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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
power_n authority_n bishop_n presbyter_n 4,112 5 10.2023 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59907 A vindication of the rights of ecclesiastical authority being an answer to the first part of the Protestant reconciler / by Will. Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1685 (1685) Wing S3379; ESTC R21191 238,170 475

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he_o without_o his_o consent_n for_o i_o doubt_v church-authority_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o such_o matter_n which_o be_v pure_o civil_a and_o secular_a and_o though_o when_o such_o thing_n be_v high_o expedient_a for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o bishop_n have_v authority_n to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v and_o that_o man_n sin_n who_o disobey_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o object_n of_o church-censure_n and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n no_o more_o than_o when_o man_n refuse_v to_o do_v some_o pious_a or_o charitable_a act_n at_o the_o bishop_n request_n philemon_n obligation_n to_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v his_o spiritual_a father_n who_o have_v convert_v he_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n give_v he_o a_o peculiar_a authority_n over_o he_o but_o the_o bare_a apostolical_a authority_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o man_n fortune_n and_o servant_n which_o in_o those_o day_n be_v part_n of_o their_o estate_n 3._o in_o those_o thing_n where_o god_n have_v 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of_o it_o that_o this_o be_v too_o subject_a to_o abuse_v and_o that_o it_o give_v a_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n and_o a_o authority_n over_o man_n estate_n and_o fortune_n which_o be_v good_a argument_n only_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o bishop_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v his_o people_n to_o such_o expense_n as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o ornament_n of_o religion_n but_o suppose_v devout_a people_n liberal_o contribute_v to_o such_o pious_a use_n if_o his_o authority_n and_o commission_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o ornament_n he_o must_v not_o receive_v their_o money_n nor_o adorn_v the_o church_n with_o it_o if_o he_o may_v than_o his_o authority_n extend_v to_o ornament_n though_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o man_n estate_n for_o he_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o
significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o any_o other_o church_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o bishop_n do_v not_o think_v so_o and_o when_o the_o reconciler_n allege_v the_o bishop_n authority_n as_o well_o as_o argument_n against_o we_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v urge_v his_o argument_n no_o far_o than_o he_o himself_o do_v or_o to_o have_v tell_v his_o reader_n what_o exception_n the_o bishop_n make_v and_o leave_v it_o to_o he_o to_o judge_v whether_o the_o exception_n be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a or_o not_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n will_v have_v make_v some_o little_a difference_n as_o the_o bishop_n do_v between_o such_o significant_a ceremony_n as_o be_v withal_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n and_o receive_v their_o decency_n from_o their_o signification_n and_o such_o ceremony_n as_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o only_o entertain_v a_o childish_a fancy_n with_o some_o theatrical_a show_n and_o arbitrary_a image_n and_o figure_n of_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o bishop_n there_o speak_v and_o indeed_o all_o his_o other_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n be_v as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n because_o none_o of_o they_o concern_v the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v our_o present_a dispute_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v from_o thence_o learn_v what_o the_o bishop_n judgement_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n as_o to_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o these_o argument_n as_o he_o call_v they_o take_v out_o of_o bishop_n tailor_n be_v ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la his_o first_o argument_n be_v patch_v up_o of_o two_o say_n 212._o at_o the_o distance_n of_o fifteen_o page_n from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v much_o near_o to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o book_n than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o design_n and_o signification_n he_o say_v the_o bishop_n true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o church-ruler_n his_o authority_n for_o trifle_v and_o needless_a purpose_n this_o be_v say_v in_o one_o place_n and_o to_o make_v up_o his_o argument_n he_o tack_n another_o say_v to_o it_o now_o ritual_n say_v he_o and_o external_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a appendage_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v observe_v they_o not_o that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n but_o because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o law_n the_o first_o of_o these_o say_n be_v under_o the_o three_o rule_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o necessary_a duty_n by_o a_o direct_a power_n and_o divine_a authority_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o to_o some_o necessary_a duty_n the_o instance_n the_o bishop_n give_v in_o that_o place_n be_v this_o that_o the_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o command_v his_o subject_a or_o parishioner_n to_o put_v away_o his_o concubine_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o not_o only_a sin_n by_o uncleanness_n but_o by_o disobedience_n too_o this_o sure_a be_v remote_a enough_o from_o the_o dispute_n of_o ceremony_n but_o then_o he_o prove_v that_o such_o man_n sin_n by_o disobey_v the_o bishop_n in_o such_o case_n by_o this_o argument_n among_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o church-ruler_n his_o authority_n for_o trifle_v and_o needless_a purpose_n for_o it_o be_v a_o trifle_a thing_n to_o have_v authority_n to_o command_v if_o that_o authority_n have_v no_o effect_n if_o man_n may_v disobey_v such_o command_n without_o sin_n so_o that_o these_o word_n whereby_o the_o bishop_n prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o command_v and_o that_o those_o sin_n who_o disobey_v our_o reconciler_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n because_o in_o his_o opinion_n they_o be_v trifle_v and_o needless_a thing_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o bishop_n six_o rule_n which_o be_v this_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v by_o the_o tie_n of_o religion_n not_o of_o power_n oblige_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n his_o resolution_n of_o which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o such_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a religion_n can_v be_v neglect_v by_o prince_n without_o some_o strain_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n which_o be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o choice_n of_o man_n determine_v in_o such_o a_o instance_n to_o such_o a_o specification_n but_o in_o external_o and_o ritual_n they_o have_v a_o great_a liberty_n so_o that_o every_o omission_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n in_o they_o though_o it_o may_v be_v in_o subject_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v that_o they_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a appendage_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v observe_v ritual_n because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o law_n not_o that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n since_o therefore_o these_o be_v whole_o matter_n of_o obedience_n king_n be_v free_a save_v only_o when_o they_o become_v bind_v collateral_o and_o accidental_o so_o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o external_o and_o ritual_n as_o such_o trifle_a and_o needless_a thing_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v they_o to_o which_o purpose_n our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o but_o as_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v bind_v on_o we_o only_o by_o humane_a authority_n a_o sovereign_a prince_n who_o own_v no_o high_a humane_a authority_n than_o his_o own_o be_v not_o so_o strict_o oblige_v by_o they_o as_o his_o subject_n be_v but_o may_v dispense_v with_o himself_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a