the_o idol_n temple_n and_o then_o the_o sound_n christian_n be_v to_o forbear_v for_o fear_n of_o encourage_v such_o weak_a christian_n in_o their_o idolatry_n for_o they_o may_v apprehend_v it_o as_o lawful_a to_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n as_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o as_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n as_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o thus_o the_o use_n of_o their_o innocent_a liberty_n in_o eat_v what_o be_v set_v before_o they_o without_o scruple_n may_v confirm_v such_o man_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o be_v to_o forbear_v and_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o st._n paul_n may_v have_v respect_n to_o all_o these_o from_o what_o he_o add_v v_o 32._o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o idolatry_n by_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o suspect_v you_o of_o the_o least_o approach_n to_o idolatry_n which_o will_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o aversion_n to_o christianity_n not_o to_o the_o gentile_a by_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o idolatry_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o scandalize_a either_o weak_a or_o scrupulous_a christian_n much_o less_o by_o scandalize_a the_o christian_a profession_n as_o the_o gnostic_n do_v by_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n but_o how_o any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o make_v to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n i_o can_v see_v that_o which_o come_v near_a the_o business_n be_v if_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o abstain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o who_o scruple_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o meat_n but_o then_o this_o forbearance_n be_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a liberty_n in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v wherein_o religion_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v for_o though_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o such_o meat_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o their_o eat_n in_o itself_o consider_v do_v not_o please_v god_n though_o they_o eat_v without_o scandal_n much_o less_o when_o their_o eat_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o weak_a christian_n meat_n commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n 8.8_o for_o neither_o if_o we_o eat_v be_v we_o the_o better_a neither_o if_o we_o eat_v not_o be_v we_o the_o worse_o as_o he_o have_v before_o tell_v the_o roman_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n it_o become_v they_o to_o exercise_v great_a charity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n but_o how_o little_a this_o make_v to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a in_o the_o five_o chapter_n and_o our_o reconciler_n have_v offer_v nothing_o new_a here_o to_o deserve_v a_o new_a answer_n all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n himself_o which_o may_v be_v answer_v in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n he_o exercise_v great_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n both_o towards_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o great_a a_o apostle_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a forbearance_n to_o all_o succeed_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n or_o aught_o to_o alter_v and_o abolish_v they_o in_o charity_n and_o condescension_n to_o dissenter_n i_o will_v yield_v the_o cause_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o st._n paul_n condescension_n be_v and_o i_o observe_v in_o general_a that_o he_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o same_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o persuade_v other_o private_a christian_n to_o exercise_v and_o therefore_o if_o that_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o exhort_v the_o christian_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o do_v not_o overthrow_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n nor_o plead_v for_o the_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n of_o dissenter_n than_o st._n paul_n example_n can_v do_v this_o neither_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o consider_v particular_n 13._o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n especial_o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_v and_o scandalize_a weak_a christian_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v observe_v himself_o wherefore_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n he_o persuade_v believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o and_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o scandalize_v one_o another_o about_o the_o observation_n or_o non-observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o this_o condescension_n both_o â—o_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o exercise_v himself_o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n 22._o to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o law_n as_o without_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n he_o live_v as_o a_o jew_n observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o neither_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n gain_v some_o that_o be_v he_o practise_v that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o teach_v other_o to_o practice_v and_o if_o that_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n nor_o plead_v for_o the_o like_a indulgence_n and_o toleration_n for_o they_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a it_o do_v not_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n example_n prove_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o this_o condescension_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o private_a liberty_n which_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o restrain_v to_o make_v his_o ministry_n the_o more_o effectual_a but_o he_o never_o part_v with_o his_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o dissenter_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 138._o but_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n more_o of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n which_o our_o reconciler_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o very_a notable_a one_o viz._n that_o though_o st._n paul_n assert_n his_o right_n to_o live_v upon_o the_o church_n stock_n as_o well_o as_o other_o minister_n yet_o he_o maintain_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o labour_n that_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o corinthian_n without_o charge_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o do_v receive_v contribution_n from_o other_o church_n and_o this_o he_o do_v 9_o lest_o he_o shall_v hinder_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n from_o whence_o our_o reconciler_n thus_o argue_v wherefore_o although_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n have_v certain_o a_o right_a to_o impose_v thing_n indifferent_a yet_o with_o submission_n to_o they_o i_o conceive_v they_o shall_v not_o exercise_v that_o power_n in_o like_a circumstance_n viz._n when_o by_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n to_o traduce_v they_o as_o man_n who_o more_o regard_v a_o ceremony_n than_o a_o immortal_a soul_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o command_a power_n than_o the_o preserve_n poor_a soul_n from_o damn_v schism_n and_o the_o church_n from_o sad_a division_n when_o it_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o their_o flock_n as_o this_o impose_v seem_v to_o do_v ad_fw-la populum_fw-la phalerae_fw-la now_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v the_o case_n and_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v our_o reconciler_n application_n the_o case_n be_v this_o st._n paul_n have_v a_o right_a to_o live_v on_o the_o gospel_n 14_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o ordination_n as_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n who_o minister_v in_o holy_a thing_n live_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o they_o which_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n have_v their_o portion_n
that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o which_o the_o church_n have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v allow_v to_o each_o other_o therefore_o the_o church_n itself_o must_v not_o impose_v the_o observance_n of_o any_o indifferent_a ceremony_n on_o dissenter_n or_o must_v alter_v or_o abate_v they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o scruple_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n here_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v decree_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n acts._n shall_v not_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v circumcise_v or_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o leave_v the_o believe_a jew_n at_o their_o liberty_n to_o observe_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o law_n still_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o determination_n the_o believe_a gentile_n who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n despise_v the_o weakness_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o continue_v zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v mighty_o scandalize_v and_o offend_v at_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o gentile_a convert_v take_v and_o make_v great_a scruple_n of_o converse_v with_o they_o or_o of_o worship_v god_n together_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o council_n easy_o foresee_v will_v be_v take_v and_o give_v on_o both_o side_n do_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o make_v a_o peremptory_a decree_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o when_o such_o scandal_n as_o these_o do_v arise_v between_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o grant_v that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o without_o mutual_a censure_n contempt_n and_o scandal_n which_o the_o church_n have_v already_o decree_v shall_v be_v grant_v for_o he_o plead_v for_o no_o other_o forbearance_n than_o what_o be_v express_o decree_v by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o the_o church_n allow_v a_o latitude_n and_o permit_v different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n certain_o it_o become_v all_o christian_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n offend_v or_o scandalize_v each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o only_a case_n the_o apostle_n mention_n but_o will_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n hence_o infer_v that_o the_o church_n must_v make_v no_o law_n nor_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o private_a christian_n and_o that_o if_o she_o do_v she_o sin_n against_o these_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n to_o observe_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v exercise_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o may_v determine_v what_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o advice_n they_o judge_v fit_a or_o necessary_a to_o be_v determine_v whatever_o scruple_n some_o christian_n have_v entertain_v about_o it_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o it_o become_v christian_a bishopâ—_n and_o minister_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o do_v to_o persuade_v private_a christian_n to_o obey_v such_o constitution_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o turn_v reconciler_n and_o to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o dissenter_n against_o church-authority_n which_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o it_o become_v private_a christian_n to_o submit_v to_o such_o determination_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n if_o there_o be_v any_o not_o those_o who_o do_v the_o gentile_a convert_v be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n if_o they_o despise_v the_o jew_n for_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o the_o council_n have_v still_o permit_v they_o to_o observe_v the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o scandalize_a the_o gentile_n if_o they_o judge_v and_o censure_v they_o and_o deny_v communion_n to_o they_o for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o the_o council_n have_v deliver_v the_o gentile_n from_o any_o such_o necessity_n but_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o criminal_a scandal_n by_o obey_v the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n whoever_o be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o but_o scandal_n always_o lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o disobedience_n the_o christian_a jew_n give_v no_o offence_n by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n nor_o the_o christian_a gentile_a by_o not_o observe_v it_o because_o they_o both_o herein_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n to_o justify_v they_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o exhort_v the_o jew_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n nor_o the_o gentile_n to_o observe_v it_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n which_o have_v be_v somewhat_o like_o our_o reconciler_n address_n to_o the_o church_n not_o to_o impose_v and_o to_o the_o dissenter_n to_o obey_v such_o imposition_n to_o avoid_v schism_n but_o he_o exhort_v they_o both_o to_o grant_v that_o liberty_n to_o each_o other_o which_o the_o church_n have_v grant_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o despise_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o for_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n which_o in_o both_o of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o express_a violation_n of_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n governors_n indeed_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o uncharitableness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v 2._o and_o vindicate_v our_o church_n from_o any_o such_o imputation_n but_o subject_n can_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n and_o private_a christian_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o scandal_n in_o the_o imprudent_a use_n of_o their_o just_a liberty_n but_o this_o can_v never_o extend_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o gentile_a convert_v the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o yet_o have_v not_o lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o they_o to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o any_o other_o meat_n which_o be_v unclean_a by_o the_o law_n when_o a_o jew_n be_v present_a and_o therefore_o herein_o it_o become_v they_o to_o use_v their_o liberty_n without_o offence_n and_o to_o exercise_v a_o generous_a charity_n towards_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o believe_a jew_n in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o the_o 13_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o yet_o it_o become_v the_o church_n to_o allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o they_o may_v use_v uncharitable_o for_o to_o have_v abridge_v it_o have_v be_v to_o impose_v on_o they_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o as_o the_o reconciler_n observe_v do_v plain_o assert_v 73._o that_o the_o thing_n scruple_v by_o the_o weak_a be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o that_o he_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a determination_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o believe_a gentile_n to_o exercise_v great_a charity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a instance_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n in_o such_o case_n where_o public_a authority_n can_v make_v no_o such_o determination_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n determine_v against_o the_o scruple_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o they_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o and_o yet_o st._n paul_n require_v private_a christian_n to_o use_v this_o liberty_n without_o offence_n and_o to_o exercise_v such_o charity_n to_o their_o jewish_a brethren_n as_o the_o church_n itself_o do_v not_o and_o can_v not_o exercise_v 71._o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n fall_v under_o our_o reconciler_n lash_n as_o well_o as_o dr._n womack_n as_o if_o church-governor_n be_v not_o as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o reason_n lay_v down_o as_o be_v the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n and_o be_v strong_a to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a that_o they_o may_v judge_v another_o man_n servant_n that_o they_o may_v put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o their_o brother_n way_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v uncharitable_o may_v grieve_v and_o even_o destroy_v he_o with_o their_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o they_o may_v let_v their_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o may_v for_o meat_n destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o though_o it_o be_v good_a for_o private_a person_n not_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n
conceive_v non_fw-la enim_fw-la carnes_z secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la sed_fw-la sola_fw-la olera_fw-la manducabant_fw-la because_o the_o weak_a person_n mention_v here_o only_o do_v eat_v herb_n abstain_v from_o all_o flesh_n and_o not_o from_o that_o alone_a which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o commentator_n we_o must_v understand_v also_o one_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o body_n who_o have_v a_o ill_a stomach_n or_o ill_a digestion_n and_o therefore_o eat_v herb_n because_o he_o can_v eat_v flesh_n through_o sickness_n or_o old_a age_n infirmus_fw-la aetate_fw-la aut_fw-la corporis_fw-la vigore_fw-la which_o be_v the_o word_n immediate_o before_o and_o then_o how_o this_o will_v reach_v the_o case_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n i_o can_v tell_v as_o for_o his_o reason_n that_o these_o weak_a person_n eat_v only_a herb_n it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o the_o text._n herb_n may_v be_v take_v synecdochical_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n allow_v by_o the_o law_n no_o sort_n of_o herb_n be_v forbid_v or_o it_o may_v signify_v that_o rather_o than_o eat_v any_o meat_n forbid_v by_o their_o law_n they_o choose_v to_o live_v on_o herb_n which_o may_v be_v often_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jew_n who_o live_v among_o heathen_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n who_o be_v primary_o concern_v in_o this_o epistle_n do_v and_o st._n chrysostom_n who_o positive_o assert_n that_o this_o concern_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n assign_v another_o reason_n for_o their_o eat_a herb_n loc._n because_o if_o they_o have_v only_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n and_o other_o forbid_a meat_n they_o will_v have_v discover_v their_o reverence_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n still_o which_o he_o suppose_v they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o conceal_v and_o therefore_o to_o palliate_v the_o business_n they_o abstain_v from_o all_o flesh_n and_o eat_v only_a herb_n that_o it_o may_v look_v more_o like_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n than_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n or_o not_o i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v it_o plain_o show_n what_o st._n chrysostom_n opinion_n be_v in_o the_o case_n which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v think_v as_o considerable_a as_o this_o commentator_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n about_o this_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v v_o 14._o for_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d common_a the_o word_n peculiar_o use_v to_o signify_v the_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n that_o ever_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n for_o though_o the_o pythagorean_n do_v forbid_v eat_v of_o flesh_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o inconsiderable_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n which_o can_v not_o occasion_v such_o a_o general_a dispute_n as_o this_o be_v and_o they_o do_v not_o forbid_v flesh_n upon_o this_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o for_o reason_n peculiar_a to_o their_o philosophy_n which_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o superstitious_a that_o we_o can_v imagine_v the_o apostle_n will_v grant_v any_o indulgence_n to_o such_o fancy_n 2._o his_o next_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o colossion_n speak_v severe_o against_o their_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a festival_n and_o therefore_o here_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n indifferent_a concern_v which_o it_o be_v only_o needful_a that_o the_o observer_n or_o not_o observer_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o assure_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o practice_n as_o st._n ambrose_n say_v the_o apostle_n here_o assert_n nor_o be_v it_o like_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n he_o will_v permit_v they_o to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n which_o last_o assertion_n direct_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a hypothesis_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n may_v have_v require_v of_o they_o to_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o whatever_o scruple_n they_o pretend_v and_o then_o how_o do_v it_o become_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n in_o church-governor_n to_o renounce_v their_o own_o authority_n to_o gratify_v and_o humour_v every_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o be_v favourable_a to_o scruple_n it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o scruple_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v be_v abrogate_a and_o out_o of_o date_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o apostle_n shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v much_o less_o reason_n to_o expect_v this_o from_o church-governor_n in_o other_o matter_n where_o no_o such_o authority_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o justify_v their_o scruple_n but_o of_o the_o different_a behaviour_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n i_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o account_n in_o what_o follow_v as_o will_v not_o be_v much_o to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n 3._o because_o the_o apostle_n confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o meat_n not_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v now_o abolish_v that_o law_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v unto_o and_o so_o can_v not_o oblige_v the_o gentile_a world_n or_o any_o thing_n which_o seem_v proper_a to_o oppose_v unto_o those_o judaize_v christian_n but_o only_o say_v that_o meat_n do_v not_o commend_v to_o god_n and_o suchlike_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o proper_a to_o be_v speak_v unto_o those_o who_o understand_v of_o their_o liberty_n free_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o eat_v of_o the_o idol-sacrifice_n now_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o apostle_n confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o meat_n and_o day_n not_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o his_o whole_a epistle_n treat_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o he_o do_v not_o repeat_v all_o that_o he_o say_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n about_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n and_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n in_o this_o 14_o chapter_n therefore_o these_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o day_n must_v not_o refer_v to_o moysaicall_a observance_n the_o whole_a epistle_n concern_v the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o if_o he_o can_v find_v any_o other_o meat_n and_o day_n which_o the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o observe_v and_o the_o gentile_n think_v themselves_o free_v from_o by_o christ_n he_o will_v say_v something_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o whereas_o he_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o urge_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o prove_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o his_o business_n in_o this_o chapter_n but_o he_o prove_v what_o he_o intend_v to_o prove_v how_o reasonable_a mutual_a forbearance_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n which_o suppose_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n already_o prove_v as_o indeed_o he_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o before_o for_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o forbearance_n against_o a_o positive_a law_n 4._o his_o last_o reason_n be_v as_o good_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a because_o have_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o strong_a jewish_a christian_n and_o declare_v his_o freedom_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a law_n he_o will_v have_v contradict_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o his_o own_o practice_n there_o 24._o for_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o do_v esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o be_v and_o do_v not_o judge_v he_o a_o strong_a but_o a_o disorderly_a christian_a who_o be_v a_o jew_n observe_v not_o their_o law_n and_o custom_n now_o if_o this_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o indeed_o ought_v not_o to_o dispute_v against_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o jewish_a convert_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o new_a commentator_n upon_o most_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o deliver_v he_o from_o that_o scandal_n which_o all_o expositor_n hitherto_o have_v cast_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v in_o many_o place_n industrious_o prove_v that_o neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o it_o be_v
