self_n while_o we_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n we_o must_v honour_v god_n too_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o be_v by_o the_o gravity_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n posture_n habit_n behaviour_n etc._n etc._n when_o we_o approach_v his_o presence_n there_o may_v be_v indeed_o and_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o civil_a and_o religious_a honour_n that_o which_o may_v become_v a_o prince_n be_v not_o always_o fit_a for_o religious_a worship_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n must_v not_o always_o be_v give_v to_o prince_n but_o the_o comparison_n consist_v only_o in_o this_o that_o since_o the_o external_a sign_n of_o honour_n consist_v in_o our_o word_n posture_n look_n habit_n behaviour_n and_o suchlike_a external_a circumstance_n of_o action_n as_o he_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v such_o a_o good_a decorum_n in_o all_o these_o as_o be_v require_v in_o civil_a honour_n affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o his_o prince_n so_o do_v he_o who_o neglect_v such_o a_o decency_n in_o these_o thing_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o religious_a honour_n profane_v the_o worship_n and_o pollute_v the_o name_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n but_o still_o we_o want_v some_o rule_n whereby_o to_o determine_v what_o that_o decency_n be_v in_o these_o external_a circumstance_n which_o be_v proper_a for_o religious_a worship_n and_o to_o explain_v this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o three_o rule_n i._o that_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n consist_v in_o a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o worship_n ii_o in_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o we_o be_v employ_v iii_o in_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o quality_n condition_n and_o relation_n of_o those_o person_n who_o worship_n god_n i._o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n consist_v in_o a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o worship_n this_o rule_n god_n himself_o give_v we_o by_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n a_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n 6._o and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o then_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o we_o must_v worship_v god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v expressive_a of_o a_o just_a honour_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o excellent_a majesty_n as_o he_o add_v 14._o for_o i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o my_o name_n be_v dreadful_a among_o the_o heathen_a now_o we_o express_v a_o just_a regard_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o when_o we_o worship_v he_o with_o all_o the_o external_a signification_n of_o awe_n and_o reverence_n when_o our_o word_n and_o action_n posture_n and_o behaviour_n declare_v to_o all_o the_o world_n what_o a_o great_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o we_o that_o be_v when_o our_o word_n be_v few_o and_o wise_a as_o solomon_n direct_v when_o we_o worship_v and_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n and_o not_o only_o bind_v our_o heart_n but_o our_o body_n to_o he_o and_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o least_o indecency_n in_o his_o presence_n 2._o then_o we_o honour_v the_o divine_a majesty_n when_o we_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o appropriate_a manner_n and_o do_v make_v a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o other_o action_n of_o our_o life_n the_o sanctification_n of_o god_n name_n consist_v in_o the_o peculiarity_n of_o his_o worship_n when_o we_o separate_v he_o from_o all_o other_o being_n and_o ascribe_v incommunicable_a and_o eminent_a perfection_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o that_o worship_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o his_o peculiar_a and_o incommunicable_a perfection_n which_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o most_o peculiar_a and_o distinguish_a manner_n we_o know_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n be_v by_o his_o own_o command_n perform_v in_o the_o most_o peculiar_a and_o appropriate_a manner_n by_o peculiar_a person_n by_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n and_o the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o levi_n who_o be_v separate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o tabernacle_n in_o a_o peculiar_a place_n at_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n and_o at_o peculiar_a and_o appropriate_a time_n the_o seventh-day-sabbath_n and_o those_o other_o annual_a festival_n and_o by_o peculiar_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n the_o priest_n have_v their_o peculiar_a garment_n to_o minister_v in_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o vessel_n and_o utensil_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v appropriate_v to_o those_o use_n not_o to_o mention_v now_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o incense_n etc._n etc._n now_o though_o these_o person_n time_n place_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v something_o mystical_a and_o typical_a in_o their_o signification_n yet_o the_o appropriation_n of_o peculiar_a person_n time_n place_n and_o habit_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o mystical_a and_o typical_a but_o beside_o other_o use_v it_o may_v serve_v be_v the_o natural_a decency_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o which_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peculiarity_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n require_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n instruct_v all_o mankind_n in_o this_o as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o religious_a worship_n insomuch_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o nation_n which_o pay_v public_a and_o solemn_a adoration_n to_o any_o deity_n but_o have_v their_o priest_n their_o temple_n their_o holy_a garment_n and_o other_o ceremony_n appropriate_v to_o religious_a use_n and_o if_o it_o be_v think_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o these_o man_n be_v idolater_n and_o their_o worship_n idolatrous_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v learn_v from_o they_o what_o be_v proper_a and_o decent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o the_o devil_n set_v up_o for_o a_o god_n he_o challenge_v divine_a honour_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o retain_v all_o the_o external_a form_n of_o religious_a worship_n though_o he_o corrupt_v it_o with_o impure_a and_o obscene_a and_o inhuman_a rite_n he_o will_v not_o have_v value_v either_o priest_n or_o their_o vestment_n or_o temple_n or_o altar_n have_v not_o these_o be_v very_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o religious_a worship_n and_o always_o judge_v so_o by_o mankind_n when_o a_o rebel_n usurp_v the_o throne_n he_o usurp_v the_o honour_n too_o of_o a_o natural_a prince_n and_o when_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v think_v a_o god_n he_o challenge_v such_o a_o worship_n as_o according_a to_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n be_v due_a to_o god_n though_o he_o adapt_n the_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o impure_a nature_n and_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a inclination_n as_o for_o appropriate_a person_n time_n and_o place_n i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o dispute_v the_o fitness_n and_o decency_n of_o it_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v dispute_v the_o decency_n of_o a_o appropriate_a and_o peculiar_a habit_n for_o religious_a worship_n which_o god_n himself_o command_v under_o the_o law_n and_o which_o have_v be_v use_v in_o all_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n appropriate_a time_n and_o place_n be_v as_o jewish_a as_o appropriate_a habit_n and_o whoever_o consider_v the_o peculiarity_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n can_v think_v it_o indecent_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o common_a action_n by_o peculiar_a time_n and_o place_n and_o habit_n as_o well_o as_o person_n ii_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n consist_v in_o adapt_a the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o particular_a act_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o we_o be_v employ_v thus_o when_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o will_v bestow_v on_o we_o those_o blessing_n which_o we_o want_v it_o become_v we_o to_o do_v this_o with_o the_o great_a humility_n and_o therefore_o kneel_v and_o prostration_n be_v very_o decent_a posture_n of_o prayer_n as_o be_v natural_a expression_n of_o great_a modesty_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n when_o we_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o god_n or_o offer_v up_o hymn_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n stand_v may_v be_v a_o very_a decent_a posture_n as_o expressive_a both_o of_o our_o
