function_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o particular_a order_n whereby_o in_o this_o or_o that_o society_n he_o be_v to_o execute_v this_o function_n which_o distinction_n as_o i_o say_v before_o serve_v not_o only_o for_o a_o very_a good_a answer_n to_o the_o brownist_n that_o deny_v lecturer_n to_o be_v true_a minister_n but_o likewise_o to_o justify_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o execution_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n by_o this_o order_n of_o deacon_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v the_o very_a term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o scripture_n do_v signfie_v one_o that_o minister_v to_o another_o in_o a_o degree_n above_o he_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o deacon_n in_o the_o original_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v under_o god_n and_o serve_v in_o a_o place_n below_o he_o yet_o above_o the_o people_n he_o be_v call_v rom._n 13._o the_o deacon_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v some_o hint_n for_o this_o even_o out_o of_o 1_o tim._n 3._o he_o that_o diaconise_v it_o well_o get_v himself_o a_o sense_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d compare_v with_o the_o arabic_a &_o syâ—ack_o do_v much_o confirm_v this_o sense_n good_a degree_n imply_v that_o this_o order_n of_o deaconship_n be_v preparatory_a to_o further_a degree_n of_o order_n in_o the_o ministry_n viz._n such_o as_o i_o have_v before_o quote_v be_v execute_v in_o the_o church_n in_o st._n jeromes_n time_n that_o be_v of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n sect._n 3_o the_o ground_n therefore_o of_o this_o mistake_n i_o humble_o conceive_v lie_v in_o this_o plea_n 27._o in_o that_o they_o call_v this_o order_n of_o deacon_n to_o be_v a_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n call_v the_o deacon_n whereas_o according_a to_o mr._n ball_n in_o the_o title_n of_o lecturer_n say_v it_o be_v only_o that_o order_n in_o which_o the_o ministerial_a function_n be_v execute_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v fit_o say_v of_o the_o deacon_n the_o acceptation_n of_o who_o name_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v much_o justify_v his_o employment_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o engl._n viz._n what_o mr._n nicholls_n say_v be_v to_o be_v in_o help_v the_o priest_n in_o divine_a service_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o now_o have_v consider_v of_o these_o three_o great_a impediment_n to_o subscription_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n with_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ewe_n nonconformist_n in_o these_o time_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o all_o sober_a christian_n what_o i_o at_o first_o propound_v to_o evidence_n upon_o inquiry_n that_o subscription_n to_o all_o the_o 39_o article_n the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o to_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremonee_n there_o in_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a and_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n sect._n 4._o as_o to_o all_o the_o particular_a exception_n not_o here_o speak_v to_o against_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o rite_n of_o administration_n muster_v together_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o liturgy_n i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n forbear_v to_o answer_v particular_o have_v answer_v all_o by_o take_v away_o the_o nail_n upon_o which_o they_o all_z hang._n for_o whosoever_o shall_v serious_o review_v that_o discourse_n and_o observe_v his_o proof_n may_v find_v that_o mr._n nicholls_n argument_n against_o deacon_n because_o their_o description_n in_o every_o circumstance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v in_o not_o only_o against_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o this_o present_a liturgy_n but_o all_o the_o circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n therein_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o no_o command_n no_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n to_o use_v or_o stand_v up_o at_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la and_o the_o creed_n no_o warrant_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n for_o the_o people_n to_o answer_v the_o priest_n in_o prayer_n as_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o other_o respondes_fw-la etc._n etc._n with_o more_o of_o that_o kind_n many_o of_o which_o i_o believe_v may_v be_v warrant_v from_o scripture_n particular_o and_o such_o as_o be_v include_v in_o general_a text_n thereof_o i_o desire_v therefore_o this_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v accuse_v of_o insufficiency_n because_o that_o there_o be_v not_o particular_a command_n for_o every_o mode_n in_o worship_n for_o every_o order_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o divine_a administration_n neither_o be_v they_o who_o command_n or_o they_o which_o obey_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o be_v accuse_v of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n my_o reason_n for_o it_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o be_v the_o same_o both_o from_o reverend_n mr._n calvin_n and_o mr._n ball_n before_o quote_v which_o be_v very_o good_a in_o their_o day_n and_o be_v