the_o scruple_n and_o suspicion_n of_o private_a christian_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o action_n require_v by_o their_o superior_n can_v warrant_v their_o separation_n because_o their_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n not_o unlawful_a be_v their_o duty_n and_o to_o omit_v a_o certain_a duty_n upon_o a_o bare_a suspicion_n be_v dangerous_a and_o sinful_a and_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o error_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v what_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v such_o a_o act_n of_o the_o practical_a understanding_n as_o resolve_n what_o be_v or_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v but_o with_o some_o fear_n and_o anxiety_n lest_o its_o determination_n be_v amiss_o and_o it_o differ_v from_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n which_o assent_v to_o neither_o part_n of_o the_o question_n but_o remain_v unresolved_a as_o doubt_v of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v resolve_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n doubtful_a we_o be_v to_o take_v the_o safe_a course_n and_o doubtless_o that_o wherein_o the_o generality_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a be_v agree_v be_v much_o more_o safe_a than_o that_o in_o which_o a_o few_o less_o know_v prejudicate_v and_o guilty_a person_n pretend_v to_o be_v doubtful_a but_o where_o there_o be_v only_o groundless_a fear_n and_o scruple_n concern_v some_o circumstance_n annex_v to_o a_o know_a duty_n it_o be_v the_o sense_n even_o of_o our_o nonconformist_n that_o if_o we_o can_v upon_o serious_a endeavour_n get_v rid_v of_o our_o scruple_n we_o ought_v to_o act_v against_o they_o and_o this_o be_v so_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a that_o we_o can_v otherwise_o have_v either_o grace_n or_o peace_n see_v more_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o a_o sermon_n at_o cripplegate_n on_o act_n 24._o 26._o p._n 18_o &_o 19_o and_o if_o scruple_n and_o suspicion_n be_v a_o just_a plea_n for_o separation_n than_o every_o discontent_a person_n that_o be_v resolve_v to_o contemn_v his_o superior_n every_o one_o that_o be_v affect_o ignorant_a and_o lazy_a or_o refractory_a to_o better_a information_n every_o one_o that_o have_v melancholy_a humour_n and_o temptation_n or_o want_v true_a christian_a humility_n or_o charity_n may_v make_v separation_n and_o yet_o be_v guiltless_a so_o that_o this_o opinion_n of_o our_o author_n will_v be_v a_o apology_n for_o all_o separatist_n which_o be_v allow_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o such_o sin_n as_o schism_n for_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o neither_o the_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n of_o any_o church_n be_v so_o well_o constitute_v but_o some_o unquiet_a spirit_n have_v raise_v scruple_n and_o suspicion_n concern_v they_o and_o unless_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o command_v thing_n lawful_a and_o no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o some_o giddy_a person_n may_v scruple_n at_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v preserve_v itself_o from_o confusion_n the_o apostle_n i_o be_o sure_o do_v practice_v this_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o and_o st._n paul_n silence_v the_o objection_n of_o contentious_a and_o scrupulous_a person_n with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o corinth_n 11._o 16._o every_o congregation_n that_o pretend_v to_o have_v the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n require_v the_o obedience_n of_o its_o member_n to_o all_o order_n for_o public_a worship_n as_o well_o as_o their_o consent_n to_o their_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o without_o this_o it_o can_v not_o subsist_v i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o mr._n baxter_n advice_n in_o his_o dispute_n of_o ceremony_n ch._n 15._o s._n 3._o that_o the_o duty_n of_o obey_v be_v certain_a and_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v uncertain_a and_o only_o suspect_v we_o must_v go_v on_o the_o sure_a side_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sermon_n on_o act_n 24._o 16._o give_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o say_v if_o a_o christian_a shall_v forbear_v pray_v or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n every_o time_n his_o scrupulous_a conscience_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v better_a whole_o omit_v the_o duty_n than_o perform_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n he_o will_v soon_o find_v to_o his_o sorrow_n the_o mischief_n of_o his_o scruple_n and_o he_o advise_v in_o all_o know_a necessary_a duty_n always_o do_v what_o you_o can_v when_o you_o can_v do_v what_o you_o