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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 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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
the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v and_o reflect_v back_o upon_o separation_n and_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10.32_o that_o have_v be_v so_o usual_o urge_v by_o dissenter_n in_o this_o case_n assert_v to_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o vindicate_v from_o favour_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o have_v beed_o quote_v by_o they_o by_o dr_n hesketh_n by_o henry_n hesketh_n give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n london_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o to_o the_o christian-reader_n thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a i_o suppose_v that_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o a_o far_o better_a pen_n a_o author_n that_o do_v every_o thing_n he_o undertake_v with_o that_o accuracy_n of_o judgement_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n that_o become_v a_o person_n of_o his_o character_n and_o therefore_o 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honest_a there_o can_v be_v any_o great_a mistake_n about_o they_o but_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v whole_o undetermined_a by_o god_n and_o neither_o direct_o nor_o by_o just_a and_o natural_a consequence_n either_o enjoin_v or_o prohibit_v by_o any_o law_n of_o he_o there_o man_n sail_v not_o by_o so_o plain_a a_o compass_n but_o have_v a_o large_a scope_n and_o may_v more_o easy_o mistake_v their_o course_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v less_o than_o a_o good_a service_n to_o man_n to_o direct_v they_o safe_o in_o this_o unbeaten_a tract_n and_o to_o prescribe_v to_o they_o such_o rule_n to_o which_o if_o they_o careful_o attend_v they_o can_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a error_n this_o be_v our_o apostle_n charitable_a design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o respect_n in_o manage_v this_o present_a argument_n viz._n 1_o cor._n 10._o and_o by_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o it_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o hit_v those_o great_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v indeed_o but_o of_o one_o particular_a instance_n of_o these_o i._n e._n the_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v thing_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n by_o the_o gentile_n to_o their_o daemon_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v at_o large_a hereafter_o to_o you_o but_o it_o be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a indifferent_a nature_n and_o there_o be_v two_o rule_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o there_o which_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n v._o 31._o whatsoever_o therefore_o you_o do_v whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i._n e._n whatever_o you_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a you_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o violate_v none_o of_o the_o divine_a commandment_n either_o by_o what_o you_o do_v or_o what_o you_o refuse_v to_o do_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o meaning_n of_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i._n e._n keep_v we_o close_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o for_o then_o god_n be_v most_o true_o glorify_v by_o we_o when_o we_o express_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o law_n in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n the_o second_o rule_n be_v charity_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o we_o converse_v with_o and_o live_v among_o that_o we_o neither_o grieve_v nor_o injure_v they_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v or_o neglect_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n so_o often_o quote_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o consider_v in_o this_o discourse_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v some_o contest_v with_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n about_o it_o there_o have_v be_v great_a talk_n about_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n by_o conformity_n and_o compliance_n with_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o among_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n and_o pretence_n against_o it_o this_o have_v be_v press_v to_o serve_v in_o the_o cause_n either_o to_o add_v some_o real_a weight_n to_o the_o rest_n or_o at_o least_o to_o add_v to_o their_o number_n though_o to_o tell_v you_o plain_o i_o think_v it_o be_v only_o to_o make_v a_o show_n and_o to_o render_v the_o bulk_n of_o their_o exception_n the_o big_a that_o this_o be_v summon_v to_o the_o muster_n and_o not_o for_o any_o real_a weight_n that_o there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o serve_v the_o cause_n however_o whatever_o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o great_a noise_n be_v make_v with_o it_o and_o as_o a_o mighty_a noise_n have_v be_v make_v about_o scandal_n and_o great_a pain_n use_v to_o wrest_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o to_o serve_v man_n purpose_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o great_a art_n have_v be_v employ_v to_o accommodate_v