power_n also_o limit_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o they_o conclude_v for_o the_o present_a necessary_a both_o to_o be_v order_v and_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 5_o and_o that_o this_o power_n of_o order_v the_o church_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o reside_v in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exert_v upon_o the_o same_o moral_a and_o reasonable_a occasion_n may_v easy_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v to_o have_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o learned_a of_o all_o age_n if_o any_o need_v require_v 6._o aim_n himself_o have_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v command_v but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o forbid_v but_o which_o be_v adiaphoris_n aim_n gas_n de_fw-fr adiaphoris_n evil_a seem_v present_o to_o check_v and_o so_o to_o limit_v as_o almost_o to_o recant_v what_o he_o have_v say_v add_v quod_fw-la adiaphorum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la absoluâ—è_fw-la &_o in_o perpetuum_fw-la vel_fw-la prohiberi_fw-la vel_fw-la imperari_fw-la whereby_o one_o will_v think_v he_o yield_v that_o for_o some_o respect_n and_o for_o some_o time_n thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n may_v be_v command_v or_o forbid_v 7._o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o also_o with_o calvin_n authority_n 2._o in_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 2._o we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o every_o church_n be_v leave_v free_a to_o appoint_v a_o form_n of_o polity_n and_o government_n fit_a and_o profitable_a for_o itself_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o certain_a to_o who_o we_o may_v add_v the_o pertinent_a if_o alike_o weighty_a testimony_n of_o philip_n melancton_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o because_o the_o ministry_n divine_o ordain_v aught_o to_o be_v public_a and_o external_a there_o be_v need_n of_o some_o humane_a loc._n in_o com._n loc._n ordinance_n with_fw-mi etiam_fw-la danae_n judic_n etc._n etc._n case_n iu._n whether_o may_v thing_n indifferent_a conduce_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o god_n worship_n resol_n thing_n indifferent_a absolute_o so_o or_o consider_v as_o such_o can_v for_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o such_o do_v equal_o respect_v the_o order_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o church_n or_o service_n thereof_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o media_fw-la or_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o partial_a so_o far_o true_a be_v that_o of_o ames_n those_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o order_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v not_o indifferent_a however_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n in_o their_o own_o common_a nature_n indifferent_a that_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v of_o more_o expediency_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o other_o which_o happen_v either_o from_o their_o better_a readiness_n and_o aptness_n for_o order_n as_o apply_v or_o because_o they_o may_v have_v more_o repute_n or_o show_v of_o goodness_n reflect_v from_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v use_v and_o consequent_o be_v more_o eligible_a than_o those_o that_o approach_n to_o vice_n or_o superstition_n or_o be_v blemish_v with_o appearance_n or_o repute_n of_o evil_n or_o be_v alien_n and_o unapt_a for_o the_o present_a service_n again_o divers_a accident_n that_o be_v equal_o indifferent_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o leave_v so_o by_o the_o scripture_n may_v also_o be_v equal_o accommodate_v so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v judge_v for_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o consequent_o both_o indifferent_a and_o expedient_a for_o although_o they_o all_o of_o they_o be_v decent_a and_o comely_a enough_o yet_o neither_o the_o worshipper_n nor_o the_o worship_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o admit_v or_o use_v they_o all_o at_o least_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o service_n last_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o stand_a rule_n in_o these_o matter_n according_a to_o which_o that_o which_o be_v decent_a in_o one_o church_n as_o well_o as_o lawful_a in_o itself_o may_v be_v most_o uncomely_a and_o consequent_o most_o inexpedient_a in_o another_o which_o add_v no_o little_a cleverness_n to_o the_o demonstration_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o may_v as_o they_o be_v apply_v conduce_v something_a yea_o and_o very_o much_o to_o the_o order_n and_o comeliness_n of_o divine_a worship_n case_n v._o what_o be_v those_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n resol_n these_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v apparent_o reducible_a to_o that_o general_n ult_n 1_o cor._n 14._o ult_n rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n this_o calvin_n call_v that_o general_a conclusion_n which_o brief_o take_v in_o not_o only_o the_o whole_a state_n but_o even_o all_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o outward_a order_n yea_o say_v he_o it_o be_v that_o rule_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n which_o respect_v external_a polity_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v 1._o the_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o set_v thing_n in_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v which_o power_n may_v show_v itself_o in_o three_o great_a instance_n the_o form_n of_o a_o government_n of_o a_o liturgy_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o public_a worship_n 1._o i_o must_v though_o with_o all_o respect_n and_o condescension_n to_o any_o mean_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o must_v yet_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o find_v so_o little_a of_o the_o form_n and_o frame_v of_o church-government_n delineate_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o much_o encouragement_n for_o my_o present_a opinion_n in_o judicious_a sober_a and_o learned_a author_n that_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o much_o of_o the_o model_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v leave_v by_o god_n to_o the_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n i_o most_o ready_o subscribe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o this_o government_n be_v fix_v in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o this_o government_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v episcopal_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o it_o exercise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o timothy_n and_o titus_n upon_o such_o common_a and_o moral_a reason_n as_o may_v bear_v it_o up_o and_o commend_v its_o use_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o frame_n fashion_v and_o special_a subject_n of_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_a in_o scripture_n and_o so_o little_o entitle_v to_o it_o that_o methinks_v even_o all_o of_o all_o persuasion_n among_o we_o be_v force_v to_o prudence_n at_o last_o in_o the_o practice_n though_o in_o their_o dispute_n they_o fetch_v fire_n from_o heaven_n jure_fw-la divine_a very_o many_o moderate_a episcopal_a divine_n be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o content_v themselves_o with_o st._n hierom_n basis_n of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o to_o defend_v it_o only_o as_o a_o prudential_a and_o occasional_a though_o yet_o apostolical_a institution_n ad_fw-la tollenda_fw-la schismata_fw-la whereon_o i_o think_v it_o may_v stand_v as_o mount_n zion_n and_o never_o be_v move_v the_o presbyterian_o if_o they_o well_o consider_v their_o subordination_n of_o class_n they_o must_v needs_o appeal_v to_o prudence_n and_o reason_n for_o its_o defence_n while_o they_o find_v this_o at_o least_o as_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o subordination_n of_o person_n indeed_o this_o they_o of_o late_o seem_v plain_o to_o acknowledge_v when_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o their_o moderate_a brethren_n of_o the_o episcopal_a desire_n concession_n and_o desire_n persuasion_n they_o concede_v to_o a_o regulate_v episcopacy_n desire_v also_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n that_o their_o grand_a grievance_n of_o too_o large_a diocese_n may_v be_v heal_v by_o suffragan-bishop_n which_o some_o think_v be_v not_o obscure_o answer_v already_o in_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o arch-deacon_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n and_o complaint_n of_o our_o brethren_n aforesaid_a yea_o the_o very_a congregation_n itself_o call_v independent_o acknowledge_v their_o devolve_v the_o exercise_n of_o government_n upon_o their_o elder_n to_o be_v only_o for_o order_n sake_n and_o their_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v only_o necessary_a for_o its_o end_n and_o at_o length_n their_o great_a champion_n m._n s._n m._n have_v find_v no_o other_o foundation_n for_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o congregational_a discipline_n but_o mutual_a confederacy_n and_o prudential_n agreement_n among_o themselves_o 2._o the_o second_o thing_n attribute_v to_o the_o care_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o form_n and_o establish_v of_o a_o public_a liturgy_n though_o we_o find_v not_o any_o such_o form_n in_o scripture_n