shall_v refuse_v submission_n to_o they_o so_o have_v they_o nothing_o of_o real_a goodness_n nothing_o of_o positive_a order_n decency_n or_o reverence_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v now_o if_o he_o can_v make_v this_o good_a i_o be_o resolve_v to_o meddle_v no_o far_o in_o this_o controversiâ—â—_n for_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o spend_v ink_n and_o paper_n in_o defence_n of_o such_o ceremony_n as_o have_v no_o positive_a order_n decency_n or_o reverence_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o order_n decency_n and_o reverence_n aught_o to_o be_v command_v for_o that_o be_v to_o trifle_v in_o sacred_a thing_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v how_o he_o explain_v himself_o for_o this_o be_v a_o proposition_n which_o seem_v to_o need_v some_o explication_n i_o call_v say_v he_o that_o positive_a order_n decency_n or_o reverence_n which_o be_v do_v render_v the_o service_n more_o decent_a reverend_a and_o orderly_o and_o be_v undo_v the_o service_n become_v irreverent_a indecent_a and_o disorderly_o perform_v so_o that_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o if_o our_o public_a service_n be_v by_o the_o minister_n perform_v without_o the_o surplice_n if_o baptism_n be_v administer_v by_o he_o without_o the_o cross_n if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v administer_v to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o kneel_v but_o stand_v at_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o these_o action_n will_v not_o be_v perform_v sinful_o or_o with_o defect_n of_o any_o real_a goodness_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o nor_o indecent_o disorderly_o or_o irreverent_o so_o that_o his_o description_n of_o positive_a order_n reverence_n and_o decency_n resolve_v itself_o into_o two_o proposition_n that_o no_o ceremony_n have_v any_o positive_a order_n decency_n or_o reverence_n the_o use_n of_o which_o do_v not_o 1_o make_v the_o worship_n more_o decent_a reverend_a and_o orderly_o than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v i._n e._n than_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o other_o ceremony_n but_o those_o particular_a ceremony_n about_o which_o the_o controversy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d there_o the_o fallacy_n seem_v to_o lie_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o which_o do_v not_o 2_o make_v the_o worship_n irreverent_a indecent_a and_o disorderly_a now_o though_o it_o be_v in_o my_o nature_n to_o be_v very_o civil_a to_o reconciler_n yet_o i_o can_v grant_v he_o either_o of_o these_o proposition_n as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v different_a degree_n of_o order_n decency_n and_o reverence_n and_o that_o religious_a action_n may_v be_v perform_v orderly_o decent_o and_o reverent_o with_o some_o ceremony_n though_o there_o may_v be_v other_o ceremony_n more_o orderly_a decent_a and_o reverend_a and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v positive_a order_n decency_n and_o reverence_n in_o those_o cemony_n the_o use_n of_o which_o make_v the_o worship_n orderly_o decent_a and_o reverend_a though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v it_o more_o orderly_o decent_a and_o reverend_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v as_o for_o the_o second_o there_o may_v be_v a_o less_o orderly_o decent_a and_o reverend_a way_n of_o perform_v religious_a action_n which_o yet_o can_v strict_o be_v call_v irreverent_a indecent_a or_o disorderly_a or_o there_o may_v be_v several_a sort_n of_o ceremony_n which_o may_v equal_o contribute_v to_o the_o reverend_a decent_a or_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a action_n and_o then_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o one_o sort_n of_o ceremony_n may_v not_o make_v the_o action_n indecent_a irreverent_a or_o disorderly_a while_o we_o use_v other_o ceremony_n equal_o reverend_a or_o decent_a and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v true_a as_o he_o affirm_v that_o no_o ceremony_n have_v any_o positive_a order_n decency_n or_o reverence_n which_o be_v undo_v the_o service_n be_v not_o irreverent_o indecent_o and_o disorderly_o perform_v as_o to_o explain_v this_o by_o his_o own_o instance_n the_o surplice_n may_v be_v a_o very_a decent_a garment_n for_o religious_a office_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o most_o decent_a of_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o worship_n may_v not_o be_v perform_v indecent_o without_o the_o surplice_n if_o the_o minister_n officiate_v in_o some_o other_o decent_a garment_n but_o shall_v he_o leave_v off_o the_o surplice_n and_o put_v on_o a_o collier_n frock_n or_o a_o buffcoat_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a what_o the_o reconciler_n will_v think_v i_o can_v tell_v thus_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n do_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o the_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o action_n and_o yet_o baptism_n be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a without_o it_o and_o may_v be_v administer_v very_o reverent_o and_o decent_o if_o all_o other_o due_a circumstance_n be_v observe_v kneel_v be_v a_o posture_n very_o expressive_a of_o our_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o very_o proper_a for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n as_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o stand_v and_o prostration_n be_v expressive_a of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n also_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o do_v not_o kneel_v but_o stand_v when_o they_o receive_v can_v be_v charge_v with_o irreverence_n but_o now_o will_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a order_n decency_n or_o reverence_n in_o a_o surplice_n or_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o these_o religious_a action_n may_v be_v perform_v decent_o with_o other_o decent_a ceremony_n or_o circumstance_n without_o they_o but_o our_o reconciler_n though_o he_o may_v be_v a_o very_a charitable_a man_n yet_o be_v not_o very_o honest_a but_o manifest_o put_v trick_n upon_o his_o reader_n otherwise_o why_o do_v he_o oppose_v stand_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o kneel_v and_o not_o rather_o sit_v which_o be_v the_o only_a posture_n use_v by_o our_o dissenter_n the_o french_a protestant_n indeed_o receive_v stand_v but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o our_o dissenter_n who_o will_v no_o more_o receive_v stand_v than_o kneel_v for_o the_o same_o objection_n which_o they_o urge_v against_o kneel_v be_v as_o good_a against_o stand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o posture_n use_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o table-posture_n and_o therefore_o not_o proper_a at_o a_o feast_n that_o it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v worship_v the_o host_n as_o well_o stand_v as_o kneel_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o use_v as_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v no_o more_o expressive_a of_o reverence_n than_o sit_v now_o why_o do_v not_o our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v be_v receive_v as_o reverent_o sit_v as_o kneel_v but_o instead_o of_o sit_v which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o cause_n he_o undertake_v put_v in_o stand_v i_o can_v imagine_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o be_v very_o sensible_a that_o sit_v be_v no_o reverend_a posture_n nor_o use_v by_o they_o as_o a_o posture_n of_o worship_n for_o than_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o objection_n as_o kneel_v be_v for_o they_o may_v worship_v the_o host_n as_o well_o sit_v as_o kneel_v and_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v sit_v they_o confess_v that_o they_o do_v not_o worship_n christ_n no_o more_o than_o the_o host_n when_o they_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n and_o therefore_o he_o put_v in_o stand_v which_o be_v not_o kneel_v indeed_o and_o yet_o be_v expressive_a of_o reverence_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plain_a confession_n that_o the_o only_a case_n wherein_o decent_a and_o reverend_a ceremony_n may_v be_v neglect_v and_o yet_o the_o worship_n not_o be_v indecent_a and_o irreverent_a be_v when_o other_o decent_a and_o reverend_a ceremony_n be_v use_v in_o their_o room_n but_o if_o they_o lie_v aside_o reverend_a ceremony_n and_o use_v irreverent_a one_o the_o worship_n become_v irreverent_a also_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o religious_a action_n consist_v in_o the_o reverence_n and_o decency_n of_o those_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n wherewith_o they_o be_v perform_v where_o there_o be_v choice_n of_o such_o decent_a modes_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n the_o neglect_n of_o any_o one_o decent_a and_o reverend_a mode_n or_o ceremony_n can_v make_v the_o action_n irreverent_a or_o undecent_a but_o the_o neglect_n of_o all_o do_v have_v our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o all_o those_o ceremony_n have_v a_o positive_a order_n decency_n and_o reverence_n without_o some_o or_o other_o of_o which_o the_o worship_n will_v be_v indecent_o irreverent_o or_o disorderly_o perform_v he_o
particular_a church_n urge_v this_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o justification_n of_o their_o imposition_n of_o some_o indifferent_a but_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n if_o any_o church_n may_v why_o not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v indecent_a irreverent_a and_o disorderly_a if_o they_o may_v not_o than_o the_o apostle_n rule_n signify_v nothing_o for_o it_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o this_o rule_n will_v justify_v any_o one_o church_n in_o appoint_v decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v equal_o justify_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n how_o different_a soever_o they_o be_v from_o each_o other_o so_o they_o be_v all_o decent_a and_o reverend_a and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v shall_v the_o advocate_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o savoy_n urge_v this_o apostolical_a rule_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o church_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v hence_o conclude_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o particular_a ceremony_n of_o their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o that_o religious_a worship_n can_v not_o be_v decent_o or_o reverent_o perform_v without_o they_o which_o will_v be_v to_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o same_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n with_o themselves_o and_o thus_o all_o the_o several_a churchâ—s_n in_o the_o world_n which_o enjoin_v nothing_o but_o what_o contribute_v to_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n may_v by_o the_o apostle_n rule_v justify_v themselves_o