fact_n it_o be_v true_a that_o more_o may_v and_o sometime_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n than_o be_v necessary_a and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o it_o usual_o become_v a_o temptation_n to_o more_o or_o less_o to_o run_v into_o schism_n and_o it_o likewise_o furnish_v such_o with_o some_o pretence_n to_o draw_v disciple_n to_o themselves_o who_o be_v ambition_n of_o head_v a_o party_n in_o which_o respect_v it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a prudence_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n to_o make_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a the_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o although_o more_o shall_v be_v impose_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n than_o be_v necessary_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o more_o as_o make_v it_o sinful_a to_o hold_v communion_n on_o those_o term_n then_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n who_o separate_v upon_o account_n of_o such_o a_o imposition_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o a_o schism_n be_v without_o sufficient_a cause_n or_o just_a ground_n which_o just_a ground_n be_v when_o one_o can_v do_v otherwise_o than_o separate_v without_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v thing_n may_v be_v ill_o impose_v as_o when_o they_o be_v inadequate_a to_o their_o end_n and_o yet_o well_o observe_v by_o they_o on_o who_o they_o be_v impose_v as_o when_o not_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o and_o when_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o and_o the_o church_n suffer_v less_o in_o point_n of_o inconvenience_n and_o enjoy_v a_o great_a benefit_n in_o preserve_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n than_o can_v be_v obtain_v in_o a_o way_n of_o opposition_n if_o we_o shall_v allow_v a_o liberty_n much_o more_o if_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n for_o inferior_n under_o government_n to_o oppose_v and_o withstand_v the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n as_o oft_o as_o they_o think_v they_o command_v thing_n inconvenient_a though_o they_o shall_v think_v right_a so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o command_v thing_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v we_o shall_v soon_o bring_v intolerable_a confusion_n into_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n into_o family_n and_o all_o community_n of_o man_n where_o government_n be_v exercise_v inconvenience_n in_o such_o case_n must_v be_v yield_v to_o rather_o than_o great_a mischief_n draw_v on_o we_o and_o on_o the_o community_n by_o not_o yield_v but_o you_o at_o least_o many_o of_o you_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o infringe_n of_o your_o christian_a liberty_n for_o man_n to_o determine_v and_o impose_v upon_o you_o where_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v and_o impose_v and_o that_o in_o such_o case_n it_o will_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o that_o liberty_n shall_v you_o not_o withstand_v such_o imposition_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v impose_v by_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v command_v of_o god_n of_o divine_a institution_n or_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o as_o this_o will_v be_v a_o teach_n for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n so_o a_o yield_n to_o they_o so_o impose_v will_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o more_o than_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o our_o lord_n unto_o the_o usurpation_n of_o man_n and_o a_o make_n to_o ourselves_o other_o master_n than_o christ_n and_o ourselves_o servant_n of_o man_n in_o the_o prohibit_v sense_n and_o all_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n among_o yourselves_o also_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n touch_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n between_o you_o and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o thing_n impose_v at_o which_o you_o most_o stick_v be_v not_o at_o all_o impose_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a right_n but_o only_o upon_o a_o prudential_a account_n be_v thing_n mutable_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o alterable_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o they_o who_o impose_v they_o and_o be_v so_o declare_v in_o the_o preface_n before_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n so_o that_o your_o conscience_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o to_o take_v the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o any_o other_o than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n thing_n leave_v undetermined_a by_o god_n one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v undue_o infringe_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o man_n although_o we_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v we_o before_o such_o a_o imposition_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o our_o christian_a liberty_n do_v not_o exempt_v we_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n in_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v but_o indifferent_a and_o out_o of_o such_o circumstance_n may_v be_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o call_v no_o man_n on_o earth_n master_n nor_o to_o be_v servant_n of_o man_n enjoin_v child_n also_o to_o obey_v their_o parent_n servant_n their_o master_n church-member_n their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o governor_n and_o subject_n their_o prince_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o disobey_v god_n in_o do_v contrary_a to_o his_o command_n so_o that_o when_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o undetermined_a by_o god_n be_v impose_v by_o our_o governor_n domestic_a politic_a or_o ecclesiastic_a only_o as_o their_o command_n our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v no_o bar_n nor_o plea_n against_o they_o and_o