_o that_o lay_v aside_o those_o usual_a reflection_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v upon_o our_o superior_n in_o command_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_v at_o best_a unnecessary_a serious_o to_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o consider_v what_o be_v our_o present_a duty_n i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o i_o have_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o great_a confusion_n when_o i_o be_v even_o out_o of_o hope_n that_o ever_o we_o shall_v get_v out_o of_o they_o often_o think_v how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v ingulph_v in_o so_o much_o misery_n and_o this_o in_o my_o weak_a observation_n i_o gather_v to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o bloody_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n that_o a_o violent_a oppose_v beget_v a_o violent_a impose_v and_o that_o again_o produce_v a_o violent_a oppose_a till_o the_o flame_n break_v out_o which_o have_v well-nigh_o consume_v we_o to_o prevent_v the_o like_a again_o as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o we_o can_v better_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v child_n of_o the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n then_o by_o look_v most_o to_o our_o self_n who_o be_v under_o command_n and_o what_o our_o present_a duty_n be_v which_o i_o find_v lay_v down_o by_o mr._n baxter_n five_o disput_fw-la pag._n 460._o prop._n 12._o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v the_o case_n whereof_o we_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n that_o it_o may_v be_v very_o sinful_a to_o command_v some_o ceremony_n that_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v the_o subject_n duty_n to_o use_v they_o when_o they_o be_v command_v to_o persuade_v therefore_o to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n duty_n to_o observe_v now_o command_v be_v my_o chief_a undertake_n in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n wherein_o as_o i_o do_v but_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o mr._n sprint_v mr._n paybody_n and_o dr._n john_n burges_n who_o be_v there_o approve_v of_o for_o that_o service_n five_o disput_fw-la pag._n 461._o so_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o judge_v of_o i_o as_o that_o you_o will_v conjoin_v with_o i_o to_o persuade_v your_o minister_n that_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o ministry_n and_o we_o thereby_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o labour_n that_o they_o will_v conform_v and_o by_o way_n of_o persuasion_n let_v we_o not_o only_o deal_v with_o they_o by_o way_n of_o argument_n from_o what_o you_o may_v find_v in_o this_o poor_a unpollished_a piece_n but_o also_o by_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o will_v find_v more_o scholastical_o write_v in_o the_o peace-offering_a a_o book_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v much_o commend_v by_o some_o learned_a minister_n but_o never_o see_v till_o i_o have_v almost_o finish_v this_o plain_a and_o homely_a discourse_n and_o also_o a_o most_o rare_a discourse_n new_o come_v forth_o declare_v the_o conformity_n and_o agreement_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o all_o which_o let_v we_o mind_v they_o how_o far_o the_o apostle_n do_v conform_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n even_o to_o the_o use_n of_o such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v abolish_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n mr._n sprint_v in_o his_o book_n before_o mention_v give_v several_a instance_n thereof_o and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o five_o disput_fw-la pag._n 488._o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n among_o his_o 12._o reason_n to_o persuade_v to_o obedience_n in_o lawful_a thing_n this_o be_v the_o 11._o consider_v also_o what_o yield_v in_o thing_n lawful_a the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o how_o far_o yield_v paul_n when_o he_o circumcise_v timothy_n act_v 16.3_o and_o when_o he_o take_v the_o man_n and_o purify_a himself_o with_o they_o in_o the_o temple_n to_o signify_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o day_n of_o purification_n etc._n etc._n act_v 21.26_o 27._o so_o also_o 1_o cor._n 9.19_o 20._o i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o i_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n study_v this_o example_n say_v the_o learned_a mr._n baxter_n and_o let_v we_o also_o prevail_v with_o our_o minister_n to_o study_v this_o passage_n five_o disput_fw-la pag._n 487_o sect_n 17_o now_o if_o that_o thing_n before_o accidental_o evil_a may_v by_o this_o much_o necessity_n become_v lawful_a and_o a_o duty_n then_o may_v the_o command_n of_o magistrate_n and_o pastor_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o contention_n and_o offence_n and_o other_o evil_n be_v also_o sufficient_a to_o warrant_v we_o in_o obey_v even_o in_o inconvenient_a circumstantial_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o otherwise_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v let_v we_o also_o remember_v they_o how_o that_o bishop_n hooper_n though_o as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o this_o discourse_n do_v scruple_n the_o episcopal_a habit_n and_o write_v to_o peter_n martyr_v his_o argument_n against_o such_o conformity_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o tenacious_a in_o his_o opinion_n but_o that_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n he_o do_v conform_v to_o preach_v in_o the_o say_a apparel_n before_o the_o king_n and_o for_o this_o mr._n fox_n in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n pag._n 1367._o do_v commend_v he_o for_o say_v he_o this_o private_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o public_a profit_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o only_o seek_v he_o bear_v and_o suffer_v patient_o let_v we_o therefore_o desire_v they_o to_o remember_v how_o ill_a christ_n will_v take_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o rather_o than_o with_o this_o pious_a martyr_n and_o bishop_n hooper_n they_o will_v lay_v aside_o their_o opinion_n and_o patient_o bear_v the_o private_a contumely_n of_o their_o conformity_n from_o some_o censorious_a one_o they_o will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o thereby_o hinder_v the_o public_a profit_n and_o benefit_n which_o the_o
from_o endeavour_v the_o introduce_v of_o such_o a_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n as_o be_v displease_v to_o all_o other_o in_o the_o kingdom_n but_o our_o self_n and_o they_o will_v doubtless_o also_o have_v see_v their_o own_o mistake_n in_o charge_v the_o press_n of_o subscription_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o church_n and_o rather_o to_o think_v that_o the_o violent_a opposition_n of_o thesame_a to_o be_v also_o very_o accessary_a thereunto_o now_o dear_a sir_n be_v entreat_v by_o the_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n also_o which_o as_o mr._n pool_n say_v in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o gospel-worship_n shall_v be_v prefer_v above_o all_o thing_n next_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n you_o who_o have_v see_v what_o those_o learned_a and_o pious_a nonconformist_n see_v not_o neither_o possible_o can_v have_v fore-seen_a will_v have_v be_v the_o event_n of_o nonconformity_n and_o discord_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v entreat_v be_v entreat_v not_o to_o think_v those_o holy_a man_n before_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v infallible_a in_o their_o judgement_n as_o to_o what_o you_o hold_v from_o they_o neither_o do_v you_o take_v yourselves_o so_o to_o be_v but_o to_o what_o you_o have_v read_v for_o your_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a matter_n concern_v which_o i_o find_v the_o petitioner_n for_o peace_n profess_v they_o do_v impartial_o study_v and_o pray_v for_o knowledge_n and_o will_v glad_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n at_o the_o dear_a rate_n vouchsafe_v i_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o the_o reading_z of_o these_o poor_a collection_n of_o i_o wherewith_o i_o now_o gresent_v you_o and_o be_v please_v to_o put_v on_o this_o resolution_n before_o you_o begin_v that_o you_o will_v read_v it_o through_o and_o according_a to_o some_o of_o your_o profession_n do_v it_o impartial_o weigh_v well_o i_o entreat_v you_o the_o argument_n that_o i_o bring_v to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o obedience_n to_o what_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n require_v and_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o in_o your_o own_o conscience_n as_o clear_o and_o full_o as_o i_o have_v there_o endeavour_v to_o present_v they_o and_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o whatsoever_o weakness_n you_o may_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o argument_n i_o offer_v