either_o impose_v frame_v or_o direct_v yet_o the_o ground_n and_o matter_n thereof_o be_v plain_o there_o and_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v there_o well_o nigh_o by_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o at_o the_o episcopal_a divine_n plead_v the_o necessity_n so_o most_o of_o the_o moderate_a presbyterian_o allow_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o the_o usefulness_n yea_o and_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n of_o catechism_n confirmation_n and_o of_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o of_o reprehend_v offender_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o mart._n bucer_n enumerate_v they_o and_o conclude_v 13._o vid._n m._n â—_o lib._n 1._o de_fw-la reg_fw-la christ_n c._n 13._o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o care_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o three_o thereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o order_v and_o manage_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n as_o to_o the_o time_n manner_n and_o part_n of_o it_o when_o to_o begin_v how_o to_o proceed_v when_o to_o end_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o divine_a service_n as_o also_o to_o appoint_v extraordinary_a time_n of_o fast_v and_o thanksgiving_n all_o which_o see_v scripture_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o church_n liberty_n in_o reason_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o fix_v by_o prudent_a authority_n as_o we_o will_v avoid_v confusion_n and_o ataxy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 2._o second_o thing_n serve_v to_o the_o comeliness_n and_o beauty_n of_o worship_n be_v also_o to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o same_o account_n the_o decency_n of_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n the_o gravity_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o minister_n the_o fitness_n of_o the_o vessel_n for_o both_o sacrament_n the_o kind_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o place_n and_o gesture_n of_o administration_n and_o communion_n and_o such_o like_a which_o the_o scripture_n have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o and_o yet_o all_o sober_a man_n be_v full_o convince_v that_o very_o high_a and_o almost_o indispensable_a convenience_n exact_v a_o settlement_n and_o prudent_a regulation_n of_o they_o and_o in_o all_o which_o methinks_v uniformity_n with_o decency_n shall_v offend_v no_o body_n case_n vi_o whether_o may_v the_o rule_v part_n of_o the_o church_n impose_v upon_o the_o church_n thing_n indifferent_a quatenus_fw-la indifferent_a or_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v such_o resol_n i_o humble_o conceive_v they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n no_o such_o arbitrary_a &_o strange_o unlimited_a power_n which_o if_o exercise_v with_o any_o extent_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o edify_v but_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n for_o 1._o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o impose_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v indifferent_a or_o because_o they_o be_v indifferent_a we_o grant_v they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o consequent_o what_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o please_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o we_o make_v the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o principle_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o reason_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o thing_n fit_a according_a to_o his_o word_n then_o they_o have_v power_n to_o clog_v god_n worship_n with_o thing_n altogether_o incongruous_a to_o it_o provide_v they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o general_n as_o dance_v bowl_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o render_v it_o instead_o of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a then_o may_v they_o add_v ceremony_n upon_o ceremony_n until_o the_o number_n be_v so_o many_o and_o the_o weight_n so_o great_a that_o the_o work_n will_v be_v burdensome_a and_o indeed_o intolerable_a to_o god_n and_o man._n thus_o may_v they_o improve_v their_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n until_o they_o have_v wear_v out_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n the_o power_n of_o devotion_n and_o have_v render_v the_o christian_a liberty_n worse_o complain_v as_o aug._n complain_v than_o the_o jewish_a or_o popish_a bondage_n this_o power_n as_o god_n do_v never_o intrust_v they_o with_o it_o so_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o that_o man_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v unto_o it_o or_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o every_o one_o in_o authority_n still_o grant_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v reason_n for_o their_o imposition_n act_v therein_o as_o man_n as_o well_o as_o governor_n and_o though_o many_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o give_v flatter_v title_n to_o man_n in_o authority_n i_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o write_v high_a for_o conformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o allow_v such_o a_o power_n to_o man_n in_o authority_n to_o require_v what_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o please_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o fitness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o as_o thomas_n rogers_n 4._o against_o seffray_n obi._n 4._o that_o notable_a adversary_n to_o nonconformity_n in_o this_o case_n say_v authority_n in_o make_v law_n must_v always_o respect_v the_o common_a good_n and_o though_o church-governor_n say_v francis_n mason_n 9_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n p._n 8_o 9_o of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o the_o former_a may_v make_v church-law_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o establish_v what_o they_o listen_v god_n have_v inrail_v their_o authority_n with_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v agree_v with_o calvin_n who_o have_v also_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o effraenem_fw-la licentiam_fw-la such_o a_o unbridled_a liberty_n sed_fw-la cancellos_fw-la circundedit_fw-la in_o cor._n 14._o ult_n case_n vii_o what_o then_o do_v render_v thing_n indifferent_a fit_n to_o be_v impose_v resol_n indifferent_a thing_n though_o they_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v particular_o but_o leave_v undecided_a in_o scripture_n yet_o must_v they_o be_v reducible_a to_o and_o agreeable_a with_o some_o general_a rule_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o imposition_n of_o they_o fit_a or_o warrantable_a this_o resolution_n become_v christianity_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v inimicous_a to_o christian_a discipline_n it_o have_v the_o suffrage_n of_o high_a conformity_n which_o afford_v its_o liberty_n still_o to_o challenge_v great_a consideration_n in_o all_o imposition_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a clapham_n a_o earnest_n and_o learned_a opposer_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v thus_o state_v it_o such_o thing_n say_v 9_o chronol_n discourse_v of_o the_o church_n cap._n 9_o he_o we_o say_v to_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o for_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v thereof_o we_o have_v no_o express_a word_n of_o god_n in_o particular_a only_o by_o some_o general_a rule_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o use_v our_o christian_a reason_n francis_n mason_n 9_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 8._o 9_o also_o allow_v that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n must_v be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o general_a canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o word_n i_o never_o read_v a_o denial_n of_o it_o case_n viii_o what_o be_v those_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o liâ—it_v the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a resol_n polanus_n give_v we_o a_o brief_a 70._o syntag._n tom._n 2._o p._n 70._o and_o sound_a though_o a_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o case_n thing_n indifferent_a say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o general_a equity_n which_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o our_o action_n the_o aquinas_n lex_fw-la respicit_fw-la ordinem_fw-la ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la common_a aquinas_n good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la gloriam_fw-la &_o proximi_fw-la salutem_fw-la faciunt_fw-la or_o the_o common_a good_a as_o rogers_n shorten_v it_o marlorate_a do_v more_o ult_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o ult_n full_o explicate_v himself_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v his_o tradition_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reason_n edification_n the_o example_n of_o church_n decency_n and_o order_n and_o he_o add_v with_o which_o same_o argument_n we_o â—â—ght_n to_o examine_v our_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n but_o let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v some_o more_o special_a rule_n as_o we_o easy_o find_v they_o in_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o the_o first_o shall_v be_v that_o catholic_a rule_n of_o expediency_n all_o thing_n say_v 12_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 12_o the_o apostle_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a some_o lawful_a thing_n it_o seem_v be_v not_o expedient_a thing_n not_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v and_o thing_n not_o expedient_a to_o be_v command_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v command_v thus_o there_o fall_v before_o we_o a_o double_a lawfulness_n a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o
not_o expedient_a or_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o not_o expedient_a and_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o because_o expedient_a and_o thus_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o not_o lawful_a more_o plain_o there_o be_v a_o lawfulness_n more_o remote_a from_o we_o which_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o first_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o lawfulness_n that_o be_v more_o immediate_a and_o near_o to_o we_o which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o common_a essence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o some_o extrinsic_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n occasion_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o the_o thing_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o present_a service_n this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o expediency_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a now_o where_o you_o speak_v of_o this_o latter_a lawfulness_n of_o expediency_n the_o former_a viz._n of_o indifferency_n be_v shut_v out_o so_o that_o though_o in_o one_o sense_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a be_v lawful_a yet_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a and_o not_o expedient_a be_v not_o lawful_a but_o sinful_a and_o it_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o aposte_n and_o indeed_o against_o common_a reason_n it_o be_v not_o warrantable_a for_o church-governor_n to_o impose_v any_o thing_n about_o god_n worship_n that_o be_v only_o indifferent_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o expedient_a thus_o that_o great_a defender_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o it_o extend_v and_o limit_n her_o power_n church-governor_n say_v he_o have_v liberty_n to_o establish_v whatsoever_o be_v in_o itself_o 13._o authority_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 13._o indifferent_a shall_v to_o their_o wisdom_n seem_v most_o expedient_a 2._o the_o second_o special_a ruâ—e_n be_v the_o public_a peace_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o peace_n as_o well_o as_o order_n and_o as_o the_o order_n so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o order_n be_v precious_a