evident_a in_o this_o very_a place_n that_o those_o who_o our_o reconciler_n call_v the_o strong_a jewish_a christian_n st._n paul_n call_v the_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v his_o true_a christian_a liberty_n and_o write_v neither_o to_o strong_a jewish_a nor_o to_o strong_a gentile_a christian_n but_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o consist_v of_o both_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n in_o the_o first_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n he_o impose_v no_o necessity_n on_o the_o jew_n to_o renounce_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o on_o the_o gentile_n to_o observe_v it_o and_o lest_o such_o different_a manner_n and_o custom_n may_v occasion_v schism_n and_o division_n among_o they_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o mutual_a forbearance_n not_o to_o judge_v nor_o censure_n nor_o reproach_v each_o other_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n may_v do_v without_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o contradict_v his_o own_o practice_n for_o he_o be_v charge_v at_o jerusalem_n not_o with_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n with_o respect_n to_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o gentile_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a that_o he_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v dissemble_v it_o but_o with_o forbid_v the_o jewish_a christian_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n which_o indeed_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostolical_a decree_n which_o deliver_v the_o gentile_n from_o that_o necessity_n but_o indulge_v the_o jew_n in_o it_o thus_o jame_v the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o in_o great_a number_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o law_n be_v inform_v of_o he_o that_o he_o teach_v all_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o forsake_v moses_n 21._o say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n neither_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o custom_n now_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o do_v this_o and_o another_o to_o say_v they_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o not_o do_v it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o apostle_n constant_a doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o to_o that_o liberty_n he_o everywhere_o indulge_v the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o chapter_n under_o debate_n have_v thus_o clear_v the_o way_n and_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v here_o discourse_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o that_o neither_o believe_v jew_n nor_o gentile_n ought_v to_o judge_v censure_n or_o condemn_v each_o other_o for_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v such_o custom_n i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o this_o case_n and_o those_o indifferent_a ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n and_o that_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o methinks_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n can_v but_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o difference_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v for_o the_o dispute_v here_o be_v not_o about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o proposition_n our_o reconciler_n undertake_v to_o prove_v be_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v without_o sin_n or_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v by_o superior_n as_o condition_n of_o communion_n and_o this_o he_o prove_v from_o st._n paul_n indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n now_o what_o relation_n be_v there_o between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o indifferent_a circumstance_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n do_v st._n paul_n allow_v the_o jew_n this_o liberty_n of_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n upon_o this_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n if_o he_o do_v not_o than_o this_o example_n be_v impertinent_o allege_v as_o not_o relate_v to_o this_o present_a dispute_n about_o impose_v or_o not_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n if_o he_o do_v than_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v indifferent_a still_o for_o that_o which_o be_v once_o indifferent_a must_v continue_v so_o without_o some_o new_a law_n to_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o i_o know_v of_o none_o in_o this_o case_n if_o st._n paul_n think_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n so_o indifferent_a why_o do_v he_o dispute_v so_o earnest_o against_o it_o in_o this_o whole_a epistle_n why_o do_v he_o contend_v so_o earnest_o even_o with_o st._n peter_n himself_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o maintain_v their_o liberty_n from_o the_o jewish_a yoke_n for_o if_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v so_o to_o the_o gentile_a and_o according_a to_o our_o reconciler_n way_n it_o do_v not_o become_v such_o great_a apostle_n to_o contend_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o why_o do_v st._n paul_n so_o severe_o chide_v the_o galatian_n who_o chief_o consist_v of_o gentile_n convert_v for_o their_o warp_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o passionate_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o not_o to_o be_v entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n 1._o why_o do_v he_o so_o diligent_o caution_n the_o colossian_n both_o against_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a superstition_n etc._n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n this_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n think_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n a_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o though_o he_o indulge_v the_o jew_n in_o it_o he_o will_v not_o indulge_v the_o gentile_a convert_v especial_o those_o gentile_a church_n which_o be_v pant_v by_o himself_o and_o be_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o his_o different_a treatment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o galatia_n at_o rome_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v great_a number_n both_o of_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v and_o as_o he_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_a christian_a from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n so_o he_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n in_o such_o observation_n and_o exhort_v they_o both_o to_o bear_v patient_o and_o charitable_o with_o one_o another_o without_o despise_v or_o judge_v but_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n consist_v of_o gentile_n convert_v and_o either_o have_v none_o or_o very_o few_o jew_n original_o among_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o st._n paul_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n have_v free_o and_o open_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v there_o be_v any_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n there_o who_o be_v all_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n therefore_o when_o in_o his_o absence_n some_o jewish_a christian_n have_v get_v in_o among_o they_o and_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o legal_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n he_o deal_v very_o sharp_o with_o they_o and_o chide_v they_o for_o their_o apostasy_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o indulge_v they_o in_o this_o case_n as_o to_o indulge_v the_o jew_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o from_o st._n paul_n severity_n to_o the_o galatian_n prove_v that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v church-governor_n to_o indulge_v the_o wantonness_n and_o superstitious_a conceit_n and_o scrupulous_a fancy_n of_o private_a christian_n as_o from_o his_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jewish_a christian_n at_o rome_n prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o with_o much_o better_a reason_n too_o to_o be_v sure_a since_o he_o so_o sharp_o reprove_v the_o galatian_n for_o their_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o so_o charitable_o indulge_v the_o jewish_a roman_n in_o he_o do_v neither_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o this_o example_n do_v not_o concern_v our_o present_a dispute_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o these_o thing_n indifferent_a do_v not_o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v i_o know_v 14._o and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o be_v not_o the_o law_n abrogate_a which_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o be_v they_o not_o at_o liberty_n then_o to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v yes_o no_o doubt_n of_o it_o as_o we_o be_v at_o this_o day_n but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v as_o a_o instance_n of_o natural_a liberty_n
not_o break_v some_o divine_a law_n this_o be_v the_o offence_n the_o jew_n take_v that_o the_o gentile_n do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o be_v the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o man_n may_v be_v culpable_o charge_v with_o give_v offence_n without_o sin_v against_o any_o law_n the_o gentile_n do_v break_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n indeed_o but_o that_o law_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o innocent_a in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o law_n be_v repeal_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o contempt_n of_o that_o law_n &_o their_o offence_n be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o it_o make_v it_o a_o great_a fault_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o offer_v this_o offence_n to_o they_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o dissenter_n what_o law_n condemn_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n our_o reconciler_n i_o suppose_v will_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n or_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o law_n and_o therefore_o we_o offer_v no_o offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o they_o for_o we_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o either_o be_v now_o or_o ever_o be_v in_o force_n against_o our_o ceremony_n this_o one_o observation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n give_v where_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a law_n break_v will_v clear_v up_o that_o perplex_a doctrine_n of_o scandal_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o most_o man_n and_o make_v it_o intelligible_a to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o yet_o this_o criminal_a give_v of_o offence_n be_v never_o apply_v in_o scripture_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n i_o meet_v with_o but_o two_o notion_n of_o give_v offence_n in_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v to_o offend_v by_o contempt_n and_o ill_a usage_n or_o persecution_n in_o which_o sense_n our_o saviour_n warn_v we_o against_o offend_v any_o of_o those_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o 10._o which_o he_o call_v also_o despise_v of_o they_o that_o be_v treat_v they_o ignominious_o and_o reproachful_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o discourage_v man_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n but_o this_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a dispute_n unless_o the_o reconciler_n will_v call_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o censure_n against_o dissenter_n despise_v thâ—m_n and_o give_v they_o offence_n the_o second_o be_v when_o we_o offend_v man_n by_o our_o example_n by_o do_v something_o which_o prove_v a_o snare_n and_o stumbling-block_n and_o scandal_n to_o they_o now_o this_o be_v never_o apply_v to_o any_o action_n which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o some_o divine_a law_n which_o either_o be_v in_o force_n or_o be_v reasonable_o presume_v to_o be_v in_o force_n by_o those_o who_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o thus_o the_o jew_n take_v offence_n at_o the_o gentile_a christian_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o know_v be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v repeal_v which_o be_v the_o case_n the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o in_o this_o 14_o rom._n another_o case_n like_o this_o be_v concern_v eat_a thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n ch_n which_o be_v against_o a_o express_a law_n which_o forbid_v all_o idolatry_n or_o communicate_v with_o devil_n as_o those_o do_v who_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o be_v express_o forbid_v the_o gentile_a convert_v by_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n at_o jerusalem_n 29._o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n this_o law_n some_o expound_v not_o only_o to_o forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n and_o to_o feast_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v there_o offer_v to_o the_o idol_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o act_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o to_o forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o any_o meat_n which_o have_v once_o be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n though_o it_o be_v carry_v from_o the_o temple_n and_o sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o eat_v in_o private_a house_n at_o a_o friendly_a entertainment_n without_o any_o relation_n to_o the_o idol_n st._n paul_n indeed_o determine_v this_o controversy_n that_o this_o law_n to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n do_v only_o forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n and_o to_o feast_v on_o their_o idolatrous_a sacrifice_n but_o if_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v meat_n in_o the_o shambles_n or_o to_o eat_v at_o any_o private_a house_n they_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o inquire_v whether_o that_o meat_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n or_o not_o but_o yet_o they_o ought_v in_o charity_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o scruple_n of_o other_o who_o suppose_v this_o prohibition_n to_o extend_v to_o eat_v any_o meat_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n wherever_o they_o eat_v it_o as_o well_o as_o eat_v at_o a_o idol_n temple_n and_o there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n and_o a_o reasonable_a scruple_n in_o the_o case_n they_o be_v oblige_v in_o charity_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o such_o suspicious_a meat_n now_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n not_o to_o offend_v nor_o scandalize_v our_o brethren_n by_o give_v they_o the_o least_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o our_o violation_n of_o any_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o god_n when_o the_o law_n be_v not_o imaginary_a but_o visible_a for_o these_o case_n have_v some_o equity_n in_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o can_v rare_o happen_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o great_a and_o burdensome_a restraint_n on_o our_o natural_a or_o christian_a liberty_n much_o less_o have_v any_o ill_a influence_n on_o public_a government_n but_o if_o we_o extend_v this_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n to_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o scruple_n it_o become_v both_o ridiculous_a and_o intolerable_a for_o then_o every_o humoursome_a and_o ignorant_a and_o conceit_a christian_n who_o can_v make_v law_n by_o consequence_n and_o can_v extract_v such_o law_n out_o of_o scripture_n as_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n never_o hear_v of_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o i_o what_o i_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v what_o clothes_n i_o shall_v wear_v what_o company_n i_o shall_v keep_v what_o law_n of_o church_n or_o state_n i_o shall_v observe_v nay_o shall_v give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n and_o repeal_v law_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n upon_o their_o superior_n which_o be_v the_o very_a design_n our_o reconciler_n pursue_v throughout_o his_o book_n to_o persuade_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o prescribe_v any_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o our_o dissenter_n though_o without_o any_o reason_n or_o without_o any_o law_n and_o true_o can_v he_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v as_o much_o admire_v their_o prudence_n as_o i_o do_v his_o charity_n 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o danger_n the_o apostle_n design_v to_o prevent_v in_o this_o what_o hurt_v their_o weak_a brother_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v by_o it_o 13._o now_o this_o he_o express_v by_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o brother_n way_n by_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v by_o his_o stumble_n and_o be_v offend_v and_o make_v weak_a which_o signify_v that_o these_o believe_a jew_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o take_v such_o offence_n at_o this_o liberty_n which_o the_o believe_a gentile_n so_o uncharitable_o use_v as_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o fall_v back_o again_o into_o judaisme_n and_o there_o be_v manifest_a reason_n for_o this_o fear_n for_o since_o they_o retain_v such_o a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o know_v be_v give_v by_o god_n it_o be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o they_o to_o suspect_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o a_o impostor_n when_o they_o see_v his_o disciple_n so_o notorious_o break_v this_o law_n and_o themselves_o deride_v and_o scorn_v for_o observe_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o determine_v against_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n by_o believe_v jew_n but_o excuse_v the_o gentile_n from_o it_o who_o be_v never_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n to_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o apostle_n in_o express_a term_n declare_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o jew_n believe_v to_o be_v eternal_a but_o it_o be_v a_o more_o plausible_a pretence_n that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v original_o give_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n shall_v not_o oblige_v the_o believe_a gentile_n but_o yet_o have_v the_o believe_a gentile_n not_o
a_o vindication_n of_o the_o right_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n by_o will._n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n london_n print_v for_o abel_n swalle_n at_o the_o unicorn_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o who_o exclude_v so_o many_o labourer_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a p._n 212_o his_o four_o argument_n from_o our_o saviour_n command_n not_o to_o scandalize_v little_a one_o p._n 213_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o little_a one_o p._n 214_o what_o it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o p._n 215_o his_o five_o argument_n from_o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o those_o who_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n p._n 216_o how_o the_o pharisee_n shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ibid._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o heavy_a burden_n p._n 218_o and_o what_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n condemn_v under_o that_o notion_n p._n 219_o his_o six_o argument_n that_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o disciple_n to_o forbid_v that_o man_n who_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n but_o do_v not_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o dissent_v preacher_n who_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v p._n 220_o his_o seven_o argument_n from_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v part_v with_o her_o ceremony_n for_o they_o p._n 223_o his_o last_o argument_n from_o christ_n prayer_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n chap._n v._n the_o answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n draw_v from_o the_o 14_o of_o rom._n p._n 225_o there_o may_v be_v some_o case_n wherein_o forbearance_n be_v reasonable_a other_o wherein_o it_o be_v neither_o prudent_a nor_o reasonable_a ibid._n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n unless_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o same_o ibid._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o rom._n only_o exhort_v the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v to_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n which_o have_v already_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o high_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n 226_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v any_o indifferent_a ceremony_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o dissenter_n 227_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o apostolical_a forbearance_n ibid._n private_a charity_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o such_o case_n where_o public_a authority_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a 231_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o one_o concern_v indifferent_a thing_n the_o other_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 235_o no_o dispute_v about_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o exhortation_n to_o forbearance_n in_o such_o matter_n 236_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o reconciler_n argument_n which_o he_o allege_n to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n do_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n ibid._n so_o that_o this_o chapter_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o dispute_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n 243_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n ibid._n the_o reason_n of_o his_o different_a treatment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o galatia_n 244_o whether_o though_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o dissenter_n be_v different_a yet_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o same_o indulgence_n ought_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o both_o 247_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o argument_n from_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n ibid._n that_o there_o be_v no_o parity_n of_o reason_n between_o these_o two_o case_n 249_o the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v in_o this_o 14_o chap._n very_o proper_a to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o not_o applicable_a to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v at_o large_a ibid._n etc._n etc._n what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o receive_v one_o another_o and_o dr._n falkner_n vindicate_v from_o the_o reconciler_n objection_n the_o apostle_n first_o arg._n that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o that_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o not_o applicable_a to_o dissenter_n 257_o etc._n etc._n 2_o arg._n that_o they_o must_v not_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n 262_o that_o this_o arg._n relate_v only_o to_o such_o matter_n as_o god_n have_v determine_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a authority_n 264_o 3_o arg._n that_o they_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n 265_o whether_o every_o man_n must_v be_v permit_v to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n 266_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o grant_v no_o such_o liberty_n as_o this_o 267_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o regard_v man_n conscience_n in_o make_v or_o execute_v law_n for_o the_o public_a good_a 268_o nor_n be_v there_o any_o obligation_n on_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o do_v this_o 269_o what_o st._n paul_n mean_v by_o regard_v a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n 270_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o mere_o signify_v a_o private_a persuasion_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o 272_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n not_o to_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n 274_o what_o the_o scandal_n be_v of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 275_o who_o this_o weak_a brother_n be_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v applicable_a to_o dissenter_n 276_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v give_v be_v a_o suppose_a violation_n of_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n 277_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o criminal_a scandal_n 279_o the_o danger_n of_o offend_v these_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v they_o against_o be_v lest_o they_o shall_v renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o fall_v back_o into_o judaism_n 282_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n who_o be_v to_o be_v indulge_v signify_v those_o who_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n 284_o the_o same_o indulgence_n not_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o schismatic_n though_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a in_o understanding_n ibid._n the_o reason_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o from_o give_v scandal_n 287_o a_o paraphrase_n on_o the_o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n verse_n of_o the_o 14_o rom._n ibid._n these_o argument_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n 292_o that_o this_o compliance_n must_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o religion_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o concern_v 293_o meat_n and_o drink_n do_v not_o signify_v the_o external_o of_o religious_a worship_n 294_o nor_n do_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n signify_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n 296_o the_o mistake_n of_o reconciler_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o of_o small_a account_n with_o god_n 297_o this_o apostolical_a exhortation_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o such_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n 298_o the_o meaning_n of_o have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o 299_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o he_o that_o doubt_v 302_o how_o far_o the_o apostle_n allow_v that_o every_o man_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n where_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n not_o where_o conscience_n itself_o have_v a_o rule_n 303_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o sure_a rule_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o 306_o this_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n ibid._n the_o case_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n brief_o state_v 304_o a_o short_a recapitulation_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n 311_o the_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n plead_v for_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o christian_a worship_n it_o neither_o destroy_v the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n nor_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n what_o the_o reconciler_n plead_v for_o must_v do_v one_o or_o both_o 321_o dr._n stillingfleet_n vindicate_v 322_o the_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n plead_v for_o be_v in_o order_n to_o prevent_v schism_n which_o our_o reconciler_n forbearance_n can_v do_v 333_o this_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v
