scripture_n who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n now_o here_o i_o only_o ask_v where_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v forbid_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o by_o himself_o command_v or_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v either_o by_o general_n or_o particular_a law_n for_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v show_v there_o can_v be_v no_o colour_n for_o this_o pretence_n and_o we_o be_v sufficient_o sure_a that_o no_o such_o place_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o to_o all_o the_o essential_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o perfect_a rule_n but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a 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except_v against_o and_o then_o obtrude_v it_o upon_o this_o nation_n as_o be_v do_v at_o geneva_n and_o some_o other_o place_n but_o they_o wise_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o reject_v what_o the_o romanist_n have_v add_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christian_n lay_v aside_o their_o novel_a invention_n usurpation_n and_o unwritten_a tradition_n there_o will_v remain_v the_o pure_a simple_a primitive_a christianity_n such_o as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v thus_o degenerate_v nor_o have_v we_o any_o thing_n of_o popery_n leave_v among_o we_o but_o what_o the_o papist_n have_v leave_v among_o they_o of_o primitive_a religion_n and_o worship_n as_o we_o must_v not_o receive_v the_o evil_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o good_a so_o neither_o must_v we_o reject_v the_o good_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o evil_n in_o our_o church_n we_o pray_v neither_o to_o saint_n nor_o angel_n nor_o the_o virgin_n mary_n our_o liturgy_n be_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n we_o deny_v the_o laity_n no_o part_n of_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o offer_v no_o mass_n sacrifice_n nor_o worship_n image_n or_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n we_o have_v not_o one_o doctrine_n or_o ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o we_o that_o be_v pure_o popish_a but_o we_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o sacred_a venerable_a and_o useful_a thing_n in_o our_o religion_n if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o our_o forbear_v any_o thing_n because_o the_o papist_n abuse_v it_o this_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o plain_a rule_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o our_o conscience_n not_o wilful_o to_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o avoid_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n what_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o what_o ever_o else_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a divine_a law_n about_o to_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n peace_n and_o charity_n this_o one_o rule_n and_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v a_o very_a reasonable_a one_o will_v soon_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o squabble_n and_o jangle_n about_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n 5._o in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n we_o must_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v any_o public_a constitution_n that_o will_v be_v every_o way_n unexceptionable_a the_o best_a policy_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a that_o can_v be_v establish_v will_v have_v some_o flaw_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v bear_v and_o tolerate_v some_o inconvenience_n will_v in_o process_n of_o time_n arise_v that_o never_o can_v be_v foresee_v or_o provide_v against_o and_o to_o make_v
uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o dread_a of_o displease_v god_n but_o some_o other_o bye_n end_n or_o interest_n that_o act_n and_o move_v such_o a_o person_n and_o in_o plead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o downright_a hypocrite_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o punctual_a and_o critical_a in_o his_o conformity_n to_o all_o the_o appoint_a ceremony_n and_o usage_n in_o our_o church_n let_v he_o constant_o attend_v god_n solemn_a worship_n and_o behave_v himself_o most_o reverent_o and_o decent_o at_o the_o public_a prayer_n yet_o if_o this_o man_n be_v profane_a and_o intemperate_a a_o derider_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o godliness_n if_o he_o live_v loose_o and_o at_o random_n all_o his_o regular_a devotion_n all_o his_o bow_n and_o kneel_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n all_o his_o niceness_n about_o his_o worship_n to_o perform_v it_o in_o the_o most_o orderly_a manner_n all_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o church_n shall_v avail_v he_o nothing_o he_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi wash_v the_o outside_n whilst_o he_o be_v within_o full_a of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o uncleanness_n to_o be_v so_o concern_v about_o little_a thing_n whilst_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o great_a be_v the_o most_o evident_a sign_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o false_a christian_n and_o have_v it_o not_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n