these_o be_v excellent_a premise_n for_o such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o our_o reconciler_n draw_v from_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o the_o external_o or_o ritual_n of_o religion_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n find_v say_v about_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o the_o external_o and_o ritual_n of_o religion_n he_o present_o apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o except_v the_o cross_n be_v only_o decent_a circumstance_n without_o which_o or_o suchlike_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v decent_o or_o reverent_o perform_v that_o be_v without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o external_a worship_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n and_o devotion_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a what_o a_o vast_a difference_n the_o bishop_n make_v between_o these_o two_o thus_o he_o express_o do_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v 6._o and_o from_o it_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v substract_v and_o in_o christianity_n we_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o ceremony_n except_v n._n b._n the_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o very_a ministry_n as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o vessel_n and_o ornament_n and_o necessary_a appendage_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n beside_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n where_o he_o express_o distinguish_v between_o the_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o very_a ministry_n what_o be_v necessary_a or_o convenient_a for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n from_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n whereby_o he_o understand_v exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n that_o be_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o be_v distinct_a act_n themselves_o either_o institute_v as_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o he_o say_v they_o be_v intolerable_a or_o mere_o for_o signification_n and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a little_a thing_n and_o of_o very_o inconsiderable_a use_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o revelation_n evangelical_n such_o he_o reckon_v give_v milk_n and_o honey_n or_o a_o little_a wine_n to_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o present_a milk_n together_o with_o bread_n and_o wine_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o signify_v nutrition_n by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o let_v a_o pigeon_n fly_v to_o signify_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o light_v up_o candle_n to_o represent_v the_o epiphany_n to_o dress_v a_o bed_n to_o express_v the_o secret_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o prepare_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o bury_v a_o image_n to_o describe_v the_o
the_o king_n of_o england_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o law_n of_o england_n on_o italy_n or_o spain_n therefore_o he_o must_v not_o make_v law_n for_o england_n neither_o this_o our_o reconciler_n be_v aware_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o preface_n 53._o to_o strengthen_v these_o authority_n he_o ask_v this_o question_n why_o that_o agreement_n in_o fundamental_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v communion_n betwixt_o church_n disagree_v in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o doctrine_n of_o inferior_a moment_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a also_o to_o preserve_v communion_n among_o those_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n though_o disagree_v in_o like_a matter_n for_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o christian_a church_n which_o do_v thus_o differ_v shall_v be_v receive_v and_o own_v as_o christian_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o be_v because_o these_o difference_n do_v not_o hinder_v their_o be_v real_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o therefore_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o since_o the_o same_o reason_n prove_v the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o who_o differ_v only_o in_o nonfundamentals_a capable_a of_o be_v real_a christian_n and_o so_o of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n with_o we_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o christian_a brethren_n i._n e._n person_n of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o we_o if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n now_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o wonder_v our_o reconciler_n shall_v miss_v it_o for_o 1._o the_o reason_n of_o communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o hope_n one_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v whatever_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o as_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o since_o no_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o another_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o impose_v their_o own_o rule_n of_o discipline_n or_o worship_n upon_o each_o other_o but_o now_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n without_o submit_v to_o its_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n of_o worship_n though_o one_o church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o member_n and_o direct_v she_o own_o worship_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n nor_o decency_n of_o worship_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o worship_n no_o uniformity_n but_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v and_o yet_o 2._o though_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o do_v not_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o own_o church_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o distinct_a church_n shall_v communicate_v with_o each_o other_o and_o conform_v to_o each_o other_o custom_n where_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v present_a it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o two_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o will_v not_o as_o occasion_n serve_v communicate_v together_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o each_o other_o communion_n for_o calvinist_n to_o call_v the_o lutheran_n or_o lutheran_n the_o calvinist_n brethren_n but_o to_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n when_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o each_o other_o church_n this_o be_v not_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o or_o for_o a_o calvinist_n to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lutheran_n church_n or_o a_o lutheran_n in_o the_o calvinist_n but_o according_a to_o the_o rite_n of_o their_o own_o church_n not_o of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o communicate_v this_o be_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o but_o public_o to_o affront_v each_o other_o the_o only_a principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v so_o far_o to_o allow_v of_o each_o other_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o conform_v when_o occasion_n serve_v to_o such_o indifferent_a custom_n and_o usage_n though_o very_o different_a from_o their_o own_o rather_o than_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o distinct_a church_n with_o each_o other_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o submit_v to_o its_o authority_n and_o conform_v to_o its_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n for_o 3._o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o church-communion_n than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a out_o of_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o if_o nothing_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v he_o a_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o they_o will_v make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o a_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n but_o obedience_n to_o government_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a christian_n in_o church-society_n as_o they_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o form_v a_o church-society_n only_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n consider_v as_o a_o systeme_n of_o doctrine_n and_o law_n which_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o observe_v for_o there_o be_v the_o essential_o of_o christian-communion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christian_a religion_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o publish_v the_o gospel_n but_o institute_v a_o church_n