the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v but_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o man_n soul_n right_a and_o therefore_o not_o a_o absolute_a and_o necessary_a duty_n otherwise_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o bishop_n authority_n extend_v only_o to_o necessary_n why_o may_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o external_a beauty_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v consider_v in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n why_o may_v not_o spiritual_a advantage_n find_v place_n in_o our_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v bare_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o spiritual_a government_n right_a not_o to_o seize_v man_n estate_n to_o adorn_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o these_o reason_n he_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v more_o authority_n than_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o minister_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o learn_v what_o kind_n of_o authority_n he_o mean_v such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n to_o adorn_v religion_n as_o give_v the_o bishop_n authority_n over_o man_n estate_n for_o such_o prous_a use_n but_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o their_o authority_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o decency_n of_o religion_n 3._o when_o that_o reverend_a bishop_n say_v that_o rule_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n must_v be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o only_o rescue_v from_o confusion_n he_o must_v have_v some_o large_a notion_n of_o confusion_n than_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o that_o word_n will_v justify_v for_o man_n may_v avoid_v all_o confusion_n and_o yet_o neglect_v all_o the_o natural_a decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o meeting_n of_o quaker_n may_v be_v very_o orderly_o without_o any_o confusion_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o decency_n and_o the_o reason_n the_o bishop_n assign_v for_o this_o because_o the_o prelate_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n unless_o thing_n be_v so_o orderly_o that_o there_o be_v no_o confusion_n be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n against_o confusion_n but_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o to_o rescue_v from_o confusion_n in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o there_o be_v something_o more_o require_v in_o religious_a assembly_n than_o mere_o that_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o decent_a manner_n as_o become_v the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o natural_o belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o church-governor_n whether_o there_o have_v be_v any_o law_n for_o it_o or_o no_o much_o more_o when_o they_o be_v command_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o their_o authority_n extend_v to_o whatever_o be_v true_o decent_a in_o religion_n but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o this_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o matter_n do_v in_o confusion_n 4._o and_o disorder_n may_v be_v plain_o gather_v from_o all_o the_o instance_n precede_v which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o rule_n they_o be_v instance_n of_o great_a indecency_n and_o disorder_n commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o tell_v we_o this_o only_o can_v be_v certain_o collect_v that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v perform_v indecent_o and_o disorderly_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n the_o ruler_n of_o it_o shall_v correct_v they_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o urge_v a_o argument_n of_o mr._n jeane_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v not_o disobey_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o indecency_n commit_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n or_o some_o disorder_n in_o it_o for_o decency_n and_o indecency_n order_n and_o disorder_n or_o ataxy_n be_v privative_o opposite_a and_o between_o privative_a opposite_n in_o a_o capable_a subject_n there_o be_v no_o medium_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v decency_n sufficient_a in_o those_o action_n where_o be_v no_o indecency_n but_o now_o by_o the_o omission_n of_o symbolical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n such_o as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n surplice_n in_o prayer_n kneel_v when_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v commit_v no_o indecency_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n precept_n be_v not_o disobey_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o ceremony_n and_o consequent_o this_o precept_n can_v warrant_v the_o impose_v of_o they_o i_o wonder_v how_o learned_a man_n can_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o with_o such_o silly_a sophism_n as_o these_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v 1._o suppose_v this_o precept_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v give_v upon_o occasion_n of_o those_o disorder_n and_o indecency_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o apostle_n require_v no_o other_o decency_n than_o just_o what_o will_v remove_v the_o indecency_n of_o worship_n be_v decency_n a_o thing_n valuable_a for_o itself_o or_o only_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o indecency_n if_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o good_a thing_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o indecency_n can_v be_v a_o fault_n than_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o the_o end_n of_o decency_n be_v only_o to_o prevent_v indecency_n as_o if_o the_o end_n of_o see_v be_v only_o to_o prevent_v blindness_n or_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n only_o to_o prevent_v vice_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v privative_o opposite_a that_o be_v i_o suppose_v that_o indecency_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o decency_n not_o that_o decency_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o indecency_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o indecency_n consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o decency_n yet_o the_o nature_n of_o decency_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n though_o we_o shall_v allow_v that_o to_o be_v decent_a which_o be_v not_o indecent_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a mere_o because_o it_o be_v not_o indecent_a but_o because_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o precept_n upon_o occasion_n of_o these_o indecency_n commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n yet_o the_o command_n extend_v to_o any_o instance_n and_o degree_n of_o decency_n for_o he_o do_v not_o command_v decency_n mere_o out_o of_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n which_o be_v to_o invert_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n but_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n as_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o public_a worship_n as_o he_o who_o reprove_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o exhort_v man_n to_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o shall_v only_o practice_v so_o much_o virtue_n as_o not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o popular_a vice_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v aim_v at_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o instance_n of_o virtue_n 2._o and_o therefore_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v include_v in_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o omission_n of_o which_o be_v not_o disorderly_a and_o indecent_a if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n because_o the_o decency_n of_o our_o action_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n but_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a argument_n on_o which_o our_o reconciler_n and_o mr._n jeane_v rely_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v be_v include_v in_o that_o apostolical_a precept_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n because_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o indecent_a if_o then_o say_v the_o reconciler_n it_o can_v appear_v that_o pray_n without_o a_o surplice_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n without_o kneel_v or_o baptise_v without_o the_o cross_n be_v do_v these_o thing_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o then_o must_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a warrant_n for_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o till_o this_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v it_o must_v be_v vain_o plead_v to_o that_o end_n but_o now_o say_v mr._n jeane_n by_o the_o omission_n of_o symbolical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n such_o as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n surplice_n in_o prayer_n kneel_v when_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v commit_v no_o indecency_n in_o those_o
significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o any_o other_o church_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o bishop_n do_v not_o think_v so_o and_o when_o the_o reconciler_n allege_v the_o bishop_n authority_n as_o well_o as_o argument_n against_o we_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v urge_v his_o argument_n no_o far_o than_o he_o himself_o do_v or_o to_o have_v tell_v his_o reader_n what_o exception_n the_o bishop_n make_v and_o leave_v it_o to_o he_o to_o judge_v whether_o the_o exception_n be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a or_o not_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n will_v have_v make_v some_o little_a difference_n as_o the_o bishop_n do_v between_o such_o significant_a ceremony_n as_o be_v withal_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n and_o receive_v their_o decency_n from_o their_o signification_n and_o such_o ceremony_n as_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o only_o entertain_v a_o childish_a fancy_n with_o some_o theatrical_a show_n and_o arbitrary_a image_n and_o figure_n of_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o bishop_n there_o speak_v and_o indeed_o all_o his_o other_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n be_v as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n because_o none_o of_o they_o concern_v the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v our_o present_a dispute_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v from_o thence_o learn_v what_o the_o bishop_n judgement_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n as_o to_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o these_o argument_n as_o he_o call_v they_o take_v out_o of_o bishop_n tailor_n be_v ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la his_o first_o argument_n be_v patch_v up_o of_o two_o say_n 212._o at_o the_o distance_n of_o fifteen_o page_n from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v much_o near_o to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o book_n than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o design_n and_o signification_n he_o say_v the_o bishop_n true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o church-ruler_n his_o authority_n for_o trifle_v and_o needless_a purpose_n this_o be_v say_v in_o one_o place_n and_o to_o make_v up_o his_o argument_n he_o tack_n another_o say_v to_o it_o now_o ritual_n say_v he_o and_o external_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a appendage_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v observe_v they_o not_o that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n but_o because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o law_n the_o first_o of_o these_o say_n be_v under_o the_o three_o rule_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o necessary_a duty_n by_o a_o direct_a power_n and_o divine_a authority_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o to_o some_o necessary_a duty_n the_o instance_n the_o bishop_n give_v in_o that_o place_n be_v this_o that_o the_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o command_v his_o subject_a or_o parishioner_n to_o put_v away_o his_o concubine_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o not_o only_a sin_n by_o uncleanness_n but_o by_o disobedience_n too_o this_o sure_a be_v remote_a enough_o from_o the_o dispute_n of_o ceremony_n but_o then_o he_o prove_v that_o such_o man_n sin_n by_o disobey_v the_o bishop_n in_o such_o case_n by_o this_o argument_n among_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o church-ruler_n his_o authority_n for_o trifle_v and_o needless_a purpose_n for_o it_o be_v a_o trifle_a thing_n to_o have_v authority_n to_o command_v if_o that_o authority_n have_v no_o effect_n if_o man_n may_v disobey_v such_o command_n without_o sin_n so_o that_o these_o word_n whereby_o the_o bishop_n prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o command_v and_o that_o those_o sin_n who_o disobey_v our_o reconciler_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n because_o in_o his_o opinion_n they_o be_v trifle_v and_o needless_a thing_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o bishop_n six_o rule_n which_o be_v this_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v by_o the_o tie_n of_o religion_n not_o of_o power_n oblige_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n his_o resolution_n of_o which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o such_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a religion_n can_v be_v neglect_v by_o prince_n without_o some_o strain_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n which_o be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o choice_n of_o man_n determine_v in_o such_o a_o instance_n to_o such_o a_o specification_n but_o in_o external_o and_o ritual_n they_o have_v a_o great_a liberty_n so_o that_o every_o omission_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n in_o they_o though_o it_o may_v be_v in_o subject_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v that_o they_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a appendage_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v observe_v ritual_n because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o law_n not_o that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n since_o therefore_o these_o be_v whole_o matter_n of_o obedience_n king_n be_v free_a save_v only_o when_o they_o become_v bind_v collateral_o and_o accidental_o so_o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o external_o and_o ritual_n as_o such_o trifle_a and_o needless_a thing_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v they_o to_o which_o purpose_n our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o but_o as_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v bind_v on_o we_o only_o by_o humane_a authority_n a_o sovereign_a prince_n who_o own_v no_o high_a humane_a authority_n than_o his_o own_o be_v not_o so_o strict_o oblige_v by_o they_o as_o his_o subject_n be_v but_o may_v dispense_v with_o himself_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a these_o be_v excellent_a premise_n for_o such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o our_o reconciler_n draw_v from_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o the_o external_o or_o ritual_n of_o religion_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n find_v say_v about_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o the_o external_o and_o ritual_n of_o religion_n he_o present_o apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o except_v the_o cross_n be_v only_o decent_a circumstance_n without_o which_o or_o suchlike_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v decent_o or_o reverent_o perform_v that_o be_v without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o external_a worship_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n and_o devotion_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a what_o a_o vast_a difference_n the_o bishop_n make_v between_o these_o two_o thus_o he_o express_o do_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v 6._o and_o from_o it_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v substract_v and_o in_o christianity_n we_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o ceremony_n except_v n._n b._n the_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o very_a ministry_n as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o vessel_n and_o ornament_n and_o necessary_a appendage_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n beside_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n where_o he_o express_o distinguish_v between_o the_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o very_a ministry_n what_o be_v necessary_a or_o convenient_a for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n from_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n whereby_o he_o understand_v exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n that_o be_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o be_v distinct_a act_n themselves_o either_o institute_v as_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o he_o say_v they_o be_v intolerable_a or_o mere_o for_o signification_n and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a little_a thing_n and_o of_o very_o inconsiderable_a use_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o revelation_n evangelical_n such_o he_o reckon_v give_v milk_n and_o honey_n or_o a_o little_a wine_n to_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o present_a milk_n together_o with_o bread_n and_o wine_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o signify_v nutrition_n by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o let_v a_o pigeon_n fly_v to_o signify_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o light_v up_o candle_n to_o represent_v the_o epiphany_n to_o dress_v a_o bed_n to_o express_v the_o secret_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o prepare_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o bury_v a_o image_n to_o describe_v the_o
the_o lord_n 8._o and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n now_o because_o god_n prefer_v true_a and_o real_a goodness_n before_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o external_a worship_n or_o that_o the_o church_n must_v make_v no_o law_n for_o the_o decent_a or_o orderly_a performance_n of_o it_o or_o must_v repeal_v these_o law_n when_o any_o ignorant_a people_n refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o just_o as_o much_o as_o that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n because_o he_o prefer_v mercy_n before_o it_o our_o reconciler_n observe_v two_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v this_o say_n 1._o to_o justify_v his_o disciple_n who_o pull_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n as_o they_o walk_v through_o the_o field_n 7._o and_o rub_v they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o eat_v they_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n which_o the_o pharisee_n expound_v to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n as_o be_v a_o servile_a work_n and_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o dispute_v with_o they_o upon_o that_o point_n but_o justify_v what_o they_o do_v by_o their_o present_a necessity_n and_o by_o this_o rule_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v that_o god_n who_o prefer_v act_n of_o kindness_n and_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o each_o other_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rigorous_a exacter_n of_o obedience_n to_o any_o positive_a institution_n as_o to_o allow_v no_o indulgence_n to_o necessity_n itself_o and_o it_o become_v church-governor_n to_o imitate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o and_o our_o church_n do_v so_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v but_o how_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v make_v no_o law_n about_o ceremony_n or_o repeal_v they_o if_o man_n will_v obey_v they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o next_o instance_n be_v our_o saviour_n justify_v himself_n against_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o pharisee_n for_o his_o eat_n and_o drink_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n 13._o which_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o reform_v they_o as_o a_o physician_n converse_v with_o the_o sick_a and_o certain_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o converse_v with_o they_o upon_o so_o charitable_a a_o design_n since_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o certain_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v with_o our_o converse_v with_o sinner_n in_o order_n to_o make_v they_o good_a man_n than_o with_o our_o abstain_v from_o their_o company_n though_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o they_o upon_o other_o account_n be_v scandalous_a and_o how_o this_o prove_v what_o our_o reconciler_n will_v conclude_v from_o it_o i_o can_v see_v well_o but_o this_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o more_o case_n than_o one_o or_o two_o right_n but_o if_o we_o will_v argue_v from_o our_o saviour_n authority_n and_o application_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o only_o to_o such_o case_n as_o be_v parallel_n to_o those_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o otherwise_o we_o must_v not_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o let_v he_o set_v aside_o our_o saviour_n authority_n and_o we_o shall_v deal_v well_o enough_o with_o his_o reason_n all_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o this_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o where_o there_o happen_v any_o such_o case_n that_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a competition_n between_o two_o duty_n which_o be_v both_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n there_o the_o great_a and_o most_o necessary_a duty_n must_v take_v place_n and_o particular_o that_o all_o ritual_n must_v give_v place_n to_o mercy_n so_o that_o to_o make_v this_o a_o parallel_a case_n our_o reconciler_n must_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-governor_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n what_o be_v the_o other_o duty_n then_o to_o which_o this_o must_v give_v way_n to_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n say_v our_o reconciler_n no_o say_v i_o there_o be_v no_o inconsistency_n between_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o care_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o take_v care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v never_o be_v a_o competition_n between_o these_o two_o o_o but_o some_o man_n be_v ignorant_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o wilful_a and_o if_o you_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n of_o worship_n they_o will_v dissent_v from_o they_o and_o turn_v schismatic_n and_o be_v damn_v and_o thus_o accidental_o it_o afford_v occasion_n to_o these_o great_a and_o fatal_a evil_n let_v he_o prove_v then_o if_o he_o can_v from_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v never_o do_v their_o duty_n for_o fear_v those_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v who_o will_v not_o do_v they_o such_o case_n as_o these_o if_o they_o be_v true_o pitiable_a must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o especial_o when_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o destroy_v the_o public_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o renounce_v she_o own_o just_a authority_n the_o maintain_n of_o which_o be_v more_o for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o soul_n than_o her_o compliance_n with_o some_o scrupulous_a person_n will_v be_v i_o shall_v only_o far_o observe_v his_o great_a civility_n to_o thechurch_n and_o kingdom_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o his_o three_o observation_n from_o these_o word_n be_v that_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o prophet_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o observance_n and_o the_o require_v these_o ritual_n whilst_o charity_n and_o mercy_n to_o their_o brother_n be_v vanish_v from_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n no_o mercy_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n but_o kill_v commit_v adultery_n steal_v lie_a and_o swear_v false_o etc._n etc._n now_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o external_a worship_n institute_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n though_o our_o reconciler_n seem_v to_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o matter_n not_o how_o he_o reproach_n the_o institution_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o he_o can_v but_o reflect_v some_o odium_fw-la on_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o betray_v their_o hypocrisy_n by_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o leave_v any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o dull_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o observation_n he_o thetorical_o introduce_v it_o with_o a_o god_n forbid_v now_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o england_n but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o it_o if_o they_o please_v to_o think_v so_o this_o be_v true_a fanatic_a cant_n and_o charity_n there_o must_v be_v no_o rule_n prescribe_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o church_n must_v not_o take_v care_n to_o reclaim_v or_o restrain_v schismatic_n because_o our_o reconciler_n think_v the_o state_n do_v not_o take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o punish_v other_o vice_n certain_o there_o never_o be_v any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n take_v more_o care_n to_o decry_v this_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n of_o a_o external_a religion_n and_o to_o teach_v man_n that_o nothing_o will_v recommend_v they_o to_o god_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n than_o at_o this_o day_n who_o will_v not_o flatter_v the_o great_a man_n in_o their_o vice_n nor_o think_v any_o man_n a_o saint_n because_o he_o express_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o church_n when_o his_o life_n and_o action_n proclaim_v he_o to_o be_v a_o devil_n we_o leave_v this_o good_a reconciler_n to_o your_o belove_a tender-conscienced_n dissenter_n who_o can_v strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n who_o can_v see_v a_o surplice_n without_o horror_n but_o can_v dispense_v with_o lie_v and_o perjury_n with_o slander_n and_o revile_n and_o speak_v