with_o he_o and_o with_o all_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o any_o care_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v any_o thing_n give_v way_n to_o peace_n and_o shall_v not_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o these_o indifferent_a be_v not_o peace_n necessary_a be_v it_o not_o necessary_a by_o command_n yea_o it_o be_v necessary_a as_o a_o mean_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o prevent_v our_o fear_n of_o obtain_v our_o hope_n our_o hope_n of_o settlement_n our_o hope_n of_o unity_n our_o hope_n of_o plenty_n of_o prosperity_n and_o glory_n in_o church_n and_o state_n who_o can_v think_v it_o wisdom_n without_o some_o other_o great_a inconvenience_n urge_v to_o it_o to_o force_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o indifferent_a to_o the_o endanger_n so_o necessary_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n or_o the_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o provoke_v any_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o to_o separate_v from_o we_o let_v we_o rather_o with_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n weigh_v the_o present_a necessity_n in_o this_o regard_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v in_o the_o like_a case_n follow_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n rom._n 14._o 19_o 3._o the_o three_o special_a rule_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o offence_n of_o weak_a brethren_n who_o though_o weak_a be_v not_o to_o be_v throw_v to_o the_o wall_n without_o any_o regard_n yea_o the_o scripture_n reason_n cap._n vid._n rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 7_o 9_o 10._o cap._n we_o to_o a_o great_a tenderness_n to_o the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o more_o care_n of_o that_o and_o in_o this_o very_a case_n have_v give_v we_o divers_a and_o weighty_a consideration_n that_o we_o wilful_o offend_v not_o our_o weak_a brethren_n by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a indeed_o when_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v once_o command_v the_o case_n be_v alter_v as_o to_o private_a christian_n as_o at_o large_a hereafter_o but_o otherwise_o where_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n example_n and_o command_n be_v find_v the_o obligation_n of_o both_o will_v hardly_o be_v escape_v as_o polanus_fw-la say_v that_o 376._o syntag._n tom_n 2._o p_o 376._o ceremony_n may_v be_v observe_v for_o peace_n sake_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a so_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o rigour_n of_o imposition_n may_v be_v warrantable_o abate_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n mr_n rogers_n be_v more_o peremptory_a 4._o against_o seffray_n object_n 4._o though_o as_o i_o note_v before_o a_o sufficient_a defender_n of_o ceremony_n he_o that_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a meaning_n before_o they_o be_v command_v have_v not_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o weak_a christian_n in_o his_o do_v show_v that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o charity_n in_o he_o nor_o regard_n of_o his_o brethren_n which_o god_n require_v upon_o this_o ground_n no_o doubt_n the_o learned_a doctor_n gardner_n stand_v when_o he_o say_v if_o the_o law_n in_o these_o case_n viz._n of_o ceremony_n have_v not_o be_v already_o make_v i_o shall_v never_o for_o my_o own_o part_n wish_v to_o have_v they_o make_v dialogue_n about_o ceremony_n neither_o can_v we_o refer_v to_o any_o other_o topick_n the_o care_n and_o pain_n that_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n use_v for_o the_o just_a satisfaction_n of_o nonconformist_n in_o the_o age_n before_o we_o to_o the_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 22_o 13._o weak_a become_v i_o as_o weak_a that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o weak_a and_o this_o i_o do_v say_v the_o great_a apostle_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n 4._o the_o four_o special_a rule_n may_v be_v edification_n the_o grand_a level_n of_o all_o church_n power_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o its_o destruction_n in_o the_o whole_a or_o if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v it_o in_o any_o part_n therefore_o the_o great_a 10._o rom._n 14._o 15._o in_o quo_fw-la charitas_fw-la moderatrix_fw-la est_fw-la calv._n rom._n 14._o 10._o principle_n of_o all_o such_o imposition_n must_v be_v charity_n and_o love_n to_o our_o brethren_n not_o envy_n at_o or_o desire_v of_o revenge_n upon_o any_o person_n or_o party_n otherwise_o mind_v not_o to_o show_v victory_n over_o they_o or_o dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n or_o action_n thing_n i_o doubt_v not_o sincere_o abhor_v by_o our_o present_a governor_n as_o well_o as_o by_o our_o former_a but_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o forgive_a one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o have_v give_v we_o example_n show_v all_o bowel_n and_o tenderness_n in_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o a_o happy_a accord_n and_o accommodation_n 5._o five_o the_o most_o note_a rule_n of_o all_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n a_o stand_a rule_n never_o to_o be_v cross_v by_o any_o authority_n under_o heaven_n yea_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n will_v never_o reverse_v it_o then_o nothing_o that_o be_v either_o indecent_a or_o disorderly_a in_o god_n worship_n can_v warrantable_o be_v impose_v upon_o his_o church_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o i_o think_v have_v never_o hitherto_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v assert_v clapham_n speak_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a touch_v 9_o chron._n c._n 9_o which_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o decency_n and_o order_n must_v be_v observe_v but_o for_o particular_n he_o have_v no_o particular_a injunction_n from_o the_o lord_n chron._n cap._n 9_o provide_v always_o say_v mr_n mason_n that_o all_o thing_n 13._o pag._n 13._o be_v do_v honest_o and_o in_o order_n 6._o the_o six_o rule_n be_v custom_n of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o indicate_v what_o be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a see_v by_o the_o force_n of_o custom_n that_o be_v comely_a in_o one_o country_n that_o be_v plain_o absurd_a in_o another_o custom_n be_v the_o umpire_n 26._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 26._o in_o indifferent_a thing_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a say_v the_o apostle_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o introduce_v innovation_n and_o by_o new_a imposition_n to_o force_v against_o the_o usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n where_o we_o live_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o much_o weight_n ambrose_n augustine_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n lay_v upon_o this_o both_o for_o themselves_o and_o their_o advice_n to_o other_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n doubtless_o the_o more_o extensive_a a_o usage_n be_v the_o more_o ancient_a the_o more_o universal_a the_o long_o and_o far_o a_o thing_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o more_o it_o
ipsi_fw-la sicut_fw-la par_fw-fr est_fw-la suâ_fw-la libertate_fw-la but_o last_o admit_v that_o our_o ruler_n ought_v to_o abolish_v the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v so_o use_v to_o superstition_n but_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v it_o &_o enjoin_v we_o by_o their_o command_n to_o leave_v the_o superstitious_a use_n and_o to_o use_v it_o as_o we_o lawful_o may_v it_o need_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o question_n whether_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o superstition_n and_o also_o to_o obey_v authority_n in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o that_o thing_n without_o fear_n of_o superstition_n case_n iii_o whether_o the_o impute_v of_o significancy_n to_o thing_n impose_v render_v they_o superstitious_a resol_n true_o some_o reverend_a and_o learned_a man_n seem_v so_o affright_v at_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o sacred_a mystical_a ceremony_n significant_a symbolical_a rite_n of_o humane_a institution_n that_o i_o can_v but_o fear_n rhat_o they_o have_v apprehend_v some_o very_a great_a danger_n in_o they_o shall_v we_o once_o grant_v that_o ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n may_v be_v appoint_v to_o signify_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o receive_v any_o blessing_n from_o god_n no_o doubt_n there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n in_o it_o that_o if_o corrupt_a and_o superstitious_a man_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n rule_v the_o church_n we_o may_v quick_o have_v not_o only_o seven_o but_o seventy_o time_n seven_o if_o not_o entire_a yet_o semi-sacrament_n the_o church_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v thereby_o obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o antic_a and_o conceit_a crotcher_n that_o the_o vain_a imagination_n of_o overcurious_a man_n can_v cumber_v they_o with_o until_o they_o become_v stench_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o staid_a man_n and_o of_o god_n himself_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o if_o by_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n we_o mean_v only_o the_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o scripture_n leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n and_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o significancy_n of_o they_o we_o intend_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o commend_v the_o exercise_n with_o order_n and_o decency_n to_o express_v the_o gravity_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o worshipper_n tend_v also_o as_o such_o thing_n be_v capable_a to_o unity_n and_o edification_n if_o this_o be_v all_o true_o i_o can_v discover_v so_o much_o danger_n yea_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v that_o to_o quarrel_v with_o they_o because_o they_o be_v such_o seem_v to_o be_v angry_a with_o these_o ceremony_n which_o be_v better_a and_o because_o they_o be_v better_a than_o other_o and_o to_o quarrel_v with_o their_o very_a fitness_n and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o alone_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v measure_v again_o if_o nothing_o that_o be_v so_o pure_o indifferent_a as_o to_o be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o service_n and_o not_o to_o be_v more_o expedient_a than_o inexpedient_a aught_o to_o be_v impose_v as_o all_o moderate_a man_n allow_v and_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n in_o hand_n nothing_o that_o have_v its_o use_n or_o significancy_n may_v be_v