they_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n so_o his_o doubt_n concern_v they_o affect_v his_o conscience_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o god_n law_n may_v be_v transgress_v in_o they_o so_o that_o where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n his_o doubt_n about_o a_o action_n do_v not_o concern_v his_o conscience_n three_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o doubt_v and_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n we_o mean_v that_o the_o man_n be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a now_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v a_o conscience_n in_o some_o measure_n resolve_v but_o yet_o accompany_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o act_v according_a to_o that_o resolution_n the_o person_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n nor_o any_o new_a reason_n to_o unsettle_v he_o but_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o act_v he_o be_v trouble_v with_o unaccountable_a fear_n but_o the_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v quite_o different_a and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o action_n occasion_v by_o the_o equal_a or_o near_o equal_a probability_n on_o both_o side_n the_o resolve_a conscience_n act_v cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n act_v fearful_o but_o the_o doubtful_a conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n the_o man_n that_o have_v either_o a_o resolve_v or_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n pass_v a_o judgement_n on_o the_o thing_n but_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n pass_v no_o judgement_n at_o all_o for_o than_o it_o will_v no_o long_o be_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o true_o and_o strict_o speak_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o for_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n about_o the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n but_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n waver_v and_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o conscience_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n as_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n however_o to_o comply_v with_o custom_n i_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n in_o speak_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n conscience_n needs_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v first_o then_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v resolve_v all_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o to_o doubt_v no_o long_o about_o it_o but_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o may_v determine_v in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n so_o as_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o doubt_n or_o not_o a_o rule_n that_o determine_v not_o whether_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o but_o what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v where_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o instance_n the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v not_o to_o determine_v whether_o be_v be_v lawful_a to_o play_v at_o card_n but_o what_o i_o must_v do_v if_o i_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o play_v at_o card_n before_o a_o man_n act_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n he_o determine_v himself_o to_o be_v all_o thing_n consider_v the_o more_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o no_o man_n must_v act_v till_o he_o be_v able_a to_o untie_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o resolve_v all_o the_o doubt_n that_o may_v have_v be_v start_v about_o the_o action_n for_o this_o in_o many_o case_n be_v utter_o impossible_a the_o person_n may_v not_o have_v sufficient_a time_n or_o mean_n for_o the_o do_v it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n can_v possible_o do_v better_a than_o to_o get_v satisfy_v by_o reason_n and_o advice_n what_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o proceed_v among_o the_o most_o conscientious_a man_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o kind_n of_o rule_n conscience_n needs_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o therefore_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o that_o rule_n be_v first_o by_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n itself_o and_o then_o second_o by_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o several_a head_n of_o doubtful_a case_n 1._o first_o then_o since_o a_o man_n never_o doubt_v but_o upon_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n but_o great_a weight_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n that_o side_n which_o all_o thing_n consider_v do_v appear_v more_o reasonable_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v some_o indeed_o say_v that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v but_o i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o express_v it_o so_o because_o the_o rule_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a as_o the_o word_n safe_a side_n be_v expound_v for_o first_o if_o by_o safe_a side_n we_o mean_v that_o side_n which_o be_v more_o free_a from_o danger_n of_o sin_v i_o think_v the_o rule_n will_v prove_v rather_o a_o snare_n than_o a_o guide_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n for_o if_o this_o rule_n be_v true_a most_o person_n do_v transgress_v it_o every_o day_n nay_o the_o best_a of_o man_n do_v frequent_o expose_v themselves_o to_o such_o danger_n of_o sin_v as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v and_o this_o without_o any_o reproach_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o any_o censure_n from_o other_o man_n he_o that_o avoid_v all_o entertainment_n be_v certain_o more_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o intemperance_n than_o other_o be_v and_o yet_o when_o occasion_n serve_v no_o man_n make_v any_o great_a scruple_n of_o go_v to_o they_o we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a danger_n of_o sin_v but_o only_o to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n when_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n for_o otherwise_o he_o that_o will_v be_v religious_a must_v forsake_v all_o worldly_a business_n and_o retire_v to_o a_o cloister_n but_o to_o come_v more_o strict_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o the_o most_o honest_a person_n do_v not_o think_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o determine_v himself_o to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o action_n on_o which_o he_o apprehend_v there_o be_v least_o danger_n of_o sin_v for_o first_o great_a probability_n will_v often_o turn_v the_o balance_n against_o the_o great_a safety_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n scruple_n eat_v blood_n and_o afterward_o by_o discourse_v with_o a_o learned_a person_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a that_o he_o may_v lawful_o eat_v it_o than_o that_o he_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v it_o i_o believe_v most_o man_n will_v think_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v it_o with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_o more_o safe_a not_o to_o eat_v it_o because_o many_o do_v question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v so_o but_o all_o man_n grant_v it_o may_v be_v lawful_o forbear_v second_o great_a temporal_a advantage_n will_v have_v weight_n enough_o with_o a_o very_a honest_a man_n to_o overbalance_n the_o great_a safety_n thus_o if_o after_o the_o strict_a inquiry_n a_o man_n be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o he_o owe_v a_o sum_n of_o money_n which_o another_o demand_n confident_o and_o with_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v equal_a probability_n on_o both_o side_n if_o he_o pay_v the_o money_n perhaps_o his_o circumstance_n be_v such_o that_o he_o wrong_v his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o perhaps_o he_o detain_v another_o man_n right_a from_o he_o in_o this_o case_n since_o it_o be_v as_o probable_a that_o the_o demand_n be_v unjust_a as_o that_o it_o be_v just_a i_o believe_v most_o man_n will_v say_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n till_o it_o be_v either_o by_o law_n adjudge_v or_o he_o have_v more_o convince_a proof_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o pay_v it_o it_o appear_v therefore_o that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v wise_a as_o well_o as_o good_a may_v in_o many_o