it_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n and_o to_o fright_v man_n with_o the_o guilt_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o from_o comply_v with_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o be_v pretend_v be_v so_o very_o great_a a_o scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o weak_a conscience_n two_o great_a and_o popular_a plea_n against_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o ceremony_n retain_v by_o it_o have_v be_v these_o tenderness_n and_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n in_o some_o and_o fear_v of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n to_o such_o in_o other_o some_o man_n have_v plead_v their_o own_o scruple_n and_o want_v of_o sufficient_a conviction_n and_o information_n and_o excuse_v their_o omission_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 14.23_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o some_o have_v allege_v their_o fear_n of_o scandal_n and_o offend_a other_o and_o plead_v that_o in_o bar_n of_o their_o compliance_n from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n give_v none_o offence_n etc._n etc._n how_o much_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o place_n be_v mistake_v and_o how_o false_a the_o consequence_n that_o be_v make_v from_o it_o be_v i_o be_o not_o now_o oblige_v to_o show_v my_o province_n at_o this_o time_n be_v about_o the_o second_o this_o place_n that_o i_o have_v now_o
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
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
a_o more_o learned_a hand_n to_o which_o i_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o add_v but_o that_o our_o brethren_n and_o all_o the_o several_a denomination_n of_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n themselves_o and_o sufficient_o confute_v their_o own_o objection_n so_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o frame_v any_o argument_n against_o we_o which_o may_v not_o like_o a_o two-edged_a weapon_n wound_v themselves_o and_o time_n be_v when_o some_o of_o they_o find_v it_o sad_o true_a the_o argument_n that_o they_o have_v use_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n other_o gall_v their_o own_o side_n with_o and_o they_o be_v force_v to_o think_v those_o answer_n good_a for_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v so_o for_o we_o against_o they_o and_o what_o deal_v that_o be_v i_o leave_v other_o to_o judge_n 3._o no_o nor_o three_o do_v i_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o stay_v to_o answer_v that_o trifle_a objection_n that_o this_o command_n of_o man_n alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o sure_o the_o church_n of_o england_n think_v they_o more_o than_o indifferent_a or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o they_o nor_o make_v so_o very_o great_a a_o stir_n about_o they_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o command_a of_o thing_n indifferent_a make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o it_o alter_v they_o indeed_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o and_o our_o practice_n but_o the_o thing_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o the_o church_n command_v they_o as_o thing_n fit_v to_o be_v do_v but_o indifferent_a still_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v after_o her_o command_v they_o and_o her_o public_a declaration_n and_o rubric_n sufficient_o acquit_v she_o from_o all_o such_o thought_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v she_o own_o protestation_n but_o still_o pretend_v that_o she_o believe_v contrary_a to_o what_o she_o solemn_o profess_v it_o be_v but_o another_o instance_n of_o some_o man_n ingenuity_n and_o candour_n towards_o she_o and_o need_v not_o be_v count_v strange_a in_o this_o age._n nor_o be_v she_o stand_v so_o stiff_o as_o man_n speak_v for_o these_o thing_n any_o argument_n of_o her_o think_v otherwise_o of_o they_o for_o however_o a_o ceremony_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o small_a thing_n yet_o faction_n and_o disobedience_n be_v a_o great_a one_o and_o aught_o with_o all_o care_n to_o be_v suppress_v and_o that_o church_n need_v not_o be_v blame_v for_o its_o sharpness_n against_o dissension_n about_o these_o which_o have_v already_o by_o sad_a experience_n find_v that_o gratify_a faction_n in_o these_o have_v in_o the_o issue_n be_v the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o her_o whole_a constitution_n if_o any_o church_n may_v be_v excuse_v in_o this_o certain_o this_o may_v which_o have_v already_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o indulge_v in_o they_o and_o can_v but_o be_v concern_v when_o it_o see_v the_o same_o practice_n pursue_v again_o and_o that_o too_o by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o trample_v upon_o she_o with_o so_o much_o cruelty_n and_o scorn_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o her_o visitation_n the_o beginning_n of_o strife_n say_v solomon_n be_v as_o when_o one_o let_v out_o a_o river_n and_o so_o we_o have_v find_v faction_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v also_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n apply_v itself_o with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o quickness_n to_o obstruct_v the_o small_a beginning_n in_o that_o as_o man_n do_v to_o repair_v the_o least_o breach_n in_o those_o bank_n which_o keep_v in_o the_o water_n of_o the_o