will_v our_o author_n p._n 202._o fall_n on_o a_o ancient_a controversy_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n of_o which_o he_o give_v we_o this_o imperfect_a account_n that_o it_o be_v upon_o error_n take_v for_o necessary_a that_o a_o easter_n must_v be_v keep_v and_o upon_o worse_a than_o error_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o point_n of_o judaisme_n force_v upon_o the_o church_n think_v further_o necessary_a that_o the_o ground_n for_o the_o keep_v the_o time_n of_o that_o feast_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n leave_v by_o moses_n to_o the_o jew_n there_o arise_v a_o stout_a question_n whether_o we_o ought_v to_o celebrate_v with_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o moon_n or_o the_o sunday_n follow_v this_o matter_n though_o most_o unnecessary_a most_o vain_a yet_o cause_v as_o great_a a_o combustion_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o west_n separate_v from_o and_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o east_n for_o many_o year_n together_o a_o impartial_a relation_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o controversy_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o church_n history_n will_v sufficient_o discover_v how_o odious_o it_o be_v represent_v first_o then_o whereas_o he_o say_v it_o be_v upon_o error_n take_v for_o necessary_a that_o a_o easter_n must_v be_v keep_v i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v a_o error_n the_o church_n have_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o although_o the_o contend_a party_n differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o day_n yet_o both_o agree_v on_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v easter_n in_o commemoration_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o day_n put_v it_o out_o of_o controversy_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o day_n observe_v some_o learned_a man_n have_v think_v the_o set_n apart_o of_o a_o easter_n day_n to_o be_v ground_v on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 8._o where_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o christian_a passover_n say_v let_v we_o keep_v the_o feast_n and_o grotius_n observe_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d answer_v to_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o work_n for_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o holy_a thing_n to_o god_n if_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o day_n be_v necessary_a unto_o christian_n this_o of_o easter_n be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o weekly_a sabbath_n and_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o s._n john_n call_v the_o lord_n day_n rev._n 1._o 10._o but_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v express_a authority_n from_o scripture_n to_o make_v it_o necessary_a the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n testify_v by_o such_o early_a and_o authentic_a witness_n and_o the_o continue_a celebration_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v evince_n that_o it_o be_v not_o take_v up_o on_o a_o error_n no_o more_o than_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o weekly_a sabbath_n mr._n hales_n say_v enough_o to_o resolve_v this_o objection_n in_o his_o golden_a remain_n set_v forth_o by_o mr._n garthwait_n 1673._o p._n 260._o on_o the_o question_n how_o we_o may_v know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o say_v he_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o church_n testimony_n we_o content_v not_o ourselves_o with_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n actual_o existent_a but_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o perpetual_o successive_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n viz._n since_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o out_o of_o both_o these_o draw_v a_o argument_n in_o this_o question_n of_o that_o force_n as_o that_o from_o it_o not_o the_o subtle_a disputer_n can_v find_v a_o escape_n for_o who_o be_v it_o that_o can_v think_v to_o find_v acceptance_n and_o credit_n with_o reasonable_a man_n by_o oppose_a not_o only_o the_o present_a church_n converse_v in_o earth_n but_o the_o uniform_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n so_o that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n agree_v that_o a_o easter_n must_v be_v keep_v it_o be_v not_o take_v up_o upon_o error_n nor_o second_o be_v it_o upon_o worse_a than_o error_n i._n e._n as_o our_o author_n affirm_v a_o point_n of_o judaisme_n ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o observation_n thereof_o be_v by_o some_o church_n solemnize_v