that_o such_o a_o mighty_a scrupulosity_n about_o our_o duty_n have_v prove_v a_o very_a successful_a way_n of_o grow_v great_a or_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o give_v man_n so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a and_o unwary_a so_o that_o i_o have_v know_v it_o advise_v as_o a_o useful_a caution_n to_o those_o that_o will_v live_v in_o the_o world_n always_o to_o stand_v upon_o your_o guard_n and_o look_v to_o your_o pocket_n when_o you_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o great_a tenderness_n and_o exactness_n than_o other_o undoubted_o sober_a and_o honest_a christian_n general_o do_v 3._o where_o person_n be_v true_o honest_a and_o mean_a well_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a than_o such_o unreasonable_a scruple_n about_o thing_n lawful_a this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o intolerable_a disturbance_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o breed_v great_a anxiety_n and_o inquietude_n when_o person_n be_v continual_o shiver_v and_o tremble_v lest_o by_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v they_o incur_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o it_o certain_o disable_v a_o man_n from_o perform_v his_o necessary_a duty_n he_o be_v likely_a to_o make_v but_o a_o slow_a progress_n in_o his_o journey_n who_o instead_o of_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o his_o way_n be_v frequent_o at_o a_o stand_n doubt_v which_o foot_n he_o shall_v set_v forward_o or_o what_o particular_a path_n he_o shall_v choose_v this_o rob_v man_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o find_v in_o religion_n whilst_o they_o be_v daily_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o untie_v knot_n which_o themselves_o only_o have_v fasten_v scruple_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a when_o once_o we_o attend_v to_o and_o entertain_v they_o like_o the_o plague_n of_o fly_n among_o the_o egyptian_n will_v be_v constant_o buzz_v in_o our_o ear_n and_o torment_v we_o with_o their_o impertinency_n till_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o distrust_v every_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o belong_v to_o ordinary_a civility_n no_o recreation_n we_o can_v use_v no_o clothes_n we_o can_v wear_v no_o discourse_n we_o can_v hold_v with_o other_o no_o conversation_n we_o can_v maintain_v or_o business_n which_o we_o transact_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o shall_v raise_v some_o trifle_a objection_n or_o scruple_n about_o it_o which_o will_v make_v our_o condition_n continual_o uneasy_a and_o restless_a for_o 4._o these_o scruple_n be_v infinite_a and_o endless_a for_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o very_a little_a and_o inconsiderable_a reason_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v but_o some_o small_a exception_n may_v be_v start_v against_o it_o which_o may_v soon_o puzzle_v and_o confound_v the_o more_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o christian_n thus_o he_o that_o scruple_n a_o minister_n officiate_a in_o a_o white_a garment_n may_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o his_o do_v it_o in_o black_a and_o then_o he_o proceed_v against_o any_o solemn_a distinct_a habit_n and_o at_o last_o against_o the_o office_n of_o minister_n it_o self_n and_o tell_v you_o all_o god_n people_n be_v holy_a and_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v a_o royal_a priesthood_n and_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o teacher_n for_o we_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n from_o scruple_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n man_n have_v soon_o come_v to_o question_v infant_n baptism_n itself_o they_o have_v at_o first_o perchance_o dislike_v only_o some_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n of_o humane_a appointment_n but_o thence_o they_o have_v go_v on_o to_o deny_v all_o outward_a bodily_a reverence_n and_o think_v it_o not_o expedient_a to_o pull_v off_o their_o hat_n in_o church_n than_o not_o to_o do_v it_o before_o magistrate_n at_o last_o not_o at_o all_o and_o thus_o by_o give_v place_n to_o such_o little_a scruple_n they_o become_v afraid_a of_o speak_v look_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n like_o other_o men._n this_o be_v notorious_a among_o we_o those_o who_o have_v take_v offence_n at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n and_o have_v thereupon_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o associate_v themselves_o with_o a_o pure_a congregation_n have_v soon_o dislike_v something_o among_o they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o will_v reform_v themselves_o far_a and_o after_o that_o refine_v themselves_o more_o still_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v sink_v down_o either_o into_o quakerism_n popery_n or_o atheism_n this_o do_v not_o only_o now_o and_o then_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v the_o probable_a effect_n of_o embrace_v and_o cherish_v such_o scruple_n that_o man_n go_v on_o scruple_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n 5._o last_o this_o needless_a scruple_v of_o lawful_a thing_n have_v do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n a_o church_n reform_v according_a to_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a