like_a to_o stand_v so_o while_n christ_n have_v a_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n sect._n 5._o now_o before_o i_o go_v off_o from_o this_o subject_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v do_v good_a service_n in_o this_o momentous_a business_n to_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n the_o use_n that_o the_o pious_a and_o learned_a mr._n randall_n in_o his_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n teach_v we_o to_o make_v of_o what_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v co-incident_a with_o he_o say_v he_o pag._n 148._o if_o we_o live_v in_o a_o church_n where_o such_o thing_n be_v ordain_v which_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o resist_v not_o this_o power_n or_o the_o thing_n thereby_o ordain_v 1._o this_o be_v the_o first_o rule_n and_o the_o lord_n incline_v our_o heart_n to_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o this_o follow_v another_o 2._o we_o must_v bridle_v ourselves_o from_o distike_a this_o be_v the_o second_o unto_o which_o it_o shall_v seem_v we_o be_v natural_o subject_a even_o to_o dislike_v the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n about_o thing_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n 3._o but_o three_o say_v he_o bridle_v thyself_o special_o from_o refusal_n good_a man_n have_v need_v to_o have_v a_o especial_a care_n of_o themselves_o and_o that_o by_o the_o severe_a command_n of_o god_n they_o bridle_v themselves_o from_o disobedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o man_n write_v therefore_o this_o golden_a say_n of_o reverend_a calvin_n upon_o your_o heart_n nihil_fw-la humano_fw-la ingenio_fw-la magis_fw-la adversum_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la subjectio_fw-la veer_fw-la enim_fw-la illud_fw-la olim_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la regis_fw-la animum_fw-la quemque_fw-la intra_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la calvin_n 1_o pet._n 5.5_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o which_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n be_v more_o averse_a than_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o do_v man_n natural_o bend_v their_o wit_n and_o part_n in_o dispute_v the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n what_o be_v say_v of_o old_a be_v very_o true_a every_o man_n have_v within_o himself_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o king_n he_o will_v rule_v but_o not_o obey_v follow_v therefore_o let_v we_o the_o counsel_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n especial_o to_o bridle_v ourselves_o from_o refusal_n but_o yet_o say_v he_o in_o the_o next_o place_n which_o i_o name_v the_o four_o direction_n 4._o yield_v with_o some_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n sect._n 6._o for_o though_o we_o may_v not_o refuse_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o matter_n simple_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o yet_o every_o one_o be_v to_o yield_v with_o some_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v sure_o a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o fear_n or_o any_o carnal_a respect_n to_o act_v doubt_o consider_v therefore_o that_o scrupulous_a person_n about_o doubtful_a thing_n to_o they_o command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o strait_a that_o if_o they_o yield_v obedience_n doubt_o they_o sin_v if_o they_o do_v not_o conform_v they_o sin_n some_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a sect._n 7._o now_o that_o which_o must_v persuade_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n either_o sacred_a or_o civil_a as_o to_o the_o substantial_o of_o god_n worship_n and_o our_o humane_a converse_n must_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n right_o understand_v and_o apply_v and_o that_o which_o must_v persuade_v the_o conscience_n in_o circumstantial_o refer_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n or_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n must_v be_v the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n which_o though_o they_o bound_v the_o conscience_n yet_o not_o absolute_o as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v but_o relative_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o general_a precept_n which_o command_v we_o to_o yield_v obedience_n for_o conscience_n sake_n
sect._n 7._o i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n do_v not_o dispute_v yourselves_o out_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o your_o ministey_n do_v not_o bring_v yourselves_o in_o trouble_n needless_o and_o thereby_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a conclusion_n in_o my_o simple_a judgement_n that_o because_o there_o need_v no_o law_n to_o make_v that_o which_o be_v neither_o command_v or_o foe_n bid_v to_o be_v indifferent_a five_o disput._n pag._n 437._o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n the_o subject_n duty_n by_o a_o command_n that_o be_v mere_o indifferent_a but_o that_o indifferent_a thing_n must_v be_v leave_v for_o we_o to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v at_o cu_z own_o liberty_n sect._n 8._o i_o beseech_v you_o all_o consider_v but_o what_o be_v say_v five_o disput._n page_n 439._o to_o this_o purpose_n if_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o this_o liberty_n man_n shall_v not_o