and_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o church-society_n lay_v some_o new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o beyond_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o a_o single_a state_n out_o of_o church-society_n but_o to_o return_v though_o this_o learned_a bishop_n do_v not_o urge_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o against_o any_o other_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n neither_o but_o only_o against_o such_o usurp_a authority_n as_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n yet_o this_o argument_n be_v frequent_o allege_v by_o other_o and_o more_o than_o once_o repeat_v by_o our_o reconciler_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o how_o trifle_n it_o be_v appear_v from_o this_o distinction_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n remove_v those_o burden_n which_o be_v on_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o impose_v new_a one_o but_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n lay_v any_o new_a burden_n upon_o man_n do_v she_o require_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a christ_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v celebrate_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o the_o minister_n shall_v perform_v all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o decent_a and_o reverend_a manner_n and_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o more_o do_v she_o institute_v any_o ceremony_n except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o profess_v sign_n and_o relate_v to_o no_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v think_v decent_a to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n but_o what_o be_v decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o be_v decency_n than_o a_o new_a burden_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o impose_v on_o his_o disciple_n be_v decency_n a_o unnecessary_a or_o unreasonable_a thing_n do_v christ_n leave_v it_o at_o liberty_n then_o whether_o his_o disciple_n shall_v worship_v god_n decent_o or_o not_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o yoke_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n and_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n put_v another_o jewish_a yoke_n on_o the_o disciple_n neck_n be_v there_o any_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o have_v the_o least_o affinity_n with_o the_o jewish_a yoke_n do_v christ_n when_o he_o abrogate_a the_o jewish_a law_n abrogate_v all_o decency_n
reverend_a bishop_n once_o have_v condescend_v to_o these_o term_n of_o union_n will_v they_o not_o have_v rejoice_v to_o have_v see_v the_o church_n restore_v and_o themselves_o readmit_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o sacred_a function_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o the_o abatement_n of_o such_o trivial_a thing_n ans._n i_o judge_v it_o very_o likely_a they_o may_v as_o a_o banish_a prince_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o crown_n again_o though_o he_o part_v with_o some_o jewel_n out_o of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n restore_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n without_o any_o such_o restraint_n and_o limitation_n of_o their_o power_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o use_v their_o whole_a power_n as_o prudent_o and_o charitable_o as_o they_o can_v the_o restore_n of_o episcopacy_n restore_v the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n again_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o schism_n without_o it_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o all_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o glad_a of_o this_o though_o upon_o hard_a and_o disadvantageous_a term_n but_o sure_o to_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o its_o ancient_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n in_o a_o regular_a and_o decent_a administration_n of_o all_o holy_a office_n be_v more_o desirable_a than_o nothing_o but_o the_o mere_a be_v of_o a_o church_n still_o deform_v with_o the_o mark_n and_o ruin_n of_o a_o old_a schism_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o can_v be_v have_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v and_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o bishop_n must_v use_v no_o other_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o full_a possession_n of_o their_o power_n than_o bare_o so_o much_o as_o they_o will_v have_v be_v content_v to_o have_v bargain_v for_o with_o schismatic_n when_o they_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o all_o power_n though_o whither_o st._n cyprian_n will_v have_v make_v any_o such_o bargain_n with_o schismatic_n as_o infer_v a_o diminution_n of_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n i_o much_o question_n have_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o nation_n at_o the_o happy_a return_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o his_o throne_n think_v fit_a to_o have_v make_v any_o trial_n and_o experiment_n what_o some_o condescension_n and_o abatement_n will_v have_v do_v the_o reverend_a bishop_n no_o doubt_n will_v have_v acquiesce_v in_o it_o not_o out_o of_o any_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o such_o method_n but_o to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o make_v the_o experiment_n but_o that_o factious_a and_o restless_a spirit_n of_o phanaticism_n which_o begin_v immediate_o to_o work_v convince_v our_o prince_n and_o parliament_n how_o dangerous_a such_o a_o experiment_n will_v be_v and_o prevent_v the_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o now_o we_o have_v such_o fresh_a and_o repeat_v experiment_n how_o dangerous_a these_o faction_n be_v both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n our_o reconciler_n will_v persuade_v our_o governor_n out_o of_o their_o sense_n to_o cherish_v those_o man_n who_o if_o they_o be_v not_o suppress_v will_v most_o infallible_o involve_v this_o unhappy_a church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o blood_n and_o confusion_n as_o for_o what_o our_o reconciler_n add_v concern_v the_o rubric_n about_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n 141._o and_o the_o canon_n about_o bow_v of_o the_o body_n in_o token_n of_o our_o reverence_n of_o god_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o place_n of_o public_a worship_n have_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v already_o chap._n viii_o contain_v some_o brief_a animadversion_n on_o the_o authority_n produce_v by_o our_o reconciler_n in_o his_o preface_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o a_o address_n to_o the_o dissenter_n thus_o i_o have_v with_o all_o plainness_n and_o sincerity_n examine_v the_o whole_a reason_n of_o this_o book_n for_o as_o for_o the_o remain_a chapter_n whatever_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n in_o they_o i_o have_v answer_v before_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o vindication_n whether_o the_o answer_v i_o have_v give_v be_v satisfactory_a or_o not_o i_o must_v leave_v to_o other_o to_o judge_v but_o i_o can_v honest_o say_v i_o have_v use_v no_o trick_n and_o evasion_n nor_o have_v i_o use_v any_o argument_n but_o what_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o myself_o all_o that_o remain_v now_o be_v a_o brief_a examination_n of_o those_o authority_n our_o reconciler_n have_v produce_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o own_o king_n and_o many_o famous_a doctor_n of_o our_o own_o church_n beside_o many_o foreign_a divine_n have_v plead_v for_o that_o condescension_n for_o which_o he_o plead_v in_o this_o book_n now_o i_o think_v it_o the_o best_a way_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o examine_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o condescension_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n who_o plead_v for_o it_o without_o reason_n and_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o leave_v such_o a_o reproach_n upon_o so_o many_o great_a man_n that_o they_o declare_v their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n for_o a_o cause_n which_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o support_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o give_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o this_o also_o i_o review_v his_o preface_n and_o find_v there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o answer_v it_o either_o by_o examine_v his_o particular_a testimony_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o credit_n or_o by_o take_v the_o testimony_n for_o grant_v and_o show_v that_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v no_o great_a stomach_n to_o as_o be_v