pattern_n by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n in_o which_o even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o sober_a and_o most_o considerable_a of_o our_o dissenter_n nothing_o be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v sinful_a yet_o how_o be_v she_o rend_v and_o tear_v mangle_a and_o divide_v how_o have_v she_o be_v assault_v undermine_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v the_o second_o time_n overthrow_v upon_o the_o account_n only_o of_o habit_n and_o gesture_n and_o particular_a form_n rite_n and_o modes_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n with_o which_o some_o man_n be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v or_o please_v which_o they_o judge_v may_v be_v better_o do_v and_o order_v another_o way_n or_o which_o they_o rather_o will_v have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n that_o every_o man_n may_v do_v therein_o according_a to_o his_o own_o discretion_n or_o opinion_n in_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v agree_v we_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n believe_v in_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n the_o same_o common_a interest_n our_o sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o main_n be_v right_o administer_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n our_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n which_o respect_v chief_o outward_a order_n and_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n against_o which_o man_n have_v receive_v strange_a prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o clamour_n against_o the_o church_n and_o have_v open_o separate_v from_o its_o communion_n as_o if_o by_o renounce_v of_o popery_n we_o have_v only_o exchange_v one_o idolatrous_a service_n for_o another_o about_o these_o skirt_n and_o border_n the_o dress_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v all_o our_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n and_o these_o difference_n have_v proceed_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o beget_v immortal_a feud_n and_o animosity_n to_o break_v and_o crumble_v we_o into_o little_a party_n and_o fraction_n whereby_o mutual_a edification_n his_o hinder_v our_o common_a religion_n suffer_v reproach_n the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o encourage_v public_a peace_n endanger_v and_o brotherly_a love_n the_o badge_n of_o
christ_n disciple_n quite_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o miserable_a distraction_n among_o we_o upon_o such_o frivolous_a account_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n to_o all_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o forebode_n great_a evil_n impendent_a over_o our_o church_n and_o state_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v fight_v more_o successful_o against_o religion_n under_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n than_o under_o any_o other_o disguise_n whatever_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n have_v by_o various_a way_n and_o mean_v all_o along_o contrive_v and_o endeavour_v to_o defeat_v the_o design_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v in_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n manifest_v itself_o for_o the_o encourage_n and_o promote_a of_o true_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n so_o have_v the_o devil_n always_o be_v at_o work_n to_o oppose_v what_o he_o can_v find_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o hinder_v the_o good_a effect_n of_o god_n kindness_n towards_o we_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n dethrone_v his_o kingdom_n overthrow_v and_o the_o last_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n be_v use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o man_n out_o of_o his_o snare_n and_o power_n when_o therefore_o he_o perceive_v that_o by_o all_o the_o grievous_a persecution_n he_o raise_v against_o the_o church_n it_o spread_v only_o so_o much_o the_o fast_o that_o at_o last_o the_o whole_a heathen_a idolatry_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v shameful_o expel_v out_o of_o his_o temple_n and_o from_o his_o altar_n his_o oracle_n silence_v and_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n prevail_v every_o where_o he_o than_o betake_v himself_o to_o his_o old_a serpentine_a art_n of_o dissimulation_n since_o he_o can_v no_o long_o oppose_v christ_n kingdom_n by_o open_a war_n he_o resolve_v to_o turn_v christian_a and_o to_o set_v up_o for_o christ_n deputy_n and_o substitute_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o fight_v against_o christian_n under_o christ_n banner_n and_o by_o adulterate_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o spoil_v it_o of_o all_o its_o efficacy_n to_o introduce_v his_o old_a heathen_a rite_n and_o idolatrous_a ceremony_n as_o unwritten_a tradition_n from_o christ_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o under_o his_o name_n and_o pretend_a authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o that_o cruelty_n oppression_n and_o fraud_n which_o be_v so_o please_v to_o his_o own_o infernal_a nature_n hope_v to_o burn_v destroy_v root_n out_o all_o true_a christian_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n under_o colour_n of_o propagate_a