of_o such_o a_o religion_n require_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v in_o one_o thing_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n our_o brethren_n to_o have_v it_o grant_v as_o it_o will_v be_v any_o disparagement_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o guilt_n that_o all_o those_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o that_o rail_v and_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o separate_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o studious_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o downright_a schism_n against_o it_o but_o certain_o all_o man_n will_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o offence_n only_o take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o church_n than_o murder_n and_o adultery_n theft_n and_o robbery_n ought_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v sin_n be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o unjust_a separation_n from_o it_o but_o so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o will_v be_v no_o transgression_n and_o adulterer_n may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o law_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o one_o case_n as_o schismatic_n can_v accuse_v they_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v both_o in_o this_o case_n equal_o culpable_a i._n e._n indeed_o not_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o period_n if_o piety_n and_o become_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n if_o gravity_n decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o engage_v man_n to_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sin_n or_o evil_n to_o be_v eschew_v and_o dread_v by_o man_n then_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v possible_o give_v offence_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v of_o it_o but_o if_o not_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v or_o fear_v any_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o it_o by_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v free_a from_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o first_o sense_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n 2._o i_o proceed_v therefore_o now_o to_o inquire_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o sufficient_o from_o it_o in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n also_o and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v best_a and_o most_o plain_o be_v determine_v by_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v think_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o reasonable_a discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o mean_v still_o cause_n of_o these_o give_v to_o he_o by_o another_o now_o these_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reduce_v pretty_a safe_o to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o some_o dishonour_n offer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n 2._o the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o man_n 3._o the_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a and_o difficult_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v these_o be_v great_a and_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n it_o can_v but_o great_o afflict_v a_o good_a man_n to_o behold_v his_o god_n who_o he_o adore_v and_o honour_n and_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n affront_v and_o dishonour_v his_o law_n violate_v his_o authority_n contemn_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o dare_v and_o foolish_a man_n river_n of_o water_n say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n psal_n 119.136_o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o like_a sorrow_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o see_v other_o man_n for_o who_o he_o have_v a_o great_a and_o concern_v charity_n and_o who_o he_o love_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n to_o wound_v and_o destroy_v their_o precious_a soul_n and_o to_o provide_v matter_n for_o eternal_a torment_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o discourage_v a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o render_v it_o more_o perplex_v and_o troublesome_a to_o he_o may_v be_v just_o call_v a_o offence_n or_o grief_n to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o easy_o understand_v how_o this_o kind_n of_o offence_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v any_o other_o but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o way_n now_o let_v our_o debate_n be_v determine_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o let_v the_o issue_n be_v whether_o conformity_n can_v be_v grieve_v other_o upon_o any_o of_o these_o account_n it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a be_v say_v or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n be_v offer_v that_o we_o offend_v man_n hereby_o because_o we_o either_o do_v any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o to_o his_o holy_a religion_n by_o it_o it_o be_v much_o true_a that_o we_o bring_v honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o both_o by_o it_o to_o god_n by_o take_v the_o best_a course_n we_o can_v pitch_v upon_o to_o secure_v the_o solemnity_n and_o decency_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o