you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v from_o who_o they_o come_v not_o from_o a_o professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o of_o christianity_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v put_v upon_o this_o work_v not_o exit_fw-la officio_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la charitate_fw-la as_o i_o have_v before_o declare_v and_o do_v not_o for_o the_o weakness_n perhaps_o of_o some_o one_o argument_n despise_v any_o of_o the_o other_o till_o you_o have_v try_v their_o strength_n and_o above_o all_o let_v i_o remember_v you_o of_o what_o i_o find_v profess_v by_o some_o to_o be_v their_o practice_n that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o read_v it_o impartial_o with_o the_o same_o candour_n ingenuity_n and_o freedom_n from_o prejudice_n that_o you_o desire_v any_o thing_n that_o you_o have_v make_v public_a to_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v read_v by_o other_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o one_o thing_n that_o now_o come_v in_o my_o mind_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v present_o speak_v a_o word_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o very_o great_a hope_n that_o the_o effect_n of_o your_o serious_a perusal_n of_o my_o poor_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n in_o these_o follow_a sheet_n will_v be_v much_o for_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o speak_v to_o by_o way_n of_o removal_n i_o ground_n upon_o a_o very_a serious_a passage_n that_o i_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o martin_n bucer_n to_o joan._n à _fw-fr lasco_n it_o be_v say_v he_o a_o very_a hard_a thing_n indeed_o yea_o to_o most_o holy_a man_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o he_o be_v seldom_o find_v among_o man_n which_o will_v not_o be_v content_a rather_o to_o yield_v in_o his_o patrimony_n than_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o wit._n i_o be_o apt_a to_o fear_v if_o i_o may_v speak_v out_o lest_o what_o this_o wise_a man_n then_o observe_v shall_v be_v some_o binderance_n at_o this_o time_n to_o that_o work_n which_o do_v so_o much_o conduce_v to_o unity_n even_o that_o which_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a even_o for_o holy_a man_n to_o do_v to_o deny_v themselves_o dear_a sir_n be_v not_o find_v now_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o will_v rather_o yield_v in_o your_o patrimony_n submit_v to_o deprivation_n from_o the_o ministry_n and_o all_o ecclesiastical_a promotion_n which_o be_v the_o scholar_n patrimony_n rather_o to_o yield_v in_o reference_n to_o those_o opinion_n which_o you_o have_v take_v up_o for_o fundamental_a truth_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v by_o some_o minister_n in_o the_o petition_n for_o peace_n except_o one_o put_v it_o out_o alone_o that_o they_o will_v glad_o know_v the_o truth_n at_o the_o dear_a rate_n sure_o though_o the_o know_n and_o obey_v of_o the_o truth_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o may_v be_v at_o a_o dear_a rate_n consider_v what_o bucer_n have_v observe_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v even_o for_o holy_a man_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o retract_v their_o opinion_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o that_o which_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v every_o day_n if_o they_o will_v exercise_v the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o must_v profess_v there_o be_v a_o great_a change_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n sure_o for_o those_o who_o be_v the_o preacher_n and_o presser_n of_o repentance_n to_o other_o that_o they_o be_v to_o declare_v their_o repentance_n not_o only_o by_o their_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o change_n of_o their_o mind_n retract_v those_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o sin_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v do_v themselves_o that_o which_o they_o enjoin_v to_o other_o i_o do_v confess_v that_o to_o stand_v to_o our_o principle_n that_o be_v such_o principle_n as_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n word_n be_v our_o duty_n in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a stand_v like_o a_o rock_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o proud_a wave_n break_v all_o that_o beat_v against_o it_o but_o remove_v by_o none_o but_o we_o must_v take_v very_o great_a heed_n of_o stand_v to_o our_o own_o principle_n ground_v only_o upon_o the_o oracle_n of_o man_n and_o their_o tradition_n or_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n misapply_v this_o be_v not_o constancy_n but_o obstinacy_n to_o yield_v and_o leave_v these_o our_o principle_n be_v not_o apostasy_n but_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o self-denial_n and_o true_a piety_n this_o declare_v that_o we_o have_v get_v a_o victory_n over_o our_o self_n which_o be_v a_o great_a conquest_n than_o to_o win_v a_o city_n and_o have_v mortify_v that_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o holy_a man_n as_o martin_n bucer_n say_v which_o incline_v man_n more_o willing_o to_o part_v with_o their_o patrimony_n than_o their_o opinion_n and_o declare_v also_o that_o they_o have_v subdue_v that_o than_o to_o the_o which_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o natural_o averse_a than_o subjection_n to_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o the_o reverend_a calvin_n long_o ago_o observe_v as_o you_o shall_v find_v hereafter_o i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n consider_v for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o know_v it_o well_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o scandal_n or_o offence_n give_v to_o weak_a christian_n nor_o yet_o of_o disgrace_n or_o disparagement_n to_o the_o wise_a holy_a and_o learn_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v to_o go_v back_o from_o their_o former_a assertion_n and_o opinion_n so_o long_o as_o they_o know_v that_o they_o go_v forward_o towards_o truth_n peace_n and_o obedience_n what_o saint_n jerom_n write_v to_o ruffinus_n be_v very_o well_o worthy_a of_o your_o thought_n if_o i_o may_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o be_v your_o remembrancer_n thereof_o never_o blush_v man_n to_o change_v thy_o opinion_n for_o neither_o you_o or_o i_o or_o any_o person_n live_v be_v of_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v err_v it_o be_v far_o better_a for_o those_o in_o my_o poor_a judgement_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o cure_n of_o the_o precious_a soul_n and_o so_o be_v leader_n of_o their_o flock_n upon_o a_o due_a conviction_n to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v err_v rather_o than_o by_o
church_n of_o god_n may_v receive_v by_o they_o and_o for_o a_o conclusion_n let_v we_o join_v together_o in_o propound_v this_o to_o their_o serious_a thought_n that_o if_o they_o have_v but_o little_a regard_n to_o our_o soul_n welfare_n that_o yet_o they_o will_v take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o for_o when_o they_o have_v suffer_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n to_o what_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n require_v which_o be_v deprivation_n from_o the_o exercise_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o ministry_n that_o yet_o their_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o law_n will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a justice_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n who_o have_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n be_v very_o much_o displease_v with_o the_o disobedience_n of_o all_o inferior_n to_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a for_o as_o mr._n baxter_n have_v well_o observe_v five_o disput_fw-la pag._n 483._o that_o if_o we_o do_v through_o weakness_n or_o perverseness_n make_v lawful_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o will_v not_o excuse_v we_o in_o our_o disobedience_n our_o error_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o one_o sin_n will_v not_o excuse_v another_o sin_n disobedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n therefore_o though_o through_o weakness_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o that_o against_o christ_n five_o disput_fw-la pag._n 485._o who_o rule_v by_o they_o as_o his_o officer_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o remember_v our_o minister_n that_o see_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o suffering_n without_o repentance_n this_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n to_o our_o superior_n as_o aggravate_v five_o disput_n 486_o 487._o will_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o at_o the_o day_n of_o refresh_v it_o will_v be_v much_o better_a to_o prevent_v all_o this_o sin_n sorrow_n and_o suffering_n by_o their_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o what_o the_o law_n require_v but_o