require_v who_o see_v not_o but_o the_o church_n be_v crucify_v between_o two_o opinion_n that_o open_o rob_v she_o of_o all_o power_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a some_o very_a wise_a and_o unsuspected_a person_n have_v free_o declare_v themselves_o not_o to_o discover_v any_o such_o danger_n in_o the_o bare_a significancy_n of_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n as_o other_o be_v affright_v with_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v peter_n martyr_n to_o hooper_n to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o that_o liberty_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o by_o her_o action_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n aliquid_fw-la significare_fw-la signify_v something_o yea_o further_o say_v he_o the_o very_a apostle_n himself_o use_v that_o liberty_n when_o he_o teach_v ut_fw-la illis_fw-la signis_fw-la that_o with_o those_o sign_n they_o shall_v be_v admonish_v of_o their_o duty_n again_o rerum_fw-la significationes_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o signification_n of_o thing_n call_v to_o our_o mind_n quid_fw-la nos_fw-la deceat_fw-la what_o be_v expedient_a ministri_fw-la magis_fw-la memores_fw-la sint_fw-la svi_fw-la officii_fw-la vid._n aret._n in_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 10._o &_o 16._o 16._o pet._n mart._n in_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 26._o geneva_n annotation_n in_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 20._o perkins_n case_n consci_fw-la cap._n 3._o sect._n 3._o calvin_n also_o be_v nothing_o 29._o calv._n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 10._o 28_o 29._o fearful_a to_o the_o iver_n his_o mind_n in_o the_o point_n there_o be_v say_v he_o rite_n which_o draw_v veneration_n to_o holy_a thing_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o little_a help_n we_o be_v provoke_v to_o piety_n they_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o reverence_n of_o holy_a mystery_n thereby_o the_o exercise_n be_v suit_v to_o holiness_n they_o be_v not_o without_o fruit_n thereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v admonish_v with_o what_o modesty_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v to_o worship_v god_n kneel_v say_v beza_n when_o we_o receive_v the_o sign_n have_v a_o show_n of_o godly_a and_o christian_a veneration_n case_n iu._n whether_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a betray_v our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n resol_n this_o question_n seem_v to_o engage_v god_n and_o cesar_n and_o to_o cause_v a_o quarrel_n betwixt_o duty_n and_o liberty_n which_o neither_o god_n or_o cesar_n duty_n or_o liberty_n will_v own_v or_o defend_v the_o doubt_n apparent_o result_v out_o of_o a_o too_o gross_a mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a gospel-liberty_n the_o internal_a part_n whereof_o though_o it_o indeed_o free_v we_o from_o inward_a bondage_n yet_o bind_v we_o the_o fast_a in_o service_n to_o god_n so_o the_o external_a part_n thereof_o do_v also_o deliver_v we_o from_o outward_a slavery_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o the_o more_o oblige_v we_o in_o duty_n to_o superior_n polanus_fw-la place_v external_n christian_n liberty_n which_o indeed_o be_v proper_o christian_a as_o it_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o gospel-liberty_n in_o two_o thing_n a_o liberty_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 2._o a_o liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n now_o though_o the_o first_o branch_n may_v not_o be_v touch_v yet_o he_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o the_o latter_a may_v be_v determine_v upon_o just_a occasion_n of_o the_o church_n order_n by_o lawful_a authority_n libertas_n christiana_n est_fw-la duplex_fw-la à _fw-la legibus_fw-la mosis_fw-la &_o in_o adiaphoris_n quales_fw-la sunt_fw-la ceremoniae_fw-la humanâ_fw-la autoritate_fw-la institutae_fw-la boni_fw-la ordinis_fw-la causâ_fw-la christian_n liberty_n say_v polanus_fw-la be_v twofold_a from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a of_o which_o sort_n mean_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v ceremony_n appoint_v by_o humane_a authority_n for_o order_n sake_n now_o neither_o of_o these_o branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n can_v be_v sober_o think_v to_o make_v void_a the_o law_n as_o moral_a or_o natural_a in_o any_o one_o jot_n or_o tittle_n of_o it_o which_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o fulfil_v matth._n 5._o and_o establish_v rom._n 3._o ult_n but_o to_o assert_v that_o ruler_n have_v no_o power_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a because_o of_o christian_a liberty_n seem_v to_o weaken_v he_o arm_v of_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a civil_a political_n oeconomical_a and_o even_o to_o raze_v out_o the_o five_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n yea_o what_o unnatural_a consequence_n of_o all_o disorder_n be_v like_a to_o ensue_v in_o church_n in_o state_n in_o family_n and_o all_o society_n in_o the_o world_n the_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o all_o which_o lie_v not_o a_o little_a in_o the_o due_a order_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a yea_o how_o often_o be_v the_o apostle_n himself_o the_o great_a assert_v of_o christian_a liberty_n thus_o make_v a_o invader_n of_o it_o how_o injurious_o do_v that_o famous_a synod_n act._n 15._o bind_v the_o church_n to_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n what_o council_n father_n scholman_n church_n nay_o what_o wise_a man_n be_v ever_o of_o this_o opinion_n or_o who_o be_v that_o solid_a writer_n in_o any_o age_n almost_o that_o have_v not_o declare_v the_o contrary_a give_v i_o leave_v therefore_o to_o repeat_v it_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v much_o mistake_v it_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o it_o even_o consist_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a by_o lawful_a authority_n it_o be_v one_o part_n of_o this_o liberty_n as_o calvin_n assert_n legibus_fw-la libertas_n aufertur_fw-la ablato_fw-la jure_fw-la &_o legibus_fw-la that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o regulate_v the_o circumstantes_fw-la of_o worship_n for_o peace_n and_o unity_n order_n and_o decency_n
destroy_v by_o the_o builder_n or_o die_v of_o the_o doctor_n my_o dear_a brethren_n let_v i_o breathe_v out_o my_o soul_n in_o st_n augustine_n word_n ut_fw-la moneor_fw-la ut_fw-la doleo_fw-la ut_fw-la timeo_fw-la procederem_fw-la ad_fw-la pedes_fw-la vestros_fw-la flerem_fw-la quantum_fw-la valerem_fw-la rogarem_fw-la quantum_fw-la amarem_fw-la nunc_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la pro_fw-la seipso_fw-la nunc_fw-la utrumque_fw-la pro_fw-la altero_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la aliis_fw-la &_o maximè_fw-la infirmis_fw-la pro_fw-la quibus_fw-la christus_fw-la mortuus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la vos_fw-la tanquam_fw-la in_o theatro_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la huius_fw-la cum_fw-la magno_fw-la svi_fw-la periculo_fw-la spectant_fw-la ne_fw-fr de_fw-fr vobis_fw-la ea_fw-la conscribendo_fw-la spargatis_fw-la quae_fw-la quandoque_fw-la concordantes_fw-la delere_fw-la non_fw-la poteritis_fw-la qui_fw-la nunc_fw-la concordare_fw-la nolitis_fw-la 2._o to_o my_o dissent_v brethren_n my_o humble_a and_o solemn_a request_n be_v that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v like_a to_o be_v thus_o they_o will_v in_o season_n think_v it_o adviseable_a serious_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v to_o study_v that_o which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v enjoin_v with_o all_o severity_n and_o impartiality_n as_o they_o will_v do_v or_o suffer_v with_o knowledge_n and_o comfort_n the_o great_a case_n will_v be_v upon_o what_o ground_n you_o may_v warrantable_o lay_v down_o your_o ministry_n and_o upon_o what_o not_o or_o how_o far_o you_o may_v lawful_o obey_v the_o imposition_n of_o authority_n for_o your_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n herein_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o after_o the_o scripture_n bucer_n calvin_n melancthon_n zanchy_a polanus_fw-la beza_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o undoubted_a credit_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v confer_v with_o as_o also_o st_n augustine_n his_o 118_o 119._o epist_n ad_fw-la janu._n if_o this_o poor_a piece_n shall_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o your_o perusal_n i_o beseech_v you_o remember_v that_o by_o two_o error_n we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o weigh_v thing_n amiss_o 1._o when_o we_o take_v up_o the_o scale_n &_o weigh_v over-hasty_o 2._o when_o one_o end_n of_o the_o balance_n be_v heavy_a than_o the_o other_o perhaps_o by_o prejudice_n or_o something_o else_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v there_o do_v the_o book_n no_o wrong_n do_v the_o church_n no_o wrong_n do_v yourselves_o no_o wrong_n for_o your_o own_o preservation_n your_o people_n edification_n the_o church_n peace_n prosperity_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o averse_a to_o any_o just_a satisfaction_n let_v no_o society_n no_o condition_n no_o temptation_n with_o error_n and_o suffering_n be_v more_o dear_a and_o pleasant_a with_o you_o then_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o discharge_n of_o your_o trust_n the_o fulfil_n of_o your_o ministry_n with_o duty_n and_o liberty_n truth_n and_o felicity_n farewell_n twenty_o four_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a case_n of_o conscience_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n case_n i._n what_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a resol_n thing_n indifferent_a have_v their_o place_n in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o thing_n necessary_a and_o thing_n sinful_a thing_n that_o aught_o and_o thing_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v for_o as_o to_o their_o simple_a and_o common_a nature_n i._n e._n consider_v naked_o without_o respect_n to_o such_o circumstance_n as_o change_v their_o property_n and_o denominale_fw-la they_o good_a or_o evil_n they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v without_o sin_n they_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a not_o a_o mix_v nature_n not_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o be_v abnegationis_fw-la medium_fw-la abnegationis_fw-la a_o contradiction_n not_o partly_o good_a and_o partly_o bad_a then_o the_o good_a can_v never_o expiate_v the_o bad_a for_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o evil_n render_v the_o action_n evil_a but_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v moral_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a