the_o one_o than_o to_o the_o other_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o owe_v to_o one_o be_v contract_v by_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o other_o be_v bind_v on_o they_o by_o the_o sacred_a and_o strong_a tie_n of_o religion_n and_o providence_n and_o this_o be_v another_o good_a argument_n to_o determine_v a_o scrupulous_a person_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o he_o be_v in_o doubt_n which_o he_o have_v best_a to_o offend_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o own_o private_a party_n and_o know_v not_o by_o what_o consideration_n to_o determine_v his_o resolution_n let_v he_o in_o god_n name_n consider_v to_o which_o he_o owe_v most_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n make_v his_o duty_n to_o the_o one_o more_o than_o to_o the_o other_o and_o then_o if_o he_o be_v honest_a and_o single-eyed_n he_o will_v soon_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v his_o scruple_n and_o know_v what_o choice_n he_o ought_v to_o make_v 4._o offend_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v true_o a_o grievous_a scandal_n and_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o true_a gospel-notion_n of_o it_o but_o the_o offend_a particular_a person_n may_v possible_o not_o be_v so_o that_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o will_v not_o take_v offence_n but_o upon_o just_a reason_n but_o other_o man_n may_v call_v that_o a_o offence_n to_o they_o which_o real_o be_v not_o if_o we_o do_v that_o which_o grieve_v and_o injure_v the_o whole_a church_n than_o we_o do_v proper_o offend_v and_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o only_o offend_v some_o private_a person_n of_o our_o own_o party_n they_o may_v call_v that_o a_o offence_n which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o every_o grieve_n and_o offend_v of_o another_o in_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o a_o formal_a scandal_n as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o have_v be_v since_o this_o make_v clear_a by_o a_o better_a pen._n and_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a matter_n in_o debate_n this_o be_v real_o so_o in_o our_o case_n of_o conformity_n the_o refusal_n of_o it_o and_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v true_o that_o give_v of_o offence_n which_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v it_o be_v lay_v a_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o man_n entrap_a they_o into_o that_o damnable_a sin_n of_o schism_n it_o be_v a_o obstruct_v the_o effect_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o direct_a hindrance_n of_o that_o concord_n and_o love_n that_o unanimity_n and_o peace_n that_o it_o so_o strict_o call_v for_o among_o christian_n and_o design_n to_o render_v the_o world_n happy_a by_o but_o you_o may_v challenge_v any_o dissent_v person_n to_o show_v how_o anger_v some_o private_a person_n and_o a_o single_a party_n of_o schismatic_n can_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o or_o to_o name_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v temptation_n to_o they_o to_o commit_v and_o to_o instance_n that_o prejudice_n or_o disservice_n that_o it_o do_v to_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v possible_a i_o must_v confess_v that_o grief_n and_o anger_n at_o such_o a_o person_n conformity_n may_v irritate_fw-la and_o provoke_v man_n to_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a but_o then_o i_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o they_o that_o be_v angry_a and_o not_o he_o with_o who_o they_o be_v causeless_o offend_v it_o may_v be_v take_v a_o offence_n on_o their_o part_n but_o not_o give_v it_o by_o he_o for_o if_o we_o must_v call_v every_o thing_n a_o offence_n that_o any_o man_n do_v pervert_v into_o a_o occasion_n of_o evil_n there_o will_v scarce_o any_o no_o not_o the_o best_a action_n of_o man_n escape_v that_o denomination_n this_o methinks_v be_v a_o very_a material_a consideration_n and_o aught_o always_o to_o sway_v with_o man_n in_o this_o case_n and_o if_o man_n can_v not_o determine_v themselves_o in_o it_o by_o other_o reason_n yet_o they_o may_v by_o this_o they_o shall_v consider_v which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o judge_v true_a what_o be_v scandal_n and_o what_o be_v not_o and_o when_o both_o side_n say_v they_o be_v offend_v which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v so_o indeed_o particular_a person_n and_o party_n of_o man_n may_v mistake_v and_o it_o be_v notorious_a often_o do_v call_v that_o a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v not_o so_o like_a to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o and_o be_v offend_v public_o with_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o name_n to_o which_o we_o may_v cast_v in_o this_o consideration_n to_o add_v weight_n to_o the_o other_o every_o offence_n to_o a_o single_a private_a person_n or_o person_n be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o no_o man_n can_v offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o he_o sin_v grievous_o and_o be_v direct_o guilty_a of_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o conclude_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o i_o will_v have_v consider_v on_o this_o subject_a be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a and_o uninstruct_v person_n by_o conformity_n to_o our_o church_n and_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v causeless_a and_o whole_o without_o any_o just_a reason_n conformity_n be_v neither_o a_o sin_n nor_o causal_n of_o any_o nor_o any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o plain_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n tie_v on_o we_o by_o the_o command_v and_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o