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
against_o her_o uncharitable_a imposition_n and_o when_o he_o have_v publish_v a_o book_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n agree_v on_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o convocation_n and_o establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n when_o he_o have_v already_o the_o most_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o church_n and_o state_n it_o look_v like_o a_o very_a hypocritical_a piece_n of_o modesty_n a_o downright_a challenge_n to_o the_o whole_a clergy_n to_o cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v teach_v i_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o i_o will_v hold_v my_o peace_n cause_v i_o to_o understand_v wherein_o i_o have_v err_v and_o i_o will_v thankful_o yea_o i_o will_v public_o retract_v it_o any_o body_n i_o think_v but_o a_o protestant_a reconciler_n will_v call_v this_o libel_v the_o church_n and_o hector_v and_o outbraving_a all_o his_o mother_n child_n how_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o brethren_n will_v digest_v this_o outrageous_a contempt_n of_o church-authority_n i_o can_v tell_v for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v bear_v it_o but_o be_o resolve_v to_o do_v my_o weak_a endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v my_o dear_a mother_n from_o the_o rudeness_n and_o insolence_n of_o her_o undutiful_a son_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o it_o be_v he_o contend_v for_o wherein_o we_o agree_v and_o where_o we_o part_v and_o fair_o debate_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v the_o proposition_n which_o he_o undertake_v to_o prove_v be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a 4._o 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 especial_o under_o our_o present_a circumstance_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o superior_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n or_o as_o condition_n without_o which_o none_o shall_v minister_v in_o sacred_a thing_n though_o call_v to_o that_o work_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o public_a ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n bâ—t_o shall_v upon_o refusal_n to_o submit_v unto_o they_o for_o ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o where_o by_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 it_o be_v plain_a he_o mean_v whatever_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o must_v include_v all_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v not_o enjoin_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n that_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v signify_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o impose_v they_o as_o he_o express_o assert_v before_o 2._o and_o which_o all_o his_o argument_n be_v design_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o governors_n sin_n in_o it_o to_o impose_v signify_v only_o to_o command_v and_o to_o impose_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o impose_v though_o it_o sound_v big_a for_o the_o church_n make_v such_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o she_o command_v those_o of_o her_o communion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o reject_v those_o which_o will_v not_o which_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o command_v as_o to_o command_v be_v oppose_v to_o leave_v every_o one_o at_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o make_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o this_o sense_n so_o as_o to_o reject_v those_o who_o will_v not_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o such_o prescription_n i._n e._n who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v then_o she_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o command_v and_o when_o he_o add_v especial_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n he_o refer_v to_o those_o division_n and_o schism_n which_o he_o say_v be_v occasion_v by_o such_o imposition_n whenever_o such_o ceremony_n be_v doubt_v and_o scruple_v and_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o schism_n then_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o impose_v they_o but_o when_o he_o say_v especial_o he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v at_o all_o time_n sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v such_o uncommand_v rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v any_o who_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o imposition_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o protestant_a reconciler_n which_o i_o shall_v rather_o have_v expect_v from_o a_o profess_a enemy_n than_o from_o a_o pretend_a advocate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o have_v at_o once_o very_o modest_o reject_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o have_v condemn_v all_o the_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n until_o this_o time_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n he_o have_v plain_o renounce_v one_o of_o thoâ—e_a article_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o he_o have_v subscribe_v and_o declare_v his_o assent_n if_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n for_o art_n 20._o assert_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o decree_v rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o do_v this_o i_o suppose_v she_o may_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n and_o without_o ask_v leave_n of_o her_o inferior_n but_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v state_v this_o matter_n so_o general_o as_o to_o condemn_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o have_v say_v many_o thing_n which_o look_v that_o way_n in_o several_a part_n of_o his_o book_n yet_o his_o open_a and_o avow_a design_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o such_o imposition_n when_o they_o be_v scruple_v and_o make_v the_o occasion_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v join_v issue_n with_o he_o and_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n which_o though_o it_o will_v make_v this_o answer_n large_a than_o i_o can_v wish_v yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o pragmatical_a reconciler_n who_o be_v as_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o