disadvantage_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n as_o be_v make_v schismatic_n upon_o this_o account_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o consider_v what_o likeness_n or_o affinity_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o dispute_n be_v here_o be_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n such_o as_o man_n impose_v upon_o themselves_o or_o observe_v in_o imitation_n of_o their_o sect_n and_o party_n or_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o several_a master_n christ_n impose_v no_o such_o fast_n upon_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n though_o in_o such_o matter_n christ_n conform_v himself_o and_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v all_o as_o much_o of_o humane_a institution_n as_o our_o ceremony_n be_v which_o be_v a_o admirable_a way_n of_o argue_v the_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n though_o it_o may_v offend_v some_o superstitious_a pharisee_n be_v no_o affront_n to_o public_a authority_n nor_o make_v any_o alteration_n or_o confusion_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n think_v as_o dissent_v from_o public_a constitution_n this_o christ_n never_o indulge_v his_o disciple_n in_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n any_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o 2._o this_o indulgence_n be_v but_o temporary_a during_o our_o saviour_n abode_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o than_o they_o shall_v fast_v and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n look_v upon_o this_o say_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o institution_n of_o the_o quadrigesimal_n fast_o and_o will_v our_o reconciler_n argue_v â—rom_o a_o short_a indulgence_n for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o grant_v to_o the_o disciple_n by_o christ_n to_o prove_v a_o perpetual_a indulgence_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o dissenter_n for_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v good_a they_o will_v last_v for_o ever_o christ_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v always_o child_n nor_o have_v he_o impose_v upon_o his_o church_n to_o indulge_v such_o childish_a weakness_n and_o fancy_n for_o ever_o 3._o fast_v be_v a_o very_a severe_a duty_n very_o afflictive_a both_o to_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o our_o saviour_n to_o forbear_v command_v it_o for_o some_o time_n but_o what_o severity_n be_v there_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n what_o mighty_a trouble_n be_v it_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n what_o offence_n be_v a_o white_a linen_n garment_n to_o the_o eye_n what_o disturbance_n do_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n make_v with_o the_o gentle_a motion_n of_o the_o finger_n cause_n but_o though_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v burdensome_a to_o the_o conscience_n let_v he_o show_v then_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v any_o regard_n in_o this_o to_o a_o doubtful_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n and_o i_o will_v grant_v it_o a_o good_a proof_n how_o can_v any_o jew_n scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v so_o often_o command_v and_o recommend_v in_o their_o law_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n take_v notice_n only_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o duty_n not_o of_o its_o burdensomness_n to_o the_o conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n indulgence_n 48._o well_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o theophylact_fw-mi and_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v that_o herein_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o rule_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v convert_v the_o world_n they_o also_o shall_v condescend_v and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o with_o the_o great_a meekness_n whether_o christ_n intend_v this_o or_o not_o in_o what_o he_o now_o say_v to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n careful_o observe_v they_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o bear_v with_o many_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n both_o in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o do_v this_o meekness_n extend_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v do_v they_o prescribe_v no_o rule_n or_o order_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n or_o do_v they_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n without_o exact_v obedience_n to_o they_o do_v they_o suffer_v any_o christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o case_n and_o be_v it_o think_v a_o act_n of_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v think_v so_o in_o after-age_n wherein_o the_o church_n exercise_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n and_o no_o christian_a ever_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n but_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v our_o saviour_n as_o one_o who_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o who_o will_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a well_o we_o ready_o grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o most_o kind_a and_o gentle_a master_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o do_v this_o signify_v that_o he_o will_v give_v no_o law_n about_o worship_n or_o that_o if_o any_o person_n scruple_v these_o law_n he_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o give_v they_o their_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o they_o please_v if_o christ_n be_v a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a lord_n without_o this_o his_o minister_n also_o may_v exercise_v great_a lenity_n and_o gentleness_n without_o prostitute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o the_o ignorance_n or_o giddiness_n or_o frowardness_n of_o professor_n christ_n give_v very_o easy_a and_o gentle_a law_n instruct_v his_o hearer_n with_o great_a mildness_n and_o calmness_n bear_v their_o dulness_n and_o infidelity_n their_o indignity_n and_o affront_n with_o admirable_a patience_n converse_v even_o with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o gain_v they_o to_o repentance_n encourage_v the_o least_o beginning_n and_o cherish_v the_o first_o and_o weak_a essay_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n he_o expect_v they_o shall_v submit_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o law_n and_o still_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v submit_v to_o that_o authority_n he_o have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n and_o if_o church-governor_n use_v this_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n in_o their_o law_n and_o in_o their_o behaviour_n though_o they_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n and_o exact_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n which_o our_o reconciler_n so_o charitable_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v 50._o iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v a_o wonderful_a one_o that_o christ_n take_v compassion_n on_o the_o jew_n as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n that_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v himself_o that_o he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v that_o he_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v send_v forth_o more_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o query_n then_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v conform_v to_o this_o example_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o prayer_n who_o do_v exclude_v so_o many_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o labour_v in_o his_o harvest_n for_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a true_o i_o think_v they_o may_v though_o they_o exclude_v the_o reconciler_n into_o the_o bargain_n for_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o now_o with_o we_o asit_fw-la be_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v now_o send_v out_o numerous_a labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n man_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o diligence_n more_o indeed_o than_o there_o be_v entertainment_n or_o employment_n for_o and_o the_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o this_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o scruple_v cast_v schismatical_a presbyter_n out_o of_o christ_n vineyard_n but_o have_v our_o reconciler_n the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o mere_o for_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o themselves_o give_v another_o account_n of_o it_o renounce_v of_o the_o covenant_n keep_v they_o out_o a_o great_a while_n reordination_n episcopal_a government_n a_o national_a church_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v all_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o the_o dissent_v preacher_n
whereby_o their_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a or_o be_v offend_v yet_o may_v church-governor_n impose_v such_o thing_n although_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o their_o power_n be_v only_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n for_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n all_o these_o argument_n st._n paul_n use_v to_o persuade_v private_a christian_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o yet_o both_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n do_v positive_o determine_v that_o the_o gentile_a christian_n shall_v have_v this_o liberty_n though_o st._n paul_n persuade_v they_o to_o great_a charity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o case_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o public_a governor_n be_v so_o very_o different_a that_o charity_n may_v exact_v that_o from_o private_a christian_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o no_o charity_n can_v justify_v in_o governor_n the_o gentile_a convert_v be_v to_o deny_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a christians_n but_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o apostle_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o deny_v this_o liberty_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o may_v prove_v a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o believe_a gentile_n may_v restrain_v the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n without_o injure_v their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v all_o the_o liberty_n he_o have_v and_o therefore_o may_v suspend_v the_o use_n of_o it_o when_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o charity_n but_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n to_o the_o gentile_a convert_v without_o destroy_v their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o our_o reconciler_n be_v mighty_o out_o in_o his_o argument_n that_o church-governor_n in_o their_o public_a capacity_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o those_o act_n of_o forbearance_n and_o charitable_a condescension_n which_o private_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o when_o in_o this_o very_a instance_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o church_n determine_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o eat_v all_o sort_n of_o meat_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o moysaicall_a distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a notwithstanding_o that_o offence_n it_o give_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o yet_o st._n paul_n persuade_v the_o believe_a gentile_a not_o to_o use_v this_o liberty_n to_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n in_o a_o word_n this_o fourteen_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n consist_v of_o two_o distinct_a part_n though_o not_o so_o common_o observe_v which_o have_v occasion_v very_o confuse_a apprehension_n about_o it_o 1._o that_o which_o equal_o concern_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n viz._n not_o to_o judge_v despise_v or_o censure_v each_o other_o nor_o to_o break_v christian_a communion_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n that_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v indifferent_o eat_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n and_o another_o eat_v herb_n one_o prefer_v one_o day_n before_o another_o another_o think_v all_o day_n alike_o now_o all_o the_o indulgence_n to_o one_o another_o which_o the_o apostle_n exact_v in_o this_o case_n be_v only_o to_o grant_v each_o other_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n have_v grant_v they_o that_o the_o jew_n may_v still_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v enjoy_v their_o liberty_n not_o to_o observe_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n use_v much_o such_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o as_o be_v before_o use_v by_o the_o council_n when_o they_o make_v their_o decree_n of_o which_o more_o present_o and_o this_o part_n reach_v to_o the_o 13_o verse_n but_o how_o our_o reconciler_n hence_o infer_v that_o church-governor_n must_v not_o make_v any_o determination_n about_o thing_n which_o be_v scruple_v because_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o obey_v such_o determination_n and_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o for_o such_o matter_n which_o the_o church_n have_v determine_v they_o may_v both_o lawful_o do_v i_o can_v imagine_v 2._o the_o second_o part_n peculiar_o refer_v to_o the_o believe_a gentile_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o exercise_v great_a charity_n and_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o avoid_v all_o scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n that_o because_o their_o jewish_a brethren_n be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o take_v offence_n at_o their_o liberty_n therefore_o they_o shall_v forbear_v the_o use_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o give_v offence_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o urge_v several_a argument_n from_o charity_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n but_o this_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v peculiar_o relate_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o private_a exercise_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o exercise_v act_n of_o government_n in_o make_v public_a decree_n and_o constitution_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o church_n can_v not_o deny_v that_o liberty_n to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o make_v any_o decree_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o jewish_a scruple_n but_o only_o exhort_v the_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v this_o liberty_n charitable_o and_o without_o offence_n this_o one_o thing_n well_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n four_o chapter_n since_o it_o make_v it_o very_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n whatever_o scruple_n man_n have_v entertain_v about_o it_o ii_o another_o very_a material_a difference_n be_v that_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o dispute_n which_o be_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a christian_n about_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v those_o direction_n about_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o a_o charitable_a condescension_n to_o each_o other_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o these_o two_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o wise_a reason_n for_o allow_v some_o indulgence_n in_o one_o case_n but_o not_o in_o the_o other_o by_o indifferent_a thing_n i_o mean_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v neither_o moral_o good_a nor_o evil_n nor_o be_v either_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v any_o dispute_n about_o such_o thing_n in_o scripture_n or_o any_o one_o precept_n or_o exhortation_n either_o to_o governor_n or_o private_a christian_n about_o forbearance_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o such_o matter_n i_o will_v yield_v he_o the_o cause_n he_o have_v not_o produce_v one_o yet_o for_o the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n 79._o this_o our_o reconciler_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o discourse_n be_v general_o think_v to_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v who_o think_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o eat_v of_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o observe_v the_o jewish_a festival_n and_o say_v that_o his_o discourse_n will_v be_v more_o firm_a if_o the_o apostle_n speak_v concern_v the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o the_o meat_n and_o day_n prescribe_v by_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o desire_v to_o take_v it_o and_o believe_v this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o it_o may_v be_v when_o he_o see_v that_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n will_v overthrow_v his_o whole_a hypothesis_n he_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o retreat_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o examine_v what_o he_o allege_n to_o prove_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o this_o place_n but_o that_o he_o rather_o speak_v of_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o the_o observe_a day_n of_o fast_v his_o argument_n be_v these_o 80._o 1._o because_o the_o weak_a brethren_n do_v not_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n only_o and_o other_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o they_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o flesh_n whence_o say_v the_o commentator_n on_o the_o roman_n in_o st._n jerom_n be_v work_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o some_o
in_o which_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v and_o another_o thing_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v the_o dispute_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o which_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o st._n paul_n exhort_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n now_o let_v our_o reconciler_n speak_v his_o conscience_n free_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n alike_o in_o these_o two_o case_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o indulge_v a_o dissenter_n in_o his_o scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o never_o be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o any_o divine_a law_n as_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o indulge_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o know_v be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n till_o that_o day_n religious_o observe_v by_o they_o from_o the_o time_n it_o be_v first_o give_v and_o which_o they_o think_v do_v â—till_o as_o much_o oblige_v they_o as_o ever_o the_o dispute_n be_v not_o about_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o about_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o indulge_v the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n in_o observe_v the_o law_n till_o it_o shall_v be_v repeal_v in_o such_o a_o evident_a manner_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o reasonable_a scruple_n about_o it_o yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_a to_o indulge_v man_n in_o their_o scruple_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v any_o such_o reason_n for_o these_o scruple_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v indulge_v but_o our_o reconciler_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o dr._n falkner_n have_v urge_v 77._o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n 14_o rom._n be_v not_o treat_v about_o and_o therefore_o not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n mean_v by_o that_o expression_n the_o impose_v ceremony_n add_v that_o still_o the_o sequel_n be_v firm_a for_o the_o apostle_n may_v dispute_v upon_o another_o subject_n and_o yet_o lie_v down_o such_o principle_n and_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o equal_o confute_v the_o press_a or_o impose_v of_o those_o ceremony_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n when_o such_o a_o imposition_n will_v silence_v many_o able_a minister_n and_o involve_v many_o myriad_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o may_v be_v sometime_o true_a but_o then_o the_o subject_n must_v be_v near_o of_o kin_n and_o there_o must_v be_v something_o contain_v in_o the_o argument_n which_o indifferent_o relate_v to_o all_o other_o case_n which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n 2._o but_o yet_o whatever_o the_o argument_n be_v it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n and_o can_v challenge_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o any_o other_o case_n as_o it_o have_v in_o that_o to_o which_o it_o be_v immediate_o apply_v the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o persuade_v jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o upon_o account_n of_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v st._n paul_n argument_n as_o apply_v to_o that_o case_n but_o be_v only_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n as_o apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o he_o have_v nor_o any_o great_a strength_n than_o his_o reason_n give_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v against_o the_o imposition_n of_o our_o church_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o confess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o say_v one_o word_n about_o the_o matter_n he_o ought_v plain_o to_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n which_o express_o condemn_v the_o imposition_n of_o our_o church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o argument_n use_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n upon_o other_o occasion_n which_o he_o think_v by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n condemn_v these_o imposition_n but_o to_o pretend_v scripture_n against_o we_o when_o he_o can_v produce_v any_o one_o scripture_n which_o primary_o relate_v to_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v to_o set_v up_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v general_o such_o as_o few_o man_n will_v allow_v to_o be_v senâ—e_n our_o saviour_n and_o st._n paul_n argument_n be_v scripture_n when_o apply_v to_o those_o case_n to_o which_o they_o apply_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o purpose_n though_o the_o word_n be_v scripture_n still_o yet_o this_o new_a application_n of_o they_o be_v not_o and_o i_o will_v desire_v my_o reader_n to_o observe_v this_o that_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v allege_v numerous_a place_n of_o scripture_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o one_o scripture-proof_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n be_v scripture_n but_o apply_v by_o he_o to_o other_o purpose_n than_o the_o scripture_n intend_v 3._o but_o yet_o parity_n of_o reason_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n and_o therefore_o here_o i_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o he_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n can_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a part_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o argument_n proper_a to_o each_o and_o though_o our_o reconciler_n confound_v they_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o distinct_o first_o the_o first_o part_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n or_o break_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o different_a custom_n he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v 1._o that_o be_v receive_v to_o communion_n which_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o judge_v of_o each_o other_o differ_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o thing_n for_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n 2._o another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n this_o be_v the_o matter_n about_o which_o they_o differ_v the_o gentile_a convert_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o therefore_o may_v eat_v any_o thing_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o persuade_v of_o his_o freedom_n from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n abstain_v from_o all_o forbid_a meat_n and_o feed_v on_o herb_n let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v 3._o despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o let_v not_o the_o gentile_a despise_v the_o jew_n as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v let_v not_o the_o jew_n condemn_v and_o reject_v the_o gentile_n as_o profane_v and_o unclean_a person_n with_o who_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o converse_v much_o less_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o communion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n design_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o prevent_v that_o schism_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v occasion_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o either_o jew_n shall_v yield_v to_o gentile_n or_o gentile_n to_o jew_n but_o each_o of_o they_o retain_v their_o own_o liberty_n in_o these_o matter_n they_o shall_v still_o own_v each_o other_o as_o christian_a brethren_n and_o live_v in_o christian_a communion_n together_o which_o show_v how_o remote_a this_o case_n be_v from_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n notwithstanding_o their_o dispute_n about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n may_v join_v together_o in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a worship_n whereas_o the_o dispute_v between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v about_o the_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o while_o this_o difference_n last_v they_o can_v join_v in_o one_o communion_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a case_n but_o before_o i_o consider_v the_o apostle_n reason_n for_o