so_o they_o be_v not_o make_v such_o by_o scripture_n be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v they_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o may_v be_v indifferent_o use_v yet_o very_o apt_a by_o reason_n of_o circumstance_n to_o tend_v unto_o to_o swerve_v towards_o to_o become_v or_o appear_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n case_n ii_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n resol_n for_o our_o clear_a satisfaction_n herein_o let_v we_o consider_v action_n and_o circumstance_n 1._o touch_v action_n i_o assert_v first_o that_o no_o one_o action_n in_o religious_a exercise_n be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o indifferent_a but_o that_o by_o its_o circumstance_n it_o easy_o become_v good_a or_o evil_n 2._o no_o action_n that_o be_v deliberate_a and_o have_v a_o order_n to_o a_o certain_a end_n distinguish_v from_o action_n of_o fancy_n usual_o so_o call_v which_o be_v unobserved_a by_o the_o agent_n individual_o consider_v and_o as_o perform_v about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v true_o indifferent_a but_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o circumstance_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n 3._o no_o action_n consider_v as_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n can_v possible_o be_v indifferent_a for_o either_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v and_o therefore_o necessary_a or_o invent_v by_o man_n and_o superstitious_a 4._o yet_o four_o there_o be_v divers_a action_n that_o be_v no_o part_n but_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n though_o action_n in_o themselves_o before_o they_o be_v exert_v and_o clothe_v with_o their_o circumstance_n that_o be_v proper_o indifferent_a both_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a as_o to_o the_o scripture_n neither_o command_v or_o forbid_v and_o consequent_o as_o to_o our_o use_n neither_o necessary_a nor_o unlawful_a and_o last_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o action_n that_o may_v as_o lawful_o serve_v in_o the_o same_o stead_n of_o neither_o more_o or_o less_o necessity_n as_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o lift_v up_o or_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n in_o lift_v up_o or_o spread_v abroad_o our_o hand_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o thus_o much_o for_o action_n 2._o as_o for_o circumstance_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v not_o doubt_v i_o think_v by_o any_o but_o there_o be_v some_o viz._n time_n place_n habit_n that_o be_v pure_o indifferent_a i_o mean_v before_o they_o be_v determine_v and_o in_o a_o general_a consideration_n abstract_v from_o conveniency_n and_o not_o complicate_v with_o other_o accident_n that_o may_v vary_v the_o case_n i_o shall_v not_o burden_v this_o unexceptionable_a point_n with_o needless_a authority_n which_o be_v very_o easy_a if_o not_o needless_a i_o shall_v only_o instance_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o under_o one_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n viz._n the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mr._n calvin_n so_o 43._o calv._n iâ—sti_fw-la lib_n 1._o sect._n 43._o much_o say_v he_o as_o concern_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n viz._n whether_o the_o faithful_a receive_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o not_o whether_o they_o divide_v it_o or_o every_o one_o eat_v that_o which_o be_v give_v he_o whether_o they_o put_v the_o cup_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n or_o deliver_v it_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o next_o whether_o the_o bread_n be_v leaven_v or_o unleavened_a whether_o the_o wine_n be_v red_a or_o white_a it_o make_v no_o matter_n these_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o he_o and_o we_o may_v add_v almost_o so_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n about_o every_o other_o ordinance_n if_o occasion_n require_v case_n iii_o whether_o may_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v impose_v and_o require_v by_o authority_n resol_n doubtless_o they_o may_v for_o 1._o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o particular_o teach_v we_o what_o that_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v that_o be_v require_v yet_o the_o rule_v part_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o require_v but_o to_o take_v care_n and_o see_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n example_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 2._o then_o plain_a reason_n demonstrate_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o ruler_n to_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n they_o must_v also_o by_o their_o own_o discretion_n or_o advice_n with_o other_o judge_n and_o prescribe_v what_o be_v such_o 3._o the_o great_a apostle_n therefore_o take_v upon_o he_o not_o only_o to_o press_v the_o general_a command_n of_o decency_n 10._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 34._o &_o 11._o 4._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 10._o and_o order_n but_o to_o reprove_v particular_a disorder_n and_o to_o direct_v unto_o and_o command_v particular_a part_n of_o order_n and_o comeliness_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o yea_o that_o famous_a synod_n and_o true_o apostolical_a in_o act_n 15._o do_v by_o their_o
ought_v to_o be_v regard_v both_o by_o the_o govern_n and_o govern_v part_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o father_n 7._o the_o last_o rule_n be_v gospel_n liberty_n this_o must_v not_o be_v invade_v by_o any_o imposition_n though_o it_o must_v not_o be_v mistake_v gospel_n liberry_n can_v hardly_o be_v infringe_v if_o these_o rule_n be_v heed_v in_o the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a 1._o that_o nothing_o indifferent_a be_v impose_v that_o any_o way_n check_v with_o the_o former_a rule_n of_o expediency_n peace_n offence_n of_o the_o weak_a edification_n decency_n order_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o impose_v as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o necessary_a which_o divine_v assert_v to_o be_v superstition_n 3._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o require_v with_o equal_a severity_n as_o thing_n necessary_a 4._o that_o such_o thing_n when_o impose_v be_v declare_v by_o the_o imposer_n to_o be_v mutable_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o be_v alter_v upon_o just_a occasion_n 5._o that_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o impose_v in_o so_o great_a a_o number_n as_o be_v real_o burdensome_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v much_o in_o the_o care_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n concern_v the_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n of_o idle_a and_o vain_a nature_n say_v bishop_n apol._n in_o apol._n jewel_n we_o know_v that_o st_n augustine_n do_v much_o complain_v of_o they_o in_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v great_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o they_o because_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v troublesome_a to_o good_a conscience_n and_o burdensome_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o retain_v and_o have_v like_v not_o only_o of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o some_o other_o too_o beside_o which_o we_o think_v may_v be_v suffer_v without_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o we_o affect_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o congregation_n may_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v do_v with_o comeliness_n and_o good_a order_n but_o all_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o perceive_v to_o lean_v to_o superstition_n or_o to_o be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o bald_a or_o toyish_a or_o against_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o else_o unmeet_a for_o sober_a and_o wise_a people_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o confuse_a chaos_n in_o the_o romish_a synagogue_n all_o these_o we_o have_v utter_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o because_o we_o will_v not_o have_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n confound_v and_o cumber_v with_o such_o folly_n thus_o that_o most_o excellent_a man._n the_o sum_n of_o who_o word_n here_o recite_v do_v in_o effect_n contain_v and_o confirm_v all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v expedient_a decent_a and_o orderly_a not_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n not_o troublesome_a to_o good_a conscience_n not_o burdensome_a and_o he_o add_v that_o our_o own_o church_n in_o the_o first_o reformation_n have_v regard_n to_o the_o say_a rule_n let_v i_o conclude_v with_o a_o humble_a petition_n that_o i_o be_v not_o misinterpret_v to_o prescribe_v to_o authority_n in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o have_v only_o mark_v the_o general_a rule_n in_o scripture_n leave_v particular_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o superior_n to_o who_o i_o only_o take_v boldness_n to_o offer_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o these_o rule_n &_o settle_v the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o peace_n and_o order_n with_o all_o comeliness_n and_o expediency_n case_n ix_o how_o be_v private_a person_n to_o demean_v themselves_o under_o such_o imposition_n of_o authority_n in_o religious_a exercise_n resol_n we_o have_v hitherto_o rather_o labour_v to_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o impose_v and_o the_o due_a extent_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a endeavour_v also_o to_o draw_v that_o as_o narrow_a and_o straight_o and_o as_o much_o to_o rule_v as_o may_v be_v yet_o i_o hope_v without_o just_a offence_n to_o the_o same_o we_o be_v now_o descend_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v under_o command_n where_o that_o i_o may_v appear_v impartial_a and_o for_o peace_n indeed_o i_o must_v be_v consonant_a to_o my_o design_n and_o labour_n to_o disentangle_a and_o enlarge_v the_o conscience_n of_o private_a person_n with_o as_o much_o freedom_n towards_o conformity_n as_o lawful_o i_o may_v that_o have_v bring_v the_o injunction_n as_o low_a and_o narrow_a and_o the_o obedience_n as_o high_a and_o large_a as_o we_o may_v the_o commander_n and_o the_o command_v may_v be_v happy_o find_v near_o together_o and_o in_o sweet_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o charity_n sure_o will_v not_o be_v displease_v at_o this_o harmless_a project_n but_o will_v be_v ready_a with_o a_o pardon_n though_o i_o fail_v of_o success_n or_o too_o imprudent_o manage_v the_o attempt_n especial_o while_o my_o aim_n be_v level_v at_o so_o desirable_a a_o end_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n &_o