careful_o to_o be_v do_v whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o other_o that_o no_o snare_n or_o possibility_n of_o offence_n to_o some_o man_n by_o it_o ought_v to_o supersede_n our_o care_n or_o can_v atone_v the_o sin_n of_o neglect_v of_o it_o that_o we_o can_v forbear_v it_o now_o for_o fear_v of_o offend_v other_o without_o grievous_o offend_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o conscience_n 3._o that_o our_o refuse_v to_o conform_v will_v great_o offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o do_v so_o not_o only_o our_o own_o national_a church_n of_o england_n but_o even_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o too_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o some_o declaration_n of_o the_o great_a man_n among_o they_o of_o late_a who_o can_v but_o grieve_v to_o see_v their_o great_a bulwark_n and_o the_o whole_a reformation_n so_o batter_v and_o weaken_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o such_o great_a advantage_n thereby_o give_v to_o the_o great_a enemy_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o preponderate_v all_o the_o scruple_n and_o fear_n and_o fancy_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o private_a person_n of_o our_o own_o party_n by_o it_o and_o last_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o this_o discover_v itself_o in_o a_o speedy_a conscientious_a care_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o our_o causeless_a separation_n and_o division_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o no_o long_o go_v on_o mad_o to_o contrive_v our_o own_o ruin_n in_o pull_v down_o those_o wall_n and_o make_v those_o breach_n in_o our_o church_n bank_n at_o which_o the_o enemy_n may_v and_z without_o god_n immediate_a interposition_n will_v sudden_o break_v in_o as_o a_o mighty_a resistless_a torrent_n that_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o doctrine_n be_v orthodox_n and_o government_n apostolical_a and_o who_o term_n of_o communion_n none_o of_o we_o dare_v term_n sinful_a in_o which_o we_o may_v acceptable_o serve_v our_o god_n and_o happy_o save_v our_o own_o soul_n live_v happy_o and_o die_v comfortable_o and_o pass_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n triumphant_a above_o which_o sing_v incessant_a hallelujah_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o let_v we_o also_o give_v all_o possible_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 15._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 16._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 17._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n
quote_v in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v that_o this_o place_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a question_n nor_o will_v serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o church_n allege_v it_o for_o 2._o that_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v conclude_v against_o they_o and_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o present_a case_n betwixt_o we_o 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o place_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a case_n nor_o pertinent_o urge_v by_o our_o brethren_n against_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o present_a rite_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o may_v do_v from_o two_o thing_n mistake_v great_o in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o text._n 1._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n here_o mention_v 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v which_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o what_o man_n scruple_n or_o forbear_v in_o our_o case_n 1._o from_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o this_o place_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v here_o a_o large_a discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o general_n or_o a_o remove_n and_o rectify_v those_o many_o common_a mistake_n in_o the_o world_n about_o it_o but_o only_o to_o observe_v so_o much_o as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n 1._o then_o i_o observe_v that_o as_o there_o be_v only_o two_o notion_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o there_o be_v only_o two_o case_n in_o which_o man_n be_v proper_o and_o primary_o capable_a of_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o give_v it_o to_o other_o 1._o the_o first_o notion_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o snare_n or_o a_o gin_n by_o which_o man_n be_v entrap_v and_o draw_v into_o some_o plain_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v in_o many_o place_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o famous_a speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 18.6_o to_o 10._o and_o man_n do_v then_o give_v offence_n or_o scandalize_v other_o when_o they_o do_v that_o which_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o induce_v other_o either_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o omit_v that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o be_v a_o plain_a duty_n both_o which_o man_n may_v do_v several_a way_n which_o it_o be_v not_o now_o so_o very_o needful_a to_o reckon_v up_o single_o 2._o the_o second_o notion_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o it_o be_v some_o just_a cause_n of_o grief_n or_o trouble_n to_o other_o in_o their_o christian_a course_n and_o that_o which_o hinder_v they_o from_o walk_v in_o it_o with_o that_o cheerfulness_n and_o security_n that_o they_o otherwise_o will_v according_a to_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v render_v offence_n in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n some_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n of_o trouble_n or_o