a_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a work_n which_o will_v swell_v this_o vindication_n to_o a_o great_a bulk_n which_o be_v grow_v too_o big_a already_o and_o the_o only_a end_n it_o can_v serve_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n do_v not_o quote_v his_o author_n faithful_o but_o i_o have_v already_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o this_o in_o my_o vindication_n of_o bishop_n taylor_n as_o will_v spoil_v his_o credit_n with_o all_o wary_a man_n and_o therefore_o i_o resolve_v upon_o the_o other_o way_n of_o answer_v he_o to_o show_v that_o the_o testimony_n produce_v by_o he_o as_o he_o produce_v they_o do_v not_o prove_v what_o he_o intend_v they_o for_o but_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o i_o have_v a_o book_n write_v upon_o this_o very_a subject_n entitle_v remark_n upon_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n which_o i_o read_v over_o and_o to_o my_o great_a comfort_n find_v my_o work_n do_v to_o my_o hand_n for_o that_o author_n have_v with_o great_a judgement_n say_v whatever_o i_o can_v think_v proper_a to_o be_v say_v in_o this_o cause_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v some_o little_a hint_n of_o what_o i_o intend_v more_o large_o to_o discourse_n and_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o those_o remark_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n the_o intention_n of_o this_o preface_n our_o reconciler_n tell_v we_o p._n 3._o be_v to_o strengthen_v the_o design_n of_o his_o book_n by_o the_o concurrent_a suffrage_n of_o many_o worthy_a person_n both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o church_n who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o have_v pursue_v the_o same_o design_n which_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n now_o the_o design_n of_o his_o book_n as_o i_o have_v show_v from_o his_o own_o word_n in_o my_o introduction_n p._n 13_o 14._o be_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n especial_o when_o these_o ceremony_n be_v scruple_v and_o many_o profess_a christian_n rather_o choose_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n than_o submit_v to_o they_o now_o to_o prove_v this_o he_o first_o allege_n the_o authority_n of_o three_o king_n king_n james_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o the_o royal_a martyr_n and_o best_a of_o king_n and_o man_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o style_v he_o and_o our_o present_a sovereign_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o he_o can_v have_v name_v three_o other_o king_n more_o averse_a to_o his_o reconcile_a design_n what_o king_n jame_v his_o judgement_n be_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o conference_n at_o hampton-court_n where_o he_o so_o severe_o determine_v against_o dissenter_n and_o keep_v his_o word_n all_o his_o reign_n without_o grant_v any_o liberty_n to_o these_o pretend_a scruple_n which_o be_v very_o strange_a have_v he_o be_v of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n upon_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n how_o much_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o suffer_v
as_o we_o may_v suppose_v from_o his_o own_o character_n of_o himself_o by_o a_o dignify_a clergyman_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o he_o also_o who_o plead_v for_o separation_n from_o communion_n with_o we_o on_o account_n of_o those_o few_o scrupled_a ceremony_n and_o disputable_a expression_n of_o our_o liturgy_n be_v sinful_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o well_o as_o mischievous_a do_v also_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n or_o that_o one_o shall_v not_o impose_v these_o thing_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o other_o shall_v not_o when_o they_o be_v once_o impose_v refuse_v communion_n upon_o that_o account_n i._n e._n the_o church_n sin_n in_o impose_v and_o the_o dissent_a sin_n in_o disobey_v such_o imposition_n the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o she_o impose_v but_o sin_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o authority_n in_o command_v lawful_a thing_n the_o dissenter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o affirm_v these_o imposition_n to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o yet_o sin_n in_o not_o obey_v they_o that_o be_v the_o dissent_a judge_n aright_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o superior_n but_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o own_o and_o if_o he_o can_v reconcile_v these_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v one_o good_a step_n towards_o a_o reconciliation_n governors_n indeed_o may_v be_v overrigorous_a and_o severe_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o they_o always_o sin_v when_o they_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v so_o wise_o or_o so_o charitable_o as_o they_o may_v do_v for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n of_o government_n be_v so_o nice_a a_o thing_n and_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o difficulty_n that_o the_o case_n of_o governor_n will_v be_v very_o hard_a shall_v every_o mistake_v in_o such_o matter_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o government_n itself_o must_v necessary_o lose_v its_o sacredness_n and_o authority_n if_o every_o subject_a may_v censure_v the_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n of_o lawful_a command_n and_o imposition_n and_o vote_v they_o to_o be_v mischievous_a and_o sinful_a if_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o his_o notion_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n all_o that_o subject_n be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v about_o the_o command_v of_o their_o superior_n be_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o if_o they_o go_v any_o far_a they_o make_v themselves_o governor_n not_o subject_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o very_o modest_a to_o condemn_v the_o command_n otherwise_o civil_o call_v imposition_n of_o superior_n as_o sinful_a and_o mischievous_a when_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o obey_v they_o and_o he_o who_o think_v dissenter_n do_v ill_a in_o refuse_v obedience_n do_v not_o well_o himself_o in_o charge_v the_o church_n with_o do_v what_o be_v sinful_a and_o mischievous_a in_o impose_v but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o church_n do_v sin_n in_o impose_v she_o either_o exceed_v her_o authority_n and_o commission_n and_o so_o impose_v without_o authority_n or_o else_o she_o impose_v something_o unlawful_a and_o in_o either_o of_o these_o case_n no_o man_n can_v blame_v dissenter_n for_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o unlawful_a thing_n nor_o to_o obey_v where_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v and_o therefore_o our_o reconciler_n can_v never_o reconcile_v these_o two_o proposition_n that_o the_o church_n sin_n in_o impose_v the_o dissent_a sin_n in_o reject_v such_o imposition_n and_o in_o refuse_v communion_n where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o submit_v to_o ●hem_n for_o though_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n when_o they_o act_v illegal_o because_o we_o be_v bind_v never_o to_o resist_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o yield_v a_o active_a obedience_n to_o any_o illegal_a command_n but_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n or_o ecclesiastical_a body_n have_v no_o external_a and_o compulsory_a authority_n if_o she_o command_v what_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v she_o and_o if_o this_o occasion_n a_o schism_n she_o herself_o be_v the_o schismatic_a but_o to_o show_v how_o ominous_o our_o reconciler_n stumble_v at_o the_o threshold_n let_v we_o state_n the_o case_n a_o little_a otherwise_o the_o great_a reason_n he_o assign_v throughout_o his_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n sin_n in_o these_o imposition_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o either_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o positive_o afsert_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o and_o this_o occasion_n a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n to_o prevent_v which_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v in_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o to_o command_v such_o scruple_v and_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n and_o sin_n if_o she_o do_v now_o in_o this_o case_n also_o the_o sin_n and_o guilt_n can_v lie_v but_o on_o one_o side_n for_o if_o the_o dissenter_n notwithstanding_o this_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o conform_v to_o such_o imposition_n than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n