of_o they_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o vain_a derive_v a_o power_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o epist_n ch_z 5._o v._n 5._o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o incestuous_a person_n unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n or_o can_v we_o think_v the_o record_n of_o the_o several_a church_n in_o those_o first_o age_n which_o relate_v the_o divers_a painful_a and_o languish_a distemper_n of_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o anguish_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n which_o seize_v on_o such_o as_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o christian_a communion_n into_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o be_v false_a or_o forge_a the_o divine_a judgement_n which_o pursue_v such_o as_o in_o our_o time_n have_v be_v deserve_o eject_v or_o do_v wilful_o depart_v from_o the_o church-communion_n who_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o giddiness_n and_o perverseness_n do_v as_o cain_n run_v up_o and_o down_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o public_a worship_n like_o vagabond_n from_o one_o faction_n to_o another_o till_o they_o fall_v into_o unnatural_a and_o diabolical_a practice_n and_o stray_v from_o christ_n fold_n be_v make_v a_o prey_n unto_o the_o devil_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o church-censure_n be_v not_o bruta_fw-la fulmina_fw-la but_o have_v powerful_a effect_n for_o the_o conversion_n or_o confusion_n of_o contumacious_a offender_n but_o non_fw-la tali_fw-la auxilio_fw-la that_o sacred_a function_n which_o your_o lordship_n sustain_v in_o our_o church_n need_v not_o so_o weak_a a_o apology_n as_o i_o can_v make_v for_o it_o i_o have_v only_o endeavour_v as_o i_o be_v able_a to_o silence_v the_o reproach_n and_o contradiction_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n by_o who_o strive_n the_o burden_n of_o government_n which_o of_o itself_o be_v weighty_a enough_o be_v make_v to_o sit_v more_o uneasy_a on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n against_o who_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a work_n to_o maintain_v that_o assertion_n of_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o catholic_n gentleman_n p._n 134._o that_o as_o long_o as_o any_o particular_a bishop_n remain_v in_o due_a subordination_n to_o his_o canonical_a superior_n so_o long_o the_o departure_n of_o any_o clergyman_n that_o be_v under_o his_o jurisdiction_n from_o that_o obedience_n which_o canonical_o he_o owe_v to_o he_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a of_o it_o a_o act_n of_o schism_n but_o this_o come_v not_o now_o under_o consideration_n my_o present_a endeavour_n i_o do_v lay_v at_o your_o lordship_n foot_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o great_a happiness_n which_o we_o of_o your_o lordship_n diocese_n do_v enjoy_v under_o your_o government_n in_o which_o authority_n and_o meekness_n candour_n and_o courage_n piety_n and_o prudence_n be_v so_o due_o temper_v that_o though_o each_o of_o they_o be_v visible_a yet_o it_o be_v hardly_o discernible_a which_o be_v most_o prevalent_a that_o free_a and_o favourable_a access_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v vouchsafe_v i_o in_o more_o private_a concern_v have_v encourage_v i_o to_o this_o public_a address_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n hope_v that_o the_o work_n may_v find_v the_o like_a gracious_a acceptance_n as_o the_o author_n have_v both_o which_o as_o they_o real_o need_v so_o they_o humble_o beg_v your_o lordship_n pardon_n and_o protection_n which_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a sanctuary_n against_o all_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o defend_v and_o therein_o of_o exon_n new-year_n day_n 1677._o your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a servant_n tho._n long_n when_o all_o other_o argument_n have_v fail_v to_o cut_v the_o gordian_a knot_n of_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o piece_n it_o be_v my_o endeavour_n by_o the_o follow_a exercitation_n to_o take_v this_o sword_n out_o of_o the_o enemy_n hand_n or_o at_o least_o to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o unserviceable_a to_o evil_a design_n when_o i_o first_o apprehend_v it_o i_o only_o let_v it_o fall_v on_o the_o anvil_n by_o its_o own_o weight_n and_o every_o one_o may_v perceive_v how_o it_o yield_v to_o that_o gentle_a examination_n wherefore_o i_o be_v encourage_v by_o a_o severe_a censure_n to_o lay_v it_o on_o the_o anvil_n again_o and_o i_o hope_v with_o a_o few_o stroke_n i_o have_v so_o break_v it_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o artist_n among_o the_o faction_n can_v so_o solder_v it_o as_o to_o make_v it_o hurtful_a or_o formidable_a again_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o will_v at_o last_o turn_v this_o and_o