whoever_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v draws_z too_o near_o the_o wicked_a gnostic_n who_o pretend_v exemption_n from_o be_v command_v and_o govern_v by_o man_n by_o their_o be_v christ_n freeman_n against_o which_o abuse_n of_o christian_a liberty_n st._n peter_n caution_v the_o christian_n then_o for_o after_o he_o have_v exhort_v they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o he_o present_o add_v in_o ver_fw-la 16._o as_o free_a and_o not_o use_v your_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n not_o to_o pretend_v christian_a liberty_n to_o cover_v their_o disaffection_n to_o government_n as_o the_o gnostic_n do_v our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o bar_n to_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o otherwise_o order_v by_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a accommodation_n to_o we_o in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o they_o without_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n for_o when_o circumstance_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n be_v leave_v so_o much_o undetermined_a by_o god_n as_o they_o be_v we_o be_v at_o the_o great_a liberty_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o prudential_a determination_n of_o our_o governor_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n against_o what_o god_n have_v determine_v in_o thing_n even_o of_o this_o nature_n we_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o our_o governor_n for_o conscience_n sake_n rom._n 13.5_o that_o be_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n who_o command_v our_o obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n but_o not_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o they_o as_o if_o by_o any_o inherent_a holiness_n in_o they_o our_o conscience_n be_v engage_v unto_o they_o and_o here_o lie_v the_o difference_n between_o superstition_n and_o lawful_a obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o the_o case_n of_o superstition_n the_o act_n be_v do_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o the_o thing_n do_v as_o if_o sacred_a though_o but_o indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o lawful_a obedience_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o same_o act_n be_v do_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n not_o as_o command_v the_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v my_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n who_o command_v i_o to_o do_v it_o and_o command_v it_o under_o no_o other_o notion_n but_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o make_v sacred_a by_o any_o command_n or_o institution_n of_o god_n let_v i_o say_v this_o further_a to_o you_o there_o be_v more_o of_o real_a religion_n and_o true_a christianity_n in_o thus_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o governor_n out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n who_o will_v have_v it_o so_o than_o i_o fear_n be_v well_o consider_v and_o more_o of_o irreligion_n profaneness_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o slight_v god_n express_v command_v in_o this_o while_o we_o seem_v so_o very_o fearful_a and_o scrupulous_a to_o
far_o as_o regeneration_n in_o a_o person_n be_v a_o reason_n or_o ground_n of_o baptise_v he_o than_o you_o have_v to_o baptize_v the_o adult_n consider_v far_o that_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n commission_n do_v run_v in_o general_a term_n to_o disciple_v all_o nation_n and_o baptize_v they_o how_o can_v you_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v understand_v otherwise_o thereby_o than_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o convert_a gentile_n and_o jew_n too_o shall_v with_o their_o parent_n be_v receive_v as_o proselyte_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o such_o baptize_v unless_o they_o have_v have_v caution_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o if_o they_o have_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o controversy_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o unlikelihood_n of_o their_o understanding_n otherwise_o be_v take_v from_o a_o usage_n among_o the_o jew_n by_o which_o they_o do_v initiate_v proselyte_n both_o father_n and_o child_n from_o among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o baptise_v as_o well_o as_o circumcise_n they_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o more_o learned_a among_o yourselves_o and_o which_o you_o may_v find_v recite_v by_o several_a of_o our_o english_a author_n out_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a doctor_n as_o by_o dr._n hammond_n for_o one_o in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o mat._n 3.1_o john_n 3.5_o see_v also_o ainsworth_n on_o gen._n 17.12_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o proselyte_n into_o the_o church_n in_o this_o way_n the_o jew_n esteem_v a_o new_a birth_n unto_o which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o refer_v in_o his_o discourse_n with_o nicodemus_n when_o he_o say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n jo._n 3._o and_o when_o nicodemus_n gross_o misunderstand_a our_o saviour_n and_o demand_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v our_o saviour_n reply_v and_o say_v be_v thou_o a_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v be_v this_o any_o such_o strange_a thing_n which_o be_v so_o like_o what_o be_v familiar_o practise_v among_o yourselves_o this_o consider_v they_o by_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o disciple_n or_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o can_v not_o well_o understand_v but_o that_o they_o be_v now_o to_o go_v abroad_o into_o all_o the_o world_n to_o proselyte_n the_o nation_n to_o christianity_n and_o to_o enter_v they_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n like_v as_o now_o and_o then_o a_o family_n of_o they_o have_v be_v former_o proselyte_v to_o the_o jew_n religion_n and_o receive_v into_o their_o church_n and_o according_o