upon_o that_o account_n for_o the_o church_n to_o alter_v her_o constitution_n nor_o do_v she_o sin_n in_o impose_v if_o they_o may_v not_o than_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o reject_v such_o imposition_n if_o some_o particular_a governor_n be_v act_v by_o ill_a principle_n this_o contract_v a_o personal_a guilt_n on_o themselves_o but_o it_o neither_o excuse_n dissenter_n nor_o affect_v the_o government_n while_o they_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v and_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o obey_v but_o if_o the_o mere_a scruple_n of_o dissenter_n will_v make_v the_o command_v of_o the_o church_n sinful_a when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o her_o constitution_n but_o that_o disfenter_n will_v not_o obey_v they_o this_o overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o our_o reconciler_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o prove_v both_o these_o proposition_n that_o the_o church_n sin_n in_o impose_v and_o the_o dissenter_n in_o break_v communion_n for_o such_o imposition_n will_v have_v much_o ado_n to_o reconcile_v his_o two_o book_n together_o one_o part_n of_o his_o task_n be_v certain_o needless_a for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o either_o part_n he_o effectual_o do_v the_o business_n if_o he_o can_v convince_v the_o dissenter_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o conform_v to_o these_o imposition_n the_o church_n may_v impose_v without_o sin_n or_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v our_o governor_n that_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o impose_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o deal_v with_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o methinks_v it_o have_v savour_v of_o more_o modesty_n and_o great_a deference_n to_o authority_n to_o have_v try_v his_o skill_n upon_o dissenter_n first_o but_o our_o author_n by_o over_n be_v like_a to_o spoil_v all_o for_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a he_o will_v convince_v dissenter_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v before_o that_o the_o church_n can_v impose_v such_o thing_n from_o whence_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o his_o logic_n they_o will_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v and_o he_o will_v convince_v the_o government_n that_o the_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o conform_v and_o sin_n in_o not_o do_v it_o which_o justify_v their_o imposition_n and_o thus_o he_o end_v just_a where_o he_o begin_v nay_o can_v he_o convince_v the_o church_n that_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o impose_v upon_o dissenter_n while_o their_o scruple_n last_o and_o the_o dissenter_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o scruple_n these_o thing_n nor_o disobey_v they_o when_o they_o be_v command_v we_o may_v expect_v it_o will_v take_v up_o some_o time_n to_o adjust_a the_o dispute_n after_o all_o this_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n which_o of_o they_o shall_v yield_v for_o both_o side_n can_v yield_v unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o church_n must_v leave_v off_o impose_v and_o then_o the_o dissenter_n must_v begin_v to_o obey_v that_o the_o church_n must_v no_o long_o command_v and_o then_o the_o dissenter_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v when_o no_o body_n command_v so_o that_o can_v he_o effectual_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n be_v both_o guilty_a of_o sin_n the_o one_o in_o impose_v the_o other_o in_o refuse_v obedience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reconciliation_n this_o be_v like_a to_o make_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o reconcile_v two_o contend_a party_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o fault_n unless_o you_o can_v propose_v some_o middle_a term_n of_o accommodation_n or_o prove_v that_o though_o they_o be_v both_o
against_o her_o uncharitable_a imposition_n and_o when_o he_o have_v publish_v a_o book_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n agree_v on_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o convocation_n and_o establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n when_o he_o have_v already_o the_o most_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o church_n and_o state_n it_o look_v like_o a_o very_a hypocritical_a piece_n of_o modesty_n a_o downright_a challenge_n to_o the_o whole_a clergy_n to_o cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v teach_v i_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o i_o will_v hold_v my_o peace_n cause_v i_o to_o understand_v wherein_o i_o have_v err_v and_o i_o will_v thankful_o yea_o i_o will_v public_o retract_v it_o any_o body_n i_o think_v but_o a_o protestant_a reconciler_n will_v call_v this_o libel_v the_o church_n and_o hector_v and_o outbraving_a all_o his_o mother_n child_n how_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o brethren_n will_v digest_v this_o outrageous_a contempt_n of_o church-authority_n i_o can_v tell_v for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v bear_v it_o but_o be_o resolve_v to_o do_v my_o weak_a endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v my_o dear_a mother_n from_o the_o rudeness_n and_o insolence_n of_o her_o undutiful_a son_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o it_o be_v he_o contend_v for_o wherein_o we_o agree_v and_o where_o we_o part_v and_o fair_o debate_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v the_o proposition_n which_o he_o undertake_v to_o prove_v be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a 4._o which_o may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v without_o sin_n or_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n ought_v not_o especial_o under_o our_o present_a circumstance_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o superior_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n or_o as_o condition_n without_o which_o none_o shall_v minister_v in_o sacred_a thing_n though_o call_v to_o that_o work_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o public_a ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n b●t_o shall_v upon_o refusal_n to_o submit_v unto_o they_o for_o ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o where_o by_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v without_o sin_n or_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o mean_v whatever_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o must_v include_v all_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v not_o enjoin_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n that_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v signify_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o impose_v they_o as_o he_o express_o assert_v before_o 2._o and_o which_o all_o his_o argument_n be_v design_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o governors_n sin_n in_o it_o to_o impose_v signify_v only_o to_o command_v and_o to_o impose_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o impose_v though_o it_o sound_v big_a for_o the_o church_n make_v such_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o she_o command_v those_o of_o her_o communion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o reject_v those_o which_o will_v not_o which_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o command_v as_o to_o command_v be_v oppose_v to_o leave_v every_o one_o at_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o make_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o this_o sense_n so_o as_o to_o reject_v those_o who_o will_v not_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o such_o prescription_n i._n e._n who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v then_o she_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o command_v and_o when_o he_o add_v especial_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n he_o refer_v to_o those_o division_n and_o schism_n which_o he_o say_v be_v occasion_v by_o such_o imposition_n whenever_o such_o ceremony_n be_v doubt_v and_o scruple_v and_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o schism_n then_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o impose_v they_o but_o when_o he_o say_v especial_o he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v at_o all_o time_n sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v such_o uncommand_v rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v any_o who_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o imposition_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o protestant_a reconciler_n which_o i_o shall_v rather_o have_v expect_v from_o