the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o enlarge_n christ_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n when_o christendom_n have_v long_o groan_v under_o this_o miserable_a tyranny_n it_o please_v god_n in_o many_o place_n of_o europe_n but_o especial_o here_o in_o england_n to_o set_v on_o foot_n a_o reformation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v happy_o and_o peaceable_o accomplish_v among_o we_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o countenance_n of_o public_a authority_n and_o the_o wise_a counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o our_o reverend_a bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n to_o nip_v this_o in_o the_o bud_n the_o devil_n raise_v that_o sharp_a persecution_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n in_o which_o our_o first_o reformer_n glorious_o seal_v what_o they_o have_v do_v with_o their_o blood_n but_o this_o prove_v ineffectual_a that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o our_o reformation_n himself_o will_v turn_v reformer_n too_o a_o great_a cry_n be_v soon_o raise_v against_o our_o church_n as_o not_o sufficient_o purge_v from_o popery_n our_o bishop_n our_o prayer_n our_o ceremony_n be_v all_o antichristian_a and_o it_o be_v not_o long_o before_o all_o minister_n tithe_n temple_n and_o the_o university_n too_o be_v condemn_v as_o such_o and_o god_n know_v they_o have_v well_o nigh_o reform_v away_o all_o learning_n true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o pare_n off_o all_o superfluity_n have_v grievous_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o insomuch_o that_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o some_o of_o those_o who_o now_o dissent_v from_o we_o do_v then_o camplain_v that_o professor_n of_o religion_n do_v open_o oppose_v and_o deride_v almost_o all_o that_o service_n of_o god_n out_o of_o conscience_n which_o other_o man_n use_v to_o do_v out_o of_o profaneness_n and_o what_o infinite_a mischief_n this_o rash_a and_o intemperate_a zeal_n for_o reform_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n have_v do_v to_o our_o church_n and_o nation_n if_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o last_o age_n will_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v man_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o any_o discourse_n shall_v we_o little_o consider_v who_o interest_n we_o thus_o serve_v and_o promote_v we_o do_v his_o work_n who_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o srife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o one_o can_v tell_v who_o that_o be_v and_o where_o he_o reign_v to_o be_v sure_a by_o these_o uncharitable_a separation_n we_o high_o gratify_v the_o common_a eenemy_n who_o great_a design_n and_o policy_n it_o have_v all_o along_o be_v by_o the_o folly_n and_o invincible_a scruple_n of_o protestant_a dissenter_n to_o weaken_v and_o by_o degree_n pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o then_o we_o all_o become_v a_o become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o rome_n if_o any_o now_o tell_v i_o that_o to_o prevent_v this_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n that_o arise_v from_o our_o division_n it_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o scruple_n which_o they_o can_v well_o do_v since_o no_o one_o can_v at_o any_o time_n think_v or_o believe_v as_o he_o will_v as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o imposition_n themselves_o the_o matter_n scruple_v at_o shall_v be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o and_o then_o peace_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v better_o secure_v to_o this_o i_o only_o answer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o now_o consider_v thing_n as_o they_o at_o present_a stand_n among_o we_o we_o have_v a_o church_n settle_a and_o establish_v by_o law_n in_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a be_v enjoin_v what_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o governor_n and_o superior_n be_v how_o far_o they_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n or_o scruple_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v that_o be_v another_o question_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o but_o i_o consider_v now_o only_o what_o private_a member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o do_v and_o then_o i_o say_v scruple_v the_o use_n of_o some_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n will_v not_o justify_v our_o leave_v it_o nay_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o it_o be_v our_o best_a and_o safe_a course_n to_o submit_v and_o comply_v with_o such_o order_n notwithstanding_o our_o scruple_n but_o i_o add_v 2._o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o constitution_n of_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v alter_v because_o some_o thing_n be_v scruple_v in_o it_o there_o never_o can_v be_v a_o settle_a church_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n stand_v for_o since_o there_o will_v be_v always_o a_o difference_n in_o man_n understanding_n and_o temper_n some_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a other_o peevish_a and_o proud_a there_o will_v consequent_o be_v many_o that_o shall_v scruple_n and_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o best_a and_o most_o innocent_a