other_o 4._o nor_o fourthly_a do_v i_o think_v i_o have_v any_o pertinent_a occasion_n here_o to_o assert_v the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o to_o dispute_v whether_o they_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v undetermined_a we_o need_v but_o consult_v scripture_n for_o this_o which_o will_v be_v plain_a so_o long_o as_o the_o 13_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o canon_n and_o not_o be_v expunge_v utter_o by_o those_o man_n that_o true_o will_v not_o be_v much_o more_o injurious_a to_o it_o in_o this_o instance_n than_o they_o be_v in_o some_o other_o but_o be_v there_o no_o scripture_n for_o it_o i_o suppose_v we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o dispute_v it_o with_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o authority_n there_o be_v few_o of_o these_o that_o will_v permit_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o be_v dispute_v or_o conscience_n plead_v against_o it_o by_o their_o child_n or_o servant_n or_o those_o that_o they_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o and_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o our_o brethren_n for_o let_v we_o know_v their_o mind_n in_o this_o for_o no_o man_n have_v be_v more_o rigorous_a in_o exact_v obedience_n to_o all_o their_o ordinance_n and_o reproach_v and_o punish_v all_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o as_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n than_o they_o know_v who_o in_o time_n past_a be_v never_o be_v institution_n of_o man_n magnify_v more_o for_o promote_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n exalt_v the_o kingdom_n and_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n nor_o man_n charge_v more_o strict_o in_o point_n of_o conscience_n with_o obedience_n to_o they_o so_o that_o the_o cry_v out_o against_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o artifice_n to_o pull_v down_o government_n which_o when_o man_n have_v once_o leap_v into_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v to_o be_v use_v against_o themselves_o 5._o but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o more_o direct_o concern_v here_o to_o show_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o in_o this_o text_n be_v not_o only_o indifferent_a but_o undetermined_a too_o i_o mean_v no_o law_n have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n about_o they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o it_o concern_v i_o to_o make_v out_o not_o only_o to_o serve_v my_o present_a purpose_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v something_o question_v from_o what_o we_o read_v act_n 15.29_o where_o among_o the_o canon_n of_o that_o apostolic_a council_n this_o be_v the_o first_o that_o you_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v discourse_v of_o in_o this_o place_n and_o first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v upon_o these_o thing_n from_o v._o 14._o to_o v._o 25._o the_o same_o thing_n be_v relate_v unto_o that_o be_v prohibit_v by_o that_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n i._n e._n the_o eat_n in_o the_o idolatrous_a feast_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o of_o those_o meat_n which_o they_o know_v be_v by_o that_o rite_n offer_v in_o sacrifice_n unto_o their_o idol_n for_o the_o heathen_a sacrifice_n be_v not_o finish_v only_o at_o their_o altar_n but_o the_o solemnity_n be_v continue_v and_o complete_v by_o their_o eat_n and_o drink_v together_o upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o what_o they_o have_v actual_o offer_v and_o consume_v in_o sacrifice_n just_o as_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n we_o know_v be_v from_o who_o the_o heathen_a transcribe_v many_o of_o their_o practice_n ap_v they_o in_o almost_o all_o their_o institution_n 2._o but_o than_o second_o that_o which_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_v of_o afterward_o and_o to_o which_o this_o speech_n immediate_o relate_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o different_a from_o what_o he_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o and_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n prohibit_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o will_v appear_v sufficient_o from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o liberty_n to_o indulge_v a_o latitude_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v have_v it_o be_v in_o that_o very_a case_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v before_o and_o this_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o certain_a of_o by_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o whole_a affair_n which_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v our_o present_a business_n be_v brief_o thus_o the_o jewish_a convert_v retain_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v enure_v and_o educate_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o be_v intersperse_v abroad_o in_o many_o place_n where_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v great_o offend_v with_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o see_v the_o other_o take_v in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o meat_n which_o their_o law_n prohibit_v as_o unclean_a this_o cause_v hot_a contest_v and_o sharp_a dispute_n between_o the_o two_o party_n to_o the_o breach_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