a_o profess_a enemy_n than_o from_o a_o pretend_a advocate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o have_v at_o once_o very_o modest_o reject_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o have_v condemn_v all_o the_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n until_o this_o time_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n he_o have_v plain_o renounce_v one_o of_o tho●e_a article_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o he_o have_v subscribe_v and_o declare_v his_o assent_n if_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n for_o art_n 20._o assert_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o decree_v rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o do_v this_o i_o suppose_v she_o may_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n and_o without_o ask_v leave_n of_o her_o inferior_n but_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v state_v this_o matter_n so_o general_o as_o to_o condemn_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o have_v say_v many_o thing_n which_o look_v that_o way_n in_o several_a part_n of_o his_o book_n yet_o his_o open_a and_o avow_a design_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o such_o imposition_n when_o they_o be_v scruple_v and_o make_v the_o occasion_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v join_v issue_n with_o he_o and_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n which_o though_o it_o will_v make_v this_o answer_n large_a than_o i_o can_v wish_v yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o pragmatical_a reconciler_n who_o be_v as_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o government_n as_o dissenter_n themselves_o chap._n 1._o concern_v the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o fair_a answer_n to_o our_o protestant_a reconciler_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v some_o of_o he_o mistake_v which_o run_v through_o his_o whole_a book_n and_o whereon_o the_o whole_a argument_n of_o his_o book_n be_v found_v the_o remove_n of_o which_o to_o man_n of_o any_o competent_a understanding_n will_v supersede_n the_o necessity_n of_o any_o far_a answer_n and_o they_o either_o concern_v 1._o the_o usefulness_n of_o some_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n or_o 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o the_o due_a measure_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o or_o 3._o that_o regard_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o a_o erroneous_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n from_o these_o topic_n he_o all-along_a argue_v to_o prove_v that_o church-governor_n ought_v to_o alter_v the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o worship_n because_o they_o be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n require_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n to_o condescend_v to_o the_o error_n or_o scruple_n or_o weakness_n of_o their_o brethren_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a mistake_n on_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v and_o therefore_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o it_o and_o that_o concern_v the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prescribe_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n now_o concern_v this_o matter_n our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o account_n at_o all_o for_o public_a worship_n may_v be_v perform_v as_o decent_o and_o reverent_o without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n as_o with_o they_o for_o thus_o he_o express_o and_o dogmatical_o assert_n that_o the_o ceremony_n which_o be_v impose_v by_o our_o church_n 39_o as_o they_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o their_o nature_n for_o which_o inferior_n
part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n precept_n be_v not_o disobey_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o ceremony_n and_o consequent_o this_o precept_n can_v warrant_v the_o impose_v of_o they_o that_o the_o apostolical_a precept_n be_v not_o disobey_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o ceremony_n i_o ready_o grant_v but_o not_o for_o his_o reason_n that_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o be_v not_o indecent_a for_o this_o precept_n command_v the_o positive_a decency_n of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o forbid_v the_o indecency_n of_o it_o but_o because_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v secure_v by_o other_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n though_o these_o be_v omit_v but_o his_o consequent_o be_v a_o far-fetched_a one_o the_o impose_v any_o decent_a rite_n may_v be_v warrant_v by_o this_o precept_n though_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o be_v not_o indecent_a for_o every_o decent_a rite_n exclude_v indecency_n and_o make_v the_o worship_n decent_a which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o oppose_v to_o the_o indecency_n of_o omit_v such_o rite_n but_o to_o other_o indecent_a modes_n of_o worship_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o not_o kneel_v nor_o wear_v a_o surplice_n to_o not_o wear_v a_o surplice_n for_o they_o can_v be_v oppose_v as_o do_v a_o thing_n decent_o or_o indecent_o but_o as_o do_v or_o not_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v decent_a or_o indecent_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o they_o must_v be_v oppose_v to_o other_o posture_n or_o habit_n in_o worship_n and_o such_o rite_n as_o exclude_v indecency_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a decency_n in_o they_o be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o rule_n 3._o as_o for_o his_o logic_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v privative_o opposite_a and_o between_o privative_a opposite_n in_o a_o capable_a subject_n there_o be_v no_o medium_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v decency_n sufficient_a in_o those_o action_n where_o be_v no_o indecency_n this_o our_o reconciler_n call_v a_o plain_a argument_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o plain_a fallacy_n for_o suppose_v we_o grant_v he_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n reverence_n and_o irreverence_n be_v privative_a opposite_n that_o be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o as_o a_o habit_n and_o its_o privation_n as_o sight_n and_o blindness_n how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v decency_n enough_o where_o there_o be_v no_o indecency_n sight_n and_o blindness_n be_v privative_o opposite_a but_o will_v you_o say_v that_o man_n see_v well_o enough_o who_o be_v not_o blind_a though_o there_o be_v no_o medium_n between_o a_o habit_n and_o a_o total_a privation_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a degree_n in_o habit_n and_o no_o man_n think_v he_o see_v well_o enough_o though_o he_o be_v not_o stark_o blind_a if_o his_o eye_n be_v weak_a and_o tender_a or_o shortsighted_a or_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o spectacle_n or_o other_o help_n of_o art_n thus_o though_o indecency_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o privation_n of_o decency_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a degree_n of_o decency_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n our_o reconciler_n must_v prove_v that_o he_o mean_v only_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o decency_n which_o be_v but_o one_o bare_a remove_n from_o indecency_n otherwise_o he_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o be_v true_o decent_a be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o precept_n and_o the_o more_o decent_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o apostle_n design_n but_o beside_o this_o mr._n jeane_n and_o our_o reconciler_n after_o he_o be_v grievous_o out_o in_o their_o logic_n for_o decency_n and_o indecency_n reverence_n and_o irreverence_n be_v not_o privative_a opposite_n for_o indecency_n be_v not_o the_o mere_a privation_n of_o decency_n but_o they_o be_v oppose_v as_o virtue_n and_o vice_n that_o be_v as_o two_o extreme_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o which_o be_v proper_o call_v adversa_fw-la which_o be_v affirmative_a not_o negative_a opposite_n though_o the_o grammatical_a notation_n of_o the_o word_n indecency_n and_o irreverence_n seem_v to_o have_v betray_v he_o into_o that_o mistake_n and_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o medium_n between_o two_o extreme_n and_o let_v our_o reconciler_n consider_v how_o it_o will_v sound_v to_o say_v that_o man_n be_v virtuous_a enough_o who_o be_v not_o vicious_a indecent_a and_o not_o decent_a do_v not_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o unlearned_a and_o not_o learned_a