the_o record_a instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o person_n baptize_v that_o have_v household_n make_v it_o probable_a in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o circumstance_n that_o when_o the_o father_n or_o chief_a of_o a_o family_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o baptize_v his_o household_n be_v baptize_v also_o as_o it_o have_v be_v before_o practise_v in_o the_o reception_n of_o proselyte_n of_o all_o those_o in_o scripture_n who_o by_o name_n or_o personal_a description_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v baptize_v there_o be_v but_o nine_o so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v beside_o our_o saviour_n to_o wit_n simon_n magus_n the_o eunuch_n saul_n call_v paul_n cornelius_n lydia_n the_o jailer_n crispus_n gaius_n and_o stephanus_n the_o eunuch_n have_v no_o child_n and_o be_v baptized-upon_a the_o road_n paul_n have_v none_o not_o be_v marry_v whether_o simon_n have_v or_o have_v any_o household_n be_v not_o say_v and_o whether_o gaius_n at_o that_o time_n have_v any_o household_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v be_v uncertain_a but_o the_o other_o five_o of_o the_o nine_o who_o have_v household_n their_o household_n come_v into_o the_o church_n with_o they_o by_o baptism_n as_o the_o household_n of_o the_o proselyte_n former_o have_v do_v if_o then_o we_o may_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v usual_o do_v by_o so_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v not_o want_v reason_n to_o incline_v we_o to_o think_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptize_v any_o that_o have_v household_n that_o it_o be_v their_o usual_a practice_n to_o baptize_v all_o those_o also_o that_o be_v of_o their_o household_n except_o such_o as_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o be_v not_o baptize_v which_o little_a child_n can_v not_o do_v it_o be_v not_o without_o its_o signification_n that_o of_o old_a the_o great_a promise_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o messiah_n be_v make_v to_o family_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v as_o if_o god_n design_n signify_v thereby_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o church_n by_o family_n as_o the_o event_n show_v he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o gentile_n of_o old_a as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n come_v in_o by_o family_n and_o we_o see_v by_o the_o instance_n beforementioned_a that_o the_o christian_n come_v in_o by_o family_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o family_n also_o and_o the_o church_n have_v be_v stock_v by_o family_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n transmit_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n from_o parent_n to_o child_n and_o from_o master_n to_o servant_n it_o will_v seem_v the_o less_o strange_a to_o you_o that_o when_o the_o father_n of_o the_o family_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n his_o household_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n with_o he_o if_o you_o consider_v upon_o how_o small_a appearance_n of_o become_v christian_n adult_n person_n be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o by_o they_o when_o we_o read_v in_o 1_o cor._n 8.7.11_o that_o such_o as_o unto_o that_o hour_n continue_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n sacrifice_n with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n be_v yet_o call_v brethren_n though_o weak_a brethren_n indeed_o you_o may_v easy_o guess_v upon_o how_o little_a appearance_n of_o christianity_n person_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o you_o may_v by_o the_o baptise_v of_o simon_n magus_n and_o many_o other_o that_o soon_o prove_v great_a scandal_n in_o the_o church_n by_o who_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n be_v evil_o speak_v of_o when_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n of_o the_o night_n in_o which_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o jailer_n and_o his_o household_n they_o be_v all_o baptize_v they_o do_v not_o long_o stand_v candidate_n for_o church-membership_a nor_o can_v attain_v to_o much_o knowledge_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o door_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v far_o wide_a than_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o be_v refuse_v that_o be_v willing_a present_o to_o be_v baptize_v how_o bad_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o or_o prove_v to_o be_v after_o no_o not_o simon_n magus_n himself_o than_o who_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o worse_o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o discipline_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o distemper_n in_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o purge_n it_o of_o the_o notorious_a scandalous_a member_n these_o thing_n i_o have_v the_o rather_o mention_v to_o render_v it_o the_o more_o probable_a that_o little_a child_n be_v baptize_v where_o whole_a household_n be_v baptize_v when_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o those_o household_n for_o if_o adult_n and_o grow_v person_n be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o easy_a term_n as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o be_v if_o they_o be_v baptize_v when_o there_o be_v but_o any_o fair_a probability_n that_o they_o will_v own_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o future_a though_o but_o by_o so_o little_a appearance_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v visible_a in_o some_o of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v baptize_v then_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o that_o they_o may_v baptize_v some_o little_a child_n also_o concern_v who_o circumstance_n consider_v there_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a a_o probability_n that_o they_o will_v own_v profess_v and_o assert_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o future_a as_o there_o be_v that_o their_o parent_n will_v in_o as_o much_o as_o parent_n still_o use_v to_o educate_v their_o child_n in_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o they_o themselves_o profess_v unto_o all_o which_o let_v i_o add_v this_o further_o that_o the_o judaize_v