now_o my_o belove_a friend_n and_o fellow_n citizen_n consider_v that_o there_o lie_v one_o main_a obstruction_n in_o the_o way_n to_o this_o happy_a work_n of_o our_o minister_n conformity_n to_o which_o i_o have_v so_o much_o importune_v you_o to_o join_v with_o i_o by_o way_n of_o persuasion_n with_o they_o and_o this_o obstruction_n lie_v chief_o in_o your_o own_o power_n to_o remove_v i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n bring_v it_o forth_o to_o your_o view_n as_o i_o find_v it_o lay_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sober_a and_o temperate_a discourse_n about_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o obstruction_n be_v this_o that_o the_o minister_n dare_v not_o conform_v because_o of_o the_o great_a scandal_n that_o will_v be_v take_v thereat_o by_o the_o people_n pag._n 108._o for_o say_v they_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v a_o impose_v form_n etc._n etc._n yet_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o they_o be_v so_o abhor_v by_o many_o conscientious_a christian_n that_o as_o those_o who_o have_v return_v to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o have_v almost_o ruin_v their_o ministry_n by_o make_v themselves_o the_o scorn_n of_o some_o and_o the_o grief_n of_o other_o so_o shall_v we_o we_o do_v the_o like_a some_o will_v for_o it_o vilify_v and_o censure_n and_o condemn_v we_o and_o separate_v from_o communion_n with_o we_o now_o good_a friend_n though_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o excuse_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n because_o that_o some_o christian_n will_v censure_v condemn_v and_o separate_v from_o all_o communion_n with_o they_o yet_o suppose_v that_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v thus_o be_v scandalize_v at_o their_o minister_n conformity_n many_o good_a man_n may_v be_v more_o backward_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o be_v afraid_a to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a about_o their_o observance_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o help_v to_o remove_v this_o great_a obstruction_n though_o you_o will_v find_v much_o more_o say_v in_o the_o 14._o chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n yet_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o offer_v this_o to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o real_a truth_n that_o the_o wise_a god_n have_v forbid_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o our_o weak_a brethren_n may_v be_v scandalize_v as_o by_o those_o text_n quote_v by_o the_o author_n aforesaid_a do_v appear_v viz._n rom._n 14.13_o 14_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 10.24_o 1_o cor._n 8.3_o 9_o yet_o that_o in_o all_o those_o place_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n be_v lay_v down_o as_o to_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o in_o the_o case_n where_o person_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o that_o be_v when_o man_n may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v use_v they_o yea_o or_o no._n as_o for_o example_n you_o will_v find_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n that_o whether_o we_o do_v pray_v with_o a_o form_n or_o without_o a_o form_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v neither_o express_o forbid_v or_o command_v now_o when_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n whether_o we_o will_v use_v a_o form_n or_o not_o use_v a_o form_n than_o we_o shall_v scandalize_v weak_a christian_n according_a as_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o particular_a but_o if_o by_o a_o law_n we_o be_v command_v for_o uniformity_n sake_n to_o use_v a_o public_a form_n of_o common_a prayer_n for_o weak_a christian_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o minister_n that_o do_v yield_v obedience_n to_o this_o command_n this_o scandal_n of_o brethren_n weigh_v light_n when_o put_v in_o the_o scale_n with_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o do_v so_o be_v this_o because_o that_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a where_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n as_o i_o say_v before_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v command_v by_o our_o superior_n and_o no_o where_o forbid_v by_o god_n our_o disobedience_n to_o their_o command_n be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o five_o commandment_n wherein_o the_o honour_n that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v to_o our_o parent_n whether_o natural_a spiritual_a or_o civil_a do_v consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o their_o lawful_a command_n which_o be_v so_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v scandalize_v to_o see_v your_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n which_o aquinas_n as_o i_o have_v read_v call_v scandalum_fw-la pharisaeorum_fw-la the_o scandal_n only_o of_o the_o superstitious_a pharisee_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o condemn_v as_o that_o you_o do_v rather_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o by_o all_o mean_n rather_o than_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o ministry_n to_o care_v only_o for_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o let_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v take_v by_o you_o at_o their_o conformity_n be_v any_o impediment_n or_o hindrance_n thereunto_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v free_a forward_z and_o cordial_a in_o this_o work_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v impartial_a in_o your_o pursuit_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o may_v strengthen_v you_o against_o this_o weakness_n in_o you_o whereby_o you_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o minister_n conformity_n to_o indifferent_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a rule_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o be_v give_v by_o mr._n john_n brinsley_n in_o a_o sermon_n of_o his_o entitle_v a_o look_a glass_n for_o good_a woman_n and_o may_v also_o serve_v to_o be_v a_o look_a glass_n for_o good_a man_n of_o weak_a judgement_n and_o strong_a affection_n pag._n 17._o the_o most_o probable_a way_n to_o be_v resolve_v in_o our_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v to_o hear_v what_o both_o party_n can_v say_v especial_o those_o of_o a_o differ_a judgement_n from_o we_o this_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o rational_a way_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o further_o say_v he_o some_o be_v so_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o will_n as_o to_o take_v up_o resolution_n before_o hand_n in_o case_n their_o opinion_n be_v meddle_v with_o or_o their_o way_n touch_v upon_o though_o never_o so_o tender_o yet_o they_o will_v come_v no_o more_o at_o the_o public_a ordinance_n at_o least_o to_o hear_v such_o a_o minister_n now_o sure_o say_v he_o christian_n be_v this_o christian_n even_o fellix_fw-la the_o heathen_a be_v of_o a_o better_a mind_n who_o though_o trouble_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o paul_n sermon_n promise_v to_o hear_v he_o again_o another_o time_n let_v they_o take_v this_o home_n with_o they_o this_o be_v but_o to_o clear_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v but_o too_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o as_o a_o
mean_n to_o corroborate_v and_o rectify_v your_o judgement_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o uniformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n therein_o and_o to_o prevent_v your_o scandalize_a observe_v this_o rule_n in_o your_o hear_n and_o reâ—ding_v and_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o decline_v what_o ever_o may_v evidence_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o let_v i_o persuade_v you_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o loose_a and_o confuse_a knowledge_n of_o your_o liberty_n and_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o other_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v that_o a_o little_a loose_a knowledge_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o atheist_n whereas_o a_o deep_a and_o through_o knowledge_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v a_o great_a conviction_n of_o a_o deity_n even_o so_o a_o loose_a confuse_a knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o controversy_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v a_o person_n very_o scrupulous_a if_o not_o schismatical_a whereas_o a_o distinct_a and_o well_o ground_a knowledge_n from_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o the_o write_n of_o learned_a man_n will_v deliver_v a_o man_n not_o only_o from_o scruple_v himself_o but_o from_o censure_v and_o condemn_v other_o about_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n now_o that_o knowledge_n which_o deliver_v from_o the_o commit_n of_o such_o unchristian_a sin_n be_v well_o worthy_a of_o the_o labour_n of_o dig_v