the_o common_a good_a and_o use_v no_o other_o engine_n to_o draw_v down_o the_o one_o and_o raise_v the_o other_o but_o that_o from_o heaven_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o case_n in_o general_n which_o be_v this_o how_o be_v private_a person_n to_o demean_v themselves_o under_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n or_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o religious_a exercise_n i_o shall_v now_o the_o lord_n assist_v i_o betake_v myself_o with_o all_o conscience_n and_o fidelity_n to_o answer_v break_v it_o into_o several_a particular_a case_n according_a as_o the_o object_n of_o humane_a injunction_n may_v be_v distinguish_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a injunction_n or_o that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v or_o command_v may_v be_v proceed_v upon_o by_o a_o gradation_n or_o descent_n of_o five_o step_n for_o that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v be_v either_o necessary_a expedient_a pure_o indifferent_a inexpedient_a or_o unlawful_a according_o there_o may_v be_v offer_v five_o case_n viz._n what_o a_o private_a person_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o thing_n necessary_a or_o thing_n expedient_a or_o thing_n pure_o indifferent_a or_o thing_n inexpedient_a or_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v require_v by_o authority_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o all_o which_o we_o address_v our_o self_n to_o apply_v a_o several_a and_o particular_a satisfaction_n case_n x._o what_o ought_v a_o private_a christian_n to_o do_v when_o thing_n necessary_a in_o themselves_o be_v require_v by_o authority_n resol_n both_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n we_o treat_v proper_o about_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o also_o for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o this_o need_v not_o be_v put_v to_o the_o question_n for_o though_o some_o have_v think_v they_o have_v see_v reason_n enough_o not_o so_o far_o to_o countenance_v a_o usurpation_n as_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n when_o command_v thereunto_o by_o unlawful_a power_n from_o the_o liberty_n of_o that_o trite_a rule_n affirmative_a precept_n do_v not_o bind_v to_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o time_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a perverseness_n in_o any_o not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v because_o his_o vicegerent_n lawful_a authority_n require_v it_o also_o even_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n worship_n optatus_n reckon_v it_o a_o madness_n in_o donatus_n that_o break_v forth_o in_o that_o question_n of_o he_o quid_fw-la imperatori_fw-la cum_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la what_o have_v the_o king_n to_o do_v with_o the_o church_n but_o optatus_n wise_o answer_v the_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o consequent_o he_o that_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v so_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n be_v the_o gospel_n take_v ult_n non_fw-la tollit_fw-la praecepta_fw-la naturae_fw-la &_o legis_fw-la sed_fw-la perficit_fw-la rom._n 3._o ult_n not_o away_o the_o precept_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o establish_v and_o perfect_v they_o and_o rather_o enlarge_v and_o confirm_v than_o any_o way_n weaken_v obedience_n to_o authority_n therefore_o be_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o king_n that_o under_o their_o pious_a and_o religious_a governance_n we_o may_v not_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o honest_o only_a but_o in_o godliness_n in_o all_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n direct_v we_o st_o augustine_n upon_o those_o 51._o contra_fw-la crescon_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 51._o word_n in_o the_o second_o psalm_n say_v king_n not_o only_o as_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v king_n serve_v the_o lord_n if_o in_o their_o kingdom_n they_o command_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o prohibit_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a not_o
only_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o humane_a society_n verùm_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la divinam_fw-la religionem_fw-la but_o also_o in_o matter_n concern_v religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n who_o dare_v offer_v to_o name_v the_o time_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v the_o time_n of_o persecution_n which_o render_v it_o impossible_a only_o except_v wherein_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v &_o governor_n both_o temporal_a and_o ecclesiastical_a do_v not_o assume_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v &_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o black_a and_o bloody_a cloud_n be_v dispel_v by_o the_o favour_n and_o power_n of_o glorious_a constantine_n he_o assume_v this_o supremacy_n he_o put_v down_o idolatry_n he_o establish_v the_o truth_n he_o compose_v difference_n among_o bishop_n suppress_v heresy_n and_o schism_n call_v council_n and_o give_v his_o suffrage_n in_o they_o he_o hear_v and_o judge_v cause_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o edict_n and_o all_o this_o as_o eusebius_n say_v tanquam_fw-la communis_fw-la episcopus_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la 37._o euseb_n de_fw-fr vita_fw-la constan_n lib._n â—_o cap._n 37._o constitutus_fw-la as_o a_o common_a overseer_n or_o bishop_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o i_o may_v add_v as_o a_o excellent_a example_n to_o all_o christian_a prince_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n doubtless_o if_o he_o that_o resist_v a_o lawful_a power_n shall_v receive_v to_o himself_o damnation_n he_o shall_v hardly_o escape_v that_o resist_v his_o command_n in_o lawful_a yea_o in_o necessary_a thing_n wherein_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n he_o ought_v to_o obey_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o to_o submit_v in_o conscience_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n for_o as_o augustine_n hoc_fw-la jubent_fw-la imperatores_fw-la quod_fw-la jubet_fw-la &_o christus_fw-la quia_fw-la cum_fw-la bonum_fw-la jubent_fw-la per_fw-la illos_fw-la non_fw-la christus_fw-la nisi_fw-la jubet_fw-la so_o that_o when_o king_n command_v what_o christ_n have_v first_o command_v christ_n command_v by_o they_o and_o we_o be_v call_v to_o obey_v not_o only_o they_o but_o christ_n in_o they_o case_n xi_o what_o private_a person_n be_v to_o do_v when_o thing_n expedient_a be_v require_v of_o they_o resol_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v propose_v to_o be_v thing_n expedient_a for_o their_o present_a and_o special_a use_n though_o not_o necessary_a in_o their_o common_a nature_n or_o particular_o command_v by_o god_n and_o the_o question_n be_v when_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v by_o lawful_a authority_n whether_o private_a person_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v or_o not_o some_o person_n i_o believe_v like_v not_o that_o any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o but_o will_v rather_o have_v the_o decent_a order_n of_o god_n worship_n leave_v to_o their_o own_o private_a discretion_n yet_o i_o hope_v better_o of_o my_o brethren_n then_o that_o they_o shall_v refuse_v the_o exercise_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o themselves_o allow_v because_o it_o be_v also_o approve_a by_o other_o and_o command_v by_o authority_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v disorderly_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v thing_n in_o order_n such_o thing_n as_o we_o know_v to_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o god_n worship_n if_o enjoin_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n though_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o their_o common_a nature_n or_o particular_o command_v by_o god_n and_o thus_o though_o they_o want_v a_o primary_n necessity_n yet_o they_o seem_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n to_o contract_v a_o treble_a secundary_a necessity_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o obedience_n viz._n from_o the_o general_a command_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o particular_a injunction_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o urge_v direction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n where_o god_n indeed_o seem_v to_o speak_v thrice_o at_o once_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o own_o convict_a conscience_n such_o constitution_n say_v bullinger_n as_o be_v expedient_a 1_o dec._n 2._o sect._n 1_o and_o draw_v from_o general_a scripture_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n i_o call_v not_o humane_a tradition_n yea_o one_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v put_v it_o 290._o confess_v suev_n in_o harm_n confess_v 8._o 17._o pag._n 290._o into_o their_o very_a confession_n that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v esteem_v divine_a rather_o than_o humane_a constitution_n for_o say_v mr_n calvin_n such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v for_o 14._o calv._n in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o humane_a tradition_n since_o they_o be_v found_v in_o the_o general_a precept_n and_o have_v the_o 16._o zanch._n in_o come_v loc_fw-la 16._o liquid_a approbation_n as_o it_o be_v of_o christ_n own_o mouth_n beza_n therefore_o conclude_v 24._o beza_n epist_n 24._o that_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o order_n be_v command_v by_o authority_n do_v so_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n that_o no_o man_n can_v wilful_o transgress_v they_o without_o sin_n case_n xii_o what_o be_v private_a person_n to_o do_v when_o thing_n that_o be_v pure_o indifferent_a be_v require_v in_o religious_a exercise_n resol_n that_o thing_n i_o here_o call_v pure_o indifferent_a which_o impartial_o retain_v a_o mid_a place_n betwixt_o thing_n necessary_a and_o thing_n sinful_a and_o betwixt_o thing_n inexpedient_a and_o thing_n expedient_a more_o plain_o we_o take_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v pure_o indifferent_a here_o that_o be_v neither_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a in_o its_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o expedient_a or_o inexpedient_a as_o to_o the_o use_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v but_o in_o all_o regard_v pure_o indifferent_a be_v neither_o necessary_a with_o a_o primary_n or_o with_o a_o secundary_a necessity_n as_o we_o late_o distinguish_v nor_o yet_o respective_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a viz._n either_o with_o a_o primary_n or_o secundary_a sinfulness_n now_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o