this_o i_o must_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o examine_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o receive_v the_o weak_a for_o though_o our_o reconciler_n and_o i_o agree_v that_o this_o signify_v to_o receive_v to_o communion_n yet_o i_o find_v we_o differ_v very_o much_o about_o that_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v to_o communion_n 83._o as_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o long_a paragraph_n wherein_o he_o oppose_v dr._n falkner_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o very_a perfection_n and_o quintessence_n of_o gibberish_n by_o receive_v one_o another_o i_o understand_v own_v each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n i._n e._n of_o the_o same_o christian_a communion_n a_o necessary_a consequence_n or_o duty_n of_o which_o be_v actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o in_o all_o act_n of_o christian_a worship_n or_o as_o dr._n falkner_n express_v it_o in_o other_o word_n 437._o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v own_v and_o judge_v as_o christian_n notwithstanding_o these_o different_a observation_n he_o forbid_v the_o weak_a jew_n to_o condemn_v the_o other_o jew_n or_o gentile_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o possess_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o they_o observe_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o prohibit_v those_o other_o from_o despise_v or_o disow_v these_o weak_a jew_n as_o not_o have_v embrace_v christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o 3._o signify_v here_o so_o to_o despise_v as_o withal_o to_o reject_v and_o disclaim_v as_o mark_v 9.12_o acts._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 1.28_o because_o they_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o judaism_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o if_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o will_v apply_v this_o to_o any_o other_o case_n it_o must_v be_v to_o condemn_v they_o who_o press_v their_o own_o practice_n or_o judgement_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a as_o be_v the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n and_o thereupon_o do_v undertake_v to_o censure_v all_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o such_o lesser_a thing_n as_o have_v no_o true_a religion_n or_o inward_a relation_n to_o or_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o live_v never_o so_o conscientious_o and_o act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n they_o can_v attain_v what_o now_o have_v our_o reconciler_n to_o say_v to_o this_o why_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o receive_v they_o to_o own_v they_o for_o christian_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o as_o they_o ought_v actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o why_o he_o say_v this_o be_v tacit_o presume_v in_o all_o the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o without_o that_o concession_n they_o be_v not_o cogent_a and_o of_o this_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o which_o both_o party_n be_v endow_v be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n and_o that_o because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o he_o do_v not_o only_o forbid_v the_o strong_a to_o disow_v these_o weak_a person_n as_o not_o have_v embrace_v christ_n for_o they_o who_o thus_o conceive_v most_o suitable_o unto_o that_o principle_n deny_v what_o the_o apostle_n here_o assert_n of_o these_o weak_a person_n viz._n that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o that_o they_o be_v christian_a brethren_n or_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o so_o all_o the_o apostle_n argument_n must_v be_v to_o man_n of_o such_o opinion_n weak_a and_o unconcluding_a but_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o christian_a fellowship_n or_o shall_v admit_v they_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o god_n do_v with_o he_o and_o have_v repeat_v over_o the_o same_o thing_n again_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n he_o conclude_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n plain_o be_v to_o condemn_v those_o person_n who_o for_o these_o thing_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o despise_v judge_n and_o refuse_v communion_n with_o those_o who_o differ_v thus_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n from_o they_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n do_v own_o each_o other_o to_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o that_o one_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o but_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v a_o pique_n against_o each_o other_o for_o these_o different_a custom_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v each_o other_o to_o actual_a communion_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o hinder_v this_o actual_a communion_n but_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v no_o hindrance_n at_o all_o since_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o those_o who_o observe_v it_o and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o be_v both_o of_o they_o very_o good_a christian_n which_o be_v so_o ridiculous_a a_o comment_n upon_o the_o text_n that_o i_o can_v wish_v it_o have_v be_v spare_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o protestant_a reconciler_n but_o the_o only_a way_n to_o end_v this_o dispute_n be_v by_o consider_v the_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o jew_n do_v look_v upon_o all_o person_n as_o unclean_a who_o be_v not_o circumcise_v and_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n for_o which_o reason_n god_n instruct_v peter_n by_o a_o vision_n not_o to_o call_v any_o man_n common_a or_o unclean_a 10._o and_o the_o believe_a jew_n retain_v the_o same_o apprehension_n even_o of_o the_o believe_a gentile_n after_o this_o matter_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o contest_v between_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n at_o antioch_n which_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v after_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n 12._o the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v about_o the_o law_n be_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o the_o jew_n teach_v the_o brethren_n at_o antioch_n 1._o except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v which_o occasion_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o jew_n at_o rome_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n do_v believe_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o prove_v justification_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n now_o man_n of_o such_o persuasion_n as_o these_o can_v not_o believe_v the_o gentile_n to_o be_v perfect_a christian_n because_o they_o reject_v something_o which_o ch_z they_o think_v as_o essential_a as_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o christianity_n viz._n circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o be_v incorporate_v by_o circumcision_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o reject_v they_o from_o their_o communion_n as_o for_o the_o gentile_n though_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o they_o ever_o reject_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o observe_v the_o law_n yet_o this_o chapter_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v very_o near_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a seem_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_a believer_n who_o be_v most_o numerous_a and_o prevalent_a at_o rome_n to_o receive_v the_o jewish_a christian_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o not_o to_o despise_v the_o weak_a not_o to_o reject_v they_o out_o of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o such_o imperfect_a christian_n as_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v still_o more_o the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n than_o of_o christ._n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v apt_a to_o reject_v each_o other_o from_o communion_n be_v because_o those_o who_o do_v so_o have_v no_o opinion_n of_o each_o other_o christianity_n for_o it_o be_v both_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o those_o time_n and_o absurd_a in_o itself_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v one_o another_o to_o be_v goodchristians_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o christian_a communion_n upon_o such_o dispute_v as_o do_v neither_o hinder_v their_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o nor_o prejudice_v their_o christianity_n which_o be_v as_o humoursome_a a_o schism_n as_o dissenter_n themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o such_o as_o there_o be_v no_o example_n of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n 84._o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o
dr._n falkner_n do_v imagine_v that_o be_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o weak_a he_o mean_v they_o shall_v own_v they_o for_o christian_a brethren_n and_o as_o such_o shall_v receive_v they_o to_o communion_n see_v the_o schismatic_a be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n without_o that_o catholic_n church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n can_v be_v have_v since_o therefore_o we_o do_v censure_v he_o as_o one_o who_o have_v no_o inward_a relation_n to_o or_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o relation_n to_o his_o body_n since_o we_o do_v think_v he_o worthy_a of_o exclusion_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v escape_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v be_v the_o design_n of_o it_o that_o only_a which_o he_o do_v imagine_v as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o any_o person_n as_o want_v something_o essential_a to_o christianity_n and_o so_o have_v no_o right_a to_o church-communion_n and_o to_o â—hut_v those_o man_n out_o of_o our_o communion_n who_o be_v disorderly_a in_o it_o or_o separate_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o or_o be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o cast_v disorderly_a and_o irregular_a christian_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o communion_n the_o first_o make_v the_o dispute_n upon_o which_o we_o part_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o christianity_n as_o the_o doctor_n well_o observe_v the_o second_o proceed_v only_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o those_o who_o will_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n establish_v in_o it_o which_o may_v instruct_v our_o reconciler_n in_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o the_o church_n reject_v those_o from_o her_o communion_n 79._o who_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o her_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v parallel_a case_n and_o as_o for_o the_o reason_n he_o assign_v why_o the_o apostle_n can_v by_o receive_v mean_a that_o they_o shall_v own_v each_o other_o as_o christian_a brethren_n because_o the_o argument_n he_o use_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o do_v own_o each_o other_o as_o christian_n be_v plain_o false_a for_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v each_o other_o and_o to_o own_o one_o another_o for_o christian_a brethren_n because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o because_o he_o own_v they_o for_o christian_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n receive_v the_o weak_a jew_n with_o all_o his_o weakness_n and_o the_o irregular_a gentile_n as_o they_o judge_v they_o with_o all_o their_o irregularity_n certain_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n ought_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o but_o this_o will_v better_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o show_v how_o peculiar_a they_o be_v to_o that_o case_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n now_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n which_o st._n paul_n use_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o by_o apply_v all_o the_o argument_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o concern_v christian_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n and_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o his_o first_o argument_n be_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o 7._o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o what_o be_v more_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o st._n peter_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o cornelius_n and_o those_o who_o be_v with_o he_o all_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n while_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o which_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o god_n receive_v they_o even_o in_o their_o uncircumcision_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o deny_v water-baptism_n when_o god_n have_v already_o baptize_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n who_o declare_v what_o wonder_v god_n have_v wrought_v among_o the_o gentile_n by_o they_o and_o the_o same_o argument_n serve_v for_o the_o circumcise_a jew_n who_o still_o observe_v the_o law_n that_o god_n have_v own_v they_o also_o by_o bestow_v his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n on_o they_o now_o if_o either_o circumcision_n or_o uncircumcision_n have_v signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n god_n will_v not_o have_v indifferent_o bestow_v his_o spirit_n upon_o believe_v but_o circumcise_a jew_n and_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n by_o send_v his_o spirit_n on_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v in_o such_o a_o visible_a manner_n god_n do_v evident_o declare_v that_o both_o circumcise_a jew_n and_o the_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v here_o call_v god_n receive_v they_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n own_o all_o those_o for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n on_o who_o he_o bestow_v such_o visible_a gift_n but_o how_o do_v this_o concern_v our_o dissenter_n yes_o say_v our_o reconciler_n it_o rational_o follow_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n with_o we_o 85._o who_o will_v not_o by_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v who_o god_n have_v in_o such_o a_o visible_a and_o miraculous_a manner_n receive_v into_o communion_n and_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v determine_v this_o controversy_n about_o ceremony_n in_o as_o visible_a a_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o dispute_n about_o circumcision_n he_o will_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v all_o a_o mistake_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n for_o i_o know_v no_o way_n of_o judge_v whether_o any_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o as_o for_o any_o communion_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v invisible_a certain_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o can_v see_v only_o what_o be_v visible_a be_v not_o concern_v about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o church_n communion_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o his_o church_n by_o the_o visible_a gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v external_a and_o visible_a communion_n to_o each_o other_o since_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o both_o not_o mere_o into_o a_o invisible_a communion_n with_o himself_o but_o into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o all_o act_n of_o church-communion_n and_o from_o hence_o our_o reconciler_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v alter_v her_o constitution_n to_o receive_v those_o dissenter_n into_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o she_o because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shut_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o yes_o say_v the_o reconciler_n 86._o the_o plain_a result_n of_o this_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o either_o we_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n may_v judge_v of_o all_o dissenter_n that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o communion_n by_o god_n and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o a_o pack_n of_o damn_a hypocrite_n worthy_a to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v under_o a_o severe_a anathema_n or_o if_o we_o can_v charitable_o judge_v so_o hardly_o of_o they_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v they_o into_o communion_n with_o we_o notwithstanding_o their_o different_a conception_n and_o practice_n about_o lesser_a matter_n but_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o of_o a_o visible_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o god_n receive_v they_o from_o the_o visible_a sign_n and_o effect_n
of_o it_o viz._n the_o miraculous_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o pass_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o concern_v those_o man_n internal_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o forsake_v the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o god_n receive_v they_o into_o visible_a church-communion_n must_v the_o church_n alter_v the_o most_o prudent_a and_o wholesome_a constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o every_o one_o who_o she_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o damn_a hypocrite_n may_v we_o not_o hope_v charitable_o that_o god_n will_v be_v merciful_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o some_o well-meaning_a man_n without_o destroy_v all_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n to_o let_v such_o man_n into_o our_o communion_n when_o god_n shall_v as_o visible_o declare_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o those_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o its_o worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n as_o he_o do_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o reconciler_n argument_n may_v be_v worth_a consider_v but_o till_o then_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n our_o reconciler_n have_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o guilt_n of_o schism_n who_o believe_v that_o such_o schismatic_n as_o wilful_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v still_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n this_o his_o present_a argument_n necessary_o suppose_v for_o otherwise_o it_o do_v no_o way_n appear_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o and_o than_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n must_v receive_v they_o and_o yet_o certain_o schism_n can_v be_v so_o damn_v a_o sin_n as_o at_o other_o time_n he_o pretend_v it_o be_v if_o such_o schismatic_n be_v still_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n so_o that_o great_a part_n of_o his_o book_n be_v nothing_o but_o put_v trick_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o when_o he_o declaim_v mostt_v ragical_o about_o involve_v so_o many_o precious_a soul_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o damn_v schism_n and_o destroy_v those_o with_o our_o ceremony_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v he_o secret_o laugh_v in_o his_o sleeve_n at_o those_o silly_a people_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o believe_v it_o for_o he_o believe_v no_o such_o matter_n himself_o but_o think_v it_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o believe_v that_o schismatic_n be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n nor_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n so_o that_o whatever_o strength_n those_o may_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o his_o book_n who_o believe_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o strength_n in_o it_o himself_o for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v as_o well_o in_o a_o schism_n as_o in_o church-communion_n as_o certain_o all_o those_o shall_v who_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a dispute_v about_o these_o matter_n the_o church_n may_v keep_v her_o constitution_n and_o schismatic_n may_v divide_v and_o subdivide_v into_o infinite_a faction_n and_o no_o great_a hurt_n do_v but_o that_o it_o make_v protestant_a reconciler_n of_o no_o use_n it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o more_o honourable_a undertake_n in_o he_o to_o have_v convince_v the_o church_n of_o her_o mistake_n about_o the_o damn_v nature_n of_o schism_n and_o to_o have_v satisfy_v dissenter_n that_o they_o may_v continue_v in_o their_o schism_n without_o any_o danger_n than_o to_o scare_v they_o both_o with_o panic_n fear_n and_o to_o pelt_v they_o with_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v not_o worth_a half_a a_o farthing_n if_o this_o argument_n be_v worth_a any_o thing_n for_o if_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v receive_v such_o schismatic_n into_o communion_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o be_v concern_v about_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o next_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v or_o rather_o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o verse_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n 4._o to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n v_o 10_o 12._o but_o why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n that_o be_v who_o god_n have_v make_v thy_o brother_n and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v so_o by_o visible_a effect_n though_o thou_o refuse_v to_o own_v he_o for_o such_o or_o why_o do_v thou_o set_v at_o nought_o thy_o brother_n for_o we_o shall_v all_o stand_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ._n so_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n this_o argument_n our_o reconciler_n think_v fit_a to_o pass_v over_o for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o he_o for_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n be_v not_o private_a christian_n subject_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v judge_v and_o censure_v by_o their_o governor_n no_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o christ_n have_v establish_v any_o government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n as_o no_o man_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o judge_v in_o but_o be_v reserve_v whole_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o the_o plain_a case_n be_v this_o god_n have_v public_o declare_v his_o will_n by_o the_o visible_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n both_o on_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o he_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o will_v not_o impose_v that_o yoke_n on_o the_o believe_a gentile_n now_o when_o god_n have_v so_o visible_o determine_v this_o controversy_n neither_o private_a christian_n nor_o church-governor_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v it_o otherwise_o or_o to_o judge_v or_o censure_n or_o deny_v communion_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o god_n may_v accept_v jew_n and_o gentile_n upon_o what_o term_n he_o please_v and_o to_o judge_v and_o reject_v the_o jew_n for_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o indulge_v they_o in_o it_o or_o to_o judge_v and_o reject_v the_o gentile_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n when_o god_n have_v so_o manifest_o declare_v that_o he_o receive_v they_o without_o it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v another_o man_n servant_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v what_o his_o own_o master_n either_o allow_v or_o permit_v in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o as_o st._n james_n speak_v 12._o he_o that_o speak_v evil_a of_o his_o brother_n and_o judge_v his_o brother_n speak_v evil_a of_o the_o law_n and_o judge_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o judge_v the_o law_n thou_o be_v not_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o a_o judge_n there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o that_o be_v when_o we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o brother_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n or_o some_o other_o public_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n allow_v they_o to_o do_v or_o to_o omit_v we_o be_v not_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v do_v not_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o those_o who_o be_v to_o receive_v law_n and_o to_o obey_v they_o but_o as_o judge_n as_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n or_o to_o censure_n and_o control_v they_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n against_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n relate_v only_o to_o such_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n unless_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v plain_o determine_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o public_a worship_n what_o god_n have_v leave_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v judge_v and_o censure_n and_o reject_v the_o disobedient_a because_o private_a christian_n in_o all_o such_o case_n be_v subject_a to_o church-authority_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o exceed_v her_o authority_n in_o judge_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n whether_o they_o shall_v obey_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o