to_o religion_n by_o take_v care_n that_o all_o the_o great_a service_n of_o it_o be_v perform_v decent_o and_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o profane_v by_o the_o ignorance_n or_o temerity_n of_o every_o bold_a and_o unskilful_a undertaker_n 2._o nor_o second_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o hereby_o we_o let_v man_n be_v spectator_n of_o our_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o so_o grieve_v and_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n while_o they_o see_v we_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o our_o eye_n i_o have_v that_o charity_n for_o the_o modesty_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o they_o will_v not_o call_v our_o worship_n idolatry_n and_o the_o service_n of_o baal_n any_o long_o though_o it_o can_v be_v dissemble_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o less-discerning_a rabble_n have_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o so_o to_o account_v and_o think_v of_o it_o but_o if_o any_o have_v be_v mislead_v into_o such_o a_o opinion_n i_o will_v beg_v they_o to_o come_v and_o behold_v our_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o their_o better_a conviction_n 3._o no_o nor_o three_o do_v i_o see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o offence_n upon_o its_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a or_o difficult_a to_o other_o than_o it_o will_v be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o any_o to_o show_v where_o he_o be_v hinder_v from_o be_v good_a by_o see_v other_o conformable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o what_o obstruction_n that_o cast_v in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o will_v at_o any_o time_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n and_o advantage_n to_o he_o and_o a_o furtherance_n to_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n but_o let_v or_o hindrance_n it_o can_v be_v none_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o by_o this_o we_o make_v religion_n cumbersome_a and_o clog_v that_o with_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a thing_n i_o grant_v the_o objection_n be_v reasonable_a and_o the_o charge_n of_o give_v offence_n undeniable_a be_v it_o either_o so_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v of_o old_a in_o st._n augustin_n time_n or_o be_v at_o present_a in_o the_o roman-church_n clog_v with_o so_o many_o antic_a and_o garish_a ceremony_n that_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o study_n to_o be_v a_o exact_a ritualist_n and_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n hard_a to_o remember_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o any_o service_n and_o office_n in_o religion_n than_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n a_o hundred_o time_n over_o but_o let_v i_o beg_v man_n to_o consider_v whether_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v just_a against_o a_o church_n and_o its_o liturgy_n which_o enjoin_v but_o three_o ceremony_n against_o which_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v object_v and_o these_o too_o not_o in_o the_o same_o but_o so_o many_o distinct_a service_n and_o which_o be_v little_o more_o than_o bare_o determine_v those_o circumstance_n of_o habit_n and_o gesture_n which_o be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a to_o all_o our_o action_n if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v think_v to_o make_v the_o practice_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n burdensome_a than_o any_o of_o the_o posture_n in_o which_o our_o brethren_n perform_v their_o worship_n will_v make_v that_o so_o too_o and_o then_o the_o directory_n will_v be_v as_o chargeable_a and_o faulty_a
in_o this_o as_o the_o liturgy_n these_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o this_o first_o way_n that_o i_o propose_v to_o show_v that_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o any_o thing_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o this_o place_n nor_o can_v come_v under_o his_o notion_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o which_o he_o speak_v against_o in_o it_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o may_v be_v offend_v and_o trouble_v at_o it_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o much_o some_o man_n be_v trouble_v to_o see_v a_o church_n constitute_v among_o we_o to_o behold_v it_o protect_v by_o law_n and_o power_n and_o to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o deference_n and_o respect_n pay_v unto_o it_o and_o its_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v at_o present_a by_o multitude_n both_o of_o great_a and_o good_a man_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v great_o malign_v and_o envy_v by_o man_n and_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o continual_a trouble_n and_o grief_n to_o they_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o private_a interest_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v so_o their_o design_n and_o aim_n will_v never_o be_v effect_v but_o so_o ill_a man_n be_v trouble_v at_o a_o good_a government_n and_o thief_n and_o robber_n may_v be_v vex_v that_o honest_a man_n be_v secure_v from_o they_o and_o these_o may_v as_o well_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o