other_o such_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n as_o man_n of_o evangelical_n spirit_n ought_v to_o do_v and_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n but_o i_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o deprive_v our_o adversary_n of_o this_o weapon_n i_o shall_v attempt_v to_o vindicate_v the_o fame_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o venerable_a mr._n hales_n of_o who_o authority_n the_o church_n adversary_n do_v often_o make_v use_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o faction_n against_o she_o as_o sometime_o they_o do_v of_o the_o king_n be_v for_o raise_v a_o rebellion_n against_o he_o it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o sorrow_n that_o the_o church_n like_o the_o eagle_n shall_v receive_v its_o most_o dangerous_a wound_n by_o the_o dart_n which_o be_v feather_v from_o her_o own_o wing_n and_o that_o that_o learning_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v want_v in_o the_o adverse_a party_n to_o enforce_v their_o own_o argument_n and_o support_v their_o cause_n shall_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o revolt_n as_o in_o the_o apostate_n to_o popery_n or_o the_o captivity_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n hales_n of_o some_o unsettle_a and_o unwary_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o who_o part_n and_o reputation_n the_o enemy_n on_o both_o side_n have_v make_v more_o advantage_n than_o of_o their_o own_o this_o have_v be_v the_o beginning_n and_o growth_n of_o error_n and_o schism_n when_o man_n of_o subtle_a part_n and_o popular_a esteem_n raise_v doubt_n and_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o instill_v they_o into_o weak_a judgement_n and_o unstable_a mind_n who_o be_v apt_a for_o want_v of_o understanding_n to_o take_v their_o sophistry_n for_o solid_a reason_n and_o through_o affection_n to_o their_o person_n to_o adhere_v to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o most_o faithful_a guide_n and_o jurare_fw-la in_o verba_fw-la magistri_fw-la but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a method_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n according_a to_o the_o reputation_n of_o such_o as_o espouse_v it_o s._n augustine_n give_v we_o a_o safe_a rule_n nec_fw-la causa_fw-la causae_fw-la nec_fw-la persona_fw-la personae_fw-la praejudicet_fw-la let_v both_o cause_n and_o person_n stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o their_o own_o merit_n that_o little_a which_o i_o can_v gather_v concern_v mr._n hales_n all_o which_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o i_o charitable_o believe_v he_o do_v well_o deserve_v be_v to_o this_o effect_n compile_v by_o mr._n lloid_n in_o his_o memoires_n p._n 606._o in_o write_v of_o which_o it_o seem_v he_o consult_v the_o present_a bishop_n of_o chester_n and_o mr._n faringdon_n his_o familiar_a friend_n mr._n hales_n be_v bear_v in_o kent_n and_o breed_v fellow_n of_o merton_n college_n where_o he_o be_v choose_v greek_a professor_n of_o oxford_n sir_n dudley_n carleton_n make_v he_o his_o chaplain_n when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o hague_n about_o the_o business_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n whereof_o be_v send_v thither_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o write_v a_o daily_a and_o exact_a account_n complete_v as_o appear_v in_o his_o remain_n by_o dr._n balcanquel_n at_o which_o synod_n he_o hear_v episcopius_n well_o press_v as_o he_o think_v that_o of_o saint_n john_n 3._o 16._o he_o say_v there_o i_o bid_v john_n calvin_n good_a night_n after_o this_o he_o be_v fellow_n of_o eton_n and_o then_o prebendary_a of_o windsor_n in_o the_o first_o of_o which_o place_n he_o be_v treasurer_n but_o which_o be_v strange_a such_o be_v his_o integrity_n and_o charity_n to_o his_o loss_n in_o point_n of_o estate_n and_o fellow_n such_o his_o prudence_n in_o avoid_v the_o oath_n of_o the_o time_n without_o any_o snare_n to_o his_o conscience_n a_o person_n of_o so_o large_a a_o capacity_n so_o sharp_a quick_a pierce_a and_o subtle_a a_o wit_n of_o so_o serene_a and_o profound_a a_o judgement_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a reach_n build_v upon_o unordinary_a notion_n raise_v out_o of_o strange_a observation_n and_o comprehensive_a thought_n within_o himself_o and_o of_o so_o astonish_v a_o industry_n that_o he_o become_v the_o