grief_n give_v to_o another_o by_o something_o that_o he_o see_v we_o either_o omit_v or_o do_v in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o direct_a occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n but_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o his_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n so_o it_o be_v use_v particular_o joh._n 16.1_o and_o rom._n 14.15_o it_o be_v express_v by_o grieve_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n man_n give_v offence_n to_o other_o when_o either_o by_o do_v or_o neglect_v something_o themselves_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n or_o grief_n to_o other_o and_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a course_n and_o occasion_n to_o they_o some_o trouble_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v free_a from_o 2._o have_v observe_v this_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o neither_o of_o these_o notion_n of_o scandal_n can_v be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o present_a case_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o not_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o case_n either_o first_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o a_o sin_n or_o second_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o induce_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o comply_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v give_v offence_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n than_o i_o here_o profess_v i_o will_v myself_o immediate_o turn_v their_o proselyte_n and_o renounce_v conformity_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o for_o ever_o 1._o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v essential_o evil_a none_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o charge_v her_o doctrine_n with_o falsehood_n or_o her_o discipline_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a and_o when_o any_o shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v find_v enough_o to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n have_v dare_v to_o charge_v we_o no_o further_o in_o either_o of_o these_o but_o only_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o both_o and_o reject_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o it_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n than_o heretic_n or_o to_o prove_v we_o heretic_n not_o because_o we_o believe_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a but_o rather_o because_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v or_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v christian_a and_o true_a neither_o do_v they_o charge_v our_o liturgy_n and_o service_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_o evil_a no_o nor_o redundant_fw-la but_o only_o deficient_a in_o many_o usage_n and_o rite_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o if_o our_o own_o brethren_n must_v be_v more_o spiteful_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o our_o worst_a adversary_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o even_o they_o become_v not_o their_o accuser_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o yet_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o have_v not_o adventure_v to_o do_v this_o and_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a enough_o when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o themselves_o free_v we_o from_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o our_o conformity_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v offence_n i._n e._n do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v formal_o a_o sin_n ourselves_o and_o thereby_o induce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o evil_n by_o join_v with_o we_o 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o see_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o conformity_n be_v direct_o introductive_a of_o or_o a_o temptation_n unto_o and_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o duty_n i_o thank_v god_n yet_o leave_v in_o i_o as_o to_o dare_v to_o justify_v she_o from_o this_o imputation_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o intend_v no_o sin_n in_o what_o she_o do_v nor_o know_v of_o any_o evil_n that_o her_o communion_n will_v betray_v any_o man_n into_o all_o that_o she_o design_n in_o her_o doctrine_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o symbol_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o she_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o the_o one_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o innovate_a and_o corrupt_v that_o faith_n or_o debauch_v it_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a religion_n and_o thereby_o conciliate_v that_o grace_n that_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n
both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a power_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o how_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o plain_a duty_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n as_o strong_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o humane_a command_n be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o we_o can_v show_v favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o other_o if_o we_o will_v for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v under_o authority_n and_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o law_n of_o those_o above_o we_o we_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o do_v or_o forbear_v nor_o can_v we_o now_o abstain_v for_o fear_n of_o offend_v another_o man_n conscience_n without_o grievous_o wound_v and_o worse_a offend_n of_o our_o own_o and_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o conformity_n as_o to_o another_o man_n