government_n as_o dissenter_n themselves_o chap._n 1._o concern_v the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o fair_a answer_n to_o our_o protestant_a reconciler_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v some_o of_o he_o mistake_v which_o run_v through_o his_o whole_a book_n and_o whereon_o the_o whole_a argument_n of_o his_o book_n be_v found_v the_o remove_n of_o which_o to_o man_n of_o any_o competent_a understanding_n will_v supersede_n the_o necessity_n of_o any_o far_a answer_n and_o they_o either_o concern_v 1._o the_o usefulness_n of_o some_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n or_o 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o the_o due_a measure_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o or_o 3._o that_o regard_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o a_o erroneous_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n from_o these_o topic_n he_o all-along_a argue_v to_o prove_v that_o church-governor_n ought_v to_o alter_v the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o worship_n because_o they_o be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n require_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n to_o condescend_v to_o the_o error_n or_o scruple_n or_o weakness_n of_o their_o brethren_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a mistake_n on_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v and_o therefore_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o it_o and_o that_o concern_v the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prescribe_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n now_o concern_v this_o matter_n our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o account_n at_o all_o for_o public_a worship_n may_v be_v perform_v as_o decent_o and_o reverent_o without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n as_o with_o they_o for_o thus_o he_o express_o and_o dogmatical_o assert_n that_o the_o ceremony_n which_o be_v impose_v by_o our_o church_n 39_o as_o they_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o their_o nature_n for_o which_o inferior_n
the_o law_n or_o to_o allow_v of_o such_o different_a posture_n when_o man_n scruple_n be_v remove_v 2._o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v neglect_v their_o duty_n so_o they_o will_v manifest_o injure_v their_o authority_n by_o such_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ignorance_n humour_n and_o scruple_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o how_o charitable_a soever_o our_o reconciler_n may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o charity_n as_o become_v governor_n for_o private_a christian_n to_o abridge_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o be_v in_o many_o case_n high_o commendable_a and_o a_o generous_a act_n of_o charity_n but_o for_o governor_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o gratify_v dissenter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v betray_v their_o trust._n either_o christ_n have_v commit_v this_o power_n to_o they_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rule_n of_o worship_n or_o he_o have_v not_o if_o he_o have_v as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v more_o than_o once_o own_v in_o this_o very_a book_n than_o this_o power_n be_v a_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o such_o a_o trust_n as_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o no_o pretence_n of_o charity_n can_v justify_v they_o in_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o reconciler_n indeed_o tell_v we_o 159._o that_o which_o be_v here_o plead_v for_o be_v neither_o a_o denial_n nor_o a_o dissemble_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o superior_n but_o only_o a_o abatement_n of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o towards_o some_o weak_a dissenter_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o power_n and_o a_o profession_n that_o they_o do_v suspend_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o not_o through_o conviction_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_o use_v but_o out_o of_o pure_a commiseration_n and_o howel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o their_o weak_a brethren_n but_o all_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o salve_v this_o matter_n for_o the_o great_a dispute_n about_o ceremony_n turn_v upon_o this_o hinge_n whether_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o express_o institute_v and_o enjoin_v by_o christ._n hence_o all_o such_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v by_o our_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a dissenter_n opprobrious_o call_v will-worship_n and_o humane_a invention_n and_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v be_v next_o to_o nothing_o yet_o their_o not_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o their_o be_v command_v by_o man_n though_o by_o such_o man_n as_o be_v invest_v with_o christ_n authority_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o now_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o dispute_n and_o ceremony_n only_o a_o collateral_a dispute_n as_o depend_v upon_o a_o usurp_a and_o illegal_a authority_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o our_o reconciler_n how_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o can_v give_v up_o these_o ceremony_n to_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o dissenter_n without_o give_v up_o their_o own_o authority_n with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o the_o ceremony_n be_v dispute_v now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n be_v this_o authority_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o it_o seem_v christ_n have_v place_v such_o a_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v not_o for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o this_o charge_v our_o saviour_n himself_o with_o want_n of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o his_o own_o church_n in_o set_v such_o a_o uncharitable_a power_n over_o it_o if_o church-authority_n be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a than_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o it_o as_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o which_o our_o