on_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o moon_n for_o the_o eastern_a church_n allege_v the_o practice_n of_o s._n john_n and_o philip_n for_o the_o 14_o day_n have_v a_o better_a ground_n for_o it_o than_o a_o jewish_a custom_n namely_o that_o of_o christian_a charity_n and_o baronius_n note_v it_o as_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v ancient_o appoint_v that_o though_o easter_n be_v observe_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n yet_o they_o shall_v gentle_o tolerate_v the_o judaize_v convert_v which_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o be_v in_o great_a number_n in_o the_o eastern_a part_n see_v baronius_n annal_n add_v ann._n 167._o p._n 168._o now_o the_o western_a church_n plead_v for_o their_o practice_n which_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o sunday_n follow_v the_o authority_n of_o s._n peter_n and_o s._n paul_n who_o have_v full_o convince_v the_o gentile_a convert_n that_o all_o jewish_a rite_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o have_v have_v their_o full_a completion_n in_o christ_n but_o yet_o as_o in_o other_o like_a case_n they_o be_v instruct_v to_o bear_v with_o the_o jew_n as_o for_o some_o time_n they_o do_v for_o the_o first_o time_n that_o this_o controversy_n be_v agitate_a be_v between_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n who_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o other_o asian_a church_n celebrate_v easter_n day_n on_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o moon_n for_o which_o practice_n polycarp_n allege_v the_o authority_n of_o s._n john_n and_o irenaeus_n in_o a_o epistle_n mention_v by_o eusebius_n l._n 5._o c._n 18._o tell_v we_o that_o polycarp_n come_v to_o rome_n to_o discourse_v with_o anicetus_n concern_v this_o and_o other_o different_a observation_n between_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n and_o have_v after_o some_o conference_n amicable_o agree_v other_o controversy_n they_o still_o differ_v about_o this_o observation_n but_o without_o any_o violation_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n for_o they_o communicate_v together_o anicetus_n give_v leave_n to_o polycarp_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o his_o church_n and_o it_o be_v then_o conclude_v that_o both_o church_n shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o observe_v the_o ancient_a custom_n deliver_v to_o they_o from_o their_o predecessor_n but_o about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 198._o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n revive_v the_o controversy_n with_o polycrates_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n who_o be_v then_o 65_o year_n old_a and_o come_v within_o a_o little_a time_n of_o s._n john_n be_v cotemporary_a with_o polycarp_n victor_n plead_v that_o the_o custom_n of_o his_o church_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n s_o peter_n and_o s._n paul_n and_o that_o all_o his_o predecessor_n have_v celebrate_v easter_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n see_v eusebius_n lib._n 5._o ch_n 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o nicephorus_n l._n 4._o c._n 36._o polycrates_n in_o his_o epistle_n mention_v by_o eusebius_n l._n 5._o c._n 24._o reply_n that_o all_o the_o province_n of_o asia_n observe_v it_o according_a to_o a_o ancient_a tradition_n receive_v long_o before_o i._o e._n before_o the_o second_o century_n from_o s._n john_n and_o s._n philip_n from_o polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n from_o thraseas_n bishop_n of_o eumenia_n sagaris_n of_o laodicea_n papirius_n and_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n who_o always_o practise_v according_a to_o the_o same_o canon_n and_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n then_o live_v consent_v to_o and_o subscribe_v his_o epistle_n upon_o this_o victor_n begin_v to_o storm_n and_o threaten_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n as_o heterodox_n and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o assemble_v the_o bishop_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n who_o with_o one_o consent_n declare_v for_o peace_n desire_v his_o forbearance_n and_o dislike_a his_o too_o great_a severity_n the_o epistle_n of_o irenaeus_n to_o victor_n on_o this_o occasion_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o which_o he_o declare_v that_o although_o for_o his_o part_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o observe_v the_o feast_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o sunday_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o western_a church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v yet_o he_o can_v not_o approve_v that_o the_o eastern_a church_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o observe_v a_o ancient_a custom_n and_o mind_v victor_n that_o the_o bishop_n before_o he_o have_v never_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n on_o this_o occasion_n but_o no_o mediation_n will_v prevail_v victor_n be_v victor_n still_o and_o proceed_v to_o denounce_v a_o impotent_a sentence_n against_o the_o asian_a church_n baronius_n say_v