law_n and_o the_o government_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o as_o other_o may_v that_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o church_n and_o conformity_n sure_o we_o know_v thing_n better_o than_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o scandal_n that_o any_o man_n be_v vex_v or_o trouble_v at_o if_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o offence_n or_o forbear_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n that_o every_o ill_n design_v man_n be_v please_v to_o take_v exception_n against_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a we_o must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o nor_o venture_v to_o undertake_v any_o thing_n till_o we_o see_v whether_o all_o person_n will_v be_v please_v with_o it_o or_o not_o we_o must_v not_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o offence_n that_o please_v not_o the_o humour_n of_o every_o man_n for_o than_o nothing_o can_v avoid_v that_o character_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o it_o will_v serve_v we_o much_o further_o not_o only_o to_o justify_v ourselves_o from_o this_o imputation_n but_o to_o reflect_v it_o back_o upon_o those_o that_o charge_v we_o for_o when_o we_o have_v well_o consider_v thing_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o scandal_n will_v fall_v upon_o our_o accuser_n and_o not_o conformity_n but_o separation_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o give_a offence_n and_o that_o in_o both_o the_o notion_n of_o give_v it_o that_o have_v be_v name_v separation_n be_v indeed_o the_o scandal_n as_o be_v both_o a_o evil_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o betray_v other_o into_o many_o evil_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o schism_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o donatist_n or_o any_o that_o be_v ever_o make_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v a_o schism_n i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v on_o our_o behalf_n that_o the_o present_a separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v real_o a_o schism_n and_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n and_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o will_v judge_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o best_a successor_n yea_o and_o few_o sin_n great_a than_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v separation_n to_o be_v indeed_o the_o scandal_n and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a notion_n of_o scandal_n too_o and_o we_o sad_o see_v what_o great_a mischief_n it_o be_v introductive_a of_o what_o uncharitableness_n and_o rail_n what_o pride_n and_o censoriousness_n it_o betray_v man_n into_o schism_n be_v scarce_o ever_o content_a to_o be_v alone_o man_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o go_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n by_o asperse_v what_o they_o separate_v from_o and_o so_o man_n be_v inevitable_o betray_v into_o envy_n and_o bitter_a rail_n into_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o all_o those_o evil_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v natural_o productive_a of_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sore_a grief_n and_o trouble_n and_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o to_o many_o good_a man_n who_o can_v but_o be_v grieve_v great_o to_o see_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o disregard_v the_o great_a duty_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n so_o slight_v and_o neglect_v and_o to_o behold_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n which_o cost_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n so_o dear_a and_o be_v so_o great_o belove_v by_o he_o so_o very_o little_o consult_v or_o rather_o purposely_o betray_v to_o behold_v man_n allow_v themselves_o nay_o glory_n in_o such_o damnable_a sin_n destroy_v their_o soul_n by_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o and_o wilful_o forfeit_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o last_o to_o see_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n so_o perplex_v with_o idle_a question_n and_o make_v intricate_a by_o needless_a dispute_n and_o to_o see_v so_o many_o unreasonable_a controversy_n start_v and_o such_o eager_a quarrel_n among_o christian_n which_o the_o best_a man_n sometime_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o weather_n and_o get_v over_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v many_o sad_a and_o ache_a heart_n among_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o make_v sad_a and_o these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o sad_a division_n and_o separation_n among_o we_o these_o therefore_o be_v the_o scandal_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o so_o much_o offend_v and_o these_o be_v the_o division_n for_o which_o there_o be_v such_o search_n of_o heart_n at_o this_o day_n i_o will_v to_o god_n some_o man_n will_v serious_o consider_v thing_n they_o may_v then_o possible_o begin_v to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o action_n and_o perhaps_o see_v cause_n to_o take_v some_o part_n of_o that_o reproach_n upon_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v please_v so_o prodigal_o to_o cast_v upon_o we_o 2._o but_o i_o have_v