and_o yet_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v can_v justify_v themselves_o without_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o my_o understanding_n do_v not_o such_o a_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o particular_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n prescribe_v do_v not_o such_o a_o general_a rule_n suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v several_a rule_n give_v several_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v differ_v indeed_o from_o each_o other_o but_o all_o comply_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n for_o that_o be_v a_o strange_a general_a rule_n which_o contain_v but_o one_o particular_a under_o it_o do_v not_o such_o a_o general_a rule_n suppose_v that_o the_o choice_n of_o particular_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n while_o they_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o be_v not_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n and_o consequent_o of_o those_o particular_a rule_n and_o order_n for_o worship_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n to_o prevent_v a_o disorderly_a irreverent_a indecent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o may_v not_o church-governor_n then_o assign_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o prescribe_v these_o rule_n and_o why_o they_o will_v not_o alter_v they_o because_o they_o must_v not_o perform_v the_o public_a service_n indecent_o and_o irreverent_o if_o they_o may_v than_o their_o say_n so_o do_v indeed_o suppose_v that_o those_o ceremony_n which_o they_o prescribe_v be_v decent_a and_o reverend_a but_o it_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o decent_a or_o reverend_a way_n of_o perform_v religious_a office_n and_o that_o whoever_o do_v not_o use_v those_o ceremony_n which_o they_o institute_v and_o command_v must_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a performance_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o that_o will_v be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o main_a principle_n by_o which_o they_o act_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_a rule_n which_o do_v not_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v several_a and_o that_o every_o church_n have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v for_o herself_o in_o short_a i_o will_v desire_v our_o reconciler_n to_o consider_v that_o if_o church-governor_n must_v not_o prescribe_v any_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n to_o prevent_v the_o disorder_n and_o indecency_n of_o worship_n while_o there_o be_v any_o other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o decent_a and_o orderly_a as_o those_o which_o they_o prescribe_v than_o this_o apostolical_a rule_n signify_v nothing_o for_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reduce_v into_o practice_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v the_o french_a protestant_n enjoin_v stand_v at_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o at_o public_a prayer_n as_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o shall_v assign_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o they_o must_v not_o suffer_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v indecent_o or_o irreverent_o perform_v and_o so_o break_v that_o commandment_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n present_o our_o reconciler_n have_v seven_o argument_n to_o oppose_v against_o they_o though_o they_o may_v all_o be_v reduce_v to_o one_o that_o this_o make_v stand_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o to_o be_v a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n 40._o but_o necessary_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o by_o a_o divine_a command_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o that_o which_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v alter_v and_o therefore_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o worship_n for_o how_o can_v they_o say_v that_o they_o require_v their_o communicant_n to_o receive_v stand_v in_o obedience_n to_o a_o divine_a command_n and_o because_o they_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n irreverent_o and_o indecent_o unless_o they_o believe_v that_o stand_n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o a_o indifferent_a ceremony_n but_o such_o a_o necessary_a posture_n that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o stand_v at_o receive_v break_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v irreverent_o and_o indecent_o and_o thus_o the_o french_a church_n be_v utter_o ruin_v and_o must_v no_o long_o enjoin_v stand_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n well_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v kneel_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o french_a church_n require_v stand_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o argument_n be_v good_a against_o she_o and_o shall_v any_o man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o use_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o sit_v that_o they_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n irreverent_o and_o indecent_o the_o same_o argument_n will_v hold_v good_a against_o they_o also_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n give_v to_o church-governor_n to_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o no_o church-governor_n can_v reduce_v this_o to_o practice_n for_o a_o general_a rule_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o practise_v but_o by_o particular_a rule_n and_o order_n and_o yet_o whoever_o prescribe_v any_o particular_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o insist_o on_o they_o to_o prevent_v irreverence_n and_o indecency_n in_o worship_n fall_v undeâ—_n our_o reconcilers_n censure_n and_o be_v with_o all_o humility_n entreat_v to_o answer_v seven_o terrible_a argument_n in_o his_o own_o vindication_n the_o plain_a answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n then_o be_v this_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o every_o church_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostolical_a command_n require_v to_o prevent_v the_o indecency_n and_o irreverence_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o do_v this_o but_o by_o prescribe_v some_o particular_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o though_o the_o constitution_n and_o usage_n of_o several_a church_n may_v be_v very_o various_a and_o different_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o every_o constitution_n which_o be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a prevent_v the_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a performance_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o all_o church-governor_n may_v justify_v such_o imposition_n as_o the_o commissioner_n at_o the_o savoy_n do_v by_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o break_v god_n commandment_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o suffer_v the_o public_a service_n to_o be_v indecent_o and_o irreverent_o perform_v and_o therefore_o must_v prescribe_v some_o particular_a rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n without_o either_o make_v their_o own_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n essential_a to_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o censure_v and_o condemn_v the_o decent_a usage_n and_o custom_n of_o other_o church_n but_o since_o great_a part_n of_o this_o controversy_n turn_v upon_o this_o hinge_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a trifle_n and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o habit_n
which_o be_v upon_o all_o account_n indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o any_o good_a nor_o hurt_n in_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o be_v command_v in_o religious_a worship_n for_o this_o be_v to_o trifle_v in_o sacred_a thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o decency_n and_o gravity_n of_o worship_n but_o those_o ceremony_n which_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v not_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o necessary_a consider_v as_o decent_a there_o must_v upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o be_v a_o antecedent_n decency_n in_o thing_n before_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v command_v church-governor_n must_v take_v care_n to_o maintain_v the_o decency_n of_o worship_n but_o they_o must_v find_v thing_n decent_a for_o by_o their_o mere_a command_n they_o can_v make_v they_o so_o all_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v by_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n fit_v and_o qualify_v to_o be_v make_v the_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o nothing_o pure_o indifferent_a be_v and_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o church-governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v only_o to_o determine_v what_o particular_a decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o their_o church_n that_o be_v to_o apply_v the_o apostle_n general_a rule_n to_o particular_a instance_n i_o know_v very_o well_o how_o jealous_a and_o fearful_a most_o man_n be_v of_o own_v any_o other_o necessity_n or_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a governor_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o in_o a_o age_n wherein_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o despise_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v absolute_o deny_v they_o fall_v under_o such_o a_o general_a contempt_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o own_o some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 1._o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o a_o apostolical_a precept_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n 2._o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n 3._o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v decent_a shall_v be_v use_v and_o therefore_o 4._o all_o particular_a decent_a ceremony_n have_v this_o