for_o it_o as_o for_o silver_n and_o of_o the_o seek_n for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n which_o have_v obtain_v through_o god_n blessing_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n even_o but_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o may_v keep_v you_o from_o scruple_v yourselves_o and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o obedience_n of_o other_o i_o beseech_v you_o then_o be_v persuade_v in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o a_o great_a mean_n to_o heal_v our_o present_a division_n about_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n to_o moderate_v and_o proportion_v your_o zeal_n according_o and_o here_o let_v i_o commend_v unto_o your_o practice_n a_o most_o rare_a rule_n of_o mr._n paul_n baines_n one_o that_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o petition_n for_o peaee_n for_o one_o of_o those_o worthy_n that_o do_v take_v nonconformity_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o say_v he_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o ephesian_n purpose_n mr._n hildersham_n in_o his_o 25._o lecture_n on_o 51._o psalm_n have_v much_o there_o to_o this_o purpose_n chapter_n 2._o verse_n 15._o fol._n 297._o whatsoever_o lie_v not_o in_o we_o to_o reform_v it_o shall_v be_v our_o zeal_n and_o piety_n to_o tolerate_v and_o with_o patience_n to_o forbear_v this_o excellent_a rule_n he_o say_v hold_n especial_o in_o such_o thing_n that_o concern_v not_o so_o much_o what_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o outward_a communion_n with_o god_n or_o man_n as_o the_o due_a carry_v on_o of_o every_o business_n in_o the_o say_a communion_n wherein_o there_o may_v be_v many_o superfluity_n and_o defect_n saluâ_fw-la tamen_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la yea_o he_o add_v that_o in_o such_o a_o church_n the_o best_a and_o true_a member_n may_v have_v more_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v then_o to_o grieve_v oh_o sir_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o we_o do_v too_o frequent_o feed_v one_o another_o with_o that_o which_o increase_v our_o fear_n dislike_n and_o discontent_n whereas_o this_o holy_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o even_o in_o such_o a_o church_n wherein_o there_o may_v be_v many_o superfluity_n and_o defect_n the_o best_a and_o true_a member_n may_v have_v more_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v then_o to_o grieve_v i_o hope_v we_o all_o desire_n to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n visible_a church_n let_v we_o show_v our_o self_n to_o be_v such_o in_o provoke_v and_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o rejoice_v more_o in_o that_o effectual_a reformation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n which_o mr._n baxter_n do_v acknowledge_v as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n then_o in_o be_v grieve_a and_o discontent_v at_o those_o superstuity_n and_o defect_n which_o we_o may_v suppose_v be_v yet_o in_o our_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v but_o this_o rule_n aforesaid_a well_o digest_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o reduce_v to_o practice_n by_o we_o it_o will_v huge_o tend_v to_o the_o rectify_v of_o our_o zeal_n and_o the_o still_a of_o our_o discompose_v mind_n i_o fear_v many_o of_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o what_o we_o may_v judge_v to_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o mode_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n our_o zeal_n and_o piety_n be_v not_o to_o tolerate_v but_o to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n thereof_o but_o this_o holy_a man_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o reform_v it_o shall_v be_v our_o zeal_n and_o piety_n to_o tolerate_v and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o the_o future_a whatever_o we_o have_v be_v for_o the_o time_n past_a and_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o dangerous_a doctrine_n viz._n that_o the_o church_n need_v not_o to_o stay_v for_o the_o prince_n in_o reform_v any_o abuse_n but_o may_v reform_v it_o though_o the_o prince_n say_v no._n which_o dr._n somes_n that_o write_v against_o it_o in_o anno_fw-la 1589._o call_v one_o of_o the_o execrable_a fancy_n of_o henry_n barrow_n and_o john_n greenwood_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o one_o of_o his_o argument_n as_o a_o preservative_n say_v he_o pag._n 9_o god_n religion_n be_v great_o decay_v in_o king_n saul_n time_n the_o holy_a tabernacle_n be_v break_v god_n ark_n be_v in_o a_o private_a man_n house_n the_o israelite_n have_v private_a chapel_n in_o hill_n and_o grove_n david_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n in_o those_o day_n do_v only_o mourn_v for_o these_o corruption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o reform_v they_o wait_v till_o after_o the_o death_n of_o saul_n the_o reformation_n be_v put_v into_o david_n hand_n with_o the_o government_n this_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a error_n that_o the_o church_n need_v not_o to_o stay_v for_o the_o prince_n in_o reform_v abuse_n but_o may_v reform_v they_o whether_o the_o prince_n will_v or_o no_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v of_o that_o for_o subject_n to_o swear_v that_o they_o will_v reform_v what_o they_o judge_v amiss_o whether_o the_o prince_n will_v or_o no_o be_v a_o great_a error_n than_o the_o former_a and_o for_o subject_n to_o think_v themselves_o bind_v by_o their_o oath_n so_o take_v for_o to_o endeavour_v so_o to_o do_v be_v the_o great_a error_n of_o all_o three_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o and_o therefore_o beseech_v you_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o such_o disturb_a principle_n of_o confusion_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o this_o holy_a mr._n baines_n and_o other_o good_a man_n have_v say_v which_o i_o have_v quote_v in_o another_o place_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o reform_v it_o shall_v be_v our_o zeal_n and_o piety_n to_o tolerate_v and_o patient_o to_o forbear_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o be_v public_a reformer_n but_o if_o our_o zeal_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o reform_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o zealous_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o those_o that_o be_v under_o our_o power_n and_o charge_n in_o our_o family_n we_o shall_v soon_o see_v such_o a_o public_a reformation_n as_o may_v better_a deserve_v the_o name_n then_o what_o we_o have_v see_v unto_o this_o day_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o seek_v the_o reform_n of_o other_o so_o much_o as_o our_o self_n let_v we_o not_o mind_n so_o much_o the_o fail_n of_o other_o as_o our_o own_o above_o all_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o our_o zeal_n mislead_v we_o not_o even_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o very_a necessary_a duty_n for_o these_o time_n even_o that_o of_o mourning_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o our_o zeal_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o to_o mourn_v for_o the_o pride_n profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o other_o but_o yet_o as_o we_o may_v miscarry_v in_o work_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o charity_n as_o our_o â—aviour_n do_v instance_n in_o those_o of_o prayer_n and_o give_v alm_n for_o want_v of_o a_o puâ—e_a intention_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o so_o also_o may_v we_o in_o this_o very_a duty_n i_o remember_v the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n that_o wish_v his_o head_n to_o be_v a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n say_v jer._n 13.17_o my_o soul_n shall_v mourn_v in_o secret_a for_o your_o pride_n so_o that_o except_o we_o be_v call_v public_o