another_o thing_n yet_o to_o show_v the_o error_n of_o apply_v this_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o our_o case_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n so_o there_o be_v too_o in_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o give_a offence_n here_o relate_v and_o they_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o we_o conform_v unto_o by_o which_o the_o offence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v the_o difference_n i_o mean_v be_v this_o that_o however_o they_o may_v be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n equal_o indifferent_a yet_o the_o superven_a command_n from_o lawful_a authority_n may_v make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o this_o text_n relate_v be_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a too_o no_o humane_a law_n have_v take_v cognizance_n of_o they_o but_o the_o institution_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v we_o give_v offence_n be_v thing_n already_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o a_o lawful_a authority_n have_v bind_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o have_v any_o controversy_n i_o hope_v with_o any_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o of_o the_o tragical_a outcry_n against_o they_o prove_v they_o essential_o evil_a though_o some_o man_n have_v be_v teach_v to_o call_v they_o rag_n of_o rome_n instance_n of_o superstition_n and_o relic_n of_o idolatry_n these_o be_v word_n of_o course_n and_o art_n of_o rail_v which_o proclaim_v indeed_o the_o rancour_n and_o malice_n of_o some_o man_n spirit_n but_o do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o certain_o a_o strange_a that_o shall_v hear_v all_o this_o outcry_n and_o at_o last_o find_v the_o thing_n declaim_v so_o against_o be_v but_o pure_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n he_o will_v either_o great_o question_v the_o judgement_n and_o honesty_n of_o some_o man_n or_o at_o least_o conclude_v that_o a_o little_a thing_n will_v serve_v those_o man_n to_o quarrel_n with_o that_o be_v resolve_v either_o to_o find_v fault_n or_o to_o make_v they_o 2._o nor_o second_o shall_v i_o need_v here_o to_o dispute_v whether_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o have_v be_v do_v full_o already_o by_o
it_o unto_o that_o and_o not_o unto_o these_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o determine_v thus_o our_o charity_n will_v determine_v as_o well_o our_o care_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n especial_o since_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a and_o principal_a act_n of_o charity_n and_o no_o one_o that_o i_o know_v of_o more_z so_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o tragical_a story_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o not_o give_v it_o to_o any_o we_o be_v express_o charge_v not_o to_o give_v offence_n and_o so_o we_o be_v express_o charge_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o put_v on_o charity_n in_o give_v offence_n we_o must_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o mean_a person_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o woe_n be_v denounce_v against_o he_o that_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o and_o so_o we_o be_v in_o charity_n command_v too_o and_o a_o woe_n threaten_v to_o he_o that_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o the_o mean_a servant_n of_o god_n yea_o this_o be_v command_v even_o to_o the_o creature_n below_o we_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o must_v prefer_v the_o church_n before_o all_o other_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v that_o charity_n can_v not_o be_v show_v unto_o both_o we_o ought_v to_o determine_v our_o respect_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o suspend_v the_o act_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o other_o and_o must_v do_v so_o too_o in_o our_o charity_n of_o not_o offend_v or_o grieve_v the_o church_n unless_o some_o disproportion_n can_v be_v show_v in_o this_o from_o the_o other_o act_n of_o charity_n or_o some_o reason_n here_o to_o alter_v the_o case_n which_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a can_v this_o place_n alone_o if_o there_o be_v none_o other_o sufficient_o determine_v this_o case_n and_o that_o we_o be_v warrant_v also_o by_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o act_v by_o this_o rule_n the_o action_n of_o those_o great_a man_n who_o life_n be_v there_o record_v for_o our_o imitation_n do_v show_v we_o the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o good_a example_n for_o we_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o we_o we_o find_v he_o in_o every_o thing_n pay_v a_o mighty_a deference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o studious_o avoid_v to_o give_v any_o displeasure_n or_o offence_n unto_o they_o and_o this_o in_o many_o thing_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v introduce_v without_o any_o express_a warrant_n or_o command_n from_o god_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v and_o have_v be_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o late_a but_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n which_o come_v pretty_a well_o up_o to_o our_o present_a case_n and_o that_o be_v his_o pay_a tribute_n