seek_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o john_n 5.44_o i_o the_o rather_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o because_o i_o know_v in_o part_n how_o strong_a a_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v and_o how_o hard_o to_o be_v overcome_v but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o count_v a_o disparagement_n to_o any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v not_o infallible_a when_o as_o it_o be_v true_o dishonourable_a for_o any_o to_o carry_v it_o as_o confident_o as_o if_o he_o be_v when_o almost_o all_o know_n and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n it_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a true_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o retract_v his_o error_n when_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o if_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v what_o place_n be_v leave_v for_o man_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n or_o to_o perfect_a that_o which_o be_v lack_v in_o their_o repentance_n which_o be_v not_o do_v without_o a_o change_n of_o mind_n there_o be_v few_o man_n that_o arrive_v at_o any_o great_a wisdom_n but_o have_v find_v occasion_n to_o alter_v their_o opinion_n in_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v another_o principle_n of_o separation_n beside_o this_o of_o infant_n baptism_n which_o be_v common_a both_o to_o you_o and_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o though_o you_o differ_v in_o the_o former_a yet_o in_o this_o you_o be_v one_o this_o principle_n of_o separation_n consist_v in_o a_o opinion_n that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v communion_n with_o in_o church-fellowship_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n save_o call_v and_o save_o sanctify_v which_o you_o and_o they_o call_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n or_o of_o discretion_n this_o be_v a_o opinion_n and_o the_o practise_v upon_o it_o a_o thing_n plain_o contradict_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a this_o i_o have_v show_v already_o in_o this_o discourse_n and_o to_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n more_o the_o one_o be_v that_o herein_o you_o and_o they_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n wherein_o you_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v competent_a judge_n he_o that_o judge_v a_o man_n to_o have_v save_v grace_n or_o not_o to_o have_v it_o must_v pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o not_o of_o his_o outward_a action_n only_o and_o this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n only_o who_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n 1_o king_n 8.39_o and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v usurp_v by_o man_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o may_v and_o must_v judge_v the_o best_a of_o man_n with_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n to_o hope_v well_o of_o they_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o state_n godward_o but_o we_o must_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o judge_v in_o the_o negative_a against_o man_n in_o the_o worse_a sense_n that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n except_o they_o have_v those_o black_a character_n on_o they_o for_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_o exclude_v they_o from_o have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v enumerate_v in_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o we_o may_v judge_v of_o man_n declare_v principle_n and_o action_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reception_n to_o or_o rejection_n or_o at_o least_o suspension_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o may_v not_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n godward_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o scandalous_a as_o for_o which_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o judge_v that_o man_n to_o have_v no_o grace_n if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 15._o the_o reason_n of_o all_o which_o i_o have_v signify_v already_o which_o be_v because_o we_o be_v incompetent_a judge_n in_o this_o at_o least_o unless_o they_o be_v monstrous_o wicked_a person_n the_o part_a difference_n between_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o that_o which_o be_v but_o common_a grace_n be_v so_o little_a and_o to_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n so_o undiscernible_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o judge_v they_o to_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n that_o have_v who_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o that_o matter_n yea_o and_o of_o deprive_v they_o also_o of_o those_o church_n privilege_n which_o according_a to_o your_o own_o tenant_n they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o have_v save_a grace_n and_o thus_o in_o go_v about_o to_o weed_n out_o the_o tare_n you_o will_v root_v up_o the_o wheat_n also_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o master_n mat._n 13.29_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v mat._n 7.1_o as_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o severe_a in_o judge_v other_o man_n word_n and_o action_n or_o intention_n so_o much_o less_o their_o state_n and_o stand_v before_o god_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v rom._n 14.4_o and_o again_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o jam._n 4.12_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o jew_n not_o outward_o but_o inward_o and_o who_o circumcision_n be_v not_o outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o heart_n that_o his_o praise_n or_o approbation_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o