constitution_n and_o if_o the_o ceremony_n now_o in_o use_n among_o we_o have_v not_o be_v retain_v at_o our_o first_o reformation_n those_o very_a person_n who_o be_v now_o so_o much_o dissatisfy_v with_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o will_v perhaps_o have_v be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v have_v then_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o of_o which_o we_o have_v this_o notorious_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n in_o the_o late_a time_n when_o our_o church_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n when_o none_o of_o those_o ceremony_n or_o form_n which_o be_v now_o object_v against_o be_v impose_v or_o common_o use_v yet_o even_o then_o be_v man_n gather_v congregation_n out_o of_o congregation_n purify_n and_o reform_v still_o further_o scruple_n increase_v sect_n and_o division_n upon_o they_o multiply_v and_o never_o such_o distraction_n and_o confusion_n in_o religion_n as_o in_o those_o day_n and_o without_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n one_o may_v foretell_v that_o if_o what_o be_v principal_o find_v fault_n with_o in_o our_o church_n be_v now_o abolish_v yet_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o scruple_n will_v at_o least_o in_o
alteration_n upon_o every_o emergent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v often_o of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o the_o evil_n we_o pretend_v to_o cure_v by_o it_o let_v the_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o government_n discipline_n public_a worship_n be_v most_o exact_a and_o blameless_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v fault_n in_o governor_n and_o minister_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o man_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o this_o world_n a_o church_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n that_o consist_v only_o of_o saint_n in_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v amiss_o especial_o by_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o the_o catch_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o advantage_n against_o it_o if_o man_n will_v scruple_n and_o reform_v as_o long_o as_o any_o thing_n remain_v which_o they_o can_v object_v against_o they_o must_v even_o come_v at_o last_o as_o a_o reverend_a person_n of_o our_o church_n have_v observe_v to_o the_o state_n of_o that_o miserable_a man_n who_o leave_v all_o humane_a society_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v defile_v with_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o at_o last_o cut_v out_o the_o content_n of_o chapter_n and_o title_n of_o book_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n because_o they_o be_v humane_a invention_n add_v to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n man_n must_v be_v willing_a if_o ever_o they_o will_v promote_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o put_v candid_a construction_n and_o favourable_a interpretation_n upon_o thing_n to_o take_v they_o by_o the_o best_a handle_n and_o not_o strain_v thing_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v cavil_v the_o more_o plausible_o and_o raise_v more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o they_o we_o must_v not_o make_v personal_a accidental_a fault_n nor_o any_o thing_n a_o pretence_n for_o our_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o arise_v only_o from_o the_o necessary_a condition_n and_o temper_n of_o all_o humane_a affair_n that_o nothing_o here_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a 6._o and_o last_o if_o you_o can_v by_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a consideration_n not_o now_o to_o be_v mention_v get_v rid_v of_o and_o conquer_v your_o scruple_n then_o be_v advise_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o to_o throw_v they_o out_o of_o your_o mind_n as_o dangerous_a temptation_n and_o act_v positive_o against_o they_o but_o here_o i_o easy_o imagine_v some_o ready_a present_o to_o ask_v i_o do_v you_o persuade_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o think_v this_o the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o such_o scrupulous_a person_n it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a infinite_a thing_n and_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n will_v be_v altogether_o unpracticable_a if_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o suspend_v join_v himself_o to_o it_o till_o he_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o expediency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v require_v or_o be_v in_o use_n in_o that_o church_n for_o indeed_o private_a person_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n proper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o convenient_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-government_n discipline_n or_o public_a worship_n no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o matter_n of_o state_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n common_a people_n general_o have_v neither_o patience_n to_o consider_v nor_o judgement_n to_o weigh_v all_o circumstance_n nor_o wisdom_n to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v best_a these_o thing_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n belong_v only_o to_o our_o superior_n