reconciler_n be_v often_o at_o he_o tell_v we_o 323._o that_o the_o scripture-exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v such_o a_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o they_o perfect_o confute_v all_o those_o who_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o lay_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o uniformity_n in_o lesser_a matter_n and_o do_v impose_v they_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n for_o either_o we_o must_v all_o submit_v to_o some_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n as_o r._n h._n think_v it_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o compliance_n with_o these_o precept_n or_o else_o confess_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o it_o be_v visible_o impossible_a to_o bring_v all_o man_n unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o precept_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o papist_n do_v so_o continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o or_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o that_o of_o impose_v and_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n concern_v which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o that_o of_o mutual_a condescension_n and_o forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o lesser_a difference_n god_n help_v that_o church_n which_o meet_v with_o such_o reconciler_n as_o these_o but_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v here_o be_v his_o own_o concession_n and_o his_o dilemma_n upon_o it_o he_o argue_v strong_o that_o while_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v they_o unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o this_o he_o say_v must_v be_v grant_v unless_o we_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n here_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n and_o i_o differ_v a_o little_a about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o judge_n but_o we_o agree_v upon_o the_o main_a point_n that_o without_o a_o judge_n to_o determine_v these_o matter_n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n and_o agreement_n among_o christian_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o demonstration_n in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v how_o strange_a soever_o it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o unity_n and_o his_o dilemma_n be_v a_o very_a sore_a one_o for_o either_o this_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n or_o that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n now_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o last_o first_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church-unity_n without_o unity_n in_o worship_n wherein_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n consist_v and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o this_o which_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n without_o uniformity_n and_o no_o uniformity_n without_o such_o imposition_n what_o follow_v then_o but_o that_o we_o must_v reflect_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o not_o leave_v authority_n in_o his_o church_n sufficient_a to_o determine_v such_o matter_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o mean_n of_o union_n these_o be_v hard_a term_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o grant_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v though_o not_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n yet_o a_o supreme_a authority_n to_o his_o church_n to_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o case_n where_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v not_o contradict_v some_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o principle_n will_v quick_o make_v we_o all_o of_o a_o mind_n in_o such_o matter_n now_o then_o from_o hence_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o institute_v a_o church-society_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o love_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o sacredness_n of_o
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
case_n if_o they_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o any_o body_n but_o themselves_o in_o a_o unnecessary_a restraint_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n but_o neither_o offend_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o hurt_v man_n but_o if_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o compliance_n with_o other_o they_o sin_n in_o it_o for_o every_o man_n private_a conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v he_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o dispute_n between_o dissenter_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n the_o scruple_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o ground_v on_o any_o express_a law_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o party_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n but_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o pervert_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o better_a instruction_n the_o dissenter_n can_v produce_v any_o plain_a positive_a law_n which_o be_v oâ—_n ever_o be_v in_o force_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n and_o so_o have_v no_o reasonable_a pretence_n to_o be_v offend_v the_o weakness_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o a_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o at_o best_a a_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v indulge_v but_o to_o be_v rectify_v by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o prudent_a restraint_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o every_o ignorant_a christian_a must_v give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v his_o own_o ignorant_a and_o childish_a prejudices_fw-la whatever_o offence_n the_o dissenter_n take_v at_o our_o ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o only_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o make_v they_o forsake_v the_o church_n for_o a_o conventicle_n but_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o in_o itself_o for_o any_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n to_o be_v sure_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reaâ—on_n there_o must_v be_v no_o