necessity_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n that_o some_o of_o they_o must_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n and_o no_o other_o must_v and_o therefore_o 5._o when_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v determine_v which_o particular_a decent_a ceremony_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n these_o particular_a ceremony_n become_v necessary_a not_o mere_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o apostolical_a command_n and_o their_o own_o natural_a decency_n which_o bring_v they_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o general_a rule_n church-governor_n have_v authority_n to_o apply_v that_o general_a rule_n to_o particular_a ceremony_n which_o have_v such_o order_n and_o decency_n as_o comprehend_v they_o within_o that_o general_a rule_n but_o these_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n when_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v do_v not_o derive_v their_o obligation_n mere_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o from_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n we_o must_v observe_v they_o not_o mere_o because_o the_o church_n have_v command_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o decent_a and_o so_o comprehend_v within_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o church-authority_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v only_o in_o apply_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n to_o such_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o by_o their_o own_o decency_n be_v fit_a and_o qualify_v to_o be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n as_o apply_v by_o the_o church_n to_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n which_o give_v they_o their_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n hence_o mr._n calvin_n observe_v that_o those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o order_n 14.40_o must_v not_o be_v account_v humane_a tradition_n because_o they_o be_v found_v in_o this_o general_a precept_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o so_o receive_v their_o approbation_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n have_v such_o goodness_n and_o necessity_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v for_o they_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o necessity_n of_o decency_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o apostolical_a canon_n but_o still_o the_o controversy_n remain_v what_o this_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v and_o by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o it_o for_o one_o man_n may_v account_v that_o decent_a which_o another_o may_v think_v have_v no_o positive_a decency_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o church_n of_o england_n retain_v the_o use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o decency_n our_o modest_a reconciler_n who_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o proneness_n to_o mistake_v yet_o venture_v to_o contradict_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a order_n or_o decency_n in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a second_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o decency_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v and_o by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o it_o now_o in_o general_n the_o external_a decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v expressive_a of_o honour_n reverence_n and_o devotion_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o external_a worship_n but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o external_a honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o yet_o most_o man_n understand_v this_o very_a well_o also_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o civil_a honour_n they_o know_v what_o posture_n what_o action_n what_o habit_n what_o behaviour_n what_o language_n what_o address_v become_v they_o when_o they_o approach_v their_o prince_n and_o their_o parent_n or_o any_o other_o person_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o honour_n or_o respect_n and_o this_o suggest_v to_o we_o two_o general_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o religious_a worship_n 1._o that_o whatever_o will_v be_v deserve_o think_v a_o breach_n of_o good_a manner_n in_o common_a conversation_n or_o a_o violation_n of_o that_o civil_a respect_n and_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o prince_n and_o all_o superior_n can_v never_o become_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o god_n tell_v the_o israelite_n who_o offer_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a in_o sacrifice_n hold_v good_a in_o all_o other_o case_n offer_v it_o now_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n 1_o mal._n 8._o such_o word_n and_o action_n and_o behaviour_n as_o will_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n do_v much_o more_o unbecome_v religious_a worship_n because_o god_n be_v much_o great_a than_o the_o great_a prince_n 2._o that_o whatever_o be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o our_o honour_n and_o reverence_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a degreâ—_n due_a to_o almighty_a god_n many_o of_o the_o external_a expression_n and_o sign_n of_o honour_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v alike_o and_o if_o not_o the_o very_a same_o yet_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n for_o whether_o we_o intend_v to_o honour_n god_n or_o man_n it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o some_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_o determine_v either_o to_o religious_a or_o civil_a worship_n but_o applicable_a to_o both_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o honour_n to_o our_o prince_n to_o be_v uncover_v in_o his_o presence_n to_o deliver_v our_o petition_n upon_o the_o knee_n to_o come_v in_o a_o decent_a apparel_n to_o put_v on_o a_o grave_n and_o modest_a countenance_n to_o keep_v our_o distance_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o we_o must_v express_v our_o reverence_n for_o our_o prince_n in_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n in_o our_o look_n and_o habit_n and_o deportment_n of_o our_o
reverence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n here_o in_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o with_o our_o reconciler_n leave_n i_o must_v needs_o think_v a_o very_a decent_a ceremony_n both_o as_o it_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o common_a feast_n and_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o holy_a mystery_n in_o this_o holy_a supper_n we_o feast_v indeed_o at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a feast_n and_o therefore_o a_o ordinary_a table-posture_n do_v not_o become_v we_o for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o be_v not_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o common_a feast_n if_o the_o decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o peculiar_a and_o appropriate_a ceremony_n certain_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o distinguish_a mark_n on_o this_o mysterious_a feast_n and_o what_o more_o proper_a than_o to_o receive_v our_o pardon_n upon_o our_o knee_n which_o be_v here_o seal_v and_o convey_v to_o we_o what_o more_o proper_a than_o in_o the_o high_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o our_o saviour_n to_o express_v the_o great_a humility_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o when_o we_o receive_v the_o great_a and_o most_o ample_a favour_n from_o he_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o pay_v the_o low_a adoration_n to_o he_o i_o can_v be_v tempt_v to_o say_v that_o if_o any_o particular_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n be_v necessary_o determine_v by_o a_o innate_a decency_n and_o fitness_n kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v iii_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n consist_v in_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o quality_n condition_n and_o relation_n of_o those_o who_o worship_n god_n this_o rule_n i_o learn_v from_o that_o reason_n the_o apostle_n give_v why_o a_o man_n shall_v pray_v uncover_v 7._o and_o a_o woman_n cover_v to_o signify_v the_o natural_a authority_n of_o the_o man_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o woman_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n 35._o because_o they_o must_v be_v under_o obedience_n for_o to_o teach_v be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o become_v her_o state_n of_o subjection_n 12._o and_o there_o be_v other_o case_n to_o which_o this_o may_v be_v apply_v but_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a observe_v be_v the_o use_n of_o distinct_a habit_n for_o separate_v and_o consecrate_a person_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n it_o seem_v think_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o decency_n that_o their_o external_a garb_n and_o habit_n when_o they_o worship_v god_n shall_v be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n shall_v represent_v and_o signify_v the_o authority_n and_o government_n of_o the_o man_n and_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o then_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o this_o be_v not_o decent_a for_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n too_o that_o they_o shall_v perform_v the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o distinct_a habit_n as_o may_v both_o signify_v the_o peculiarity_n of_o their_o function_n and_o that_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n which_o become_v those_o who_o minister_v in_o holy_a thing_n a_o white_a linen_n garment_n have_v always_o be_v think_v very_o proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n who_o sit_v about_o the_o throne_n 4._o be_v represent_v as_o clothe_v in_o white_a linen_n garment_n nay_o that_o great_a multitude_n which_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n 9_o and_o before_o the_o lamb_n be_v clothe_v with_o white_a robe_n nay_o