especialty_n when_o we_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o such_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n that_o we_o must_v either_o betray_v the_o truth_n through_o cowardice_n in_o our_o own_o apprehension_n or_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o other_o betray_v our_o liberty_n sacred_a and_o civil_a by_o a_o rash_a and_o precipitant_a suffering_n sect._n 3_o now_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v but_o small_a hope_n notwithstanding_o our_o former_a civil_a war_n and_o late_a petition_n for_o peace_n but_o that_o now_o by_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n establish_v we_o must_v either_o conform_v thereunto_o or_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o same_o the_o present_a duty_n that_o now_o lie_v upon_o we_o be_v by_o all_o the_o help_v we_o can_v to_o make_v a_o serious_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o that_o conformity_n enjoin_v and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n in_o this_o particular_a whether_o by_o obedience_n thereunto_o we_o become_v not_o child_n of_o disobedience_n unto_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o everlasting_a father_n and_o supreme_a lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n sect._n 4._o for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o we_o be_v never_o call_v to_o suffer_v as_o christian_n by_o yield_v passive_a obedience_n but_o when_o we_o can_v without_o sin_n yield_v active_a obedience_n and_o that_o no_o minister_n i_o suppose_v be_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o ministry_n but_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o case_n as_o he_o can_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n it_o do_v very_o much_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o conscience_n by_o that_o which_o have_v absolute_o the_o command_a and_o oblige_v power_n thereof_o viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o or_o no_o by_o yield_a obedience_n to_o this_o act_n of_o u_o ifo_o mity_n we_o be_v not_o violator_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o where_o no_o law_n be_v violate_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n sect._n 5_o and_o doubtless_o though_o there_o be_v as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o pe_n ition_n for_o peace_n do_v intimate_v p._n 4._o a_o appearance_n of_o very_a great_a love_n to_o christ_n in_o refuse_v conformity_n to_o thing_n indifferent_a because_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n and_o a_o accusation_n of_o his_o law_n as_o unsufficient_a and_o because_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o add_v to_o or_o diminution_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o of_o worship_v he_o after_o any_o other_o law_n then_o that_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v or_o such_o as_o be_v mere_o subordinate_a to_o that_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v thing_n to_o be_v so_o displease_v to_o god_n sect._n 6._o though_o this_o may_v be_v commendable_a in_o such_o case_n and_o about_o such_o matter_n wherein_o person_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o be_v not_o under_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n yet_o when_o by_o so_o do_v upon_o a_o mistake_n through_o their_o disobedience_n they_o shall_v violate_v a_o positive_a and_o clear_a gospel_n precept_n and_o in_o suffer_v upon_o this_o account_n shall_v condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a even_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n who_o do_v conform_v to_o indifferent_a thing_n of_o no_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n act_v 15._o and_o of_o the_o tender-conscienced_a martyr_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n when_o they_o shall_v thereby_o also_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o their_o labour_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o be_v also_o matter_n of_o grief_n of_o heart_n to_o many_o solid_a and_o judicious_a christian_n and_o thereby_o administer_v matter_n of_o horror_n and_o great_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n in_o weak_a christian_n who_o thence_o conclude_v that_o sure_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v many_o conscience-wasting_a sin_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n that_o man_n will_v suffer_v so_o much_o for_o their_o nonconformity_n sect._n 7._o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o a_o mistake_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o to_o avoid_v these_o miserable_a and_o sinful_a evil_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n and_o that_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o very_a great_a fear_n of_o displease_v of_o christ_n and_o a_o solicitous_a care_n of_o obey_v he_o to_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o god_n word_n and_o into_o the_o write_n of_o pious_a and_o learned_a man_n before_o such_o who_o especial_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o shall_v expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o deprivation_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o thereby_o many_o good_a soul_n that_o delight_v therein_o to_o the_o loss_n thereof_o sect._n 8._o i_o say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v clear_o and_o full_o persuade_v they_o be_v not_o only_a truth_n but_o truth_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o may_v bear_v proportion_n with_o what_o they_o do_v expose_v themselves_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o same_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o high_o displease_v to_o christ_n if_o now_o in_o this_o juncture_n of_o time_n mere_o to_o please_v man_n or_o avoid_v suffering_n we_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v violate_v any_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n if_o daniel_n when_o there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v forbid_v he_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n his_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n for_o 30._o day_n dan._n 6.7_o his_o conformity_n to_o this_o law_n will_v have_v be_v as_o manifest_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n as_o for_o the_o three_o child_n to_o have_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n at_o the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n sect._n 10._o but_o to_o refuse_v such_o command_n as_o be_v doubtful_a and_o disputable_a whether_o sinful_a or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o worthy_n name_v in_o the_o petition_n for_o peace_n pag._n 18._o who_o have_v take_v this_o nonconformity_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o it_o must_v appear_v upon_o a_o wellgrounded_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o god_n word_n true_o apply_v which_o do_v either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o a_o just_a consequence_n make_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o be_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o obedience_n by_o this_o act_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v suffer_v but_o for_o our_o own_o fancy_n or_o opinion_n or_o upon_o a_o tradition_n receive_v from_o our_o forefather_n and_o though_o i_o do_v believe_v what_o i_o have_v read_v profess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o many_o who_o be_v yet_o unsatisfied_a in_o the_o petition_n for_o peace_n that_o you_o have_v by_o read_v and_o prayer_n seek_v for_o satisfaction_n yet_o consider_v what_o i_o find_v assert_v in_o the_o book_n aforesaid_a pag._n 14._o that_o man_n have_v not_o their_o understanding_n at_o command_n who_o can_v tell_v what_o a_o word_n in_o season_n may_v do_v now_o especial_o from_o so_o unlikely_a and_o so_o unlooked-for_a as_o well_o as_o from_o so_o unworthy_a a_o one_o as_o i_o myself_o sect._n 11._o it_o be_v a_o old_a say_n that_o sometime_o a_o looker_n on_o may_v see_v more_o than_o a_o gamester_n and_o therefore_o though_o unconcerned_a in_o this_o last_o act_n for_o uniformity_n be_v in_o none_o of_o those_o capacity_n which_o call_v i_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o yet_o sympathize_v with_o those_o that_o be_v scrupler_n and_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v not_o thereby_o be_v expose_v to_o those_o suffering_n which_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o nonobedience_n and_o that_o all_o the_o ill_a effect_n thereof_o may_v be_v prevent_v sect._n 12._o i_o have_v presume_v to_o be_v a_o remembrancer_n to_o such_o person_n as_o i_o be_v sometime_o to_o the_o army_n to_o mind_v they_o of_o such_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v present_v from_o the_o write_n of_o such_o nonconformist_n and_o other_o divine_n as_o be_v now_o above_o all_o interest_n and_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v as_o also_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reverend_a mr._n richard_n baxter_n yet_o live_v by_o which_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o danger_n which_o i_o do_v observe_v some_o do_v conclude_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v there_o be_v in_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n chap._n ii_o concern_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n in_o general_n our_o averseness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o way_n to_o heal_v it_o section_n 1._o now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o obedience_n to_o this_o act_n for_o uniformity_n to_o some_o appear_v so_o sinful_a that_o