authority_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o no_o exercise_n of_o it_o lest_o those_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v shall_v turn_v schismatic_n but_o now_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o those_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o communion_n without_o mutual_a offence_n and_o scandal_n who_o observe_v such_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o god_n have_v never_o by_o any_o such_o visible_a sign_n declare_v that_o dissenter_n shall_v be_v receive_v to_o communion_n notwithstanding_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o for_o our_o reconciler_n invisible_a communion_n with_o god_n which_o he_o grant_v to_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n who_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n st._n paul_n never_o think_v of_o it_o and_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o our_o reconciler_n shall_v know_v it_o especial_o if_o schism_n as_o he_o assert_n be_v a_o damn_v sin_n for_o no_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o case_n of_o schismatic_n can_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o when_o the_o church_n judge_n and_o censure_n and_o excommunicate_v those_o who_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o her_o worship_n she_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v for_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o though_o our_o dissenter_n pretend_v conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o nonconformity_n yet_o these_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o not_o to_o be_v allow_v of_o because_o there_o be_v no_o plain_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o it_o and_o neither_o governor_n nor_o private_a christian_n be_v concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o to_o make_v any_o allowance_n for_o every_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o will_v bring_v eternal_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o first_o require_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n for_o our_o rule_n which_o will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v what_o we_o do_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o man_n private_a conscience_n if_o they_o misguide_v they_o may_v deserve_v our_o pity_n but_o can_v challenge_v our_o indulgence_n our_o reconciler_n exhort_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n for_o public_a worship_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_a dissenter_n but_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o prudent_a and_o charitable_a but_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a government_n and_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o religious_a office_n which_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o other_o measure_n than_o a_o private_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o private_a christian_n to_o dispense_v in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o nor_o absolute_o in_o the_o power_n of_o church-governor_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n whoever_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n in_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n wherein_o religion_n be_v near_o concern_v for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o act_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n wherein_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n consist_v which_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o external_a worship_n be_v and_o therefore_o can_v refer_v to_o the_o public_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o they_o be_v practise_v at_o all_o must_v be_v practise_v public_o because_o they_o concern_v the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v offence_n in_o this_o case_n by_o dissemble_v our_o faith_n or_o by_o a_o private_a exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o governor_n must_v part_v with_o their_o authority_n and_o private_a christian_n with_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o the_o apostle_n nowhere_o require_v any_o man_n to_o do_v no_o not_o to_o avoid_v offence_n now_o though_o our_o dissenter_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o our_o reconciler_n plead_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a argument_n in_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o their_o mistake_n do_v not_o mere_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a liberty_n but_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o every_o man_n private_a conscience_n but_o to_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o where_o there_o be_v for_o if_o they_o sin_n in_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n which_o no_o man_n can_v force_v they_o to_o do_v so_o they_o sin_v also_o in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n which_o governor_n ought_v to_o hinder_v if_o they_o can_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n from_o that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n the_o dispute_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o those_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v and_o which_o be_v very_o proper_a argument_n in_o that_o case_n can_v by_o no_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o dispute_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o there_o be_v several_a other_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v at_o which_o plain_o show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n