this_o be_v one_o privilege_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o lamb_n 8._o that_o she_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o fine_a linen_n clean_a and_o white_a which_o i_o allege_v only_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o a_o white_a linen_n garment_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o the_o ministries_n of_o religion_n and_o very_o expressive_a both_o of_o the_o honour_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o be_v represent_v as_o the_o habit_n of_o those_o elder_n who_o sit_v round_o the_o throne_n nor_o as_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o lamb_n wife_n for_o all_o these_o prophetical_a description_n must_v borrow_v their_o figure_n and_o resemblance_n from_o earthly_a thing_n and_o if_o a_o white_a linen_n garment_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o signify_v the_o dignity_n and_o honour_n and_o holiness_n of_o such_o person_n it_o can_v not_o proper_o be_v use_v to_o represent_v and_o signify_v that_o in_o heaven_n which_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v on_o earth_n and_o if_o a_o white_a linen_n garment_n do_v very_o apt_o signify_v both_o the_o honour_n and_o purity_n of_o such_o a_o function_n and_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o decency_n to_o use_v such_o habit_n in_o religious_a worship_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o state_n condition_n or_o relation_n of_o the_o worshipper_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o a_o surplice_n or_o a_o white_a linen_n garment_n be_v a_o very_a decent_a habit_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o perform_v the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v what_o can_v reasonable_o be_v object_v against_o this_o for_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n worship_n god_n in_o a_o habit_n expressive_a of_o the_o dignity_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o office_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o such_o habit_n as_o signify_v the_o natural_a honour_n and_o dignity_n or_o subjection_n of_o these_o different_a sex_n be_v not_o religion_n as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o honour_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n as_o in_o such_o oeconomical_a relation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o fit_v then_o to_o signify_v one_o as_o the_o other_o by_o distinct_a and_o appropriate_a habit_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o external_a sign_n be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o life_n than_o in_o the_o whiteness_n of_o their_o garment_n this_o answer_n may_v have_v be_v give_v to_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o command_v the_o man_n to_o pray_v uncover_v and_o the_o woman_n cover_v that_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n of_o wife_n to_o their_o own_o husband_n be_v much_o more_o valuable_a than_o their_o pray_v cover_v in_o token_n of_o such_o subjection_n but_o it_o seem_v s._n paul_n think_v that_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n do_v require_v the_o external_a sign_n and_o signification_n of_o this_o though_o every_o body_n know_v that_o a_o sign_n be_v not_o so_o valuable_a as_o the_o thing_n signify_v this_o i_o hope_v be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v also_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o this_o shall_v ever_o be_v a_o controversy_n whether_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o dissenter_n themselves_o at_o other_o time_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o prescribe_v the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o i_o take_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a without_o which_o a_o action_n can_v be_v perform_v as_o i_o think_v it_o can_v be_v without_o time_n place_n habit_n and_o posture_n and_o since_o different_a time_n place_n habit_n posture_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o some_o be_v necessary_a it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o governor_n to_o determine_v which_o shall_v be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o when_o the_o determination_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a it_o seem_v a_o more_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o i_o to_o quarrel_v with_o habit_n and_o posture_n for_o their_o signification_n if_o they_o signify_v well_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n that_o i_o know_v of_o 42._o to_o determine_v the_o decency_n of_o religious_a circumstance_n but_o by_o their_o signification_n as_o i_o think_v sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v that_o which_o signify_v nothing_o be_v neither_o decent_a nor_o indecent_a that_o which_o signify_v ill_a any_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v indecent_a that_o which_o signify_v well_o the_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o mind_n our_o religious_a awe_n for_o god_n or_o that_o peculiar_a honour_n we_o have_v for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a decent_a circumstance_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o which_o man_n raise_v so_o much_o clamour_n about_o under_o the_o formidable_a name_n of_o symbolical_a ceremony_n but_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o there_o be_v
the_o king_n of_o england_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o law_n of_o england_n on_o italy_n or_o spain_n therefore_o he_o must_v not_o make_v law_n for_o england_n neither_o this_o our_o reconciler_n be_v aware_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o preface_n 53._o to_o strengthen_v these_o authority_n he_o ask_v this_o question_n why_o that_o agreement_n in_o fundamental_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v communion_n betwixt_o church_n disagree_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o doctrine_n of_o inferior_a moment_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a also_o to_o preserve_v communion_n among_o those_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n though_o disagree_v in_o like_a matter_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o christian_a church_n which_o do_v thus_o differ_v shall_v be_v receive_v and_o own_v as_o christian_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o be_v because_o these_o difference_n do_v not_o hinder_v their_o be_v real_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o therefore_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o since_o the_o same_o reason_n prove_v the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o who_o differ_v only_o in_o nonfundamentals_a capable_a of_o be_v real_a christian_n and_o so_o of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o christian_a brethren_n i._n e._n person_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n now_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o wonder_v our_o reconciler_n shall_v miss_v it_o for_o 1._o the_o reason_n of_o communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o hope_n one_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v whatever_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o as_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o since_o no_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o another_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o impose_v their_o own_o rule_n of_o discipline_n or_o worship_n upon_o each_o other_o but_o now_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n without_o submit_v to_o its_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n of_o worship_n though_o one_o church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o member_n and_o direct_v she_o own_o worship_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n nor_o decency_n of_o worship_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o worship_n no_o uniformity_n but_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v and_o yet_o 2._o though_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o do_v not_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o own_o church_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o distinct_a church_n shall_v communicate_v with_o each_o other_o and_o conform_v to_o each_o other_o custom_n where_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v present_a it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o two_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o will_v not_o as_o occasion_n serve_v communicate_v together_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o each_o other_o communion_n for_o calvinist_n to_o call_v the_o lutheran_n or_o lutheran_n the_o calvinist_n brethren_n but_o to_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n when_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o each_o other_o church_n this_o be_v not_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o or_o for_o a_o calvinist_n to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n or_o a_o lutheran_n in_o the_o calvinist_n but_o according_a to_o the_o rite_n of_o their_o own_o church_n not_o of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o communicate_v this_o be_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o but_o public_o to_o affront_v each_o other_o the_o only_a principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v so_o far_o to_o allow_v of_o each_o other_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o conform_v when_o occasion_n serve_v to_o such_o indifferent_a custom_n and_o usage_n though_o very_o different_a from_o their_o own_o rather_o than_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o submit_v to_o its_o authority_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n for_o 3._o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o church-communion_n than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a out_o of_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o if_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v he_o a_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o they_o will_v make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o