yet_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o downright_a sin_n and_o a_o grievous_a guilt_n unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v impertinent_a a_o snare_n and_o a_o direct_a temptation_n and_o as_o improper_o urge_v against_o conformity_n as_o it_o will_v be_v against_o any_o other_o duty_n how_o necessary_a soever_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o man_n that_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o our_o do_v of_o it_o in_o this_o and_o all_o such_o case_n we_o stand_v immediate_o responsible_a unto_o god_n and_o may_v just_o retort_v that_o so_o much_o abuse_v and_o mistake_v apology_n of_o the_o apostle_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o regard_v man_n judge_v you_o 2._o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n yet_o incumbent_a upon_o i_o and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o suppose_v the_o text_n be_v pertinent_o urge_v against_o conformity_n and_o there_o be_v a_o real_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v very_o much_o against_o they_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a by_o consider_v who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o caution_n we_o against_o give_v offence_n unto_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n nor_o only_o the_o gentile_n nor_o both_o these_o only_a but_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o main_a improvement_n of_o this_o place_n against_o the_o purpose_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o object_n of_o scandal_n be_v and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v especial_o to_o regard_v in_o their_o care_n not_o to_o give_v it_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o there_o be_v three_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o may_v be_v offend_v with_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n the_o jew_n the_o gentile_n and_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n which_o he_o here_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o analogy_n to_o which_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v different_a party_n among_o which_o man_n converse_v upon_o which_o account_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o our_o respect_n to_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v any_o difference_n among_o they_o and_o this_o we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o in_o by_o consider_v the_o case_n that_o concern_v we_o which_o i_o think_v be_v only_o these_o two_o 1._o when_o we_o perceive_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o what_o we_o be_v go_v to_o do_v will_v offend_v all_o party_n equal_o than_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n here_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o christianity_n by_o this_o practice_n see_v its_o professor_n make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n which_o their_o law_n so_o strict_o prohibit_v and_o god_n have_v always_o declare_v himself_o so_o severe_a against_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v encourage_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o idolatry_n by_o see_v man_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a religion_n as_o they_o call_v themselves_o consent_n with_o they_o in_o it_o and_o the_o church_n may_v be_v offend_v too_o by_o see_v her_o member_n have_v so_o little_a a_o regard_n to_o her_o constitution_n and_o the_o plain_a canon_n of_o her_o great_a founder_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o careful_a and_o cautious_a what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o nice_a point_n and_o so_o ought_v we_o always_o to_o be_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o but_o second_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o what_o we_o do_v may_v only_o offend_v some_o these_o different_a party_n may_v have_v different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n some_o may_v think_v it_o lawful_a or_o a_o duty_n other_o may_v scruple_n it_o or_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o sin_n now_o in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o and_o our_o action_n and_o what_o difference_n to_o make_v in_o our_o respect_n to_o man_n and_o the_o apostle_n rule_v in_o this_o text_n will_v be_v a_o safe_a measure_n and_o direction_n to_o we_o especial_o if_o ecumenius_fw-la his_o note_n be_v true_a as_o it_o common_o be_v in_o all_o place_n where_o a_o climax_n or_o gradation_n be_v use_v as_o it_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v in_o this_o place_n his_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v how_o he_o put_v the_o chief_a thing_n last_o and_o make_v give_v offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o which_o especial_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o concern_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o win_v other_o unto_o the_o faith_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o offend_v and_o grieve_v those_o that_o already_o profess_v it_o and_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a than_o this_o be_v so_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o advice_n be_v plain_o this_o you_o ought_v as_o near_o as_o you_o can_v to_o do_v nothing_o to_o offend_v any_o but_o however_o take_v care_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o church_n you_o ough_o to_o have_v a_o charitable_a respect_n to_o all_o particular_a person_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o especial_o to_o the_o church_n and_o never_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o that_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o do_v now_o this_o will_v be_v a_o clear_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a case_n and_o not_o only_o acquit_v conformity_n