and_o unity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o they_o may_v entertain_v and_o multiply_v such_o dispute_n for_o ever_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v now_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v always_o reason_n to_o suppress_v those_o scruple_n which_o cannot_v be_v cure_v or_o outwear_v by_o time_n when_o indulgence_n will_v not_o cure_v the_o disease_n nor_o time_n remove_v it_o it_o must_v be_v stifle_v and_o suppress_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n whether_o our_o reconciler_n will_v think_v this_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o his_o four_o chapter_n i_o can_v tell_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o do_v chap._n vi_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n or_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n so_o particular_o answer_v our_o reconciler_n argument_n take_v as_o he_o pretend_v from_o that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o in_o that_o great_a dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o seem_v little_a occasion_n to_o answer_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n may_v do_v from_o the_o principle_n already_o lay_v down_o but_o that_o our_o reconciler_n may_v not_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v not_o answer_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o needless_a answer_n if_o my_o reader_n will_v be_v please_v to_o pardon_v it_o his_o first_o argument_n be_v from_o st._n paul_n discourse_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 122._o where_o he_o condemn_v the_o corinthian_n because_o they_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o minister_v scandal_n to_o the_o heathen_n and_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o christian_n be_v covetous_a contentious_a and_o prone_a to_o injure_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n since_o therefore_o our_o contention_n about_o these_o lesser_a matter_n do_v minister_v far_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o atheist_n the_o sceptic_a etc._n etc._n our_o governor_n shall_v rather_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v restrain_v a_o little_a and_o even_o injure_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o just_a power_n about_o thing_n unnecessary_a than_o by_o their_o stiffness_n to_o assert_v and_o to_o exert_v it_o to_o continue_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o so_o great_a a_o scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a argument_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o christian_n must_v not_o go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_a judge_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v the_o argument_n be_v good_a because_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n let_v we_o then_o suppose_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v make_v these_o two_o case_n parallel_v it_o must_v be_v thus_o to_o go_v to_o law_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v avoid_v to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o church-governor_n must_v not_o exercise_v this_o authority_n will_v our_o reconciler_n now_o stand_v to_o this_o proposition_n no_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v scandalous_a but_o the_o contention_n about_o such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o governor_n must_v not_o insist_v on_o their_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v they_o but_o now_o this_o way_n of_o state_v it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o case_n parallel_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v argue_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_a judge_n because_o it_o be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o christian_a profession_n to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o reconciler_n will_v make_v a_o parallel_a case_n he_o must_v instance_n only_o in_o something_o which_o be_v scandalous_a and_o then_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n he_o may_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v also_o but_o neither_o the_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n nor_o the_o prudent_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v prove_v this_o to_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n but_o contention_n indeed_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n whatever_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o therefore_o all_o scandalous_a contention_n be_v forbid_v as_o all_o scandalous_a go_v to_o law_n be_v for_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n tell_v they_o there_o be_v utter_o a_o fault_n among_o you_o because_o you_o go_v to_o law_n one_o with_o another_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v go_v to_o law_n as_o that_o signify_v use_v some_o fair_a and_o lawful_a mean_n of_o right_v ourselves_o when_o we_o suffer_v wrong_v even_o from_o our_o christian_a brethren_n but_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unbeliever_n or_o heathen_a magistrate_n for_o he_o require_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v their_o cause_n hear_v and_o try_v before_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v either_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n who_o by_o joint_a consent_n they_o shall_v make_v judge_n and_o arbitrator_n among_o they_o but_o to_o go_v to_o law_n in_o those_o day_n do_v proper_o signify_v to_o implead_v one_o another_o before_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o magistrate_n at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v any_o legal_a authority_n and_o this_o go_n to_o law_n be_v scandalous_a thus_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v only_o that_o contention_n which_o be_v scandalous_a that_o can_v be_v forbid_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n in_o order_v the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o for_o private_a christian_n to_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n though_o with_o some_o vehemence_n and_o earnestness_n be_v not_o scandalous_a for_o it_o be_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o to_o contend_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a scandalous_a contention_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o duty_n which_o private_a christian_n owe_v to_o their_o superior_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o scandal_n be_v give_v by_o such_o contention_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o scandalous_a contender_n that_o be_v to_o the_o dissenter_n who_o scandalous_o oppose_v the_o authority_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o our_o reconciler_n ought_v to_o have_v reprove_v the_o dissenter_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o leave_v off_o their_o scandalous_a contention_n not_o to_o lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n which_o these_o man_n so_o scandalous_o oppose_v as_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o very_a place_n turn_v the_o edge_n of_o his_o reproof_n