take_v that_o liberty_n from_o we_o without_o great_a cause_n and_o without_o some_o accidental_a good_a that_o be_v like_a to_o come_v by_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o liberty_n and_o that_o good_a must_v be_v great_a than_o the_o accidental_a evil_n to_o all_o which_o i_o do_v full_o agree_v and_o offer_v to_o consideration_n whether_o what_o i_o have_v say_v all_o this_o time_n that_o the_o liberty_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o private_a whether_o we_o will_v use_v a_o form_n or_o no_o form_n in_o prayer_n be_v take_v away_o at_o sometime_o only_o in_o public_a for_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o k._n charles_n the_o first_o of_o bless_a memory_n in_o his_o meditation_n on_o the_o ordinance_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n though_o i_o be_o for_o common_a prayer_n before_o preach_a that_o yet_o there_o be_v use_v of_o a_o grave_n modest_a discreet_a and_o humble_a use_n of_o the_o minister_n gift_n even_o in_o public_a the_o better_a to_o fit_v and_o excite_v their_o own_o and_o the_o people_n affection_n i_o say_v whether_o this_o liberty_n be_v not_o take_v away_o without_o great_a cause_n viz._n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o liberty_n of_o eat_a blood_n etc._n etc._n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o gentile_a christian_n act_n 15._o sect._n 9_o and_o that_o the_o accidental_a good_a which_o be_v like_a to_o be_v by_o uniformity_n be_v great_a than_o the_o accidental_a evil_n which_o be_v the_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o liberty_n so_o that_o as_o mr._n calvin_n say_v the_o pastor_n in_o his_o function_n may_v not_o lawful_o depart_v from_o that_o form_n and_o those_o rite_n appoint_v which_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o do_v before_o will_v evident_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n as_o the_o way_n to_o unity_n but_o also_o by_o what_o you_o may_v find_v in_o the_o five_o disput._n among_o those_o many_o reason_n which_o be_v there_o give_v for_o obedience_n in_o lawful_a thing_n such_o as_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o significant_a gesture_n of_o stand_v at_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o surplice_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o the_o say_a disputation_n if_o i_o have_v not_o forget_v what_o i_o have_v there_o read_v be_v there_o grant_v to_o be_v lawful_a sect._n 10._o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o among_o those_o reason_n beginning_n at_o pag._n 483._o which_o be_v all_o very_a good_a one_o and_o i_o desire_n may_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n in_o this_o juncture_n of_o time_n i_o find_v pag._n 487._o reason_n 10._o that_o by_o this_o disobedience_n in_o thing_n lawful_a the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v involve_v in_o contention_n and_o so_o engage_v in_o bitter_a uncharitableness_n and_o censure_n and_o persecution_n and_o reproach_n one_o of_o another_o which_o scandalous_a course_n will_v nourish_v vice_n dishonour_n god_n rejoice_v the_o enemy_n grieve_v the_o godly_a that_o be_v peaceable_a and_o judicious_a and_o wound_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o contender_n we_o see_v the_o beginning_n of_o such_o fire_n be_v small_a but_o whether_o they_o will_v tend_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o they_o we_o see_v not_o sect._n 11._o now_o if_o the_o prevent_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o sinful_a evil_n be_v not_o a_o great_a good_a than_o that_o accidental_a evil_n before_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o i_o further_o offer_v i_o desire_v may_v be_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o as_o mr._n calvin_n say_v to_o which_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n be_v so_o averse_a as_o subjection_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v more_o subject_a than_o those_o sin_n beforenamed_n in_o five_o disput_fw-la as_o uncharitableness_n and_o censoriousness_n about_o small_a matter_n we_o have_v find_v it_o so_o by_o woeful_a experience_n both_o former_o and_o to_o this_o present_a day_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o such_o as_o take_v their_o liberty_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o conformity_n that_o do_v not_o wear_v the_o same_o canonical_a habit_n as_o it_o be_v call_v that_o be_v no_o common_a prayer_n man_n how_o be_v they_o esteem_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n for_o such_o that_o see_v more_o into_o the_o evil_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o other_o man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o be_v those_o which_o do_v conform_v such_o as_o be_v peaceable_a and_o judicious_a how_o be_v they_o condemn_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o same_o person_n for_o sursingle-man_n and_o superstitious_a temporizer_n sect._n 12._o there_o be_v therefore_o such_o probable_a ground_n of_o hope_n that_o by_o a_o general_a obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n these_o evil_n may_v be_v remedy_v these_o sin_n suppress_v which_o dishonour_n god_n grieve_v the_o judicious_a godly_a make_v the_o papist_n to_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o ill_a opinion_n of_o we_o for_o our_o dissension_n occasion_n other_o to_o fall_v off_o to_o they_o