of_o which_o you_o have_v the_o story_n matth._n 17.27_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o by_o this_o he_o may_v give_v some_o offence_n in_o this_o loose_a notion_n of_o offence_n i._n e._n occasion_n some_o trouble_n in_o his_o follower_n by_o own_v himself_o a_o stranger_n and_o pay_v tribute_n as_o such_o nevertheless_o he_o choose_v to_o do_v that_o rather_o than_o to_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o public_a notwithstanding_o that_o we_o offend_v they_o not_o etc._n etc._n whether_o the_o person_n he_o be_v so_o careful_a here_o not_o to_o offend_v be_v the_o roman_a government_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o our_o present_a case_n if_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o we_o see_v he_o be_v more_o careful_a not_o to_o offend_v they_o than_o his_o own_o follower_n but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_n it_o conclude_v more_o strong_o for_o we_o and_o for_o our_o present_a case_n where_o the_o government_n be_v christian_n and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n one_o and_o the_o same_o where_o we_o can_v offend_v the_o church_n but_o we_o must_v offend_v the_o government_n and_o civil_a power_n too_o under_o who_o protection_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v establish_v and_o who_o canon_n it_o have_v adopt_v into_o its_o own_o law_n after_o this_o great_a example_n i_o proceed_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o that_o we_o find_v register_v in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n i_o instance_n only_o in_o two_o which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a the_o first_o be_v his_o circumcise_n timothy_n of_o which_o you_o have_v the_o story_n act_v 16.1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v certain_a timothy_n may_v have_v object_v against_o circumcision_n and_o plead_v his_o freedom_n from_o any_o obligation_n to_o it_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o grecian_a father_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o it_o must_v be_v irksome_a and_o troublesome_a to_o he_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v great_a respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o part_n which_o may_v be_v offend_v have_v he_o not_o be_v circumcise_v his_o mother_n be_v a_o jew_n the_o other_o be_v that_o famous_a story_n of_o st._n paul_n shave_v his_o head_n and_o purify_n himself_o in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o man_n that_o have_v a_o vow_n upon_o they_o just_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n prescribe_v in_o the_o levitical_a law_n you_o have_v the_o account_n of_o it_o act_v 21._o from_o 23_o to_o 27._o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o question_n but_o this_o action_n of_o st._n paul_n must_v be_v strange_o look_v upon_o at_o first_o by_o trophimus_n and_o those_o other_o heathen_a convert_v that_o come_v with_o he_o to_o jerusalem_n who_o know_v his_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n of_o conversation_n abroad_o can_v scarce_o choose_v but_o reflect_v with_o some_o trouble_n upon_o this_o action_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a temptation_n to_o they_o to_o have_v some_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o st._n paul_n prefer_v his_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o incur_v this_o censure_n of_o they_o than_o to_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v there_o from_o which_o example_n a_o great_a advantage_n may_v be_v draw_v not_o only_o to_o direct_v we_o what_o regard_n to_o have_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n above_o any_o private_a person_n but_o even_o to_o a_o national_a or_o local_a church_n which_o be_v but_o a_o member_n and_o part_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o from_o which_o the_o constitution_n of_o other_o church_n as_o to_o custom_n and_o usage_n may_v be_v different_a st._n paul_n may_v have_v plead_v strong_o against_o this_o thing_n to_o which_o st._n james_n advise_v he_o especial_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o offence_n to_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o and_o to_o other_o from_o who_o he_o come_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o his_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a church_n where_o he_o be_v and_o his_o care_n not_o to_o offend_v it_o overcome_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o cause_v he_o ready_o to_o do_v that_o which_o neither_o they_o be_v great_o please_v with_o nor_o himself_o in_o all_o probability_n neither_o which_o have_v often_o bring_v to_o my_o mind_n the_o apostolical_a temper_n of_o st._n ambrose_n in_o that_o famous_a answer_n of_o he_o to_o st._n augustine_n mother_n which_o he_o magnify_v so_o high_o for_o oracular_a and_o divine_a that_o at_o milan_n he_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o sabbath-fast_a because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o usage_n of_o his_o church_n but_o at_o rome_n he_o do_v because_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n there_o advise_v she_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n to_o make_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a church_n her_o precedent_n and_o rule_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o