against_o those_o who_o do_v the_o wrong_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o scandalous_a contention_n you_o do_v wrong_a and_o defraud_v and_o that_o your_o brethren_n contention_n either_o about_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o scandalous_a but_o be_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n not_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n not_o to_o oppose_v heresy_n and_o schism_n because_o these_o dispute_n represent_v christianity_n as_o a_o very_a uncertain_a thing_n and_o give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n then_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n do_v very_o ill_a to_o meet_v in_o such_o frequent_a council_n to_o condemn_v arianism_n and_o other_o pestilent_a heresy_n where_o there_o be_v a_o scandal_n only_o on_o one_o side_n and_o contention_n be_v the_o only_a scandal_n this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n against_o such_o contentious_a dispute_n but_o when_o it_o be_v more_o scandalous_a to_o suffer_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n to_o see_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n despise_v to_o permit_v any_o indecency_n and_o disorder_n different_a custom_n and_o practice_n in_o christian_a worship_n than_o it_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o order_n and_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o contend_v for_o these_o thing_n the_o only_a scandalous_a contention_n be_v to_o contend_v against_o they_o his_o second_o argument_n 2._o which_o he_o draw_v out_o to_o a_o great_a length_n 123._o be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n grant_v it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o touch_v a_o wife_n
the_o apostle_n say_v not_o to_o touch_v a_o woman_n and_o why_o our_o reconciler_n say_v wife_n instead_o of_o woman_n i_o can_v tell_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o text_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n let_v the_o husband_n render_v unto_o the_o wife_n due_a benevolence_n and_o likewise_o also_o the_o wife_n unto_o the_o husband_n v_o 3._o but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v his_o argument_n in_o short_a be_v this_o the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o a_o single_a life_n have_v many_o advantage_n in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o that_o afflict_a and_o persecute_a state_n of_o the_o ghuach_n above_o marriage_n and_o therefore_o he_o recommend_v a_o single_a life_n to_o they_o but_o know_v as_o our_o saviour_n have_v before_o declare_v that_o every_o one_o can_v not_o receive_v this_o say_n he_o do_v not_o impose_v it_o upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o impose_v our_o ceremony_n though_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v like_a profit_n decency_n or_o tendence_n to_o perform_v god_n service_n better_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v under_o the_o present_a circumstance_n in_o keep_v their_o virginity_n now_o i_o will_v only_o ask_v our_o reconciler_n whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o impose_v virginity_n on_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n or_o to_o forbid_v they_o to_o marry_v if_o he_o have_v not_o as_o i_o think_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o say_v that_o he_o have_v than_o his_o argument_n run_v thus_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o impose_v that_o upon_o the_o christian_n which_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o impose_v therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v that_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n to_o impose_v some_o thing_n may_v have_v great_a profit_n and_o advantage_n in_o they_o which_o yet_o be_v instance_n of_o so_o perfect_a a_o virtue_n as_o be_v above_o the_o common_a attainment_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o stand_a law_n they_o may_v be_v proper_a matter_n for_o a_o exhortation_n but_o not_o for_o a_o command_n but_o what_o a_o wide_a difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o raise_v and_o perfect_a virtue_n and_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v too_o severe_a a_o imposition_n to_o command_v the_o one_o but_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o observe_v the_o other_o but_o the_o difference_n between_o law_n of_o burden_n and_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n 209._o have_v be_v already_o obseruâ—d_v three_o his_o next_o head_n of_o argument_n for_o condescension_n to_o dissenter_n be_v take_v from_o that_o dispute_n about_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o now_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o answer_n to_o this_o 127._o but_o to_o state_n this_o case_n right_a which_o will_v convince_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n how_o unapplicable_a any_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o discourse_n be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o to_o do_v this_o plain_o and_o brief_o we_o must_v consider_v 1._o who_o those_o be_v who_o out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n go_v to_o the_o idol-temple_n and_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n 2._o who_o the_o weak_a be_v who_o be_v offend_v with_o this_o and_o what_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v 3._o how_o the_o apostle_n reason_n about_o this_o matter_n 1._o who_o these_o know_a person_n be_v who_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n tax_v the_o gnostick_n heretic_n who_o have_v occasion_v that_o first_o schism_n â—n_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o despise_v st._n paul_n as_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o the_o just_a extent_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o here_o tax_v a_o vain_a and_o arrogant_a pretence_n of_o knowledge_n v_o 2._o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v 8.2_o which_o be_v purposely_o to_o warn_v the_o christian_n against_o those_o man_n who_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o knowledge_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a notwithstanding_o all_o their_o brag_n of_o knowledge_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o man_n out_o of_o pretence_n of_o great_a knowledge_n do_v eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n who_o do_v so_o much_o boast_v of_o thy_o knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 10._o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n now_o this_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n absolute_o condemn_v not_o only_o as_o sinful_a upon_o account_n of_o scandal_n but_o as_o sinful_a in_o itself_o as_o partake_v with_o devil_n by_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n no_o true_a orthodox_n christian_n ever_o do_v this_o but_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n do_v partly_o out_o of_o luxury_n to_o partake_v in_o these_o splendid_a entertainment_n and_o to_o defile_v themselves_o with_o those_o impure_a lust_n which_o be_v part_n of_o their_o mystery_n as_o the_o apostle_n insinuate_v ch_n 10.6_o 7_o 8._o v_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o example_n to_o the_o intent_n we_o shall_v not_o lust_n after_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o also_o lust_v neither_o be_v you_o idolater_n as_o be_v some_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v neither_o let_v we_o commit_v fornication_n as_o some_o of_o they_o commit_v and_o partly_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o persecution_n against_o which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v and_o encourage_v the_o sincere_a christian_n v_o 13._o there_o have_v no_o temptation_n no_o trial_n by_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n take_v you_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n but_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o to_o justify_v this_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o eat_v at_o a_o idol_n temple_n they_o pretend_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n 4._o that_o the_o god_n who_o the_o heathen_a worship_v be_v not_o god_n but_o dead_a man_n or_o according_a to_o the_o mythology_n of_o the_o stoic_n which_o prevail_v in_o that_o age_n among_o the_o philosophical_a idolater_n and_o therefore_o most_o probable_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o gnostic_n be_v only_o the_o name_n of_o some_o divine_a power_n and_o attribute_n of_o the_o one_o eternal_a god_n which_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o these_o people_n have_v form_v into_o several_a distinct_a dâ—â—ies_n and_o therefore_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o it_o can_v not_o pollute_v the_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v as_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o that_o as_o of_o any_o other_o ordinary_a feast_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v who_o these_o weak_a person_n be_v who_o be_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v at_o this_o liberty_n which_o the_o gnostic_n take_v now_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o these_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o very_o imperfect_a christian_n who_o together_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n retain_v many_o of_o their_o old_a pagan_a superstition_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n this_o appear_v from_o that_o account_n st._n paul_n give_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v man_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o but_o look_v upon_o they_o at_o least_o as_o some_o inferior_a god_n and_o frequent_v their_o temple_n and_o eat_v of_o the_o meat_n offer_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o thereby_o do_v defile_v and_o pollute_v themselves_o with_o idolatrous_a worship_n howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n that_o knowledge_n 7._o for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n to_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a a_o sick_a misinform_v corrupt_a conscience_n be_v defile_v with_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o the_o scandal_n which_o be_v give_v to_o these_o man_n be_v this_o that_o when_o they_o see_v those_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o perfect_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n this_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n and_o idolatry_n and_o make_v they_o conclude_v that_o such_o pagan_a superstition_n as_o these_o be_v reconcilable_a
it_o on_o the_o second_o month_n by_o those_o who_o be_v unclean_a or_o in_o a_o journey_n on_o the_o first_o month_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o what_o god_n have_v prescribe_v when_o god_n himself_o have_v express_o prescribe_v it_o and_o let_v he_o consider_v once_o more_o whether_o work_v of_o necessity_n and_o mercy_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o that_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v exclude_v such_o work_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o reconciler_n can_v produce_v any_o one_o instance_n wherein_o god_n permit_v and_o allow_v the_o violation_n of_o any_o ceremonial_a law_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n without_o express_a order_n for_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n be_v very_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a in_o exact_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o do_v give_v as_o signal_n example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o upon_o any_o other_o whatever_o witness_v the_o man_n who_o gather_v stick_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n for_o it_o the_o fate_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n who_o quarrel_v with_o moses_n and_o aaron_n which_o be_v more_o like_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o offer_v incense_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o a_o fire_n consume_v the_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o man_n that_o offer_v incense_n numb_a to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o case_n of_o vzzah_n who_o be_v strike_v dead_a upon_o the_o place_n for_o touch_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v though_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o very_a pious_a intention_n to_o preserve_v it_o from_o fall_v 7._o thus_o saul_n offering_n sacrifice_n in_o samuel_n absence_n etc._n though_o he_o have_v a_o very_a plausible_a excuse_n for_o it_o and_o his_o spare_a agag_n the_o king_n of_o the_o amalakite_n