something_o to_o excuse_v the_o severity_n of_o victor_n viz._n that_o as_o long_o as_o those_o church_n be_v catholic_n and_o incorrupt_a they_o of_o rome_n think_v it_o expedient_a to_o tolerate_v that_o custom_n but_o when_o from_o that_o custom_n schism_n and_o heresy_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o asian_a church_n for_o montanus_n have_v diffuse_v his_o heresy_n through_o asia_n those_o asian_o begin_v to_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v this_o tradition_n from_o their_o paraclete_n that_o the_o pascha_fw-la ought_v to_o be_v celebrate_v on_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o moon_n and_o on_o no_o other_o day_n and_o that_o all_o such_o as_o practise_v otherwise_o be_v in_o a_o error_n than_o victor_n think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o restrain_v this_o error_n 11._o 2._o this_o opinion_n of_o keep_v easter_n after_o the_o asian_a manner_n be_v take_v up_o by_o many_o heretic_n and_o so_o spread_v itself_o that_o it_o invade_v the_o very_a bosom_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o pluck_v thence_o one_o blastus_n who_o in_o the_o face_n of_o that_o church_n maintain_v the_o asian_a against_o the_o roman_a custom_n tertullian_n speak_v of_o this_o blastus_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la c._n 53._o saying_n that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o judaisme_n affirm_v that_o the_o christian_a pascha_fw-la be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v otherwise_o than_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o this_o opinion_n of_o blastus_n draw_v away_o so_o many_o after_o he_o that_o irenaeus_n write_v a_o book_n of_o schism_n direct_v purposely_o against_o blastus_n but_o can_v not_o recall_v he_o and_o now_o let_v the_o indifferent_a reader_n judge_n whether_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v most_o unnecessary_a most_o vain_a as_o our_o author_n declaim_v victor_n indeed_o do_v prosecute_v it_o with_o too_o much_o heat_n insomuch_o that_o the_o cardinal_n know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v in_o his_o excuse_n an_fw-mi verò_fw-la quod_fw-la potestate_fw-la jure_fw-la faciebat_fw-la recténe_fw-mi fecerit_fw-la dubitatum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v the_o cardinal_n doubtless_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la not_o under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o victor_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v yet_o be_v he_o not_o unblameable_a in_o excommunicate_v all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o the_o fault_n of_o some_o few_o that_o have_v creep_v in_o among_o they_o who_o in_o due_a time_n they_o will_v have_v restrain_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n he_o be_v also_o too_o precipitate_v in_o not_o yield_v to_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o own_o bishop_n in_o behalf_n of_o those_o church_n and_o last_o he_o be_v much_o more_o culpable_a for_o impose_v this_o observation_n on_o the_o asian_a church_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v heterodox_n and_o excommunicate_a that_o will_v not_o submit_v baronius_n his_o word_n ad_fw-la annum_fw-la christi_fw-la 198._o p._n 191._o of_o the_o antwerp_n edition_n be_v totius_fw-la asia_n ecclesias_fw-la cum_fw-la aliis_fw-la finit_a imis_fw-la tanquam_fw-la alterius_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o opinionis_fw-la à _fw-la communi_fw-la unitate_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la amputare_fw-la conatur_fw-la nor_o be_v the_o asian_a church_n without_o fault_n for_o yield_v so_o long_o to_o a_o jewish_a ceremony_n which_o may_v long_o ere_o that_o time_n have_v be_v decent_o bury_v as_o other_o jewish_a custom_n have_v be_v and_o also_o for_o suffer_v some_o among_o they_o to_o teach_v a_o necessity_n of_o observe_v the_o christian_a pascha_fw-la on_o the_o 14_o day_n and_o no_o other_o so_o that_o to_o conclude_v though_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o this_o particular_a strong_a in_o the_o faith_n yet_o as_o our_o author_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v bear_v with_o the_o imbecility_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n a_o thing_n which_o he_o observe_v s._n paul_n will_v not_o refuse_v to_o do_v p._n 218._o to_o which_o i_o say_v that_o s._n paul_n do_v comply_v for_o a_o while_n with_o the_o jewish_a convert_v in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n but_o when_o some_o of_o they_o plead_v for_o a_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n he_o thunder_v against_o that_o opinion_n as_o loud_o as_o victor_n do_v against_o this_o say_v that_o if_o they_o be_v circumcise_a i._n e._n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o