a_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n but_o obedience_n to_o government_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o church-society_n as_o they_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o form_v a_o church-society_n only_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n consider_v as_o a_o systeme_n of_o doctrine_n and_o law_n which_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o observe_v for_o there_o be_v the_o essential_o of_o christian-communion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christian_a religion_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o publish_v the_o gospel_n but_o institute_v a_o church_n and_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o church-society_n lay_v some_o new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o beyond_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o a_o single_a state_n out_o of_o church-society_n but_o to_o return_v though_o this_o learned_a bishop_n do_v not_o urge_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o against_o any_o other_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n neither_o but_o only_o against_o such_o usurp_a authority_n as_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n yet_o this_o argument_n be_v frequent_o allege_v by_o other_o and_o more_o than_o once_o repeat_v by_o our_o reconciler_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o how_o trifle_n it_o be_v appear_v from_o this_o distinction_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n remove_v those_o burden_n which_o be_v on_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o impose_v new_a one_o but_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n lay_v any_o new_a burden_n upon_o man_n do_v she_o require_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a christ_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v celebrate_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o the_o minister_n shall_v perform_v all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o reverend_a manner_n and_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o more_o do_v she_o institute_v any_o ceremony_n except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o profess_v sign_n and_o relate_v to_o no_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v think_v decent_a to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n but_o what_o be_v decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o be_v decency_n than_o a_o new_a burden_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o impose_v on_o his_o disciple_n be_v decency_n a_o unnecessary_a or_o unreasonable_a thing_n do_v christ_n leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n then_o whether_o his_o disciple_n shall_v worship_v god_n decent_o or_o not_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n and_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n put_v another_o jewish_a yoke_n on_o the_o disciple_n neck_n be_v there_o any_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o have_v the_o least_o affinity_n with_o the_o jewish_a yoke_n do_v christ_n when_o he_o abrogate_a the_o jewish_a law_n abrogate_v all_o decency_n
the_o lord_n 8._o and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n now_o because_o god_n prefer_v true_a and_o real_a goodness_n before_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o external_a worship_n or_o that_o the_o church_n must_v make_v no_o law_n for_o the_o decent_a or_o orderly_a performance_n of_o it_o or_o must_v repeal_v these_o law_n when_o any_o ignorant_a people_n refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o just_o as_o much_o as_o that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n because_o he_o prefer_v mercy_n before_o it_o our_o reconciler_n observe_v two_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v this_o say_n 1._o to_o justify_v his_o disciple_n who_o pull_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n as_o they_o walk_v through_o the_o field_n 7._o and_o rub_v they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o eat_v they_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n which_o the_o pharisee_n expound_v to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n as_o be_v a_o servile_a work_n and_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o dispute_v with_o they_o upon_o that_o point_n but_o justify_v what_o they_o do_v by_o their_o present_a necessity_n and_o by_o this_o rule_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v that_o god_n who_o prefer_v act_n of_o kindness_n and_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o each_o other_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rigorous_a exacter_n of_o obedience_n to_o any_o positive_a institution_n as_o to_o allow_v no_o indulgence_n to_o necessity_n itself_o and_o it_o become_v church-governor_n to_o imitate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o and_o our_o church_n do_v so_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v but_o how_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v make_v no_o law_n about_o ceremony_n or_o repeal_v they_o if_o man_n will_v obey_v they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o next_o instance_n be_v our_o saviour_n justify_v himself_n against_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o pharisee_n for_o his_o eat_n and_o drink_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n 13._o which_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o reform_v they_o as_o a_o physician_n converse_v with_o the_o sick_a and_o certain_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o converse_v with_o they_o upon_o so_o charitable_a a_o design_n since_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o certain_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v with_o our_o converse_v with_o sinner_n in_o order_n to_o make_v they_o good_a man_n than_o with_o our_o abstain_v from_o their_o company_n though_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o they_o upon_o other_o account_n be_v scandalous_a and_o how_o this_o prove_v what_o our_o reconciler_n will_v conclude_v from_o it_o i_o can_v see_v well_o but_o this_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o more_o case_n than_o one_o or_o two_o right_n but_o if_o we_o will_v argue_v from_o our_o saviour_n authority_n and_o application_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o only_o to_o such_o case_n as_o be_v parallel_n to_o those_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o otherwise_o we_o must_v not_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o let_v he_o set_v aside_o our_o saviour_n authority_n and_o we_o shall_v deal_v well_o enough_o with_o his_o reason_n all_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o this_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o where_o there_o happen_v any_o such_o case_n that_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a competition_n between_o two_o duty_n which_o be_v both_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n there_o the_o great_a and_o most_o necessary_a duty_n must_v take_v place_n and_o particular_o that_o all_o ritual_n must_v give_v place_n to_o mercy_n so_o that_o to_o make_v this_o a_o parallel_a case_n our_o reconciler_n must_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-governor_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n what_o be_v the_o other_o duty_n then_o to_o which_o this_o must_v give_v way_n to_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n say_v our_o reconciler_n no_o say_v i_o there_o be_v no_o inconsistency_n between_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o care_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o take_v care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v never_o be_v a_o competition_n between_o these_o two_o o_o but_o some_o man_n be_v ignorant_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o wilful_a and_o if_o you_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n of_o worship_n they_o will_v dissent_v from_o they_o and_o turn_v schismatic_n and_o be_v damn_v and_o thus_o accidental_o it_o afford_v occasion_n to_o these_o great_a and_o fatal_a evil_n let_v he_o prove_v then_o if_o he_o can_v from_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v never_o do_v their_o duty_n for_o fear_v those_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v who_o will_v not_o do_v they_o such_o case_n as_o these_o if_o they_o be_v true_o pitiable_a must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o especial_o when_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o destroy_v the_o public_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o renounce_v she_o own_o just_a authority_n the_o maintain_n of_o which_o be_v more_o for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o soul_n than_o her_o compliance_n with_o some_o scrupulous_a person_n will_v be_v i_o shall_v only_o far_o observe_v his_o great_a civility_n to_o thechurch_n and_o kingdom_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o his_o three_o observation_n from_o these_o word_n be_v that_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o prophet_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o observance_n and_o the_o require_v these_o ritual_n whilst_o charity_n and_o mercy_n to_o their_o brother_n be_v vanish_v from_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n no_o mercy_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n but_o kill_v commit_v adultery_n steal_v lie_a and_o swear_v false_o etc._n etc._n now_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o external_a worship_n institute_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n though_o our_o reconciler_n seem_v to_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o matter_n not_o how_o he_o reproach_n the_o institution_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o he_o can_v but_o reflect_v some_o odium_fw-la on_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o betray_v their_o hypocrisy_n by_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o leave_v