man_n decisive_o or_o determinate_o but_o of_o god_n only_o who_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o man_n than_o man_n shall_v not_o attempt_v it_o or_o undertake_v it_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o that_o be_v one_o thing_n another_o which_o respect_v those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n chief_o be_v this_o that_o their_o practice_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o principle_n aforesaid_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o refuse_v any_o adult_n person_n communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o universal_a church_n by_o baptism_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o be_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o in_o a_o way_n of_o church_n censure_n for_o notorious_a scandalous_a offence_n but_o that_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o and_o the_o proselyte_n stranger_n of_o old_a who_o be_v circumcise_a be_v by_o god_n appointment_n admit_v to_o the_o same_o church_n privilege_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v exo._n 12.49_o whereas_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n though_o they_o baptize_v their_o child_n yet_o refuse_v they_o church_n communion_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v if_o they_o have_v any_o strong_a suspicion_n that_o they_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n although_o they_o never_o come_v under_o church_n censure_n for_o notorious_a scandalous_a offence_n which_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o unscriptural_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o so_o much_o the_o worse_o in_o they_o who_o scruple_n some_o thing_n because_o not_o command_v in_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v so_o that_o their_o foresay_a principle_n of_o separation_n in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o practice_n of_o baptise_v their_o child_n render_v they_o inconsistent_a in_o their_o way_n and_o their_o way_n contradictious_a in_o itself_o there_o be_v further_a great_a inconvenience_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o attend_v this_o practice_n of_o they_o first_o they_o have_v hereby_o prepare_v a_o way_n to_o anabaptism_n and_o give_v occasion_n for_o many_o to_o take_v their_o way_n to_o that_o throughth_n eir_n congregation_n as_o take_v a_o degree_n towards_o it_o there_o for_o when_o some_o have_v perceive_v the_o interfering_n that_o be_v in_o their_o way_n in_o baptise_v person_n into_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o particular_a church_n nor_o permit_v they_o communion_n with_o they_o therein_o when_o come_v to_o age_n notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o upon_o a_o new_a account_n of_o special_a grace_n they_o have_v be_v thereby_o draw_v to_o think_v the_o
apostle_n unless_o you_o can_v show_v that_o those_o undetermined_a circumstance_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n the_o use_n of_o which_o you_o scruple_n have_v be_v express_o forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n the_o abrogation_n whereof_o you_o question_n which_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o therefore_o this_o text_n be_v altogether_o impertinent_o allege_v to_o justify_v you_o in_o your_o practice_n as_o many_o more_o have_v be_v if_o you_o say_v though_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v a_o particular_a proposition_n yet_o they_o contain_v in_o themselves_o a_o universal_a one_o admit_v this_o for_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o faith_n be_v no_o sin_n that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v be_v no_o sin_n be_v therefore_o no_o sin_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v this_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o act_n by_o which_o you_o make_v a_o schism_n sinful_a in_o itself_o do_v not_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n though_o you_o be_v persuade_v it_o do_v not_o though_o a_o man_n doubtfulness_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n so_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o preponderate_a and_o weigh_v down_o the_o reason_n that_o tend_v to_o his_o satisfaction_n make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o under_o those_o circumstance_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o free_v he_o from_o sin_n in_o case_n he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n in_o be_v so_o persuade_v but_o he_o remain_v guilty_a of_o that_o error_n and_o consequent_o be_v accessary_a also_o unto_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v cause_v thereby_o if_o man_n ignorance_n and_o unresolvedness_n in_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n be_v a_o protection_n to_o they_o from_o sin-guiltiness_n though_o in_o error_n it_o will_v be_v a_o inducement_n to_o they_o to_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o irresolution_n but_o when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o dilemma_n as_o that_o he_o sin_n whether_o he_o act_n or_o forbear_v to_o act_n either_o in_o act_v against_o his_o conscience_n or_o in_o neglect_v his_o duty_n through_o error_n of_o conscience_n it_o will_v then_o awaken_v a_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n to_o use_v both_o diligence_n and_o impartiality_n in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o what_o be_v his_o duty_n indeed_o it_o be_v i_o think_v but_o needful_a upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o caution_n many_o among_o you_o against_o a_o affect_a scrupulosity_n i_o call_v that_o a_o affect_a scrupulosity_n when_o people_n love_v to_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o some_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o in_o other_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o be_v scrupulous_a as_o when_o they_o be_v nice_a curious_a and_o squeamish_a about_o undetermined_a circumstance_n in_o form_n of_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o