i_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o logic_n that_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la indoctus_fw-la and_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la doctus_fw-la be_v not_o equipollent_a proposition_n to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v learn_v a_o man_n be_v not_o learned_a a_o man_n be_v unlearned_a signify_v very_o different_o and_o so_o do_v these_o proposition_n a_o action_n be_v decent_a a_o action_n be_v not_o decent_a a_o action_n be_v indecent_a the_o first_o signify_v a_o positive_a decency_n the_o second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a decency_n the_o three_o that_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n civility_n and_o rudeness_n in_o common_a conversation_n be_v oppose_v as_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v but_o there_o be_v a_o untutored_a and_o undisciplined_a humour_n which_o be_v neither_o civil_a nor_o rude_a this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o decency_n nor_o reverence_n in_o such_o action_n which_o can_v be_v strict_o charge_v with_o indecency_n and_o irreverence_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o he_o require●_n something_o more_o than_o not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a●●_n indecency_n or_o irreverence_n in_o worship_n iii_o to_o proceed_v he_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o reverend_a bishop_n prove_v that_o beyond_o command_v that_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n or_o be_v so_o requisite_a for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v well_o do_v without_o it_o by_o any_o other_o instrument_n or_o by_o itself_o alone_o the_o bishop_n can_v give_v no_o law_n which_o proper_o and_o immediate_o bind_v the_o transgressor_n under_o sin_n i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o certain_o understand_v what_o this_o learned_a man_n refer_v to_o he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o particular_a instance_n which_o have_v give_v advantage_n to_o our_o reconciler_n to_o apply_v it_o as_o he_o please_v but_o let_v we_o consider_v his_o reason_n and_o by_o that_o we_o may_v guess_v how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v 1._o because_o we_o never_o find_v the_o apostle_n use_v their_o coercion_n upon_o any_o man_n but_o the_o express_a breaker_n of_o a_o divine_a commandment_n or_o the_o public_a disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o establish_a necessary_a order_n thus_o far_o the_o bishop_n to_o which_o the_o reconciler_n add_v man_n must_v not_o therefore_o first_o make_v unnecessary_a order_n and_o when_o man_n can_v conscientious_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o so_o cry_v out_o that_o they_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n these_o word_n he_o represent_v as_o the_o bishop_n also_o though_o they_o be_v his_o own_o which_o be_v one_o of_o his_o pious_a fraud_n but_o as_o for_o the_o argument_n i_o think_v it_o be_v evident_a it_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o our_o dispute_n who_o pretend_v no_o other_o authority_n but_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o establish_a necessary_a order_n for_o such_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v but_o how_o the_o apostle_n censure_v such_o person_n we_o can_v tell_v neither_o for_o we_o never_o read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n dispute_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o such_o matter_n or_o refuse_v to_o obey_v their_o canon_n and_o injunction_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o exercise_v such_o censure_n 2._o because_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o convenient_a that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o use_v injunction_n yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o backward_o to_o use_v their_o authority_n of_o command_v much_o less_o will_v they_o use_v severity_n but_o entreaty_n it_o be_v st._n paul_n be_v case_n to_o philemon_n beforementioned_a though_o i_o may_v be_v much_o bold_a in_o christ_n to_o enjoin_v that_o which_o be_v convenient_a yet_o for_o love_n sake_n i_o rather_o entreat_v thou_o but_o this_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o neither_o for_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v philemon_n servant_n onesimus_n from_o
the_o law_n or_o to_o allow_v of_o such_o different_a posture_n when_o man_n scruple_n be_v remove_v 2._o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v neglect_v their_o duty_n so_o they_o will_v manifest_o injure_v their_o authority_n by_o such_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ignorance_n humour_n and_o scruple_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o how_o charitable_a soever_o our_o reconciler_n may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o charity_n as_o become_v governor_n for_o private_a christian_n to_o abridge_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o be_v in_o many_o case_n high_o commendable_a and_o a_o generous_a act_n of_o charity_n but_o for_o governor_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o gratify_v dissenter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v betray_v their_o trust._n either_o christ_n have_v commit_v this_o power_n to_o they_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rule_n of_o worship_n or_o he_o have_v not_o if_o he_o have_v as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v more_o than_o once_o own_v in_o this_o very_a book_n than_o this_o power_n be_v a_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o such_o a_o trust_n as_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o no_o pretence_n of_o charity_n can_v justify_v they_o in_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o reconciler_n indeed_o tell_v we_o 159._o that_o which_o be_v here_o plead_v for_o be_v neither_o a_o denial_n nor_o a_o dissemble_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o superior_n but_o only_o a_o abatement_n of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o towards_o some_o weak_a dissenter_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o power_n and_o a_o profession_n that_o they_o do_v suspend_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o not_o through_o conviction_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_o use_v but_o out_o of_o pure_a commiseration_n and_o howel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o their_o weak_a brethren_n but_o all_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o salve_v this_o matter_n for_o the_o great_a dispute_n about_o ceremony_n turn_v upon_o this_o hinge_n whether_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o express_o institute_v and_o enjoin_v by_o christ._n hence_o all_o such_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v by_o our_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a dissenter_n opprobrious_o call_v will-worship_n and_o humane_a invention_n and_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v be_v next_o to_o nothing_o yet_o their_o not_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o their_o be_v command_v by_o man_n though_o by_o such_o man_n as_o be_v invest_v with_o christ_n authority_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o now_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o dispute_n and_o ceremony_n only_o a_o collateral_a dispute_n as_o depend_v upon_o a_o usurp_a and_o illegal_a authority_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o our_o reconciler_n how_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o can_v give_v up_o these_o ceremony_n to_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o dissenter_n without_o give_v up_o their_o own_o authority_n with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o the_o ceremony_n be_v dispute_v now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n be_v this_o authority_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o it_o seem_v christ_n have_v place_v such_o a_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v not_o for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o this_o charge_v our_o saviour_n himself_o with_o want_n of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o his_o own_o church_n in_o set_v such_o a_o uncharitable_a power_n over_o it_o if_o church-authority_n be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a than_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o it_o as_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o which_o our_o reconciler_n be_v often_o at_o he_o tell_v we_o 323._o that_o the_o scripture-exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v such_o a_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o they_o perfect_o confute_v all_o