any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o dull_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o observation_n he_o thetorical_o introduce_v it_o with_o a_o god_n forbid_v now_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o england_n but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o it_o if_o they_o please_v to_o think_v so_o this_o be_v true_a fanatic_a cant_n and_o charity_n there_o must_v be_v no_o rule_n prescribe_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o church_n must_v not_o take_v care_n to_o reclaim_v or_o restrain_v schismatic_n because_o our_o reconciler_n think_v the_o state_n do_v not_o take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o punish_v other_o vice_n certain_o there_o never_o be_v any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n take_v more_o care_n to_o decry_v this_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n of_o a_o external_a religion_n and_o to_o teach_v man_n that_o nothing_o will_v recommend_v they_o to_o god_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n than_o at_o this_o day_n who_o will_v not_o flatter_v the_o great_a man_n in_o their_o vice_n nor_o think_v any_o man_n a_o saint_n because_o he_o express_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o church_n when_o his_o life_n and_o action_n proclaim_v he_o to_o be_v a_o devil_n we_o leave_v this_o good_a reconciler_n to_o your_o belove_a tender-conscienced_n dissenter_n who_o can_v strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n who_o can_v see_v a_o surplice_n without_o horror_n but_o can_v dispense_v with_o lie_v and_o perjury_n with_o slander_n and_o revile_n and_o speak_v
disadvantage_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n as_o be_v make_v schismatic_n upon_o this_o account_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o consider_v what_o likeness_n or_o affinity_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o dispute_n be_v here_o be_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n such_o as_o man_n impose_v upon_o themselves_o or_o observe_v in_o imitation_n of_o their_o sect_n and_o party_n or_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o several_a master_n christ_n impose_v no_o such_o fast_n upon_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n though_o in_o such_o matter_n christ_n conform_v himself_o and_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v all_o as_o much_o of_o humane_a institution_n as_o our_o ceremony_n be_v which_o be_v a_o admirable_a way_n of_o argue_v the_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n though_o it_o may_v offend_v some_o superstitious_a pharisee_n be_v no_o affront_n to_o public_a authority_n nor_o make_v any_o alteration_n or_o confusion_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n think_v as_o dissent_v from_o public_a constitution_n this_o christ_n never_o indulge_v his_o disciple_n in_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n any_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o 2._o this_o indulgence_n be_v but_o temporary_a during_o our_o saviour_n abode_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o than_o they_o shall_v fast_v and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n look_v upon_o this_o say_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o institution_n of_o the_o quadrigesimal_n fast_o and_o will_v our_o reconciler_n argue_v â—rom_o a_o short_a indulgence_n for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o grant_v to_o the_o disciple_n by_o christ_n to_o prove_v a_o perpetual_a indulgence_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o dissenter_n for_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v good_a they_o will_v last_v for_o ever_o christ_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v always_o child_n nor_o have_v he_o impose_v upon_o his_o church_n to_o indulge_v such_o childish_a weakness_n and_o fancy_n for_o ever_o 3._o fast_v be_v a_o very_a severe_a duty_n very_o afflictive_a both_o to_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o our_o saviour_n to_o forbear_v command_v it_o for_o some_o time_n but_o what_o severity_n be_v there_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n what_o mighty_a trouble_n be_v it_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n what_o offence_n be_v a_o white_a linen_n garment_n to_o the_o eye_n what_o disturbance_n do_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n make_v with_o the_o gentle_a motion_n of_o the_o finger_n cause_n but_o though_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v burdensome_a to_o the_o conscience_n let_v he_o show_v then_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v any_o regard_n in_o this_o to_o a_o doubtful_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n and_o i_o will_v grant_v it_o a_o good_a proof_n how_o can_v any_o jew_n scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v so_o often_o command_v and_o recommend_v in_o their_o law_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n take_v notice_n only_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o duty_n not_o of_o its_o burdensomness_n to_o the_o conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n indulgence_n 48._o well_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o theophylact_fw-mi and_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v that_o herein_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o rule_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v convert_v the_o world_n they_o also_o shall_v condescend_v and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o with_o the_o great_a meekness_n whether_o christ_n intend_v this_o or_o not_o in_o what_o he_o now_o say_v to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n careful_o observe_v they_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o bear_v with_o many_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n both_o in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o do_v this_o meekness_n extend_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v do_v they_o prescribe_v no_o rule_n or_o order_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n or_o do_v they_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n without_o exact_v obedience_n to_o they_o do_v they_o suffer_v any_o christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o case_n and_o be_v it_o think_v a_o act_n of_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v think_v so_o in_o after-age_n wherein_o the_o church_n exercise_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n and_o no_o christian_a ever_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n but_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v our_o saviour_n as_o one_o who_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o who_o will_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a well_o we_o ready_o grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o most_o kind_a and_o gentle_a master_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o do_v this_o signify_v that_o he_o will_v give_v no_o law_n about_o worship_n or_o that_o if_o any_o person_n scruple_v these_o law_n he_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o give_v they_o their_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o they_o please_v if_o christ_n be_v a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a lord_n without_o this_o his_o minister_n also_o may_v exercise_v great_a lenity_n and_o gentleness_n without_o prostitute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o the_o ignorance_n or_o giddiness_n or_o frowardness_n of_o professor_n christ_n give_v very_o easy_a and_o gentle_a law_n instruct_v his_o hearer_n with_o great_a mildness_n and_o calmness_n bear_v their_o dulness_n and_o infidelity_n their_o indignity_n and_o affront_n with_o admirable_a patience_n converse_v even_o with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o gain_v they_o to_o repentance_n encourage_v the_o least_o beginning_n and_o cherish_v the_o first_o and_o weak_a essay_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n he_o expect_v they_o shall_v submit_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o law_n and_o still_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v submit_v to_o that_o authority_n he_o have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n and_o if_o church-governor_n use_v this_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n in_o their_o law_n and_o in_o their_o behaviour_n though_o they_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n and_o exact_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n which_o our_o reconciler_n so_o charitable_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v 50._o iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v a_o wonderful_a one_o that_o christ_n take_v compassion_n on_o the_o jew_n as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n that_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v himself_o that_o he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v that_o he_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v send_v forth_o more_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o query_n then_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v conform_v to_o this_o example_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o prayer_n who_o do_v exclude_v so_o many_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o labour_v in_o his_o harvest_n for_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a true_o i_o think_v they_o may_v though_o they_o exclude_v the_o reconciler_n into_o the_o bargain_n for_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o now_o with_o we_o asit_fw-la be_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v now_o send_v out_o numerous_a labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n man_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o diligence_n more_o indeed_o than_o there_o be_v entertainment_n or_o employment_n for_o and_o the_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o this_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o scruple_v cast_v schismatical_a presbyter_n out_o of_o christ_n vineyard_n but_o have_v our_o reconciler_n the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o mere_o for_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o themselves_o give_v another_o account_n of_o it_o renounce_v of_o the_o covenant_n keep_v they_o out_o a_o great_a while_n reordination_n episcopal_a government_n a_o national_a church_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v all_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o the_o dissent_v preacher_n