not_o but_o hoc_fw-la supposito_fw-la suppose_v there_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n the_o question_n be_v what_o private_a christian_n be_v to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n for_o my_o part_n though_o as_o i_o have_v say_v such_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n yet_o if_o the_o scale_n be_v even_o before_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n must_v i_o think_v of_o necessity_n turn_v they_o so_o that_o here_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o three_o kind_n of_o necessity_n where_o the_o two_o former_a be_v want_v so_o that_o where_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o necessary_a proper_o or_o occasional_o as_o expedient_a yet_o it_o may_v become_v necessary_a by_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o humane_a law_n which_o also_o circulate_v into_o the_o first_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a humane_a ordinance_n yet_o as_o such_o if_o not_o sinful_a or_o forbid_v by_o god_n you_o seem_v command_v to_o submit_v unto_o it_o consequent_o we_o have_v discover_v a_o three_o kind_n of_o sinfulness_n where_o the_o primary_n and_o secundary_a be_v want_v so_o that_o where_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o sinful_a in_o itself_o or_o by_o any_o inconvenience_n in_o its_o use_n yet_o it_o may_v become_v so_o by_o disobedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o observe_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o reason_n of_o impose_v and_o of_o obey_v for_o before_o a_o thing_n be_v impose_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o authority_n to_o require_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a yea_o rather_o there_o be_v a_o preobligation_n to_o impose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v expedient_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o now_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v once_o require_v though_o not_o expedient_a as_o we_o can_v desire_v we_o be_v under_o in_o obligation_n and_o we_o must_v not_o consult_v our_o liberty_n but_o our_o duty_n or_o if_o our_o liberty_n not_o so_o much_o our_o liberty_n to_o forbear_v as_o our_o liberty_n to_o obey_v and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o whether_o god_n wilâ—_n allow_v we_o to_o do_v it_o or_o not_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n and_o whither_o though_o we_o will_v not_o do_v it_o for_o the_o thing_n sake_n we_o must_v not_o do_v it_o for_o the_o command_v sake_n the_o command_n of_o man_n and_o the_o command_n of_o god_n wherefore_o beza_n to_o who_o i_o may_v add_v the_o learned_a
of_o most_o rank_n and_o age_n if_o need_v require_v be_v so_o express_v res_fw-la alioqui_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la medioe_v etc._n etc._n thing_n of_o middle_n and_o indifferent_a nature_n do_v after_o a_o certain_a manner_n change_v their_o nature_n when_o by_o lawful_a authority_n they_o be_v either_o command_v or_o forbid_v because_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o omit_v against_o the_o precept_n when_o it_o be_v command_v or_o to_o act_v against_o the_o prohibition_n when_o it_o be_v forbid_v thus_o beza_n a_o undoubted_a testimony_n in_o the_o case_n but_o we_o need_v no_o more_o see_v the_o thing_n have_v be_v grant_v long_o ago_o by_o a_o numerous_a body_n of_o nonconformist_n 2l_o their_o reply_n to_o mr._n powel_n p._n 2l_o in_o thing_n say_v they_o true_o indifferent_a it_o be_v always_o justify_v and_o shall_v be_v far_o justify_v if_o need_v require_v that_o we_o attribute_v no_o less_o to_o the_o magistrate_n then_o oâ—r_v adversary_n mean_v the_o conformist_n do_v case_n xiii_o what_o be_v private_a christian_n to_o do_v when_o thing_n inexpedient_a be_v require_v of_o they_o resol_n in_o the_o four_o place_n thing_n enjoin_v about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inexpedient_a when_o they_o be_v proper_o unlawful_a here_o we_o have_v also_o assert_v there_o be_v a_o far_a abuse_n of_o authority_n that_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o sacred_a canon_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o thing_n expedient_a but_o admit_v such_o a_o unwarrantable_a exerting_fw-mi of_o power_n in_o require_v thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a but_o inexpedient_a we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v how_o a_o private_a conscience_n may_v preserve_v it_o self_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o whether_o it_o shall_v obey_v such_o injunction_n or_o not_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o burden_n but_o how_o to_o remove_v it_o hic_fw-la labour_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n seem_v to_o call_v we_o to_o another_o point_n of_o weighty_a moment_n viz._n who_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n of_o expediency_n in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n there_o be_v but_o two_o that_o can_v bid_v for_o it_o the_o public_a prudence_n of_o lawful_a authority_n or_o our_o own_o private_a discretion_n in_o thing_n necessary_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v our_o rule_n in_o thing_n expedient_a prudence_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o private_a or_o public_a that_o be_v pardon_v my_o plainness_n where_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n to_o man_n whether_o the_o people_n or_o the_o governor_n shall_v rule_v or_o if_o you_o have_v rather_o whether_o they_o that_o be_v call_v to_o obey_v be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v themselves_o where_o god_n himself_o interpose_v not_o to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o all_o i_o know_v will_v acknowledge_v that_o when_o st_n paul_n have_v determine_v the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o tumultuary_a for_o the_o people_n to_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n seem_v strange_a to_o we_o and_o inexpedient_a and_o the_o like_a censure_n will_v have_v pass_v upon_o those_o act._n 15._o have_v they_o return_v the_o like_a remora_fw-la to_o the_o synodical_a sentence_n forgive_v i_o the_o wrong_n dear_a reader_n if_o i_o remember_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n mutato_fw-la nomine_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o may_v far_o challenge_v a_o sober_a debate_n whether_o the_o axâ—_n be_v not_o thus_o lay_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o polity_n and_o government_n in_o the_o world_n if_o once_o we_o grant_v the_o final_a judgement_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o orderly_a to_o private_a person_n and_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o every_o one_o practice_n i_o must_v beg_v leave_n of_o the_o people_n to_o judge_v with_o plato_n nullun_n sensus_fw-la privatus_fw-la rerum_fw-la mensura_fw-la est_fw-la i_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o god_n but_o public_a authority_n only_o what_o be_v expedient_a and_o i_o think_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o advise_v before_o we_o either_o give_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n viz._n necessary_a thing_n to_o caesar_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n that_o be_v thing_n expedient_a to_o the_o people_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o people_n a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n the_o guide_n and_o measure_n of_o every_o one_o action_n viz._n to_o discern_v what_o god_n say_v in_o thing_n necessary_a and_o what_o humane_a authority_n say_v in_o thing_n expedient_a and_o to_o obey_v both_o but_o for_o the_o people_n to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o bible_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v necessary_a and_o what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v expedient_a i_o fear_v be_v folly_n and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n where_o god_n command_v and_o man_n forbid_v or_o where_o god_n forbid_v and_o man_n command_v we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o supremacy_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n but_o where_o god_n be_v silent_a and_o man_n command_v obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n be_v far_o better_a have_v more_o of_o religion_n and_o order_n in_o it_o then_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o net_n of_o our_o private_a reason_n for_o thing_n more_o expedient_a jesus_n christ_n have_v fix_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n all_o the_o essential_o of_o his_o father_n worship_n leave_v the_o circumstance_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n as_o thing_n too_o small_a to_o engage_v the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o church_n as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o this_o regard_n in_o that_o common_a say_n non_fw-la vacat_fw-la exiguis_fw-la rebus_fw-la etc._n etc._n hereupon_o calvin_n conclude_v haec_fw-la indifferentia_fw-la 43._o inst_z it_z lib._n 4_o 7_o 43._o sunt_fw-la &_o in_o ecclesiae_fw-la libertate_fw-la posita_fw-la indifferent_a thing_n thing_n not_o decide_v by_o god_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n not_o in_o the_o liberty_n of_o every_o member_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o be_v not_o calvin_n meaning_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o deny_v that_o liberty_n to_o the_o people_n and_o give_v they_o particular_a order_n himself_o than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a in_o scripture_n consult_v agit_fw-fr qui_fw-la praecepto_fw-la legis_fw-la obtemperat_fw-la say_v the_o civilian_n and_o no_o doubt_n when_o it_o be_v not_o sin_n it_o be_v wisdom_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n it_o be_v seasonable_a to_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o to_o practice_v too_o leges_fw-la hominum_fw-la non_fw-la homines_fw-la legum_fw-la dominos_fw-la esse_fw-la oportet_fw-la it_o be_v fit_a that_o law_n shall_v govern_v man_n than_o that_o man_n private_a man_n every_o private_a man_n shall_v govern_v the_o law_n still_o i_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o thing_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n for_o than_o we_o be_v pre-obliged_n by_o a_o high_a law_n which_o supersede_v the_o low_a and_o not_o we_o but_o god_n contradict_v such_o law_n of_o man_n as_o be_v against_o his_o own_o but_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v leave_v to_o man_n and_o they_o command_v we_o for_o we_o out_o of_o a_o pretend_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o object_v inconvenience_n and_o inexpedience_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n savour_v but_o little_a of_o either_o judgement_n or_o discretion_n but_o that_o i_o may_v offer_v all_o fair_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o great_a scruple_n i_o crave_v leave_n to_o admit_v the_o private_a conscience_n into_o the_o chair_n and_o then_o the_o case_n stand_v thus_o case_n whether_o any_o thing_n that_o in_o our_o private_a judgement_n be_v unfit_a and_o inconvenient_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v warrantable_o practise_v by_o we_o when_o command_v thereunto_o by_o authority_n resol_n i_o will_v be_v very_o far_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o wind_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o plain_a reader_n into_o any_o needless_a intricacy_n in_o this_o practical_a case_n yet_o i_o must_v presume_v a_o little_a upon_o he_o to_o make_v way_n for_o my_o answer_n hereunto_o by_o a_o few_o plain_a distinction_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o fitness_n or_o expedience_n with_o respect_n to_o governor_n or_o private_a person_n their_o command_n or_o our_o obedience_n whence_o arise_v two_o great_a case_n that_o must_v be_v distinguish_v and_o not_o confound_v 1._o what_o be_v fit_a for_o authority_n to_o require_v 2._o what_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o do_v no_o question_n our_o ruler_n may_v possible_o require_v that_o which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v require_v and_o consequent_o that_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o require_v and_o such_o their_o imposition_n