as_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o grotius_n mention_v five_o disput_fw-la upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n lay_v together_o i_o humble_o conceive_v i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o obedience_n to_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n be_v the_o way_n to_o unity_n wherein_o i_o have_v also_o prove_v how_o great_a the_o mistake_n be_v in_o the_o petition_n for_o peace_n that_o the_o command_a of_o these_o unnecessary_a imposition_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o dissension_n and_o division_n that_o have_v be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o king_n edward_n day_n sect._n 13._o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o in_o order_n to_o the_o incline_n of_o such_o as_o be_v concern_v to_o observe_v the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n by_o show_v the_o great_a mistake_n there_o be_v as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v in_o what_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o petitioner_n for_o peace_n pag._n 15._o who_o there_o say_v on_o the_o comrary_a that_o if_o these_o unnecessary_a imposition_n be_v remove_v we_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o bless_a unity_n and_o peace_n for_o if_o the_o bare_a removal_n of_o these_o unnecessary_a imposition_n will_v procure_v a_o bless_a unity_n and_o peace_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o desire_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n of_o liberty_n from_o these_o imposition_n we_o have_v be_v so_o woeful_o divide_v that_o be_v so_o unanimous_a before_o against_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n sect._n 14._o sure_o have_v i_o know_v so_o much_o before_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o trouble_n as_o now_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n and_o feud_n between_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o the_o separatist_n as_o now_o appear_v unto_o i_o by_o their_o write_n that_o i_o have_v see_v between_o they_o in_o the_o bishop_n day_n i_o shall_v have_v foresee_v by_o their_o principle_n which_o i_o gather_v most_o clear_o in_o a_o book_n set_v forth_o by_o mr._n simon_n ash_n write_v by_o mr._n john_n ball_n against_o john_n can_v edit_n 1642._o by_o which_o book_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o one_o side_n principle_n do_v tend_v to_o independency_n and_o the_o other_o to_o presbytery_n i_o say_v i_o think_v very_o i_o shall_v have_v foresee_v that_o when_o the_o bishop_n be_v down_o great_a dissension_n and_o division_n will_v arise_v among_o themselves_o sect._n 15._o mow_v that_o it_o do_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o do_v fall_v out_o extreme_o when_o episcopal_a government_n be_v lay_v aside_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o i_o need_v not_o fear_v i_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o publisher_n thereof_o which_o animosity_n and_o division_n and_o opposition_n of_o each_o
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
conscience_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n therefore_o to_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n be_v warrant_v and_o may_v be_v do_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n sect._n 5._o and_o that_o we_o may_v lawful_o declare_v that_o i_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o against_o those_o that_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n also_o the_o scripture_n which_o command_v we_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n 1_o pet._n 3._o mean_v his_o person_n as_o well_o as_o his_o authority_n it_o be_v so_o doubtless_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o natural_a parent_n who_o we_o be_v command_v to_o honour_n command_v 5._o that_o we_o honour_v their_o person_n as_o well_o as_o their_o authority_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o to_o our_o political_a parent_n further_o if_o i_o be_o to_o obey_v those_o which_o be_v commission_v by_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o if_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n 1_o pet._n 3._o then_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o those_o that_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a sect._n 6._o to_o affirm_v therefore_o that_o the_o king_n authority_n be_v separable_a from_o his_o person_n and_o that_o i_o may_v take_v up_o arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n it_o be_v high_a treason_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o traitorous_a position_n sir_n edward_n coke_n in_o the_o 7._o part_n of_o his_o report_n in_o calvin_n case_n say_v thus_o fol._n 11._o in_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o second_o the_o spencer_n the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o cover_v the_o treason_n hatch_v in_o their_o heart_n invent_v this_o damnable_a opinion_n that_o homage_n or_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n be_v more_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o king_n crown_n or_o authority_n then_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n upon_o which_o opinion_n they_o infer_v these_o execrable_a and_o detestable_a consequence_n first_o if_o the_o king_n do_v not_o deem_v in_o he_o by_o reason_n in_o the_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n his_o liege_n be_v bind_v