it_o by_o both_o which_o notable_a example_n we_o may_v learn_v by_o what_o measure_n to_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o these_o thing_n namely_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o usage_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o present_a church_n we_o be_v in_o provide_v they_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o plain_o contrary_a to_o any_o law_n of_o god_n for_o of_o such_o thing_n i_o be_o speak_v all_o this_o while_n and_o about_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o our_o present_a dispute_n about_o give_v offence_n be_v by_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v i_o only_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o precedent_n that_o if_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v this_o great_a and_o overrule_a respect_n to_o any_o national_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o chance_v to_o come_v and_o in_o which_o we_o sojourn_v we_o certain_o ought_v much_o more_o to_o have_v the_o same_o to_o our_o own_o national_a church_n in_o which_o we_o not_o only_o live_v but_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a member_n
of_o and_o therefore_o suffer_v our_o regard_n to_o it_o to_o over-rule_v all_o other_o respect_n to_o private_a person_n that_o may_v interfere_v with_o it_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o assure_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o present_a consideration_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o can_v well_o be_v object_v against_o they_o 2._o and_o yet_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o some_o popular_a consideration_n here_o also_o which_o be_v own_v for_o sound_n and_o good_a rule_n to_o act_v by_o in_o all_o other_o like_o case_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o which_o when_o apply_v in_o our_o case_n will_v present_o determine_v it_o our_o concern_n and_o duty_n to_o have_v great_a care_v not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o to_o any_o private_a person_n four_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v just_a mention_n and_o leave_v to_o take_v effect_n by_o our_o leisurely_o consideration_n of_o they_o 1._o that_o offend_v the_o church_n be_v offend_v the_o great_a party_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v not_o only_o great_a than_o any_o other_o single_a denomination_n of_o man_n but_o than_o all_o of_o they_o together_o i_o know_v how_o forward_o each_o party_n have_v be_v to_o boast_v its_o number_n and_o some_o to_o threaten_v authority_n with_o their_o strength_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o make_v false_a muster_n and_o great_a show_n to_o crowd_v together_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o piacular_a for_o one_o to_o be_v absent_a when_o either_o the_o party_n or_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o we_o have_v public_a evidence_n now_o and_o of_o late_a that_o the_o church-party_n be_v not_o so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v it_o think_v to_o be_v it_o be_v true_a honest_a man_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v noisy_a and_o tumultuous_a the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o integrity_n satisfi_v they_o and_o the_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n be_v to_o they_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o witness_n they_o do_v not_o use_v to_o boast_v of_o themselves_o nor_o court_v great_o man_n observance_n they_o keep_v their_o station_n and_o use_v not_o to_o run_v from_o place_n to_o place_n a_o art_n by_o which_o the_o same_o man_n may_v appear_v ten_o or_o twenty_o and_o this_o perhaps_o have_v make_v some_o good_a man_n fearful_a and_o some_o other_o confident_a but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o know_v one_o another_o better_a now_o and_o have_v signalise_v their_o number_n to_o material_a purpose_n now_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o sway_a consideration_n with_o all_o scrupulous_a person_n in_o this_o case_n in_o all_o other_o it_o be_v think_v safe_a to_o offend_v the_o lesser_a party_n suppose_v they_o but_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n with_o other_o and_o when_o a_o dissenter_n consider_v that_o by_o conform_v he_o can_v but_o offend_v some_o few_o of_o his_o own_o small_a party_n or_o at_o most_o but_o some_o few_o of_o other_o but_o by_o his_o separation_n shall_v certain_o offend_v the_o whole_a church_n methinks_v it_o shall_v soon_o teach_v he_o which_o side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o choose_v unless_o those_o few_o must_v be_v count_v the_o only_a wise_a and_o the_o only_a good_a the_o sober_a and_o the_o godly_a party_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v disparage_v as_o consist_v only_o of_o ignorant_a and_o loose_a silly_a and_o dissolute_a person_n when_o bless_a be_v god_n plain_a experience_n contradict_v both_o and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v equal_a at_o least_o to_o their_o supercilious_a accuser_n both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o make_v they_o appear_v otherwise_o but_o only_o the_o pride_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v they_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v in_o her_o child_n 