behave_v himself_o humble_o towards_o they_o as_o to_o his_o brethren_n second_o both_o nature_n and_o religion_n agree_v in_o this_o heraldry_n that_o all_o family_n and_o society_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o god_n also_o have_v ever_o bear_v something_o in_o chief_a the_o father_n be_v ever_o above_o the_o son_n and_o the_o priest_n who_o for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o family_n be_v superior_a to_o the_o people_n all_o do_v not_o come_v by_o composition_n and_o agreement_n to_o evince_v this_o i_o shall_v assert_v these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v be_v a_o dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n 2._o that_o man_n ought_v to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o result_n of_o the_o same_o law_n 3._o that_o in_o those_o society_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o power_n and_o government_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o itself_o be_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o consequence_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n both_o which_o have_v direct_v a_o sub_n and_o supra_fw-la in_o all_o society_n and_o engrave_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n first_o that_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v this_o impression_n we_o find_v in_o adam_n not_o only_o before_o but_o after_o the_o fall_n who_o teach_v his_o son_n as_o well_o cain_n as_o abel_n to_o honour_n god_n with_o their_o substance_n and_o we_o read_v gen._n 4._o 3._o that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o be_v say_v some_o at_o the_o revolution_n of_o a_o determine_a time_n which_o be_v describe_v to_o be_v in_o the_o original_a at_o the_o end_n of_o day_n other_o think_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o seven_o or_o sabbath_n day_n cain_n bring_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n a_o offering_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o abel_n also_o bring_v of_o the_o firstling_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o the_o fat_a thereof_o whether_o they_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o design_a place_n or_o to_o their_o father_n adam_n as_o their_o priest_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o observation_n of_o the_o learned_a doctor_n outram_n on_o this_o place_n that_o the_o period_n of_o day_n whereon_o cain_n bring_v his_o offering_n be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o harvest_n and_o the_o time_n of_o abel_n offering_n be_v when_o his_o flock_n be_v increase_v at_o which_o season_v both_o of_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o natural_a reason_n for_o no_o command_n do_v appear_v think_v it_o meet_v to_o return_v to_o god_n some_o part_n of_o the_o blessing_n give_v they_o by_o god_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v hebr._n 11._o 4._o that_o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n which_o some_o think_v can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v in_o obedience_n to_o some_o command_n of_o god_n he_o consent_v with_o some_o other_o that_o this_o place_n do_v evince_v the_o contrary_a because_o if_o abel_n have_v sacrifice_v according_a to_o some_o express_a command_n we_o can_v conceive_v but_o cain_n offer_v upon_o the_o same_o command_n also_o and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v it_o by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o abel_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o text_n which_o imply_v that_o cain_n do_v not_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o they_o do_v neither_o of_o they_o present_v their_o offering_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o command_n but_o according_a to_o a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n imprint_v on_o their_o soul_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o several_a blessing_n receive_v from_o he_o which_o if_o cain_n a_o wicked_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o do_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n how_o much_o better_a may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o abel_n who_o be_v a_o good_a man_n but_o it_o will_v be_v demand_v wherein_o that_o faith_n of_o abel_n which_o be_v so_o commend_v do_v consist_v and_o the_o answer_n be_v in_o that_o he_o have_v so_o great_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o dominion_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o blessing_n and_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n that_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o offer_v the_o best_a of_o his_o flock_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o of_o a_o thankful_a mind_n towards_o he_o and_o indeed_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v