of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o though_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o man_n conveniency_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a part_n or_o congregation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o church_n so_o that_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o it_o a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a corporation_n but_o if_o he_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o one_o corporation_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o corporation_n forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n thus_o have_v god_n grant_v a_o charter_n or_o covenant_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o christian_n into_o one_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o one_o church_n we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o it_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o ii_o by_o church-communion_n i_o mean_v church-society_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church-member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church-privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n it_o be_v true_a this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o but_o strict_o speak_v those_o office_n be_v not_o communion_n but_o a_o exercise_n of_o communion_n church-communion_n be_v church-union_n for_o as_o a_o member_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v the_o natural_a action_n of_o a_o member_n so_o a_o man_n must_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o pray_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o in_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v perform_v those_o office_n yet_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o intruder_n such_o office_n be_v act_n of_o communion_n if_o perform_v by_o church-member_n but_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o be_v a_o member_n a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o and_o a_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o church-society_n viz._n obedience_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n join_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o that_o act_v otherwise_o renounce_v his_o communion_n with_o it_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o observe_v 1._o that_o church-communion_n principal_o respect_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n because_o it_o admit_v we_o into_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o universal_a church_n 2._o that_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n such_o as_o pray_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n though_o it_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o christian_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o do_v we_o as_o fellow-member_n pray_v to_o god_n the_o common_a father_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o common_a saviour_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o christian_n thus_o also_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_a communion_n 3._o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o i_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o i_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a that_o i_o may_v lawful_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_a church_n 4._o that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n because_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v but_o one_o all_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o join_v with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o separate_a society_n be_v to_o renounce_v its_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v its_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n in_o the_o body_n have_v its_o proper_a place_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o we_o distinct_a church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v so_o that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n it_o be_v true_a a_o nation_n may_v permit_v those_o foreigner_n that_o be_v among_o they_o to_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o bare_a variety_n of_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o now_o every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n for_o though_o all_o true_a church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o each_o church_n have_v a_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o allow_v foreigner_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v separate_a communion_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v so_o that_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n who_o own_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n though_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o be_v not_o schismatical_a as_o the_o separate_a conventicle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v 2._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n from_o any_o dislike_n of_o its_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o leave_v the_o church_n because_o they_o think_v it_o unsafe_a to_o continue_v one_o body_n with_o it_o two_o church_n may_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o actual_o communicate_v together_o because_o distance_n of_o place_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o church_n which_o renounce_v each_o other_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o withdraw_v ordinary_a communion_n from_o each_o other_o from_o a_o profess_a dislike_n shall_v still_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a society_n sound_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o act_v by_o contrary_a rule_n and_o pursue_v contrary_a end_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o each_o other_o