be_v which_o magistrate_n can_v never_o know_v hypocrite_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sincere_a and_o government_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a if_o justice_n must_v be_v administer_v not_o by_o know_a and_o stand_a law_n but_o in_o compliance_n with_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v no_o body_n know_v what_o 3._o the_o only_a doubt_n than_o be_v about_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o in_o make_v law_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v more_o bind_v than_o either_o god_n or_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o various_a and_o different_a pretension_n of_o conscience_n if_o there_o be_v any_o equity_n in_o it_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o hold_v in_o other_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o these_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o be_v of_o what_o religion_n he_o please_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o will_v to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v a_o image_n or_o the_o host_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o yet_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a imposition_n it_o be_v upon_o conscience_n i_o have_v rather_o submit_v to_o twenty_o ceremony_n than_o to_o be_v require_v to_o subscribe_v to_o one_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o our_o reconciler_n pretend_v only_o to_o this_o indulgence_n in_o inferior_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v his_o reason_n for_o that_o for_o certain_o the_o less_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o less_o need_n there_o be_v and_o the_o less_o reason_n to_o humour_v man_n conscience_n about_o they_o the_o only_a reason_n he_o assign_v for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o do_v observe_v or_o do_v refuse_v observance_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o these_o inferior_a matter_n do_v real_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v good_a in_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o such_o inferior_a matter_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v st._n paul_n argument_n not_o the_o reconciler_n no_o say_v i_o it_o be_v the_o reconciler_n argument_n not_o st._n paul_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v yes_o i_o grant_v that_o these_o be_v st._n paul_n word_n and_o do_v not_o this_o signify_v that_o they_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o eat_v act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n yes_o i_o grant_v that_o too_o the_o convert_a gentile_n do_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o the_o convert_a jew_n abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n forbid_v by_o their_o law_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o their_o law_n which_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o legal_a pollution_n but_o this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o case_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o dissenter_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o observe_v our_o ceremony_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n god_n have_v give_v a_o positive_a law_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n which_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n and_o other_o festival_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o though_o this_o law_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o repeal_v in_o as_o public_a a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v give_v and_o god_n have_v no_o way_n declare_v that_o they_o shall_v observe_v this_o law_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o those_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n dare_v not_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o therefore_o these_o believe_a jew_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o observe_v day_n and_o not_o to_o eat_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v that_o law_n the_o believe_a gentile_n be_v never_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o god_n declare_v by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o in_o their_o uncircumcision_n and_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v by_o these_o divine_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o jewish_a observation_n of_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v day_n to_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n which_o have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n nor_o any_o public_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n whatever_o our_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o opinion_n may_v be_v we_o do_v not_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n or_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o therefore_o unless_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v any_o positive_a law_n either_o against_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n in_o general_a or_o against_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n the_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o particular_a how_o much_o soever_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n pretend_v to_o conscience_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n nor_o do_v conformist_n observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o foundation_n for_o conscience_n but_o either_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v may_v not_o that_o man_n also_o be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n who_o do_v or_o forbear_v do_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o persuasion_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o he_o can_v produce_v no_o law_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n while_o man_n design_v to_o please_v god_n in_o what_o they_o do_v sure_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n i_o answer_v i_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o any_o man_n but_o let_v they_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o use_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n in_o scripture_n say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v produce_v a_o plain_a law_n for_o what_o he_o do_v other_o man_n may_v intend_v god_n glory_n in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o they_o may_v miss_v of_o their_o aim_n when_o they_o have_v no_o rule_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n instead_o of_o please_a god_n and_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n can_v grant_v any_o indulgence_n to_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o this_o but_o when_o both_o contend_v party_n can_v produce_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o never_o do_v and_o never_o can_v happen_v but_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o because_o they_o both_o act_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n in_o a_o word_n two_o contrary_a party_n as_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v in_o this_o controversy_n can_v never_o both_o of_o they_o
be_v say_v to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v to_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o in_o such_o case_n where_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a positive_a law_n or_o a_o divine_a indulgence_n permission_n or_o liberty_n on_o both_o side_n which_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o have_v no_o parallel_n that_o i_o know_v of_o our_o dissenter_n indeed_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o justify_v their_o nonobservance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n for_o put_v our_o saviour_n to_o death_n so_o do_v all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o even_a rebel_n themselves_o and_o if_o the_o government_n must_v take_v notice_n of_o every_o foolish_a reasoner_n who_o pretend_v scripture_n it_o be_v in_o as_o ill_a a_o case_n as_o if_o every_o unscriptural_a dream_n and_o fancy_n must_v pass_v for_o a_o oracle_n this_o will_v make_v no_o difference_n before_o god_n whether_o man_n pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n or_o follow_v the_o wild_a enthusiasm_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o governor_n have_v to_o make_v a_o difference_n neither_o by_o these_o argument_n st._n paul_n persuade_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n at_o rome_n notwithstanding_o their_o dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o they_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o this_o purpose_n but_o can_v by_o no_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n as_o i_o hope_v abundant_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v second_o the_o apostle_n by_o these_o argument_n have_v persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o christian_a communion_n proceed_v to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a convert_v or_o those_o strong_a jewish_a christian_n who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n not_o to_o give_v any_o needless_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n 13._o from_o v_o 13._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n these_o two_o to_o receive_v into_o communion_n and_o not_o to_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n though_o our_o reconciler_n make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o state_n this_o matter_n also_o and_o show_v how_o remote_a it_o be_v from_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o the_o scandal_n which_o he_o suppose_v the_o church_n give_v to_o the_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o by_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o they_o or_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a she_o tempt_v they_o to_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o rather_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n than_o to_o submit_v to_o such_o unscriptural_a imposition_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o that_o scandal_n be_v of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v and_o by_o what_o argument_n he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o it_o and_o how_o â—ar_v it_o be_v applicable_a to_o our_o case_n 1._o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o this_o scandal_n be_v 2._o by_o what_o argument_n he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n first_o what_o this_o scandal_n be_v now_o the_o person_n who_o be_v scandalize_v be_v the_o weak_a that_o which_o give_v this_o scandal_n to_o they_o be_v as_o they_o apprehend_v a_o open_a contempt_n and_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n the_o danger_n of_o this_o scandal_n be_v lest_o it_o shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v christianity_n let_v we_o then_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n 1._o the_o weak_a jew_n be_v scandalize_v and_o offend_v so_o far_o you_o will_v say_v the_o parallel_n hold_v good_a for_o whatever_o the_o dissenter_n think_v of_o themselves_o i_o suppose_v the_o church_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o sort_n of_o weak_a christian_n and_o it_o be_v not_o what_o they_o think_v but_o what_o they_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n for_o these_o jew_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o weak_a no_o more_o than_o our_o dissenter_n do_v and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v weak_a and_o require_v the_o strong_a to_o treat_v they_o as_o weak_a brethren_n so_o far_o i_o agree_v but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o this_o weakness_n be_v for_o all_o weakness_n be_v not_o alike_o nor_o equal_o the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n some_o man_n be_v weak_a because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v instruct_v other_o be_v weak_a out_o of_o prejudice_n and_o some_o vicious_a inclination_n some_o weakness_n be_v to_o be_v chastise_v and_o correct_v not_o indulge_v and_o therefore_o because_o st._n paul_n require_v they_o not_o to_o offend_v the_o weak_a jew_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n must_v use_v the_o same_o indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a dissenter_n unless_o their_o weakness_n be_v alike_o pityable_a now_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o though_o they_o have_v embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v out_o of_o date_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o that_o law_n nor_o omit_v do_v what_o the_o law_n command_v nor_o can_v they_o endure_v to_o see_v other_o do_v so_o so_o that_o their_o weakness_n consist_v in_o a_o profound_a reverence_n for_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n which_o all_o man_n agree_v be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o repeal_v in_o so_o visible_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o satiâ—fie_v the_o believe_a jew_n that_o it_o be_v repeal_v now_o this_o be_v a_o very_a favourable_a case_n so_o favourable_a that_o god_n himself_o still_o indulge_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o law_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o the_o strong_a christian_n shall_v avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n but_o now_o this_o be_v such_o a_o case_n as_o never_o be_v before_o and_o never_o can_v be_v again_o our_o dissenter_n may_v be_v weak_a but_o not_o weak_a as_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n which_o ever_o do_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o they_o condemn_v and_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v the_o same_o pretence_n to_o indulge_v those_o who_o foolish_o reason_n themselves_o into_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n as_o there_o be_v to_o indulge_v those_o who_o can_v produce_v a_o plain_a positive_a law_n to_o justify_v their_o dissent_n the_o case_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o st._n paul_n who_o plead_v for_o such_o charity_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n will_v himself_o have_v censure_v our_o dissenter_n for_o both_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o private_a christian_n be_v in_o a_o ill_a state_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o humour_v those_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o man_n ignorance_n folly_n interest_n prejudice_n or_o unteachable_a and_o refractory_a disposition_n 2._o these_o weak_a jew_n take_v offence_n at_o the_o open_a violation_n of_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o gentile_a christian_n do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o act_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o it_o now_o this_o be_v a_o just_a matter_n of_o offence_n to_o the_o jew_n while_o he_o retain_v such_o a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o at_o least_o he_o have_v some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a the_o strong_a christian_a in_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v as_o our_o reconciler_n infer_v that_o the_o scandal_n the_o weak_a christian_a take_v at_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o strong_a 77._o who_o use_v his_o christian_a liberty_n in_o eat_v these_o thing_n be_v scandalum_fw-la acceptum_fw-la non_fw-la datum_fw-la scandal_n receive_v but_o not_o give_v the_o action_n be_v such_o as_o the_o weak_a christian_n can_v not_o just_o be_v offend_v at_o for_o the_o weak_a christian_a have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o this_o as_o he_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o his_o offence_n no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o give_v offence_n or_o scandal_n who_o do_v
only_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n themselves_o but_o scorn_v and_o despise_v the_o jew_n for_o do_v it_o and_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o a_o open_a contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o law_n this_o will_v have_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o have_v alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o call_v lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o brother_n way_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n by_o tempt_v he_o to_o infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v thus_o st._n chrysostom_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v afraid_a locum_fw-la lest_o this_o contemptuous_a usage_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v they_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o they_o learn_v to_o despise_v their_o teacher_n and_o to_o think_v themselves_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a sort_n of_o christian_n but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o schism_n be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n as_o infidelity_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o charity_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o prevent_v the_o one_o oblige_v we_o also_o with_o equal_a care_n to_o prevent_v the_o other_o now_o though_o i_o think_v every_o good_a christian_a will_n and_o aught_o to_o do_v what_o he_o reasonable_o can_v to_o prevent_v a_o schism_n yet_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o schism_n and_o infidelity_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n be_v very_o great_a while_o man_n be_v weak_a and_o unsettle_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o apt_a to_o take_v offence_n and_o apostatise_v from_o christ_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o capable_a of_o be_v govern_v they_o must_v be_v humour_v for_o a_o while_n as_o child_n be_v who_o must_v be_v manage_v by_o art_n not_o by_o rule_n of_o discipline_n but_o when_o man_n be_v well_o root_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v humour_v but_o govern_v they_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o submit_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o obey_v not_o to_o dispute_v the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n when_o there_o be_v no_o plain_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o they_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o man_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n and_o turn_v schismatic_n it_o be_v at_o their_o own_o peril_n and_o this_o indeed_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n command_v the_o strong_a christian_n to_o treat_v with_o so_o much_o tenderness_n without_o give_v they_o the_o least_o offence_n those_o who_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o his_o stumble_n and_o be_v offend_v and_o make_v weak_a signify_v his_o be_v shake_v and_o unsettle_a in_o the_o faith_n every_o one_o who_o be_v a_o ignorant_a and_o uninstruct_v be_v not_o therefore_o a_o weak_a christian_a his_o understanding_n may_v be_v weak_a but_o his_o faith_n may_v be_v strong_a that_o be_v he_o may_v very_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o weak_a person_n be_v to_o be_v use_v very_o different_o you_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o you_o must_v instruct_v and_o govern_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o understanding_n or_o else_o you_o prostitute_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o christian_n to_o every_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v conceit_v obstinate_a and_o censorious_a professor_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o those_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v in_o this_o chapter_n not_o to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n can_v concern_v our_o dissenter_n who_o though_o they_o be_v weak_a enough_o as_o that_o signify_v ignorant_a yet_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o that_o signify_v those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o christianity_n or_o not_o well_o confirm_v in_o that_o belief_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v humour_v like_o child_n but_o train_v up_o to_o great_a attainment_n by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o a_o prudent_a discipline_n second_o have_v see_v what_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v by_o what_o argument_n the_o apostle_n persuade_v those_o who_o be_v strong_a not_o to_o offend_v the_o weak_a now_o our_o reconciler_n have_v turn_v almost_o every_o word_n into_o a_o argument_n one_o argument_n be_v etc._n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o our_o brother_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o charity_n and_o evil_a in_o itself_o that_o it_o cause_v christianity_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o concern_v of_o peace_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o have_v no_o dispute_n with_o our_o reconciler_n about_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n and_o very_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n if_o we_o be_v as_o well_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v offence_n as_o that_o give_v this_o offence_n be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n the_o dispute_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o yet_o by_o this_o artifice_n he_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n be_v very_o copious_a and_o rhetorical_a in_o his_o harangue_n on_o this_o argument_n and_o transcribe_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a writer_n to_o show_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o manifold_a aggravation_n of_o scandal_n which_o every_o one_o will_v grant_v he_o to_o be_v very_o good_a when_o right_o apply_v but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guilty_a of_o give_v offend_v to_o the_o dissenter_n in_o that_o sense_n in_o which_o st._n paul_n and_o other_o ancient_a writer_n mean_v it_o and_o if_o our_o reconciler_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v find_v enough_o in_o st._n paul_n argument_n to_o have_v convince_v he_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o case_n very_o different_a from_o we_o which_o because_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o overlook_v i_o shall_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o mind_v he_o of_o it_o now_o i_o take_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o jew_n by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n be_v because_o their_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v of_o no_o concernment_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n for_o when_o we_o discourse_v of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a inquiry_n be_v of_o what_o moment_n and_o consequence_n the_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o exercise_v our_o charity_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v nor_o leave_v undo_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o any_o man_n whatever_o offence_n be_v take_v at_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o charitable_a condescension_n and_o compliance_n than_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n against_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n be_v very_o seasonable_o and_o proper_o urge_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o as_o will_v appear_v from_o consider_v the_o series_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o 13_o verse_n he_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o their_o brother_n way_n and_o to_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n he_o add_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a that_o be_v all_o distinction_n of_o
meat_n be_v perfect_o take_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o may_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v just_a as_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o great_a breach_n of_o charity_n to_o eat_v with_o offence_n to_o destroy_v our_o brother_n with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v 15_o 16_o v._n which_o may_v just_o cause_v our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o valuable_a thing_n in_o it_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o condemn_v on_o all_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v use_v so_o uncharitable_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o v_o 16._o and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v our_o charity_n it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v and_o perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n which_o we_o will_v do_v so_o neither_o be_v religion_n concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n indeed_o be_v concern_v in_o thedispute_n about_o the_o lawfulnessof_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a convert_v to_o renounce_v this_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v they_o but_o bare_a eat_n or_o not_o eat_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o opinion_n about_o it_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v neither_o the_o better_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v eat_v nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 17._o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v no_o law_n about_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o diet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o eat_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o liberty_n of_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o act_n of_o eat_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o though_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o direct_a and_o positive_a command_n about_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o duty_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n consist_v which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v a_o collateral_a restraint_n upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o deal_v kind_o and_o compassionate_o with_o our_o fellow-christians_a to_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o delight_n which_o christian_n brethren_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o each_o other_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o the_o joint_a worship_n of_o their_o common_a father_n and_o saviour_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o please_v to_o our_o great_a master_n and_o have_v so_o much_o natural_a goodness_n as_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o man_n 18._o for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v this_o rule_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o give_v we_o free_a leave_n to_o eat_v of_o every_o thing_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o company_n to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v former_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o since_o we_o know_v that_o to_o do_v so_o gives_z great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a jew_n without_o serve_v any_o end_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o essential_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n unity_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a edification_n let_v we_o not_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n as_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o though_o no_o meat_n be_v now_o unclean_a but_o all_o thing_n all_o kind_n of_o diet_n be_v now_o pure_a and_o lawful_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n by_o his_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o his_o weak_a brother_n think_v unclean_a to_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o he_o it_o be_v good_a much_o better_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a discourage_v in_o his_o christian_a course_n and_o tempt_v to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o beside_o this_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o in_o our_o choice_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o require_v either_o and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o not_o eat_v be_v in_o itself_o consider_v of_o any_o concernment_n to_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n at_o all_o to_o thy_o christian_a liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o brother_n have_v thou_o faith_n do_v thou_o believe_v thou_o may_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o meat_n believe_v so_o still_o and_o use_v this_o liberty_n private_o when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o offence_n but_o thou_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o publish_v this_o belief_n nor_o of_o act_v according_a to_o it_o in_o all_o company_n but_o have_v this_o faith_n to_o thyself_o before_o god_n this_o faith_n make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v but_o then_o thou_o must_v take_v great_a care_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o become_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o be_v thou_o must_v not_o eat_v how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o with_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o thy_o weak_a brother_n which_o make_v it_o very_o unlawful_a happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v who_o do_v not_o do_v a_o good_a action_n in_o so_o ill_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o bring_v condemnation_n upon_o himself_o but_o then_o as_o thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v do_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o eat_v nor_o lawful_a in_o all_o circumstance_n when_o it_o be_v do_v with_o offence_n and_o scandal_n so_o much_o less_o do_v thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thy_o weak_a brother_n to_o eat_v for_o if_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o doubt_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o still_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o he_o notwithstanding_o this_o eat_v such_o forbid_a meat_n he_o be_v damn_v self-condemned_n by_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n do_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o cenâ—ure_n and_o reproach_v thy_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o case_n but_o to_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o avoid_v give_v he_o any_o scandal_n or_o offence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_v in_o this_o place_n to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v by_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o contain_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a determination_n of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o review_v and_o inquire_v how_o applicable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n can_v be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o forbid_v offer_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o exercise_n