from_o all_o guilt_n of_o scandal_n but_o cast_v it_o whole_o upon_o separation_n and_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n since_o that_o be_v a_o direct_a give_v offence_n to_o those_o which_o the_o apostle_n chief_o respect_v in_o this_o prohibition_n i.e._n the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o stay_v not_o now_o to_o give_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o contend_a party_n understand_v that_o competent_o well_o nor_o to_o prove_v the_o present_a national_a church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v just_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o god_n be_v thank_v be_v full_o do_v against_o both_o the_o opposite_a faction_n against_o she_o those_o that_o call_v she_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a on_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o that_o reproach_n she_o as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a on_o the_o other_o be_v her_o present_a constitution_n to_o be_v try_v by_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a practice_n her_o faith_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o that_o of_o the_o first_o century_n and_o four_o most_o true_o general-council_n or_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n her_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o we_o can_v collect_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o pure_a time_n or_o be_v she_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o the_o judgement_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o able_a and_o learned_a of_o protestant_n divine_v abroad_o since_o the_o reformation_n she_o will_v not_o only_o be_v justify_v but_o commend_v not_o only_o pass_v for_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o the_o most_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n the_o most_o true_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a of_o any_o at_o this_o day_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o i_o wave_v all_o this_o and_o proceed_v to_o apply_v this_o advice_n and_o rule_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o our_o own_o case_n as_o it_o be_v at_o
this_o day_n with_o respect_n to_o scandal_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o by_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v reform_v itself_o from_o those_o corruption_n that_o have_v sully_v the_o truth_n and_o beauty_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n not_o by_o noise_n and_o tumult_n and_o popular_a faction_n which_o too_o much_o influence_v some_o foreign_a reformation_n but_o upon_o grave_n and_o sober_a advice_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o lawful_a civil_a power_n digest_v her_o doctrinal_n into_o such_o a_o number_n of_o article_n as_o she_o judge_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o council_n establish_v such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o upon_o most_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o search_n she_o find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o pure_a and_o primitive_a age_n and_o retain_v only_o such_o rite_n and_o usage_n as_o she_o find_v most_o ancient_a and_o free_a from_o any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n and_o abuse_n all_o these_o thus_o constitute_v and_o frame_v she_o impose_v as_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n and_o require_v conformity_n unto_o of_o all_o her_o member_n she_o will_v be_v grievous_o offend_v if_o any_o of_o her_o child_n reject_v and_o comply_v not_o with_o this_o constitution_n as_o know_v her_o knowledge_n and_o integirty_a question_v her_o authority_n despise_v and_o that_o power_n that_o have_v confirm_v all_o this_o contemn_v by_o so_o do_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v some_o particular_a man_n some_o heretic_n some_o schismatic_n some_o either_o design_v or_o less_o instruct_v person_n that_o declare_v themselves_o offend_v by_o conform_v to_o this_o constitution_n the_o question_n now_o be_v how_o we_o shall_v govern_v ourselves_o and_o which_o of_o these_o consideration_n we_o will_v permit_v to_o sway_v we_o whether_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n and_o just_a authority_n and_o fear_v of_o give_v offence_n thereto_o shall_v engage_v we_o to_o conform_v or_o whether_o respect_n to_o some_o private_a person_n and_o fear_v of_o offend_v and_o anger_v they_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o regard_n to_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n and_o all_o care_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n and_o be_v there_o no_o other_o consideration_n to_o determine_v we_o when_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o i_o will_v desire_v nothing_o plain_a than_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o text_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o person_n we_o ought_v chief_o to_o have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o give_v offence_n unto_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o some_o private_a person_n and_o the_o church_n come_v in_o competition_n and_o we_o must_v needs_o offend_v some_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o church_n than_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o true_o give_v they_o offence_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o be_v it_o so_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o attend_v so_o to_o that_o consideration_n as_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o regard_n and_o care_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o rule_n so_o very_o reasonable_a at_o the_o very_a hear_n of_o and_o so_o fair_a upon_o its_o own_o reason_n that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v real_o worth_a while_n to_o go_v