our_o own_o particular_a place_n and_o calling_n by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n this_o make_v that_o which_o be_v treason_n in_o other_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o oath_n aforesaid_a sect._n 6._o for_o answer_v to_o which_o i_o humble_o conceive_v though_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquity_n yet_o to_o prevent_v a_o great_a evil_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a concern_n at_o this_o time_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v more_o serious_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o say_a covenant_n make_v this_o inquiry_n whether_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n law_n or_o from_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n though_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n as_o public_a reformation_n be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o other_o for_o to_o endeavour_v to_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o if_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o case_n i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o make_v this_o declaration_n that_o i_o hold_v myself_o or_o any_o other_o person_n bind_v by_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o government_n both_o in_o church_n or_o state_n sect._n 7._o in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o let_v we_o first_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n even_o unto_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o inquiry_n which_o i_o propound_v we_o be_v all_o to_o make_v for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o conscience_n the_o rule_n i_o propose_v be_v first_o god_n law_n whether_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n law_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n though_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n as_o public_a reformation_n be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o other_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n who_o do_v so_o much_o press_v for_o a_o command_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o warrant_v what_o you_o do_v to_o show_v i_o where_o there_o be_v any_o command_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o approve_a example_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o subject_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o soveraigre_fw-fr to_o swear_v and_o make_v other_o to_o swear_v that_o they_o will_v endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n though_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n as_o public_a reformation_n sect._n 8._o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o or_o can_v upon_o my_o own_o search_n find_v any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o the_o same_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o new_a indeed_o i_o find_v general_a precept_n for_o christian_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o principality_n and_o power_n 1_o pet._n 3.1_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o under-governour_n that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n but_o nothing_o that_o may_v give_v warrant_n for_o this_o practice_n for_o subject_n to_o bind_v themselves_o or_o other_o to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o those_o humane_a creation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o submit_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n neither_o by_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n to_o swear_v a_o public_a reformation_n without_o or_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o which_o be_v observable_a all_o covenant-reformation_n from_o joshuahs_n time_n to_o josiahs_n time_n be_v regular_o command_v by_o the_o good_a reform_a king_n and_o chief_a ruler_n but_o none_o by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n against_o the_o cammand_n or_o consent_v of_o their_o sovereign_n the_o covenant_n that_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o 2_o king_n 23.3_o be_v make_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o king_n stand_v by_o the_o pillar_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o oath_n at_o which_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v be_v not_o by_o they_o impose_v upon_o the_o king_n but_o the_o reform_a king_n 2_o chron._n 15.8_o 9_o 15._o compare_v after_o that_o asa_n have_v take_v away_o the_o abomination_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n verse_n 9_o he_o gather_v all_o judah_n together_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o asa_n they_o assemble_v not_o to_o make_v this_o oath_n at_o which_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v without_o the_o king_n authority_n by_o which_o he_o do_v gather_v they_o together_o sect._n 9_o if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o command_n or_o example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n approve_v this_o practice_n the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n forbid_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o tendency_n the_o scope_n of_o that_o place_n 1_o pet._n 3._o be_v to_o arm_v the_o christian_a church_n against_o that_o vile_a sect_n who_o call_v themselves_o gnostic_n as_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o other_o who_o teach_v among_o other_o thing_n destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n the_o doctrine_n of_o liberty_n and_o manumission_n to_o christian_a subject_n and_o servant_n as_o by_o consider_v of_o what_o follow_v to_o the_o 12._o verse_n may_v appear_v and_o thus_o now_o have_v from_o god_n law_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o subject_n yea_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n for_o public_a reformation_n without_o the_o consent_n or_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o king_n and_o that_o therefore_o consequent_o they_o be_v no_o lawful_a authority_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o other_o sect._n 10._o this_o be_v consider_v i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o we_o have_v nothing_o now_o leave_v to_o resolve_v our_o conscience_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o lay_v and_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o its_o government_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v this_o very_a consideration_n shall_v put_v such_o of_o the_o ministry_n as_o be_v scrupulous_a to_o a_o little_a pause_n and_o make_v they_o to_o suspect_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o this_o point_n all_o this_o while_n the_o resolve_v of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o different_a from_o those_o who_o subject_a matter_n be_v not_o so_o perplex_v intricate_a and_o doubtful_a that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lawyer_n the_o divine_a may_v prove_v but_o a_o blind_a guide_n and_o when_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o both_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o dutch_a sect._n 11._o i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v a_o very_a good_a direction_n which_o if_o we_o have_v follow_v at_o first_o may_v have_v prevent_v this_o inquiry_n now_o concern_v make_v vow_n and_o covent_n that_o no_o action_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o question_n and_o dispute_v especial_o of_o religion_n shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o vow_n and_o the_o instance_n that_o be_v give_v be_v in_o a_o case_n somewhat_o like_o we_o which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n sie_z novatus_n novitios_n suos_fw-la compulit_fw-la ad_fw-la jurandum_fw-la ne_fw-la unquam_fw-la ad_fw-la catholicos_fw-la episcopos_fw-la redieriat_fw-la euseb_n l._n 2._o eccles_n histor_n for_o novatus_n the_o author_n of_o the_o second_o great_a schism_n as_o i_o find_v in_o mr._n brinsley_n arraignment_n of_o schism_n for_o he_o to_o compel_v his_o novice_n which_o he_o have_v draw_v into_o that_o sin_n with_o he_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n that_o they_o will_v never_o return_v to_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n never_o be_v ordain_v by_o they_o more_o or_o submit_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a in_o a_o very_a mild_a sense_n because_o doubtful_a sect._n 12._o and_o if_o the_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v not_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a among_o we_o when_o this_o covenant_n of_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o church-government_n be_v impose_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o writing_n for_o and_o against_o the_o mode_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n almost_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sutcliffe_n de_fw-fr presbyt_fw-la edit_fw-la 1591._o bilson_n perpetual_a church-government_n 1610._o with_o those_o contest_v which_o be_v betwixt_o dr._n downam_n and_o the_o diocesan_n trial_n much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n with_o many_o other_o and_o continue_v to_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o parliament_n call_v by_o the_o king_n 1640._o so_o that_o doubtless_o these_o matter_n be_v very_o disputable_a and_o to_o be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o now_o find_v dangerous_a as_o i_o