scandal_n now_o these_o two_o do_v so_o wide_o differ_v that_o the_o one_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a scandal_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o prove_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n of_o fall_v to_o he_o be_v scandal_n in_o the_o apostle_n notion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o only_a scandal_n of_o which_o he_o treat_v in_o this_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o thus_o it_o seem_v we_o do_v not_o scandalize_v the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v not_o offend_v in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n at_o what_o we_o do_v so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o own_o liberty_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o dissenter_n be_v concern_v in_o what_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n about_o scandal_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o as_o for_o that_o offence_n and_o scandal_n they_o take_v at_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o restrain_v their_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a pretence_n to_o liberty_n it_o be_v no_o other_o offence_n than_o what_o all_o criminal_n take_v at_o law_n and_o public_a government_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v such_o a_o scandal_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o avoid_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o religion_n than_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v think_v nothing_o impossible_a if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v out_o of_o this_o chapter_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v prescribe_v no_o rule_n of_o worship_n nor_o lay_v any_o restraint_n upon_o the_o giddy_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n of_o man_n for_o fear_v of_o give_v offence_n to_o they_o 4._o the_o last_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o represent_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o forbearance_n be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o gentile_a christian_n without_o sin_n or_o without_o any_o injury_n to_o their_o own_o liberty_n may_v comply_v with_o their_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n yet_o these_o jewish_a christian_n who_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v any_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n without_o sin_v against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o bring_v judgement_n and_o condemnation_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o that_o doubt_v which_o do_v not_o signify_v what_o we_o common_o call_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o certain_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o eat_v such_o meat_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o i_o observe_v before_o signify_v he_o who_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o so_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v any_o meat_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o who_o thus_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n now_o here_o our_o reconciler_n think_v he_o have_v we_o fast_o 99_o for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n it_o must_v be_v also_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n if_o the_o gentile_a believer_n be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o compel_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o eat_v those_o meat_n which_o they_o believe_v unlawful_a because_o how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o while_o they_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o compel_v dissenter_n to_o conformity_n which_o they_o believe_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o great_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o conform_v as_o well_o as_o if_o he_o eat_v this_o look_v most_o like_a a_o parallel_n case_n of_o any_o thing_n yet_o and_o if_o this_o fail_v he_o i_o doubt_v his_o cause_n be_v desperate_a and_o yet_o i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a that_o this_o will_v do_v he_o no_o service_n 1._o for_o first_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a argument_n in_o all_o case_n to_o grant_v such_o a_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n that_o man_n act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a for_o this_o will_v subvert_v all_o order_n and_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o supersede_n the_o authority_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o other_o law_n but_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n 2._o let_v we_o then_o consider_v in_o what_o case_n this_o argument_n be_v good_a for_o certain_o it_o be_v good_a in_o the_o case_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n apply_v it_o now_o i_o know_v of_o but_o one_o general_a case_n to_o which_o this_o argument_n can_v be_v reasonable_o apply_v and_o that_o be_v where_o every_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n not_o where_o conscience_n itself_o have_v a_o rule_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n when_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o rule_n whereby_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o act_v and_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o when_o man_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o law_n they_o must_v have_v liberty_n to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o be_v according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o though_o man_n be_v under_o law_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o none_o that_o magistrate_n may_v make_v law_n but_o they_o must_v not_o execute_v they_o but_o must_v suffer_v every_o man_n when_o his_o conscience_n serve_v he_o to_o break_v both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n wherein_o he_o live_v but_o where_o we_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o divine_a or_o humane_a law_n in_o such_o case_n every_o man_n own_o conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n and_o in_o these_o case_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n because_o they_o concern_v only_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n and_o have_v no_o influence_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o public_a and_o if_o in_o such_o case_n any_o man_n shall_v fancy_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o it_o will_v be_v barbarous_o uncharitable_a by_o censure_n and_o reproach_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o rude_a and_o ungentile_a art_n to_o force_v he_o to_o a_o compliance_n contrary_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n every_o man_n conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o he_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o force_v he_o to_o such_o a_o compliance_n we_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a in_o it_o and_o be_v guilty_a of_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o law_n which_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o do_v no_o long_o oblige_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a both_o for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o eat_v what_o meat_n they_o please_v but_o the_o jew_n still_o think_v that_o law_n to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o law_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o meat_n yet_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v always_o a_o law_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o do_v still_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a in_o the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o reproach_v they_o for_o this_o for_o though_o they_o who_o understand_v their_o liberty_n may_v use_v it_o yet_o a_o believe_a jew_n can_v not_o do_v this_o without_o sin_n and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a many_o case_n in_o â—ome_o degree_n parallel_v to_o this_o as_o suppose_v a_o man_n scruple_n the_o use_n of_o lot_n and_o consequent_o all_o game_n which_o depend_v upon_o lot_n or_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o to_o see_v a_o play_n or_o apprehend_v himself_o oblige_v to_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v in_o former_a age_n think_v necessary_a though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o this_o man_n conscience_n be_v a_o law_n to_o he_o and_o while_o he_o think_v any_o
will_v allow_v that_o christian_a prince_n ought_v to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o must_v grant_v they_o so_o much_o authority_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o censure_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n how_o far_o this_o may_v extend_v be_v another_o question_n i_o think_v all_o protestant_n with_o great_a reason_n reject_v sanguinary_a law_n in_o this_o case_n but_o whoever_o grant_v any_o authority_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o christian_a prince_n must_v grant_v what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n thus_o i_o have_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n about_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n i_o grant_v st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a writer_n do_v accommodate_v this_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n to_o other_o case_n some_o of_o which_o passage_n our_o reconciler_n have_v transcribe_v from_o they_o that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o scandalize_v our_o weak_a brother_n by_o use_v our_o innocent_a liberty_n much_o less_o by_o our_o wicked_a example_n by_o do_v thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o which_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o i_o grant_v such_o accommodation_n as_o these_o be_v very_o allowable_a in_o popular_a harangue_n but_o i_o hope_v our_o reconciler_n do_v not_o take_v they_o for_o argument_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v he_o can_v no_o more_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n than_o he_o can_v the_o case_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v but_o because_o this_o discourse_n have_v be_v somewhat_o long_o though_o as_o plain_a and_o methodical_a as_o i_o can_v contrive_v it_o i_o shall_v reduce_v some_o of_o the_o most_o material_a thing_n in_o it_o into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o compare_v the_o apostle_n argument_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o reconciler_n which_o will_v enable_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n to_o judge_v how_o unlike_a they_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n 14_o rom._n the_o dispute_n between_o the_o believe_a jew_n &_o gentile_n be_v concern_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o about_o thing_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v indifferent_a the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o occasion_v their_o scruple_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o a_o express_a law_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n as_o visible_o repeal_v as_o it_o be_v give_v the_o offence_n the_o jew_n take_v against_o the_o gentile_n be_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o still_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o so_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v as_o they_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o law_n which_o be_v so_o much_o as_o to_o render_v forbearance_n reasonable_a that_o weakness_n which_o plead_v for_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v tender_o use_v and_o indulge_v as_o be_v neither_o capable_a at_o present_a of_o better_a instruction_n nor_o severe_a government_n for_o the_o danger_n which_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v in_o and_o which_o st._n paul_n endeavour_v to_o prevent_v be_v lest_o they_o shall_v reject_v christianity_n if_o christianity_n reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o while_n till_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n before_o they_o give_v they_o any_o disturbance_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o will_v endanger_v their_o apostasy_n while_o they_o more_o firm_o believe_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n than_o they_o do_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n and_o indeed_o god_n himself_o have_v by_o visible_a sign_n instruct_v both_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o nor_o to_o break_v christian_a communion_n upon_o theâ—e_n dispute_n because_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o one_o catholic_n church_n by_o the_o visible_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o both_o though_o one_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o it_o become_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o christian_a brethren_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a office_n and_o whoever_o after_o this_o visible_a determination_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o undertake_v to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o deprive_v each_o other_o of_o communion_n for_o such_o matter_n usurp_v a_o authority_n to_o judge_v over_o god_n judgement_n to_o reject_v those_o who_o god_n receive_v which_o be_v like_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n which_o god_n allow_v who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o we_o all_o beside_o this_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o observe_v and_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n act_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n observe_v the_o law_n because_o god_n give_v they_o this_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o have_v not_o so_o visible_o repeal_v it_o as_o to_o remove_v all_o just_a scruple_n about_o it_o the_o gentile_n never_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o church_n without_o impose_v that_o burden_n on_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n out_o of_o reverence_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o and_o therefore_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v reason_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o since_o it_o be_v not_o humour_n peevishness_n or_o faction_n which_o make_v they_o differ_v but_o a_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o a_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n which_o they_o both_o pretend_v and_o which_o at_o that_o time_n they_o both_o have_v and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a gentile_n not_o to_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v very_o kind_a to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n if_o they_o please_v it_o be_v only_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o no_o body_n be_v concern_v but_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o every_o thing_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n have_v forbid_v but_o we_o may_v abstain_v if_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n not_o to_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v especial_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v great_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n which_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o especial_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o man_n may_v keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o enjoy_v the_o private_a exercise_n of_o their_o liberty_n without_o offence_n whereas_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n can_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o gentile_a christian_n without_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o make_v it_o very_o reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o charitable_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n where_o they_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o restraint_n of_o no_o other_o law_n neither_o of_o god_n nor_o man_n for_o in_o this_o
be_v from_o that_o of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o 3._o another_o material_a difference_n between_o that_o indulgence_n st._n paul_n grant_v to_o believe_v jew_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o liberty_n our_o reconciler_n exact_v from_o the_o church_n for_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o the_o first_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o christian_a worship_n it_o neither_o destroy_v the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n nor_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o second_o must_v do_v one_o or_o tother_o or_o both_o which_o be_v such_o a_o liberty_n or_o forbearance_n as_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o never_o will_v allow_v the_o believe_a jew_n think_v themselves_o still_o oblige_v to_o observe_v that_o difference_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n and_o to_o celebrate_v the_o jewish_a festival_n and_o this_o liberty_n may_v be_v grant_v they_o without_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o disturb_v christian_a worship_n for_o whatever_o private_a rule_n of_o diet_n they_o observe_v believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n may_v all_o worship_n god_n together_o according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n to_o receive_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o that_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o to_o christian_a communion_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o christian_a assembly_n this_o account_n the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n 216._o this_o be_v matter_n of_o diet_n and_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o family_n the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o not_o to_o censure_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o difference_n to_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n in_o the_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n let_v every_o one_o order_n his_o family_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a but_o that_o require_v innocency_n and_o a_o care_n not_o to_o give_v disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o matter_n which_o he_o call_v peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v provoke_v and_o grieve_v by_o the_o dissension_n of_o christian_n and_o he_o say_v he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n than_o the_o apostle_n allow_v of_o no_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a communion_n of_o christian_n 81._o this_o our_o reconciler_n very_o grave_o smile_v at_o as_o if_o the_o business_n here_o discourse_v of_o be_v only_a matter_n of_o diet_n relate_v to_o their_o own_o family_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n receive_v do_v only_o signify_v let_v he_o dine_v with_o you_o this_o with_o submission_n to_o that_o learned_a person_n i_o judge_v a_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n for_o what_o great_a cause_n of_o scandal_n can_v their_o private_a dinner_n give_v to_o a_o weak_a brother_n unless_o they_o search_v into_o their_o kitchen_n or_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o fare_v send_v in_o from_o every_o christian_a family_n this_o be_v such_o lewd_a trifle_n with_o a_o great_a man_n and_o in_o a_o serious_a cause_n as_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o every_o sober_a christian._n for_o do_v not_o the_o law_n concern_v clean_o and_o unclean_a meat_n respect_v their_o ordinary_a diet_n in_o their_o own_o family_n be_v it_o not_o sufficient_o know_v without_o a_o bill_n of_o fare_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v observe_v these_o law_n do_v not_o this_o occasion_n great_a heat_n and_o animosity_n judge_n and_o censuring_n of_o one_o another_o do_v not_o some_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n separate_v from_o each_o other_o upon_o these_o account_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o the_o dean_n expound_v receive_v the_o weak_a by_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n in_o the_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o all_o can_v we_o expound_v meat_n of_o their_o ordinary_a diet_n in_o their_o private_a family_n without_o expound_v receive_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a by_o let_v he_o dine_v with_o you_o and_o yet_o whereas_o he_o say_v what_o great_a cause_n of_o scandal_n can_v their_o private_a dinner_n give_v to_o a_o weak_a brother_n unless_o they_o search_v into_o their_o kitchen_n or_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o fare_v send_v 〈◊〉_d from_o every_o christian_a family_n i_o ready_o grant_v they_o can_v give_v none_o nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n command_v the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o abstain_v from_o such_o meat_n in_o their_o private_a family_n when_o no_o body_n be_v preâ—ent_v who_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o but_o only_o not_o to_o use_v this_o liberty_n public_o nor_o in_o their_o private_a family_n neither_o if_o any_o believe_a jew_n happen_v to_o be_v present_a who_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o well_o but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o eat_v in_o the_o idol-temple_n ibid._n suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n if_o they_o do_v not_o eat_v there_o as_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o as_o at_o a_o common_a feast_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v private_a or_o public_a eat_n it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o it_o be_v innocent_a it_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o can_v break_v church-communion_n while_o man_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o such_o matter_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n can_v here_o mean_v eat_v at_o the_o idol-temple_n but_o their_o ordinary_a diet._n for_o this_o whole_a epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n concern_v the_o dispute_n about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o as_o our_o reconciler_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o ancient_a and_o modern_a expositor_n concern_v this_o very_a chapter_n but_o our_o author_n proceed_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o meat_n 82._o but_o also_o of_o observe_v day_n v_o 6._o now_o that_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o diet_n but_o of_o public_a worship_n teach_v in_o the_o four_o commandment_n and_o so_o the_o dean_n acknowledge_v for_o some_o christian_n go_v then_o on_o jewish_a holy_a day_n to_o the_o synagogue_n other_o do_v not_o but_o for_o such_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v from_o each_o other_o communion_n in_o the_o common_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n their_o go_v to_o the_o synagogue_n on_o jewish_a holy_a day_n do_v not_o hinder_v their_o communion_n in_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v communion_n on_o such_o account_n but_o now_o these_o controversy_n about_o religious_a ceremony_n do_v whole_o concern_v christian_n worship_n it_o be_v not_o what_o clothes_n man_n shall_v ordinary_o wear_v what_o diet_n they_o shall_v use_v or_o how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n wherein_o a_o great_a latitude_n and_o variety_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o breach_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o communion_n but_o how_o we_o shall_v worship_v god_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n whether_o the_o minister_n who_o officiate_n shall_v wear_v a_o white_a linen_n garment_n whether_o the_o child_n that_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n whether_o christian_n who_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n shall_v receive_v the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n kneeling_z sit_v or_o stand_v now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o our_o reconciler_n how_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o two_o be_v parallel_a case_n or_o by_o what_o logic_n he_o can_v fair_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n grant_v a_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n therefore_o the_o same_o liberty_n must_v be_v grant_v in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n itself_o though_o it_o must_v either_o destroy_v the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n or_o divide_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v not_o produce_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v any_o one_o instance_n of_o such_o indulgence_n grant_v to_o private_a christian_n to_o dissent_v from_o the_o public_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o can_v show_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n all_o his_o other_o scripture-proof_n be_v nothing_o to_o our_o case_n and_o that_o these_o case_n be_v so_o different_a that_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v