etc._n and_o the_o best_a of_o the_o sheep_n and_o ox_n etc._n etc._n cost_v he_o his_o kingdom_n this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o god_n be_v so_o little_o concern_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o ceremonial_a law_n or_o think_v any_o thing_n little_a which_o he_o command_v when_o he_o so_o severe_o revenge_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o god_n indeed_o do_v prefer_v true_a and_o real_a righteousness_n before_o any_o ceremonial_a observance_n but_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o countenance_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o mean_a law_n what_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n who_o pay_v thythe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v 23._o and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o stand_a rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v they_o shall_v observe_v they_o both_o the_o great_a and_o the_o less_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o neglect_v or_o despise_v either_o so_o that_o god_n example_n in_o theâ—e_n matter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v our_o reconciler_n cause_n that_o it_o make_v against_o he_o god_n do_v not_o equal_a the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n of_o judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n equal_v a_o ceremony_n with_o the_o dear_a interest_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n but_o yet_o god_n institute_v these_o ceremony_n and_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o even_o when_o the_o whole_a congregation_n mutinied_a and_o rebel_v upon_o it_o as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o corah_n that_o be_v when_o they_o come_v as_o much_o in_o competition_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n as_o the_o reconciler_n pretend_v our_o ceremony_n at_o this_o day_n do_v 2._o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v our_o reconciler_n have_v another_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dissenter_n among_o we_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o 1._o the_o example_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n 178._o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o who_o be_v command_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n refuse_v to_o part_v with_o their_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n and_o to_o refrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n will_v give_v i_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o i_o will_v tell_v he_o why_o they_o shall_v god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n but_o still_o they_o must_v be_v save_v in_o that_o method_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o this_o end_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o his_o law_n institute_v a_o church-society_n appoint_a steward_n of_o his_o family_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o household_n and_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o renounce_v this_o authority_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o in_o its_o rank_n and_o order_v it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contribute_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o that_o it_o destroy_v they_o what_o destroy_v they_o the_o use_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n no_o man_n may_v observe_v these_o ceremony_n without_o prejudice_v their_o salvation_n what_o then_o be_v it_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n nor_o that_o neither_o for_o to_o command_v that_o which_o will_v not_o destroy_v man_n soul_n can_v destroy_v they_o what_o be_v it_o then_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o obey_v such_o imposition_n right_o for_o this_o make_v man_n schismatic_n and_o will_v damn_v they_o and_o thus_o disobedience_n to_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n law_n will_v damn_v man_n though_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v god_n who_o do_v so_o infinite_o love_v sinner_n as_o to_o send_v christ_n to_o save_v they_o aught_o to_o have_v give_v they_o no_o law_n nor_o make_v any_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o fear_v man_n shall_v break_v they_o and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a thing_n to_o give_v his_o son_n for_o sinner_n than_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o some_o little_a folly_n and_o extravagance_n will_v god_n who_o love_v sinner_n so_o as_o to_o give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o they_o damn_v they_o for_o steal_v a_o shilling_n or_o two_o for_o play_v the_o goodfellow_n sometime_o or_o for_o some_o kind_n and_o amorous_a embrace_n sure_o he_o be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v repeal_v all_o these_o soul-destroying_a law_n and_o when_o we_o see_v this_o do_v it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n too_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n ibid._n ii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a to_o weak_a and_o err_a person_n as_o not_o to_o judge_v condemn_v or_o exclude_v they_o from_o his_o favour_n for_o any_o error_n of_o their_o judgement_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o true_a love_n to_o he_o and_o which_o they_o do_v not_o wilful_o embrace_v nor_o do_v persist_v in_o against_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o will_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o their_o unknown_a sin_n receive_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n though_o they_o live_v and_o die_v under_o such_o error_n and_o mistake_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v command_v to_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a reject_v they_o from_o communion_n who_o god_n will_v receive_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o forbear_v to_o condemn_v and_o censure_v they_o who_o god_n will_v absolve_v this_o be_v so_o fulsom_o ridiculous_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o answer_v it_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a to_o expose_v such_o popular_a cant._n for_o 1._o though_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n do_v incline_v we_o to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o invincible_a error_n yet_o we_o know_v