2._o offend_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o offend_v any_o private_a party_n of_o man_n i_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o remark_n each_o single_a instance_n in_o which_o this_o be_v evident_a every_o man_n reason_n will_v suggest_v enough_o to_o he_o neither_o god_n nor_o religion_n can_v be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o nor_o can_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o much_o endanger_v by_o private_a offence_n as_o by_o those_o against_o the_o public_a church_n man_n guilt_n be_v high_a and_o more_o injurious_a to_o themselves_o and_o the_o effect_n be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a to_o other_o which_o be_v another_o good_a consideration_n to_o sway_v man_n in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v weigh_v the_o probable_a effect_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o where_o a_o honest_a and_o uninstruct_v man_n be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o may_v do_v or_o forbear_v such_o thing_n and_o after_o his_o enquiry_n remain_v scrupulous_a and_o unresolved_a it_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o determine_v himself_o by_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v what_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o what_o he_o be_v go_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v be_v and_o that_o which_o he_o see_v attend_v with_o a_o train_n of_o the_o worse_o and_o more_o mischievous_a consequence_n disargue_v itself_o and_o pronounce_v its_o own_o condemnation_n and_o by_o these_o effect_n he_o may_v make_v as_o true_a a_o difference_n as_o if_o the_o plain_a essence_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v naked_a unto_o his_o view_n 3._o offend_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v offend_v those_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v more_o duty_n than_o we_o do_v unto_o any_o private_a party_n whatsoever_o i_o confess_v charity_n and_o respect_n and_o all_o the_o possible_a ininstance_n of_o it_o we_o owe_v to_o every_o private_a person_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v any_o way_n relate_v and_o god_n have_v make_v all_o this_o matter_n of_o plain_a duty_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o owe_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o whole_a church_n even_o as_o much_o more_o as_o we_o owe_v of_o deference_n and_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o a_o father_n and_o a_o governor_n and_o those_o that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v set_v above_o we_o above_o that_o common_a charity_n and_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v to_o owe_v to_o one_o that_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v our_o equal_a the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n consider_v we_o under_o great_a obligation_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o to_o our_o country_n than_o to_o any_o single_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o make_v injure_v of_o a_o father_n or_o our_o prince_n more_o heinous_a than_o do_v the_o same_o to_o a_o common_a person_n upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o we_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n too_o consider_v we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o call_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n let_v we_o know_v what_o great_a duty_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o and_o of_o how_o much_o great_a guilt_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o offend_v they_o than_o our_o fellow-christian_n or_o any_o party_n in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v engage_v there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n in_o the_o one_o when_o there_o be_v but_o the_o breach_n of_o common_a charity_n in_o the_o other_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o man_n may_v join_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o party_n and_o make_v another_o man_n their_o guide_n and_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o he_o and_o thereby_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o more_o duty_n than_o they_o owe_v to_o other_o but_o this_o be_v duty_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o the_o failure_n in_o it_o a_o sin_n of_o their_o own_o cause_v and_o do_v no_o more_o supercede_v their_o original_n and_o primer_n obligation_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v lay_v on_o they_o than_o the_o be_v faithful_a to_o a_o company_n of_o banditi_n will_v excuse_v disloyalty_n to_o our_o prince_n and_o country_n or_o than_o give_v a_o gift_n to_o the_o corban_n among_o the_o jew_n will_v atone_v undutifulness_n to_o a_o want_a parent_n however_o man_n may_v divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o which_o providence_n and_o religion_n have_v make_v they_o member_n and_o enter_v themselves_o into_o separate_a faction_n yet_o they_o must_v remember_v that_o they_o owe_v duty_n to_o it_o still_o that_o no_o voluntary_a and_o second_o compact_n of_o their_o own_o can_v dissolve_v their_o primitive_a obligation_n or_o their_o care_n to_o continue_v faithful_a to_o the_o one_o expiate_v their_o regardless_o offend_v of_o the_o other_o for_o they_o do_v owe_v more_o duty_n to_o