shall_v only_o remember_v you_o of_o a_o very_a great_a remark_n josh_n 22.9_o the_o child_n of_o reuben_n gad_n and_o the_o half_a tribe_n of_o manasses_n they_o build_v a_o altar_n by_o jordan_n even_o a_o great_a altar_n to_o see_v to_o ver_fw-la 2._o this_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n take_v for_o a_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o like_a to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a provocation_n ver_fw-la 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o beseech_v they_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v not_o to_o rebel_v against_o god_n or_o they_o in_o build_v a_o altar_n beside_o god_n altar_n thus_o to_o do_v i_o say_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n do_v account_v to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o post_n by_o god_n post_n etc._n etc._n now_o observe_v though_o what_o be_v do_v here_o be_v do_v without_o any_o particular_a command_n from_o god_n nay_o be_v seem_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o to_o build_v a_o altar_n beside_o god_n altar_n yet_o if_o you_o consult_v the_o story_n you_o will_v find_v that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v what_o their_o brethren_n apprehend_v about_o this_o significant_a sign_n yet_o they_o do_v justify_v their_o erect_n or_o institute_v it_o for_o a_o token_n or_o a_o witness_n to_o future_a generation_n that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 27._o it_o be_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n they_o do_v this_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o altar_n for_o burn_a offering_n or_o sacrifice_n this_o they_o do_v utter_o disclaim_v for_o 29._o sect._n 10._o i_o wish_v from_o my_o heart_n this_o instance_n may_v be_v well_o consider_v of_o and_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o those_o day_n for_o though_o before_o the_o child_n of_o reuben_n have_v declare_v their_o true_a ground_n and_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v set_v up_o this_o say_a token_n sign_n or_o witness_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n be_v resolve_v to_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n in_o their_o brethren_n blond_n even_o for_o build_v this_o altar_n ver_fw-la 12._o it_o have_v very_o near_o occasion_v a_o civil_a war_n but_o when_o they_o have_v understand_v their_o reason_n for_o so_o do_v and_o perceive_v they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o idolatry_n which_o they_o fear_v ver_fw-la 16_o 17._o they_o be_v content_a with_o what_o the_o childen_a of_o reuben_n speak_v ver_fw-la 30._o sect._n 11._o they_o may_v as_o we_o do_v now_o in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v charge_v they_o with_o superstition_n say_v where_o be_v your_o warrant_n out_o of_o the_o word_n for_o what_o you_o have_v do_v you_o have_v set_v up_o post_n by_o god_n post_n be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o precept_n you_o have_v so_o late_o receive_v deut._n 12.32_o you_o have_v make_v a_o addition_n to_o god_n word_n have_v you_o not_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n to_o remember_v you_o and_o your_o child_n that_o you_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v his_o people_n but_o must_v you_o go_v and_o make_v a_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o your_o own_o invention_n nay_o which_o be_v worse_o take_v god_n own_o institution_n his_o holy_a altar_n and_o design_v it_o for_o another_o purpose_n than_o he_o intend_v it_o this_o and_o much_o more_o may_v they_o have_v say_v have_v they_o be_v of_o the_o temper_n and_o tenant_n that_o many_o good_a people_n be_v of_o in_o our_o day_n but_o phineas_n say_v ver_fw-la 31._o this_o day_n we_o perceive_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o we_o because_o that_o you_o have_v not_o do_v this_o trespass_n against_o the_o lord_n behold_v here_o they_o clear_v they_o from_o sin_n that_o they_o have_v transgress_v no_o commandment_n of_o god_n nay_o this_o holy_a man_n do_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o have_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n proceed_v to_o have_v make_v war_n with_o their_o brethren_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o rebellion_n and_o idolatry_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o have_v offend_v god_n and_o have_v fall_v into_o his_o hand_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n but_o say_v he_o now_o you_o have_v deliver_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v inform_v by_o phineas_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v also_o of_o so_o yield_v a_o temper_n that_o the_o text_n say_v that_o the_o report_n that_o phineas_n make_v have_v these_o two_o excellent_a effect_n ver_fw-la 33._o they_o be_v very_o well_o please_v with_o what_o the_o reubenites_n have_v do_v and_o they_o bless_v god_n who_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o commit_v of_o murder_n upon_o a_o misapprehension_n that_o their_o brethren_n have_v commit_v idolatry_n sect._n 12._o i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o gloss_v or_o paraphrase_v upon_o this_o practice_n and_o all_o the_o material_a passage_n thereof_o be_v persuade_v that_o if_o god_n will_v but_o give_v to_o his_o people_n that_o be_v most_o zealous_a against_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n to_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v of_o then_o that_o they_o will_v without_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n hear_v the_o defence_n those_o make_v for_o themselves_o in_o command_v or_o do_v thing_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o other_o to_o be_v idolatrous_a as_o the_o altar_n at_o first_o do_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o but_o charitable_o believe_v what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n declare_v in_o their_o apology_n chap._n 17._o division_n 1._o and_o also_o in_o their_o preface_n to_o the_o common_a prayer_n concern_v ceremony_n in_o general_a and_o of_o the_o cross_n in_o particular_a in_o her_o canon_n it_o will_v huge_o conduce_v to_o heal_v we_o by_o extinguish_v our_o great_a heat_n and_o animosity_n and_o by_o deliver_v we_o from_o scruple_v ourselves_o and_o censure_v other_o about_o the_o same_o that_o so_o after_o all_o our_o unbrother_o and_o unchristian_a difference_n and_o discord_n about_o the_o mode_n only_o of_o worship_n as_o mr._n baxter_n say_v we_o may_v now_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o one_o shoulder_n and_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n sect._n 13._o in_o particular_a do_v the_o most_o unsatisfy_a but_o believe_v what_o have_v be_v write_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n or_o what_o i_o now_o write_v of_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o by_o appoint_v or_o conform_v to_o it_o set_v up_o a_o altar_n by_o god_n altar_n or_o add_v a_o sacrament_n to_o a_o sacrament_n thereby_o it_o be_v but_o ed_n as_o the_o reubenites_n call_v their_o significant_a sign_n it_o be_v but_o a_o witness_n or_o a_o token_n as_o the_o church_n teach_v that_o person_n baptize_v may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n a_o duty_n as_o i_o say_v before_o of_o high_a concern_v they_o do_v not_o place_v any_o worship_n or_o holiness_n in_o this_o sign_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v but_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o novelty_n they_o do_v retain_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n among_o they_o as_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o use_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o mind_v the_o christian_n convert_v then_o from_o paganism_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v christ_n nor_o yet_o of_o his_o cross_n which_o be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v sect._n 14._o but_o now_o find_v that_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o five_o disp_n after_o he_o have_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o determine_v of_o such_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o lawful_a governor_n may_v in_o such_o case_n bound_v we_o by_o their_o command_n pag_n 400._o sect._n 5._o and_o thereby_o i_o suppose_v impose_v they_o give_v for_o instance_n that_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n concern_v time_n and_o the_o utensil_n about_o god_n worship_n pag._n 401._o whether_o we_o shall_v preach_v in_o a_o pulpit_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v its_o shape_n where_o we_o shall_v read_v whether_o we_o shall_v baptize_v in_o a_o font_n or_o bason_n and_o of_o what_o material_n whether_o of_o stone_n or_o pewter_n whether_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o a_o table_n or_o in_o our_o seat_n whether_o it_o shall_v stand_v in_o the_o east_n or_o west_n end_n of_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o middle_n whether_o it_o shall_v have_v rail_n or_o no_o rail_n etc._n etc._n pag._n