by_o oath_n to_o remove_v he_o second_o see_v the_o king_n can_v not_o be_v remove_v by_o suit_n of_o law_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v per_fw-la aspertee_n that_o be_v by_o force_n three_o that_o his_o liege_n be_v bind_v to_o govern_v in_o aid_n of_o he_o and_o default_n of_o he_o all_o which_o be_v condemn_v by_o two_o parliament_n one_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o second_o call_v exilium_fw-la hugonis_fw-la le_fw-fr opencer_n the_o other_o by_o the_o first_o of_o edward_n the_o three_o chap._n 2._o all_o which_o article_n against_o the_o spencer_n be_v confirm_v by_o this_o last_o statute_n the_o article_n as_o i_o have_v read_v be_v extant_a in_o the_o book_n call_v veter_fw-la a_o statuta_fw-la sect._n 7._o now_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v as_o to_o our_o humiliation_n for_o what_o be_v past_a as_o to_o our_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o as_o to_o our_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o not_o bind_v power_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o declare_v against_o the_o take_n up_o of_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o thus_o now_o have_v turn_v my_o heart_n inside_n outward_a and_o show_v you_o what_o do_v satisfy_v my_o conscience_n and_o may_v any_o other_o i_o suppose_v as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o declare_v that_o i_o do_v hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o oath_n or_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n or_o change_n of_o government_n and_o how_o the_o same_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n against_o the_o know_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n sect._n 8._o i_o humble_o conceive_v the_o counsel_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v follow_v which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v find_v into_o which_o any_o minister_n or_o other_o have_v enter_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o land_n in_o this_o case_n they_o must_v teach_v themselves_o and_o other_o that_o such_o oath_n call_v for_o repentance_n not_o pertinacy_n in_o they_o i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o there_o be_v in_o you_o any_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n either_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n body_n estate_n with_o their_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n or_o likewise_o to_o all_o these_o great_a concern_v of_o other_o which_o now_o lie_v at_o hazard_n by_o your_o mean_n think_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o sect._n 9_o you_o especial_o who_o do_v more_o peradventure_o scruple_n the_o declare_v against_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o many_o call_v independent_o do_v long_o ago_o call_v it_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n or_o the_o scotch_a hook_n be_v please_v to_o take_v these_o thing_n into_o your_o calm_a and_o christian_a consideration_n you_o more_o especial_o who_o have_v not_o corrupt_v your_o conscience_n by_o the_o purchase_n and_o possess_v yourselves_o of_o any_o of_o the_o king_n land_n in_o law_n call_v patrimonium_fw-la sacrum_fw-la lex_fw-la terrae_fw-la pag._n 5._o or_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v sacrilege_n so_o to_o do_v oh_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o drive_v not_o on_o the_o design_n of_o those_o that_o we_o may_v suspect_v will_v fain_o involve_v we_o again_o in_o blood_n that_o they_o may_v lick_v up_o again_o those_o morsel_n that_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o disgorge_v sect._n 10._o and_o let_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o your_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o your_o ministry_n for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n the_o great_a doubtfulness_n at_o least_o of_o what_o you_o scruple_n as_o to_o the_o bince_a power_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o alter_v or_o endeavour_v a_o change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o church_n or_o state_n the_o assurance_n that_o you_o have_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o body_n politic_a in_o this_o present_a act_n of_o parliament_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o incline_v to_o what_o i_o have_v here_o offer_v to_o you_o upon_o this_o argument_n i_o have_v prefaced_a so_o much_o of_o the_o integrity_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o my_o intention_n iâ—_n this_o discourse_n that_o i_o shall_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o consideration_n sect._n 11._o and_o because_o that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o we_o that_o do_v scruple_n obedience_n to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o impose_v form_n of_o prayer_n shall_v this_o scruple_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v remove_v this_o be_v great_o argue_v against_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o temperate_a discourse_n about_o liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o that_o there_o be_v other_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v yield_v to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n yet_o not_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v assume_v by_o the_o author_n of_o plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la to_o be_v