nothing_o so_o much_o scruple_n the_o lay_v waste_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o grieve_v and_o hurt_v other_o thereby_o nor_o to_o lay_v government_n itself_o low_a nor_o to_o speak_v evil_a free_o enough_o of_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o the_o like_a not_o to_o mention_v what_o be_v of_o more_o private_a concern_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v abroad_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v but_o whence_o they_o proceed_v be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o easy_o perceive_v only_o this_o be_v visible_a that_o person_n scrupulousness_n about_o conform_v to_o public_a order_n have_v obtain_v they_o among_o many_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o strict_a sort_n of_o professor_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v fancy_n themselves_o to_o be_v of_o more_o tender_a conscience_n than_o other_o and_o think_v it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o of_o be_v think_v to_o be_v such_o by_o other_o they_o may_v affect_v such_o a_o scrupulosity_n but_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o unequal_a in_o their_o scruple_v of_o thing_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o such_o scrupulosity_n be_v a_o more_o sure_a sign_n of_o hypocrisy_n than_o of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v find_v as_o symbolise_v with_o the_o pharisee_n who_o strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o yet_o can_v swallow_v camel_n whereas_o a_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n of_o the_o right_a kind_n will_v make_v a_o man_n as_o much_o afraid_a of_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o left_a which_o temper_n be_v in_o scripture_n give_v as_o the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n a_o man_n that_o turn_v not_o aside_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a but_o be_v the_o upright_a man_n though_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o right_n good_a thing_n if_o you_o understand_v thereby_o a_o fear_n of_o transgress_v any_o know_a rule_n of_o duty_n in_o one_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o another_o in_o conjunction_n with_o a_o careful_a endeavour_n to_o know_v his_o rule_n in_o every_o thing_n yet_o scrupulosity_n which_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o offend_v in_o that_o which_o a_o man_n do_v not_o know_v be_v forbid_v be_v not_o such_o a_o commendable_a thing_n as_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o or_o indulge_v it_o in_o themselves_o but_o be_v rather_o proper_a to_o those_o who_o be_v superstitious_a than_o to_o the_o true_o religious_a because_o it_o proceed_v general_o from_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o from_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o thing_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o duty_n be_v no_o marvel_n if_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o scruple_n with_o they_o who_o believe_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n especial_o in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v a_o divine_a command_n or_o institution_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o that_o so_o teach_v but_o practise_v otherwise_o as_o you_o may_v soon_o perceive_v if_o you_o try_v all_o particular_a circumstance_n in_o their_o worship_n or_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o must_v do_v so_o unless_o they_o will_v confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o to_o the_o form_n of_o word_n prescribe_v in_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o know_v god_n mind_n concern_v our_o duty_n natural_a light_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o whatever_o we_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o by_o divine_a determination_n or_o restrain_v from_o by_o divine_a prohibition_n in_o one_o of_o these_o way_n we_o may_v secure_o and_o without_o any_o scruple_n do_v when_o we_o be_v thereunto_o call_v by_o parent_n master_n magistrate_n or_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n that_o which_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n as_o our_o saviour_n also_o say_v in_o another_o case_n the_o rule_n of_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n indeed_o be_v doubtless_o very_o plain_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o think_v otherwise_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a say_v the_o prophet_n it_o be_v man_n addition_n to_o god_n word_n and_o their_o teach_n that_o as_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v and_o which_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v that_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o our_o distraction_n if_o man_n will_v but_o keep_v close_o to_o what_o god_n have_v plain_o determine_v and_o follow_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o governor_n in_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v undetermined_a and_o their_o own_o best_a reason_n where_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o there_o will_v be_v little_a room_n for_o man_n scrupulosity_n or_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o point_n of_o practice_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o scripture_n call_v for_o when_o it_o direct_v and_o enjoin_v child_n to_o obey_v their_o parent_n servant_n their_o master_n subject_n their_o prince_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n only_o in_o the_o lord_n or_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o countermand_v by_o he_o now_o concern_v that_o other_o position_n wherein_o be_v assert_v that_o when_o that_o be_v impose_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v a_o condition_n if_o schism_n be_v occasion_v thereby_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o lie_v only_o on_o the_o imposer_n and_o not_o on_o they_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v impose_v i_o answer_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o