and_o governor_n and_o if_o they_o appoint_v what_o be_v unfit_a indecent_a or_o inconvenient_a they_o only_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o join_v with_o such_o worship_n or_o yield_v to_o such_o injunction_n not_o plain_o sinful_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n i_o know_v therefore_o no_o better_o rule_n for_o the_o direct_n and_o quiet_v man_n conscience_n than_o this_o that_o as_o to_o all_o such_o matter_n as_o relate_v to_o public_a order_n and_o decent_a administration_n of_o god_n worship_n they_o shall_v without_o any_o superstitious_a fearfulness_n comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o nor_o curious_o examine_v what_o be_v best_a and_o fit_a as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o enjoin_v or_o do_v which_o after_o due_a enquiry_n appear_v to_o we_o contrary_a to_o any_o law_n of_o god_n thus_o st._n augustin_n direct_v we_o in_o that_o often_o quote_v place_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o know_v no_o better_a course_n for_o a_o serious_a prudent_a christian_n to_o take_v in_o matter_n of_o rite_n and_o custom_n than_o to_o follow_v the_o church_n example_n where_o he_o be_v for_o whatsoever_o be_v prescribe_v neither_o against_o faith_n or_o manner_n be_v a_o matter_n in_o its_o self_n indifferent_a and_o to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o he_o live_v among_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o counsel_n st._n ambrose_n bishop_n of_o milan_n give_v he_o when_o he_o be_v send_v by_o his_o mother_n to_o inquire_v his_o judgement_n about_o the_o saturday_n fast_o when_o i_o be_o at_o rome_n say_v the_o bishop_n i_o faâ—t_v on_o the_o sabbath_n but_o at_o milan_n i_o do_v not_o so_o thou_o likewise_o when_o thou_o come_v to_o any_o church_n observe_v its_o custom_n if_o thou_o will_v neither_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o be_v so_o to_o thou_o which_o st._n augustin_n ever_o after_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o oracle_n from_o heaven_n i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o encourage_v man_n to_o venture_v blindfold_a on_o sin_n or_o to_o neglect_v any_o reasonable_a care_n of_o their_o action_n but_o if_o people_n raise_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n they_o can_v start_v before_o they_o proceed_v to_o a_o resolution_n about_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o manifest_a impiety_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v plain_o nor_o by_o any_o easy_a consequence_n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o can_v but_o occasion_v infinite_a perplexity_n and_o trouble_v to_o man_n mind_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v with_o a_o safe_a and_o quiet_a conscience_n shall_v all_o those_o that_o have_v some_o little_a argument_n against_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n puzzle_v themselves_o with_o the_o objection_n usual_o urge_v against_o infant_n baptism_n and_o defer_v baptise_v their_o child_n till_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v about_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n will_v soon_o be_v as_o much_o scruple_v at_o as_o the_o cross_v they_o now_o be_v but_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a evil_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o it_o be_v no_o where_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n this_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o what_o we_o do_v before_o we_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v require_v that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n because_o by_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n we_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o and_o condemn_v it_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v upon_o light_n and_o doubtful_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v thus_o full_o satisfy_v about_o our_o conformity_n to_o all_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n we_o may_v presume_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a unless_o they_o plain_o appear_v to_o we_o otherwise_o the_o judicious_a and_o learned_a bishop_n sanderson_n thus_o express_v it_o in_o his_o four_o sermon_n ad_fw-la clerum_fw-la the_o law_n take_v every_o man_n for_o a_o good_a man_n and_o true_a till_o his_o truth_n and_o honesty_n be_v legal_o disprove_v and_o as_o our_o saviour_n sometime_o say_v he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v for_o we_o so_o in_o these_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o those_o ceremony_n that_o for_o order_n sake_n and_o to_o add_v the_o great_a solemnity_n to_o sacred_a action_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v which_o can_v be_v show_v by_o good_a evidence_n either_o of_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o any_o one_o be_v afraid_a that_o this_o principle_n once_o imbibe_v will_v introduce_v popery_n make_v people_n greedy_o swallow_v and_o without_o any_o examination_n submit_v to_o every_o thing_n their_o superior_n please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o let_v he_o only_o consider_v which_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o popish_a worship_n and_o religion_n manifest_o evil_a and_o forbid_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n which_o render_v our_o