tantum_n non_fw-la the_o mass-book_n by_o discourse_n of_o liturgy_n not_o to_o be_v use_v have_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o a_o idol_n etc._n etc._n the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n requite_v every_o minister_n pag._n 77._o to_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o clurch_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v sect._n 12._o i_o shall_v through_o god_n assistance_n proceed_v by_o answer_v what_o be_v object_v by_o these_o two_o aforesaid_a author_n make_v evident_a the_o lawfulness_n of_o conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o law_n begin_v first_o more_o general_o with_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o liturgy_n a_o book_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v too_o much_o commend_v by_o some_o i_o much_o honour_n and_o then_o particular_o by_o remove_v what_o be_v say_v by_o plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la against_o the_o public_a liturgy_n as_o take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n etc._n etc._n chap._n viii_o that_o uniformity_n in_o public_a worship_n by_o obedience_n to_o a_o impose_v form_n be_v lawful_a section_n 1._o concern_v uniformity_n in_o public_a worship_n i_o have_v
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
now_o if_o upon_o a_o serious_a search_n into_o god_n bless_a book_n we_o find_v no_o command_n of_o christ_n forbid_v the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o my_o poor_a apprehension_n the_o conscience_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o doubt_n fear_n and_o scruple_n and_o the_o more_o evidence_n we_o have_v thereof_o the_o more_o persuasion_n but_o some_o you_o may_v observe_v from_o mr._n randall_n be_v necessary_a and_o thus_o now_o have_v presume_v to_o show_v how_o in_o my_o weak_a judgement_n this_o four_o direction_n of_o he_o may_v be_v practicable_a i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o which_o i_o reckon_v his_o five_o 5._o take_v such_o a_o course_n whereby_o thou_o may_v obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o offend_v the_o weak_a herein_o be_v wisdom_n sect._n 8._o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v that_o weak_a christian_n that_o be_v such_o who_o yet_o know_v not_o their_o christian_a liberty_n concern_v these_o circumstantial_o in_o worship_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n word_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_v and_o censure_v those_o minister_n that_o do_v conform_v to_o the_o use_n of_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o matter_n of_o offence_n about_o meat_n drink_n and_o day_n that_o be_v rom._n 14._o that_o i_o say_v weak_a christian_n may_v not_o be_v offend_v and_o be_v deliver_v from_o their_o fear_n and_o scruple_n about_o sin_v against_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o use_n of_o the_o same_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o as_o this_o weakness_n have_v be_v much_o contract_v and_o be_v much_o continue_v by_o what_o they_o have_v suck_v in_o from_o the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o their_o teacher_n against_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o humane_a invention_n in_o god_n worship_n among_o which_o the_o thing_n before_o speak_v to_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o that_o name_n because_o reducible_a to_o no_o command_n so_o the_o way_n to_o strengthen_v they_o be_v for_o such_o minister_n who_o have_v not_o be_v clear_a in_o their_o expression_n and_o who_o ministry_n have_v a_o command_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o affection_n in_o other_o substantial_a truth_n plain_o to_o instruct_v they_o and_o inform_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o conform_v and_o yield_v obedience_n sect._n 9_o i_o say_v do_v such_o minister_n who_o zealous_o in_o their_o preach_n set_v forth_o the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o christ_n of_o holiness_n and_o regeneration_n and_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o like_a faithfulness_n present_v their_o hearer_n with_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o matter_n not_o simple_o unlawful_a faithful_o show_v they_o that_o the_o best_a way_n for_o to_o make_v these_o thing_n not_o simple_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o not_o to_o be_v so_o to_o they_o be_v to_o rectify_v their_o judgement_n and_o persuade_v their_o conscience_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o also_o that_o the_o only_a cure_n for_o our_o contention_n about_o these_o lesser_a thing_n be_v to_o mind_v the_o substantial_o of_o christ_n kingdom_n indeed_o rom._n 14._o direct_v they_o to_o proportion_v their_o zeal_n more_o about_o these_o thing_n than_o these_o poor_a circumstantial_a matter_n in_o difference_n sect_n 10._o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o do_v such_o minister_n who_o be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a in_o their_o life_n and_o powerful_a in_o their_o preach_n but_o make_v these_o particular_n aforesaid_a the_o subject_a matter_n of_o their_o information_n of_o their_o hearer_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o confound_v thing_n that_o differ_v and_o in_o general_a term_n declaim_v against_o superstitious_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o addition_n to_o god_n worship_n