superstitious_a or_o idolatrous_a which_o another_o think_v a_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n now_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o israelite_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o egyptians_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o not_o give_v offence_n to_o they_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o join_v as_o friend_n and_o brethren_n in_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v agree_v to_o perform_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o that_o sit_v at_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o believe_v that_o kneel_v be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a not_o to_o censure_v or_o deride_v or_o despise_v he_o that_o kneel_v or_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o who_o kneel_v and_o believe_v sit_v to_o be_v a_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a posture_n not_o to_o be_v grieve_v or_o offend_v at_o he_o who_o sit_v and_o will_v you_o call_v this_o worship_a god_n together_o when_o man_n can_v agree_v about_o it_o but_o one_o think_v his_o brother_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a and_o he_o in_o requital_n think_v he_o rude_a or_o profane_a for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v it_o much_o better_o they_o shall_v be_v part_v than_o spoil_v each_o othersdevotion_n by_o such_o mutual_a antipathy_n and_o reciprocal_a censure_n no_o you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o either_o that_o they_o shall_v judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v separate_v st._n paul_n give_v a_o better_a rule_n in_o such_o case_n to_o bear_v with_o each_o other_o rom._n that_o the_o strong_a shall_v not_o judge_v the_o weak_a nor_o the_o weak_a despise_v the_o strong_a but_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v superstitious_a shall_v not_o judge_v and_o censure_v he_o who_o he_o see_v kneel_v as_o guilty_a of_o superstition_n or_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v rude_a and_o profane_a shall_v not_o judge_v he_o who_o he_o see_v to_o sit_v as_o guilty_a of_o rudeness_n and_o profaneness_n this_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o we_o must_v and_o must_v not_o believe_v superstition_n to_o be_v superstition_n nor_o profaneness_n to_o be_v profaneness_n or_o that_o i_o can_v ready_o join_v in_o act_n of_o worship_n with_o he_o who_o i_o believe_v in_o those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v either_o superstitious_a or_o profane_a i_o may_v judge_v charitable_o of_o man_n who_o i_o believe_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o error_n and_o mistake_n and_o superstitious_a custom_n in_o matter_n which_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o christian_a worship_n i_o may_v charitable_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v not_o reject_v man_n for_o such_o mistake_n and_o therefore_o may_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o receive_v they_o to_o christian_a communion_n while_o they_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o such_o man_n without_o judge_v and_o censure_v those_o who_o i_o believe_v in_o those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o i_o join_v with_o they_o to_o be_v either_o superstitious_a or_o profane_a and_o therefore_o though_o such_o man_n shall_v worship_v in_o the_o same_o church_n or_o religious_a assembly_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o one_o communion_n such_o man_n will_v natural_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o and_o it_o be_v i_o think_v more_o desirable_a that_o they_o shall_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o though_o st._n paul_n require_v and_o exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o bear_v with_o each_o other_o in_o such_o dispute_v as_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o christian_a worship_n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n of_o worship_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_v any_o scrupulous_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n or_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o alter_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o perceive_v any_o such_o offence_n which_o inevitable_o bring_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o another_o material_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o our_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o the_o forbearance_n the_o apostle_n plead_v for_o be_v in_o order_n to_o cement_v jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o one_o body_n and_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o one_o christian_a communion_n to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o separation_n between_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o command_v they_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v that_o be_v 1._o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o christian_a worship_n for_o the_o dispute_n between_o they_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o other_o thing_n about_o which_o they_o differ_v will_v unite_v they_o into_o one_o body_n thus_o he_o exhort_v the_o philippian_n 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v both_o agree_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o what_o concern_v christian_n worship_n though_o they_o differ_v about_o some_o moysaicall_a observance_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o notwithstanding_o their_o other_o dispute_n to_o unite_v in_o christian_a worship_n about_o which_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v this_o occasion_v that_o dispute_n between_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n which_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n etc._n they_o be_v both_o agree_v that_o the_o gentile_a convert_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v circumcise_v they_o be_v agree_v also_o that_o the_o jewish_a convert_v shall_v be_v indulge_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v forbear_v each_o other_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n himself_o at_o antioch_n before_o some_o jewish_a brethren_n come_v thither_o do_v eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n but_o when_o some_o believe_a jew_n come_v to_o antioch_n for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o they_o he_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o believe_a but_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n now_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o this_o be_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v to_o make_v two_o church_n one_o of_o jewish_a the_o other_o of_o gentile_a christian_n this_o st._n paul_n can_v not_o endure_v and_o therefore_o public_o rebuke_n peter_n for_o it_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o indulge_v jewish_a convert_v in_o their_o weakness_n but_o not_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o a_o schism_n which_o this_o very_a indulgence_n be_v design_v to_o prevent_v now_o indeed_o mutual_a forbearance_n of_o each_o other_o when_o it_o tend_v to_o unite_v christian_n into_o one_o body_n and_o communion_n be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n but_o st._n paul_n never_o think_v it_o a_o duty_n when_o it_o will_v not_o prevent_v a_o schism_n much_o less_o when_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v the_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a schism_n now_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o ceremony_n and_o such_o abatement_n as_o our_o reconciler_n plead_v for_o as_o they_o be_v not_o the_o occasion_n so_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o our_o schism_n to_o be_v sure_a indulgence_n in_o these_o matter_n will_v neither_o prevent_v nor_o heal_v our_o schism_n as_o that_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n plead_v for_o in_o this_o place_n infallible_o will_v their_o dispute_n do_v not_o concern_v matter_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o indulge_v one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v as_o in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v those_o meat_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o may_v very_o well_o agree_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v already_o agree_v as_o they_o be_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v worship_v god_n together_o in_o christian_a assembly_n as_o one_o body_n and_o one_o church_n which_o do_v effectual_o prevent_v a_o schism_n but_o while_o dissenter_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n about_o the_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v worship_v god_n together_o and_o to_o grant_v indulgence_n to_o such_o different_a apprehension_n which_o the_o apostle_n plead_v for_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v only_o make_v a_o legal_a schism_n and_o to_o remove_v these_o scrupled_a ceremony_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v will_v
not_o unite_v we_o in_o one_o body_n and_o to_o countenance_v such_o scruple_n as_o these_o by_o the_o least_o indulgence_n will_v lay_v a_o eternal_a foundation_n of_o schism_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o hold_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n because_o forbearance_n in_o one_o case_n will_v cure_v the_o schism_n in_o other_o it_o will_v increase_v it_o 5._o this_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o christian_a worship_n but_o a_o indulgence_n of_o dissenter_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o so_o our_o reconciler_n prove_v from_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o use_n of_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o that_o in_o charity_n to_o dissenter_n they_o must_v alter_v such_o rule_n and_o canon_n when_o as_o often_o as_o there_o be_v any_o who_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v they_o must_v part_v with_o their_o authority_n or_o for_o ever_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v much_o at_o one_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n when_o there_o be_v any_o person_n so_o ignorant_a or_o so_o humoursome_a as_o to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o they_o command_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o principle_n i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a 118._o but_o yet_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v a_o example_n of_o such_o condescension_n as_o this_o i_o will_v ready_o submit_v as_o not_o dare_v to_o dispute_v against_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n but_o if_o this_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n than_o it_o be_v no_o precedent_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v up_o their_o authority_n to_o dissenter_n now_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n here_o the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n nor_o the_o government_n of_o christian_a assembly_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o man_n private_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n may_v grant_v and_o may_v exhort_v to_o this_o forbearance_n without_o injure_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o prescribe_v the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v indulge_v the_o scruple_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o diminution_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o assert_v as_o high_a as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o give_v several_a direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a assembly_n for_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o prophesy_a for_o their_o demeanour_n and_o deportment_n of_o themselves_o that_o man_n shall_v pray_v and_o prophesy_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v that_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o love-feast_n for_o their_o holy_a kiss_n beside_o his_o general_a direction_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o after_o these_o particular_a direction_n reserve_v the_o final_a order_n of_o thing_n to_o himself_o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v 11.34_o this_o same_o power_n he_o commit_v to_o titus_n in_o crete_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v that_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o which_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n the_o apostle_n allow_v private_a christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o command_n and_o give_v indulgence_n to_o every_o one_o to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v who_o do_v not_o like_a to_o do_v what_o be_v command_v it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o may_v just_o be_v think_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o church-governor_n but_o the_o apostle_n understand_v their_o authority_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n their_o duty_n better_a than_o so_o none_o dispute_v their_o command_n in_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o decency_n nor_o will_v they_o suffer_v their_o command_n to_o be_v dispute_v without_o censure_n st._n paul_n commend_v the_o corinthian_n upon_o this_o account_n 7.15_o i_o praise_v you_o brethren_z that_o you_o remember_v i_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o i_o deliver_v they_o to_o you_o he_o commend_v they_o for_o their_o obedience_n to_o titus_n and_o give_v the_o thessalonian_n this_o general_a rule_n 13._o to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o high_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o what_o that_o mean_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o 17._o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n and_o he_o command_v the_o thessalonian_n if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n 3.14_o note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a which_o show_v a_o true_a apostolical_a spirit_n and_o power_n which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o he_o exercise_v in_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v there_o mention_v now_o if_o this_o forbearance_n towards_o the_o believe_a jew_n which_o st._n paul_n plead_v for_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n if_o it_o appear_v from_o other_o place_n that_o he_o do_v assert_v his_o authority_n and_o require_v obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o it_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o the_o reconciler_n shall_v hence_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v up_o their_o authority_n to_o the_o dissenter_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o not_o impose_v any_o thing_n which_o through_o ignorance_n or_o scrupulosity_n or_o from_o some_o worse_a cause_n they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v which_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v where_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o impose_v for_o as_o for_o his_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n of_o which_o more_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n it_o refer_v only_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a liberty_n not_o of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o this_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n plead_v for_o be_v only_o temporary_a it_o be_v a_o prudent_a expedient_a for_o that_o time_n which_o be_v such_o a_o critical_a period_n as_o never_o happen_v before_o nor_o can_v ever_o hap_v again_o nor_o can_v continue_v long_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o but_o what_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o out_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o weak_a brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o at_o that_o time_n believe_v in_o christ_n can_v not_o present_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v abrogate_a or_o out_o of_o date_n but_o st._n paul_n see_v a_o time_n a_o come_n which_o will_v effectual_o convince_v they_o of_o this_o when_o god_n shall_v suffer_v the_o roman_n to_o destroy_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v they_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a thorough_o inform_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v thus_o mind_v 15._o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o now_o when_o we_o see_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o such_o dispute_n and_o have_v a_o expedient_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o christian_a charity_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n but_o now_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o this_o they_o raise_v scruple_n and_o dispute_n after_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n prescription_n against_o they_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o such_o principle_n as_o condemn_v the_o best_a and_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o former_a age_n and_o if_o their_o scruple_n be_v indulge_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o peace_n
they_o from_o communion_n who_o god_n will_v receive_v so_o that_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o england_n must_v receive_v papist_n into_o her_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o fanatic_n where_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o charity_n be_v bishop_n sanderson_n the_o inference_n and_o application_n the_o reconciler_n iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v from_o one_o great_a purpose_n of_o christ_n advent_n etc._n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n to_o make_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_a one_o by_o break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o abolish_n the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n now_o the_o conceit_n of_o it_o be_v this_o he_o suppose_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o a_o partition-wall_n between_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n as_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n have_v break_v down_o one_o partition-wall_n and_o make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o church_n so_o our_o governor_n ought_v to_o break_v down_o the_o other_o partition-wall_n to_o make_v conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n one_o body_n and_o church_n which_o be_v such_o a_o dull_a conceit_n and_o argue_v such_o stupid_a ignorance_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n that_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v he_o be_v so_o zealous_a a_o advocate_n for_o ignorance_n and_o error_n the_o partition-wall_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o partition_n in_o the_o temple_n which_o divide_v the_o court_n where_o the_o jew_n worship_v from_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o which_o make_v this_o partition_n be_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n when_o he_o choose_v his_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o separate_v they_o from_o other_o nation_n give_v they_o a_o peculiar_a law_n which_o be_v to_o last_o as_o long_o as_o this_o distinction_n do_v for_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v for_o ever_o to_o confine_v his_o church_n to_o one_o nation_n but_o when_o the_o promise_a messiah_n come_v to_o enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o his_o church_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o this_o law_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o typify_v the_o messiah_n and_o to_o receive_v its_o full_a completion_n in_o the_o perfect_a sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n of_o his_o death_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o former_a dispensation_n and_o seal_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o all_o mankind_n thus_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n break_v down_o the_o partition-wall_n because_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n which_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o that_o external_a and_o typical_a religion_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o be_v as_o christ_n make_v a_o covenant_n now_o with_o all_o mankind_n so_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o that_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a people_n now_o indeed_o any_o such_o partition-wall_n as_o this_o which_o confine_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o any_o particular_a people_n or_o nation_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o ought_v immediate_o to_o be_v pull_v down_o but_o must_v there_o therefore_o be_v no_o partion_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n must_v there_o be_v no_o wall_n and_o fence_n about_o the_o church_n this_o vineyard_n and_o fold_n of_o christ_n must_v there_o be_v no_o law_n make_v for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o christian_a worship_n for_o fear_v of_o keep_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o will_v not_o be_v orderly_o in_o it_o how_o come_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o wall_n of_o partition_n the_o church_n never_o make_v they_o so_o for_o she_o only_o design_v they_o for_o rule_n and_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o it_o be_v her_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o let_v those_o then_o who_o set_v up_o this_o wall_n of_o partition_n pull_v it_o down_o again_o that_o be_v let_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o make_v these_o ceremony_n a_o wall_n of_o partition_n return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o no_o body_n keep_v they_o from_o but_o themselves_o as_o for_o his_o modest_a insinuation_n that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v carnal_a ordinance_n weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v for_o their_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n as_o the_o mosaic_a ceremony_n be_v i_o have_v already_o large_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a religion_n and_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v for_o the_o decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a and_o must_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o external_n worship_n which_o require_v external_a sign_n of_o decency_n and_o honour_n do_v 182._o iv._o his_o next_o motive_n to_o condescension_n be_v from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n in_o such_o doctrine_n as_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o understanding_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o leave_v the_o revelation_n of_o such_o matter_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o send_v to_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o convert_v jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o immediate_o tell_v they_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v but_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n first_o and_o allow_v some_o time_n to_o wear_v off_o their_o jewish_a and_o pagan_n prejudices_fw-la therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v forbear_v impose_v of_o some_o practice_n at_o which_o our_o flock_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o prejudice_n and_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o take_v offence_n but_o how_o this_o follow_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o instruct_v their_o people_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o learn_v that_o our_o reconciler_n shall_v never_o have_v publish_v his_o second_o part_n to_o convince_v dissenter_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o and_o therefore_o in_o duty_n ought_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v impose_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o may_v instruct_v our_o people_n in_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v require_v their_o obedience_n too_o otherwise_o we_o have_v as_o good_a never_o instruct_v they_o but_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n then_o intend_v that_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o child_n do_v not_o st._n paul_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v full_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n must_v the_o church_n return_v again_o to_o her_o state_n of_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n to_o humour_n dissenter_v but_o indeed_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o governor_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v such_o a_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a doctrine_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v conceal_v as_o too_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v it_o not_o a_o pretty_a way_n of_o reason_v that_o euclid_n element_n be_v too_o difficult_a a_o book_n for_o a_o young_a child_n to_o learn_v therefore_o his_o master_n must_v not_o teach_v he_o to_o obâ—y_v his_o parent_n neither_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o lesson_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v their_o disciple_n whatever_o else_o they_o conceal_v from_o they_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n found_v without_o government_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n where_o subject_n must_v not_o be_v teach_v obedience_n but_o however_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v publish_v the_o first_o require_v great_a prudence_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o fit_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o and_o of_o fit_a person_n to_o communicate_v it_o to_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o