table-gâ—sture_a and_o express_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o account_v a_o additional_a sacrament_n to_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 4._o and_o last_o suppose_v that_o a_o independent_a when_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o church-covenant_n shall_v signify_v his_o assent_n by_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o no_o less_o than_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n that_o be_v of_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o be_v engage_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o instate_a in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v never_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o introduce_v a_o new_a sacrament_n now_o from_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o our_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n that_o hereafter_o he_o the_o infant_n 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 shall_v be_v think_v a_o add_v of_o a_o new_a sacrament_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o that_o of_o baptism_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o convocation_n c._n 30._o declare_v that_o by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_a the_o infant_n be_v dedicate_v etc._n etc._n now_o say_v they_o baptism_n be_v itself_o a_o seal_n of_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o dedicate_a the_o infant_n by_o our_o own_o invent_a way_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v add_v a_o new_a sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o dedication_n may_v proper_o signify_v a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o first_o dedication_n to_o god_n and_o a_o declaration_n of_o what_o the_o church_n think_v of_o a_o baptise_a person_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o this_o declaration_n that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o church_n be_v evident_a if_o we_o compare_v the_o office_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o canon_n together_o both_o the_o rubric_n and_o canon_n say_v that_o baptism_n be_v complete_a without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v express_o say_v we_o receive_v this_o child_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n and_o upon_o that_o do_v sign_n it_o with_o the_o cross_n so_o that_o the_o child_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v within_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v flock_n before_o it_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o cross_n since_o therefore_o the_o person_n be_v dedicate_v in_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptism_n be_v acknowledge_v complete_a without_o or_o before_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n we_o can_v be_v think_v to_o dedicate_v in_o baptism_n and_o to_o dedicate_v by_o the_o cross_n again_o but_o the_o dedication_n by_o the_o cross_n must_v be_v something_o very_o distinct_a from_o the_o dedication_n of_o baptism_n that_o be_v the_o one_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o dedication_n and_o the_o other_o the_o dedication_n itself_o so_o that_o this_o be_v plain_o no_o other_o than_o a_o declaration_n the_o church_n make_v of_o what_o the_o baptise_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o and_o what_o engagement_n he_o lie_v under_o which_o declaration_n be_v therefore_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n we_o receive_v this_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v sign_n he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o in_o baptism_n the_o minister_n alone_o as_o the_o immediate_a agent_n of_o christ_n pronounce_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n i_o baptise_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o office_n of_o baptism_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o we_o chap._n vii_o objection_n against_o our_o communion-office_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n answer_v though_o the_o communion-office_n for_o the_o gravity_n and_o holiness_n thereof_o be_v prefer_v by_o the_o dissenter_n before_o all_o other_o office_n in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o past_o free_a from_o exception_n for_o i._o it_o be_v object_v against_o it_o that_o the_o petition_n in_o the_o prayer_n before_o consecration_n that_o our_o sinful_a body_n may_v be_v make_v clean_o by_o his_o body_n and_o our_o soul_n wash_v by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n imply_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v great_a efficacy_n than_o his_o body_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o only_o the_o body_n by_o christ_n body_n but_o i_o answer_v that_o at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o priest_n say_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v give_v for_o thou_o preserve_v thy_o body_n and_o soul_n unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o church_n teach_v that_o the_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n flow_v from_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v the_o mention_v of_o one_o alone_o exclude_v the_o other_o for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v sometime_o of_o the_o bread_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o and_o sometime_o of_o the_o wine_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o yet_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o he_o mean_v both_o ii_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o deliver_v the_o element_n into_o every_o person_n be_v hand_n with_o a_o form_n of_o word_n recite_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o as_o we_o do_v but_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o christ_n word_n for_o the_o evangelist_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o then_o what_o may_v be_v particular_o say_v or_o do_v to_o every_o one_o will_v be_v sufficient_o relate_v in_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v or_o speak_v to_o all_o 2._o suppose_v that_o our_o practice_n do_v vary_v from_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o institution_n it_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o defend_v as_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o dinnertime_n and_o not_o at_o supper_n which_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o do_v not_o scruple_n 3._o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n matth._n 28.19_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o when_o great_a number_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a together_o the_o form_n of_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v express_v several_o to_o every_o person_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v do_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherefore_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n herein_o be_v no_o way_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o worse_o and_o abate_v the_o solemnity_n of_o its_o administration_n see_v falkner_n be_v libert_n eccles_n p._n 218_o etc._n etc._n iii_o the_o last_o and_o great_a objection_n be_v against_o the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o large_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o his_o example_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a for_o its_o being_n no_o table-gesture_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n 5._o that_o kneel_v be_v not_o therefore_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v introduce_v by_o idolater_n and_o be_v still_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n and_o purpose_n first_o then_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n for_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o any_o express_a command_n to_o determine_v our_o practice_n one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o if_o authority_n do_v not_o restrain_v our_o liberty_n we_o may_v either_o sit_v kneel_z or_o stand_v without_o the_o least_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v in_o several_a place_n etc._n place_n matth._n 26.26_o etc._n etc._n mark_v 14.22_o etc._n etc._n luke_n 22.19_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n be_v the_o representative_n