etc._n etc._n there_o will_v be_v great_a hope_n through_o god_n blessing_n upon_o on_o this_o mean_n that_o those_o who_o now_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o that_o can_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o like_a case_n rom._n 14._o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v but_o they_o be_v persuade_v against_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o sinful_a though_o they_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o knowledge_n whatever_o they_o may_v think_v of_o themselves_o they_o will_v by_o this_o mean_n come_v to_o be_v enlighten_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v to_o understand_v their_o christian_n liberty_n and_o so_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o scandal_n through_o their_o weakness_n will_v be_v take_v away_o sect._n 11._o and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n now_o require_v every_o lecturer_n to_o do_v the_o first_o time_n he_o preach_v before_o sermon_n and_o also_o upon_o the_o first_o lecture-day_n every_o month_n pag._n 86._o may_v very_o much_o comport_v with_o the_o advice_n aforesaid_a and_o together_o may_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o mr._n randall_n five_o direction_n viz._n to_o take_v such_o a_o course_n whereby_o we_o may_v neither_o offend_v the_o magistrate_n or_o our_o weak_a brother_n but_o what_o now_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o at_o some_o minister_n first_o conform_v according_o to_o the_o act_n some_o christian_n till_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v will_v be_v offend_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n this_o reverend_a person_n who_o memory_n be_v precious_a with_o many_o old_a professor_n to_o this_o day_n proceed_v further_a to_o that_o which_o for_o method_n sake_n i_o call_v the_o six_o direction_n pag._n 143._o 6._o yet_o rather_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n though_o with_o offence_n sect._n 12._o and_o the_o reason_n that_o he_o give_v be_v this_o which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v serious_o weigh_v for_o here_o disobedience_n be_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o offend_v the_o weak_a and_o indeed_o in_o this_o case_n i_o give_v no_o offence_n because_o my_o hand_n be_v bind_v and_o i_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o do_v otherwise_o chap._n fourteen_o contain_v the_o course_n that_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o take_v as_o to_o conformity_n though_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o weak_a brethren_n in_o which_o chapter_n the_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n be_v consider_v and_o what_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o temperate_a discourse_n be_v answer_v and_o the_o magistrate_n free_v from_o what_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o under_o this_o consideration_n section_n 1._o now_o because_o that_o much_o be_v rapt_v up_o in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o let_v it_o into_o the_o understanding_n of_o weak_a brethren_n by_o take_v they_o into_o these_o proportion_n 1._o first_o that_o though_o to_o offend_v the_o weak_a in_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o our_o liberty_n be_v a_o sin_n yet_o when_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v command_v by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o i_o obey_v not_o here_o disobedience_n be_v the_o sin_n to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o command_n be_v indifferent_a yet_o obedience_n to_o that_o command_n be_v a_o express_a gospel-duty_n 1_o pet._n rom._n 13._o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o as_o mr._n randall_n say_v take_v away_o any_o just_a cause_n of_o offend_v the_o weak_a 2._o second_o that_o where_o christian_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la but_o under_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o simple_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a and_o in_o conform_v to_o their_o command_n i_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o my_o weak_a brother_n this_o may_v be_v scandalum_fw-la acceptum_fw-la but_o non_fw-la datum_fw-la i_o give_v no_o offence_n say_v mr._n randal_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o my_o hand_n be_v bind_v where_o i_o be_o not_o at_o my_o own_o liberty_n but_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o propagate_a and_o honour_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v weaken_v by_o difference_n and_o division_n about_o mode_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o command_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v superstitious_a or_o superfluous_a to_o weak_a christian_n and_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v thereat_o and_o take_v offence_n yet_o observe_v what_o mr._n randall_n say_v i_o give_v none_o by_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o what_o i_o find_v concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdeene_n of_o old_a be_v very_o considerable_a that_o the_o scandal_n of_o brethren_n weigh_v light_a when_o put_v into_o the_o scale_n with_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n sect._n 2._o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n use_v against_o nonconformity_n in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o liturgy_n