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
partaker_n of_o these_o thing_n v_o 7_o 9_o he_o therefore_o grant_v that_o the_o weak_a brother_n be_v mistake_v and_o that_o the_o strong_a give_v he_o no_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n which_o be_v every_o word_n false_a as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o weak_a conscience_n to_o be_v such_o a_o conscience_n as_o do_v abstain_v from_o eat_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o text_n which_o affirm_v that_o they_o do_v eat_v for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n unto_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v unto_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v encourage_v and_o embolden_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gnostic_n to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v this_o with_o a_o fearful_a timorous_a scrupulous_a doubt_v conscience_n but_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o weakness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o tenderness_n but_o in_o the_o corruption_n and_o debauchery_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o believe_v they_o may_v still_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o heathen_a god_n and_o that_o christianity_n do_v allow_v they_o to_o do_v so_o in_o which_o persuasion_n they_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o example_n of_o those_o profess_a christian_n who_o they_o see_v sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n nor_o therefore_o be_v their_o conscience_n defile_v as_o our_o reconciler_n assert_n only_o because_o they_o want_v knowledge_n or_o be_v not_o well_o persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o christian_n have_v a_o liberty_n or_o power_n to_o eat_v of_o these_o thing_n for_o they_o be_v too_o well_o persuade_v not_o of_o this_o truth_n but_o of_o this_o great_a and_o fatal_a error_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o thus_o their_o conscience_n be_v defile_v not_o by_o act_v doubtful_o but_o by_o commit_v idolatry_n so_o that_o the_o weak_a brother_n be_v mistake_v indeed_o but_o the_o mistake_n lie_v quite_o on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o those_o gnostick_n heretic_n who_o our_o reconciler_n call_v the_o strong_a christian_n do_v give_v just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n not_o by_o persuade_v much_o less_o compel_v the_o weak_a to_o do_v what_o he_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o by_o confirm_v he_o in_o these_o idolatrous_a practice_n to_o which_o he_o be_v so_o strong_o addict_v by_o their_o example_n and_o therefore_o when_o as_o he_o observe_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v those_o christian_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o this_o knowledge_n or_o rather_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n which_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o not_o to_o use_v it_o so_o as_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o their_o brother_n who_o have_v this_o knowledge_n his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v indulge_v such_o person_n in_o their_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o care_n by_o their_o example_n of_o confirm_v they_o in_o such_o mistake_n they_o must_v not_o use_v their_o liberty_n which_o they_o suppose_v they_o have_v of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n not_o because_o some_o ignorant_a christian_n scruple_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o but_o because_o those_o imperfect_a weak_a christian_n who_o be_v still_o addict_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o country_n god_n will_v be_v confirm_v in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n by_o see_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o heathen_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v a_o know_v and_o venerable_a part_n of_o the_o pagan_a worship_n and_o how_o this_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n to_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_n of_o dissenter_n i_o can_v guess_v when_o the_o only_a scandal_n the_o apostle_n here_o mention_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o avoid_v be_v the_o confirm_v such_o weak_a christian_n in_o their_o error_n and_o wicked_a practice_n which_o our_o reconciler_n who_o have_v contribute_v so_o much_o to_o harden_v these_o man_n in_o their_o schism_n shall_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v but_o let_v we_o proceed_v in_o st._n paul_n discourse_n about_o eat_v those_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n have_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n dispute_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o for_o how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a when_o hereby_o they_o confirm_v their_o weak_a brother_n in_o his_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v have_v prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n notwithstanding_o that_o pretence_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n he_o come_v to_o give_v a_o more_o particular_a decision_n of_o this_o controversy_n to_o prevent_v those_o scruple_n which_o otherwise_o may_v disturb_v very_o good_a christian_n for_o in_o that_o age_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v without_o infinite_a care_n and_o scrupulosity_n they_o can_v not_o avoid_v eat_v of_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n for_o what_o be_v not_o spend_v in_o the_o idol_n feast_n be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n or_o spend_v at_o their_o private_a house_n and_o therefore_o they_o neither_o can_v buy_v any_o meat_n in_o the_o market_n nor_o eat_v at_o the_o private_a house_n of_o any_o pagan_a or_o heathen_a idolater_n but_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n to_o salve_v this_o difficulty_n the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o 27._o that_o they_o shall_v eat_v any_o meat_n which_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n or_o set_v before_o they_o at_o private_a house_n without_o ask_v any_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o be_v without_o inquire_v whether_o that_o meat_n have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o a_o idol_n or_o make_v any_o scruple_n about_o such_o matter_n for_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o that_o be_v all_o creature_n be_v god_n who_o have_v free_o give_v they_o to_o we_o for_o our_o use_n and_o we_o may_v as_o free_o use_v they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o any_o idolatrous_a worship_n as_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o have_v not_o when_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o sale_n in_o the_o shambles_n or_o use_v for_o private_a entertainment_n but_o yet_o if_o any_o person_n present_v acquaint_v you_o that_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n 28._o than_o you_o must_v abstain_v for_o his_o sake_n that_o show_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a damage_n in_o this_o since_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o god_n have_v make_v such_o ample_a provision_n for_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o one_o dish_n but_o when_o it_o be_v inexpedient_a to_o eat_v of_o one_o thing_n we_o need_v not_o be_v a_o hungry_a for_o all_o that_o have_v such_o variety_n of_o provision_n which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o scruple_n about_o to_o support_v and_o refresh_v we_o who_o these_o be_v for_o who_o sake_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o corinthian_n to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v of_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n even_o at_o a_o private_a entertainment_n which_o yet_o he_o assert_v they_o may_v lawful_o do_v be_v not_o plain_a in_o the_o text_n if_o any_o man_n say_v unto_o you_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n eat_v not_o but_o whether_o this_o man_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o shall_v abstain_v be_v a_o christian_n or_o a_o infidel_n be_v not_o say_v the_o unbeliever_n at_o who_o house_n the_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o eat_v may_v accidental_o take_v notice_n that_o such_o meat_n have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o such_o a_o god_n and_o in_o this_o case_n the_o christian_a may_v be_v oblige_v to_o forbear_v to_o show_v his_o abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n of_o idol_n that_o he_o may_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o seem_v never_o so_o little_a to_o countenance_v idolatry_n if_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n who_o give_v this_o information_n it_o may_v either_o be_v one_o who_o do_v real_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o â—ating_v any_o meat_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o a_o idol_n though_o out_o of_o the_o idol_n temple_n and_o then_o he_o who_o understand_v his_o liberty_n aught_o to_o forbear_v for_o his_o sake_n who_o do_v not_o or_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a christian_n who_o the_o apostle_n mention_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o scruple_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v such_o meat_n at_o a_o private_a house_n that_o he_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o sacrifice_v to_o these_o heathen_a god_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_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