their_o separation_n upon_o these_o account_n that_o they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a and_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n they_o except_v against_o be_v real_o forbid_v by_o god_n than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o then_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n nay_o suppose_v that_o they_o think_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v which_o be_v not_o real_o forbid_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o think_v so_o they_o can_v act_v against_o their_o mistake_a conscience_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v require_v nothing_o that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o their_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o answer_v the_o particular_a objection_n against_o our_o establishment_n this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o in_o the_o several_a forego_v chapter_n the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o be_v this_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o justify_v his_o break_n of_o god_n law_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o my_o false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o just_a cause_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o yet_o i_o shall_v further_o confirm_v it_o by_o ask_v this_o question_n when_o st._n paul_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o persecute_v christian_n be_v his_o persecution_n sinful_a or_o no_o yes_o sure_o for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n think_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o lawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v he_o before_o god_n for_o do_v that_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o dissenter_n to_o consider_v well_o before_z they_o separate_z for_o schism_n be_v a_o cry_a sin_n and_o as_o vehement_o speak_v against_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o father_n as_o any_o sin_n whatever_o let_v dissenter_n look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o their_o false_a persuasion_n that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o make_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n this_o matter_n will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v suppose_v a_o papist_n that_o hearty_o believe_v popery_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o worship_v image_n and_o the_o host_n this_o person_n will_v certain_o abhor_v these_o practice_n do_v he_o think_v they_o to_o be_v idolatrous_a but_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v all_o charge_n such_o papist_n with_o idolatry_n though_o they_o disclaim_v it_o and_o profess_v they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o such_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v so_o let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_n for_o a_o man_n be_v false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n now_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o causeless_a separation_n be_v as_o proper_o schism_n as_o worship_v a_o creature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o schismatic_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o separate_v as_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o worship_v a_o creature_n a_o man_n mistake_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o will_v more_o or_o less_o excuse_v he_o before_o god_n in_o both_o instance_n but_o it_o can_v change_v the_o nature_n either_o of_o schism_n or_o idolatry_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o i_o answer_v he_o be_v to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o rectify_v his_o mistake_n and_o then_o he_o may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n now_o the_o only_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v by_o lay_v aside_o pride_n passion_n interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o endeavour_v serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o understand_v his_o duty_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n advise_v with_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n practise_v all_o undoubted_a duty_n and_o beg_v god_n assistance_n for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o first_o we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o than_o i_o be_o persuade_v our_o scandalous_a division_n will_v present_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o alas_o we_o fear_v they_o have_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o they_o have_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v sure_o they_o shall_v before_o they_o pronounce_v conformity_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v able_a to_o produce_v some_o one_o plain_a text_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o for_o the_o text_n they_o produce_v be_v such_o as_o have_v they_o in_o the_o least_o examine_v they_o can_v scarce_o have_v be_v wrest_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n nay_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o consult_v their_o own_o teacher_n in_o this_o affair_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v think_v better_o of_o our_o way_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v inconvenient_a yet_o a_o lay-person_n may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n in_o short_a most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n and_o scarce_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n show_v we_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o end_n to_o serve_v by_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o way_n be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v he_o thither_o that_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v it_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o church-division_n be_v modest_a humble_a and_o docible_a and_o believe_v that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v that_o think_v his_o governor_n may_v be_v wise_a than_o himself_o and_o that_o every_o opinion_n that_o he_o have_v inconsiderate_o take_v up_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v against_o authority_n a_o man_n that_o where_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n seem_v to_o thwart_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n endeavour_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v and_o to_o that_o end_n beg_v god_n assistance_n and_o use_v the_o best_a help_n and_o guide_v he_o can_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n and_o be_v bias_v neither_o way_n i_o say_v show_v we_o such_o a_o man_n and_o we_o ready_o grant_v he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o but_o then_o we_o must_v add_v that_o we_o believe_v such_o a_o man_n will_v soon_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o his_o duty_n also_o to_o conform_v second_o if_o a_o man_n have_v real_o do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o yet_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v though_o his_o separation_n be_v material_o a_o schism_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o all_o those_o that_o commit_v schism_n be_v not_o equal_o guilty_a of_o it_o those_o that_o separate_v to_o serve_v a_o turn_n