402._o sect._n 9_o and_o in_o pag._n 405._o have_v grant_v that_o god_n have_v not_o tie_v we_o to_o any_o one_o particular_a gesture_n but_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n to_o order_v our_o gesture_n by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n in_o preach_v pray_v hear_v sing_a and_o whether_o the_o minister_n habit_n be_v black_a or_o white_a linen_n or_o woollen_a or_o of_o what_o shape_n and_o fashion_n this_o he_o say_v be_v leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n sect._n 21._o pag._n 405._o and_o in_o 406._o he_o that_o have_v command_v we_o joyful_o to_o sing_v his_o praise_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o whether_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o meet_a or_o any_o melodious_a tune_n to_o help_v we_o or_o whether_o we_o shall_v use_v or_o not_o use_v a_o musical_a instrument_n or_o the_o help_n of_o more_o artificial_a singer_n or_o chorister_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o sect._n 23._o the_o use_n of_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o be_v no_o usurpation_n or_o addition_n to_o the_o word_n or_o institution_n of_o god_n for_o man_n to_o determine_v it_o be_v but_o obey_v of_o god_n command_n all_o these_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o genus_fw-la and_o command_v we_o of_o god_n and_o the_o species_n no_o where_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n determine_v of_o etc._n etc._n sect._n 15._o yet_o in_o pag._n 417._o he_o say_v that_o of_o all_o our_o ceremony_n there_o be_v none_o that_o i_o have_v more_o suspect_v to_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a than_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n the_o rest_n as_o i_o have_v say_v i_o shall_v have_v submit_v to_o rather_o than_o hinder_v the_o service_n or_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n say_v pag._n 418._o yet_o dare_v i_o not_o peremptory_o say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a nor_o will_v i_o make_v any_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o more_o than_o my_o own_o forbearance_n which_o i_o fear_v will_v not_o be_v a_o little_a consider_v what_o be_v publish_v against_o the_o same_o by_o these_o follow_a reason_n pag._n 418._o sect._n 53._o this_o be_v not_o say_v he_o the_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o a_o duty_n but_o a_o substantial_a humane_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n there_o must_v be_v some_o time_n some_o place_n some_o gesture_n some_o vesture_n some_o utensil_n but_o you_o can_v say_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o teach_a symbol_n some_o mystical_a sign_n etc._n etc._n sect._n 16._o to_o which_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o reply_v that_o i_o can_v say_v so_o because_o that_o i_o have_v read_v so_o much_o affirm_v by_o yourself_o pag._n 404._o five_o disput_fw-la be_v as_o much_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v declare_v for_o there_o i_o find_v sect._n 18._o though_o the_o tongue_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n yet_o not_o the_o only_a instrument_n to_o express_v the_o mind_n and_o though_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a yet_o not_o the_o only_a sign_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a be_v wont_v by_o other_o sign_n as_o well_o as_o word_n to_o prophesy_v to_o the_o people_n sect._n 19_o and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o have_v reprove_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n that_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n mere_o as_o a_o profess_v signal_n action_n to_o show_v to_o the_o heathen_a and_o jew_n about_o they_o that_o they_o believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a christ_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o his_o cross_n sect._n 17._o now_o i_o beseech_v the_o christian_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n so_o use_v be_v not_o a_o teach_a symbol_n or_o a_o mystical_a sign_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o that_o though_o this_o worthy_a person_n dare_v not_o reprove_v the_o ancient_a christian_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n yet_o seem_v to_o reprove_v the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n and_o no_o other_o who_o do_v use_v it_o only_o as_o a_o profess_v signal_n action_n who_o also_o grant_v significant_a sign_n warrantable_a pag._n 410._o secondary_o tho_o not_o primary_n speak_v of_o the_o surplice_n sect._n 40._o saying_n he_o will_v use_v that_o garment_n if_o he_o can_v not_o be_v dispense_v with_o though_o secondary_o the_o whiteness_n be_v to_o signify_v purity_n and_o so_o it_o be_v make_v a_o teach_a sign_n yet_o will_v i_o obey_v for_o secondary_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o pious_o make_v teach_v sign_n of_o our_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v and_o if_o so_o why_o not_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n sect._n 18._o now_o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o church_n only_o as_o a_o teach_a sign_n and_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n baxters_n distinction_n secondary_o and_o not_o primary_n not_o as_o a_o humane_a sacrament_n as_o be_v say_v before_o sect._n 54._o i_o argue_v first_o from_o the_o word_n quote_v by_o mr._n baxter_n in_o the_o form_n of_o celebration_n pag._n 421._o we_o receive_v this_o child_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o do_v sign_n he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o hereafter_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n two_o thing_n i_o desire_v may_v be_v observe_v from_o hence_o and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o covenant_a sign_n as_o be_v say_v sect._n 60._o pag._n 420._o sect._n 19_o first_o the_o order_n of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n it_o be_v after_o the_o child_n be_v baptize_v according_a to_o christ_n own_o institution_n by_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n after_o that_o the_o infant_n be_v external_o admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o seal_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o make_v a_o visible_a church_n member_n then_o it_o follow_v we_o receive_v this_o child_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o do_v sign_n he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o to_o what_o end_n to_o be_v a_o instrument_n to_o convey_v grace_n no_o but_o for_o the_o very_a end_n that_o mr._n baxter_n dare_v not_o reprove_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n that_o use_v this_o sign_n viz._n as_o a_o profess_v signal_n action_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o secundary_a end_n of_o this_o ceremony_n or_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v only_o a_o teach_a sign_n to_o remember_v we_o of_o a_o moral_a duty_n as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n itself_o be_v the_o primary_n one_o the_o invest_n the_o list_a and_o the_o covenant_a sign_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v only_o a_o teach_a sign_n of_o a_o duty_n of_o so_o much_o moment_n that_o if_o we_o perform_v it_o not_o christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o before_o his_o father_n methinks_v this_o shall_v incline_v all_o peaceable_a mind_n to_o incline_v to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n when_o command_v it_o be_v only_o a_o sign_n and_o token_n to_o mind_v we_o of_o a_o moral_a duty_n sect._n 20._o but_o second_o that_o it_o be_v only_o and_o no_o other_o than_o a_o teach_a sign_n i_o argue_v from_o what_o i_o find_v bring_v to_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a pag._n 419._o sect._n 57_o by_o those_o word_n prefix_v before_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n of_o ceremony_n where_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o dark_a and_o dumb_a ceremony_n but_o be_v so_o set_v forth_o that_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v what_o they_o do_v mean_a and_o to_o what_o use_v they_o do_v serve_v and_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o dull_a mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n by_o some_o notable_a and_o special_a signification_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v edifyed_a this_o ceremony_n therefore_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v but_o of_o that_o teach_a significancy_n which_o be_v allow_v in_o five_o disput._n to_o the_o surplice_n and_o therefore_o be_v only_o for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o so_o christian_n a_o duty_n be_v a_o mean_v no_o where_o forbid_v may_v lawful_o be_v use_v the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n though_o acknowledge_v five_o disput._n before_o quote_v to_o be_v a_o symbolical_a sign_n and_o lawful_a to_o be_v use_v pag._n 406._o yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o to_o remember_v the_o party_n that_o wear_v it_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o her_o god_n which_o she_o have_v enter_v into_o with_o her_o husband_n at_o the_o public_a celebration_n of_o matrimony_n before_o many_o witness_n the_o engage_v covenant_a act_n in_o the_o