to_o add_v any_o strength_n to_o it_o we_o may_v venture_v it_o to_o its_o own_o strength_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v and_o may_v challenge_v any_o one_o to_o assault_v or_o undertake_v it_o yet_o however_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o enlarge_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o it_o and_o to_o add_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v make_v it_o something_o more_o popular_o plain_a and_o convince_a 1._o and_o first_o i_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o fair_o consider_v whether_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v at_o least_o as_o fair_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o to_o any_o private_a person_n of_o what_o character_n or_o denomination_n soever_o i_o do_v not_o see_v upon_o what_o reason_n any_o person_n can_v deny_v this_o to_o i_o especial_o in_o a_o case_n where_o we_o can_v charge_v the_o church_n with_o any_o plain_a degeneracy_n or_o open_a apostasy_n from_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o any_o particular_a church_n degenerate_v plain_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n there_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o determine_v how_o far_o she_o forfeit_v all_o that_o respect_n that_o she_o may_v otherwise_o claim_v from_o man_n nor_o how_o much_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o single_a person_n may_v vie_v with_o she_o perhaps_o when_o the_o church_n be_v degenerate_v into_o arrianism_n the_o judgement_n of_o athanasius_n and_o some_o few_o other_o bishop_n be_v more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o that_o of_o a_o whole_a synod_n and_o in_o the_o horrid_a apostasy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n perhaps_o the_o single_a doctrine_n of_o john_n huss_n be_v preferable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o constance_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n or_o any_o other_o parallel_a one_o that_o respect_v derive_v itself_o not_o from_o their_o person_n but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o stand_v with_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n our_o church_n do_v challenge_v and_o triumph_v over_o all_o charge_n of_o any_o such_o apostasy_n and_o all_o the_o dispute_v and_o contest_v with_o she_o by_o any_o of_o these_o man_n be_v about_o thing_n confess_o doubtful_a and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a thing_n about_o which_o to_o say_v the_o least_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a that_o single_a person_n may_v err_v and_o mistake_v as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n unless_o in_o this_o also_o as_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n man_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o gross_a tenet_n in_o popery_n that_o single_a person_n may_v more_o reasonable_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o man_n deride_v and_o think_v he_o can_v baffle_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n and_o therefore_o shall_v blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o own_o either_o arrogate_a it_o to_o himself_o or_o ascribe_v it_o to_o another_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o his_o pretence_n be_v as_o just_a as_o another_o man_n i_o e._n indeed_o they_o be_v both_o monstrous_o unreasonable_a and_o yet_o alas_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o source_n of_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o this_o age_n nor_o need_v i_o be_v condemn_v for_o stay_v a_o little_a while_n to_o drop_v a_o tear_n upon_o it_o man_n turn_v dictator_n in_o religion_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o dream_n as_o magisterial_o upon_o their_o follower_n as_o if_o they_o be_v oracular_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v their_o disciple_n hang_v as_o much_o upon_o their_o single_a authority_n and_o confidence_n and_o yield_v as_o absolute_a and_o implicit_a faith_n to_o all_o their_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o any_o poor_a papist_n against_o who_o they_o exclaim_v so_o tragical_o for_o blind_a obedience_n and_o faith_n they_o be_v keep_v in_o as_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o their_o placit_n and_o dare_v no_o more_o read_v and_o consult_v book_n that_o be_v write_v to_o inform_v they_o than_o a_o poor_a papist_n dare_n let_v a_o prohibit_v book_n be_v see_v in_o his_o house_n by_o a_o father_n of_o the_o inquisition_n if_o ever_o people_n follow_v their_o leader_n blindfold_a these_o man_n do_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o they_o have_v their_o person_n in_o admiration_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v not_o say_v of_o some_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n or_o at_o least_o some_o mean_a reason_n equivalent_a thereto_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o submit_v to_o mean_n of_o information_n they_o common_o say_v they_o be_v satisfy_v already_o and_o the_o single_a bluster_a of_o one_o of_o their_o own_o rabbi_n shall_v signify_v more_o with_o they_o than_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o sober_a man_n live_v beside_o but_o i_o be_o insensible_o draw_v aside_o from_o my_o chief_a subject_n which_o be_v not_o to_o treat_v so_o much_o of_o a_o respect_n of_o credit_n and_o faith_n as_o of_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v certain_o as_o just_o due_a from_o we_o to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o any_o private_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o fail_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o unjust_a for_o man_n to_o be_v more_o regardless_o of_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o set_v up_o one_o single_a man_n opinion_n