serve_v not_o only_o to_o direct_v the_o family_n of_o adam_n who_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o other_o also_o that_o be_v remove_v into_o a_o great_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n that_o as_o the_o invisible_a god_n have_v manifest_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n to_o they_o by_o thing_n visible_a so_o they_o ought_v to_o agnize_v and_o honour_v their_o invisible_a creator_n and_o benefactor_n by_o offer_v he_o some_o portion_n of_o those_o visible_a and_o sensible_a blessing_n which_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v they_o these_o and_o such_o like_a argument_n say_v dr._n outram_n p._n 7._o do_v so_o prevail_v with_o the_o ancient_n that_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o man_n do_v first_o offer_v sacrifice_n from_o a_o instinct_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o not_o from_o any_o command_n of_o god_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v many_o learned_a author_n and_o conclude_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o eusebius_n de_fw-fr demonstratione_fw-la evangelica_n l._n 1._o c._n 10._o that_o cain_n do_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n offer_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n but_o every_o good_a man_n as_o abel_n noah_n and_o abraham_n do_v by_o divine_a reason_n or_o understand_v sacrifice_n live_v creature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o as_o the_o learned_a doctor_n prove_v can_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o divine_a command_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o this_o one_o medium_n more_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n that_o the_o general_a instinct_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n to_o worship_v some_o thing_n as_o god_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v direct_v they_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v only_o through_o the_o decay_n and_o weakness_n of_o reason_n they_o mistake_v the_o object_n and_o be_v become_v ignorant_a of_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o serve_v he_o which_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o idolatry_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o whereas_o other_o dictate_v of_o nature_n have_v be_v obliterated_a and_o disuse_v among_o divers_a nation_n this_o have_v be_v constant_o and_o universal_o observe_v by_o all_o with_o great_a solemnity_n which_o be_v the_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_o god_n must_v be_v worship_v by_o man_n in_o society_n be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o i_o suppose_v our_o author_n do_v grant_v p._n 227._o where_o he_o say_v it_o have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n confess_v necessary_a that_o god_n require_v not_o only_o inward_a and_o private_a devotion_n when_o man_n either_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o closert_n or_o within_o their_o private_a wall_n pray_v praise_n confess_v and_o acknowledge_v but_o he_o further_o require_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o public_a by_o troop_n and_o shoal_n of_o men._n if_o this_o be_v always_o necessary_a then_o sure_a before_o there_o be_v any_o positive_a command_n for_o it_o god_n require_v it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o only_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v best_o display_v his_o excellency_n and_o manifest_a that_o he_o be_v glorious_a in_o praise_n which_o can_v be_v do_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o in_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o god_n so_o gracious_o accept_v the_o intention_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n devotion_n in_o build_v he_o that_o great_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n at_o solemn_a time_n shall_v meet_v together_o to_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n and_o to_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o we_o read_v of_o any_o precept_n for_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v gen._n 4._o 26._o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o enos_n the_o grandson_n of_o adam_n by_o seth_n that_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n to_o make_v a_o solemn_a assembly_n man_n begin_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n viz._n in_o public_a assembly_n as_o the_o best_a expositor_n do_v interpret_v it_o which_o far_o appear_v in_o that_o all_o nation_n have_v build_v temple_n set_v apart_o solemn_a festival_n day_n and_o institute_v priest_n and_o mysterious_a rite_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n which_o they_o have_v do_v without_o any_o previous_a command_n or_o commerce_n with_o more_o