and_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n another_o great_a part_n of_o the_o say_a liberty_n that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o may_v without_o sin_n obey_v their_o ruler_n in_o such_o determination_n it_o be_v most_o worthy_o observe_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o freedom_n as_o christian_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n in_o our_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 20_o 22._o public_a capacity_n and_o yet_o servant_n in_o our_o private_a our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v not_o infringe_v by_o our_o outward_a duty_n moreover_o that_o for_o the_o good_a of_o society_n the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o from_o legal_a penalty_n for_o our_o maintenance_n and_o livelihood_n we_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n and_o law_n of_o man_n i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o very_a valuable_a part_n of_o our_o liberty_n also_o provide_v nothing_o be_v require_v or_o act_v against_o the_o supremacy_n of_o our_o lord_n paramount_n in_o heaven_n but_o let_v we_o a_o little_a more_o 23._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 20_o 21_o 23._o distinct_o consider_v the_o apostle_n let_v every_o one_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n private_a wherein_o he_o be_v call_v that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v thou_o call_v a_o servant_n etc._n etc._n whence_o brief_o note_n 1._o be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v christian_n call_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n 2._o do_v not_o the_o text_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o liberty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v be_v true_o consistent_a with_o the_o condition_n in_o which_o we_o be_v call_v otherwise_o why_o shall_v we_o abide_v in_o it_o 3._o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o all_o person_n call_v to_o be_v christian_n except_o supreme_a magistrate_n a_o state_n of_o subjection_n and_o servitude_n 4._o do_v it_o not_o than_o most_o clear_o follow_v that_o christian_a liberty_n consist_v with_o and_o oblige_v unto_o all_o kind_a of_o duty_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o governor_n to_o father_n master_n husband_n as_o the_o very_a quaker_n acknowledge_v pastor_n king_n and_o to_o god_n himself_o as_o all_o good_a christian_n have_v cause_n to_o glory_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o firm_a bond_n and_o tie_n imaginable_a of_o wrath_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o lord_n sake_n nam_fw-la etsi_fw-la conscientias_fw-la proprie_fw-la solus_fw-la deus_fw-la â—igâ—â—_n etc._n etc._n for_o say_v beza_n although_o 20._o bez._n ep_v 20._o god_n alone_o can_v proper_o bind_v the_o conscience_n yet_o so_o fat_a as_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o thereby_o to_o edification_n do_v right_o enjoin_v or_o make_v law_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a those_o same_o law_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o pious_a person_n and_o they_o do_v so_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n as_o that_o no_o man_n sciens_fw-la &_o prudens_fw-la &_o rebellandi_fw-la animo_fw-la witting_o and_o willing_o with_o a_o purpose_n to_o disobey_v can_v either_o do_v what_o be_v so_o forbid_a or_o omit_v what_o be_v so_o command_v absque_fw-la peccato_fw-la without_o sin_n case_n iii_o what_o be_v we_o to_o do_v in_o case_n such_o thing_n be_v command_v we_o as_o though_o we_o judge_v they_o lawful_a yet_o other_o judge_v they_o sinful_a and_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o our_o do_v of_o they_o resol_n we_o have_v already_o consider_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v if_o thing_n sinful_a in_o themselves_o or_o judge_v so_o by_o we_o be_v enjoin_v we_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o ultimate_a scruple_n touch_v the_o offence_n that_o other_o may_v be_v likely_a to_o take_v at_o our_o practice_n who_o conceive_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v sin_v if_o we_o do_v they_o and_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o scruple_n be_v evident_o ground_v in_o the_o apostle_n direction_n about_o scandal_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o use_v our_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o weak_a brother_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o great_a and_o present_a doubt_n we_o must_v have_v liberty_n a_o little_a to_o distinguish_v 1._o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o the_o object_n of_o scandal_n it_o may_v be_v such_o as_o offend_v only_o one_o way_n and_o it_o may_v be_v such_o as_o offend_v both_o way_n that_o be_v first_o the_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n may_v offend_v some_o when_o the_o not_o do_v of_o it_o offend_v none_o this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o take_n of_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n be_v apt_a to_o offend_v the_o weak_a brethren_n but_o the_o not_o eat_v of_o such_o meat_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o offend_v any_o body_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o eat_v to_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o in_o some_o case_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o offence_n whether_o we_o do_v the_o thing_n or_o whether_o we_o do_v it_o not_o as_o in_o case_n of_o conformity_n our_o very_a case_n some_z you_o say_v that_o be_v weak_a will_v be_v offend_v if_o we_o do_v conform_v and_o you_o can_v say_v but_o that_o some_o who_o you_o judge_v weak_a also_o will_v be_v offend_v if_o we_o do_v not_o now_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n see_v i_o must_v do_v one_o or_o other_o conform_a or_o not_o but_o to_o fly_v to_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o polanus_fw-la and_o to_o consider_v the_o person_n offend_v on_o both_o side_n and_o to_o weigh_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n hereupon_o we_o must_v rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o issue_n where_o most_o and_o of_o most_o consideration_n be_v offend_v and_o where_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n be_v most_o heinous_a there_o we_o must_v forbear_v to_o use_v our_o liberty_n and_o either_o do_v or_o not_o do_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n let_v we_o then_o apply_v and_o faithful_o answer_v ourselves_o whether_o the_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n that_o will_v offend_v our_o weak_a brethren_n be_v likely_a to_o offend_v more_o person_n and_o person_n of_o more_o consideration_n and_o give_v offence_n of_o a_o more_o heinous_a nature_n than_o the_o not_o do_v of_o that_o lawful_a thing_n against_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n here_o seem_v to_o be_v three_o branch_n of_o the_o comparison_n 1._o where_o more_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v offend_v 2._o where_o more_o considerable_a person_n 3._o where_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n be_v foul_a true_o i_o sober_o think_v that_o conformity_n in_o such_o lawful_a thing_n need_v not_o fear_v to_o compare_v with_o non_fw-fr conformity_n in_o any_o one_o of_o these_o three_o 1._o if_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n be_v likely_a to_o offend_v most_o individual_a person_n in_o the_o nation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o answer_v it_o be_v possible_a the_o impose_v of_o such_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d offend_v many_o more_o than_o tâ—â—_n not_o practise_v but_o when_o thing_n be_v once_o impose_v so_o wise_a a_o nation_n will_v i_o conceive_v leave_v little_a room_n for_o the_o comparison_n betwixt_o the_o extent_n of_o scandal_n by_o obedience_n and_o by_o disobedience_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o if_o the_o question_n be_v touch_v the_o considerableness_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o obedience_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v likely_a to_o stir_v up_o trouble_n envy_n discontent_a &_o murmur_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n but_o whether_o as_o to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o ordinary_a sort_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a will_v hardly_o brook_v 〈◊〉_d inquiry_n whereas_o our_o disobedience_n beside_o the_o offence_n of_o ordinary_a people_n be_v too_o likely_a to_o offend_v the_o king_n the_o court_n the_o council_n the_o parliament_n the_o bishop_n the_o lawyer_n the_o nobility_n the_o gentry_n or_o beyond_o controversy_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o all_o but_o even_o thus_o far_o the_o argument_n be_v invincible_a à _fw-la minore_fw-la ad_fw-la majus_n if_o we_o must_v forbear_v our_o liberty_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n to_o our_o weak_a brother_n much_o more_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n to_o authority_n 3._o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n also_o on_o both_o side_n where_o first_o we_o may_v compare_v the_o offence_n on_o both_o side_n with_o the_o offence_n the_o apostle_n mention_n and_o then_o weigh_v they_o one_o against_o another_o 1._o first_o compare_v the_o scandal_n likely_a to_o happen_v upon_o our_o obedience_n with_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o great_a difference_n the_o scandal_n mention_v