those_o who_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o lay_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o uniformity_n in_o lesser_a matter_n and_o do_v impose_v they_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n for_o either_o we_o must_v all_o submit_v to_o some_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n as_o r._n h._n think_v it_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o compliance_n with_o these_o precept_n or_o else_o confess_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o it_o be_v visible_o impossible_a to_o bring_v all_o man_n unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o precept_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o papist_n do_v so_o continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o or_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o that_o of_o impose_v and_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n concern_v which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o that_o of_o mutual_a condescension_n and_o forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o lesser_a difference_n god_n help_v that_o church_n which_o meet_v with_o such_o reconciler_n as_o these_o but_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v here_o be_v his_o own_o concession_n and_o his_o dilemma_n upon_o it_o he_o argue_v strong_o that_o while_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v they_o unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o this_o he_o say_v must_v be_v grant_v unless_o we_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n here_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n and_o i_o differ_v a_o little_a about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o judge_n but_o we_o agree_v upon_o the_o main_a point_n that_o without_o a_o judge_n to_o determine_v these_o matter_n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n and_o agreement_n among_o christian_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o demonstration_n in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v how_o strange_a soever_o it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o unity_n and_o his_o dilemma_n be_v a_o very_a sore_a one_o for_o either_o this_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n or_o that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n now_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o last_o first_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church-unity_n without_o unity_n in_o worship_n wherein_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n consist_v and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o this_o which_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n without_o uniformity_n and_o no_o uniformity_n without_o such_o imposition_n what_o follow_v then_o but_o that_o we_o must_v reflect_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o not_o leave_v authority_n in_o his_o church_n sufficient_a to_o determine_v such_o matter_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o mean_n of_o union_n these_o be_v hard_a term_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o grant_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v though_o not_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n yet_o a_o supreme_a authority_n to_o his_o church_n to_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o case_n where_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v not_o contradict_v some_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o principle_n will_v quick_o make_v we_o all_o of_o a_o mind_n in_o such_o matter_n now_o then_o from_o hence_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o institute_v a_o church-society_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o love_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o sacredness_n of_o
church-authority_n that_o without_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n be_v obscure_v and_o expose_v to_o censure_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n render_v impracticable_a protestant_n leave_v destitute_a of_o any_o mean_n of_o union_n and_o occasion_n give_v to_o papist_n to_o cry_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n that_o which_o draw_v so_o many_o fatal_a consequent_n after_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v any_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n and_o yet_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v shall_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o frowardness_n and_o scruple_n of_o schismatic_n give_v up_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n and_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v while_o the_o church_n maintain_v her_o authority_n a_o little_a discipline_n and_o government_n and_o a_o few_o good_a argument_n may_v in_o time_n cure_v the_o schism_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o let_v schismatic_n answer_v for_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o if_o schismatic_n once_o gain_v this_o point_n and_o wheedle_n the_o church_n for_o peace_n sake_n out_o of_o her_o authority_n than_o we_o must_v bid_v a_o eternal_a farewell_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n for_o man_n will_v never_o agree_v in_o these_o matter_n without_o the_o determination_n of_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n to_o decide_v these_o difference_n when_o the_o church_n have_v part_v with_o her_o authority_n and_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v reproach_v and_o censure_v and_o the_o protestant_a name_n and_o religion_n expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o this_o be_v our_o reconciler_n protestant_a charity_n well_o but_o suppose_v this_o compliance_n with_o dissenter_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o renuntiation_n of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o only_o a_o suspension_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o for_o this_o forbearance_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o these_o man_n will_v return_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n leave_v off_o to_o command_v now_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n to_o renounce_v her_o power_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o i_o suppose_v christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o church_n that_o she_o shall_v exercise_v it_o and_o if_o the_o power_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o unity_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sure_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v for_o authority_n be_v a_o mere_a empty_a name_n and_o good_a for_o nothing_o when_o it_o do_v nothing_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n do_v not_o require_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o government_n neither_o in_o the_o authority_n nor_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o ii_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o government_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v our_o present_a dispute_n in_o make_v and_o repeal_n law_n and_o i_o dare_v join_v issue_n here_o with_o our_o reconciler_n and_o challenge_v he_o and_o all_o his_o dissent_v client_n to_o fix_v the_o least_o imputation_n of_o uncharitableness_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n on_o this_o account_n as_o to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n a_o little_a more_o particular_o to_o confound_v all_o such_o unjust_a defamer_n of_o authority_n and_o government_n 1._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o repeal_n law_n and_o alter_v such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v either_o sinful_a superstitious_a or_o inconvenient_a because_o here_o our_o reformation_n begin_v and_o what_o rule_v our_o church_n '_o observe_v in_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o common-prayer_n where_o the_o reason_n be_v assign_v why_o some_o ceremony_n be_v abolish_v as_o 1._o because_o some_o of_o they_o which_o be_v at_o first_o well_o intend_v do_v in_o time_n degenerate_a into_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n 2._o other_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o indiscreet_a devotion_n and_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o daily_o grow_v to_o more_o and_o more_o abuse_n and_o they_o be_v reject_v because_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a blind_v the_o people_n hinder_v they_o from_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 3._o some_o be_v put_v away_o because_o their_o very_a number_n be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o make_v the_o estate_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o worse_a case_n concern_v this_o matter_n than_o be_v the_o jew_n as_o st._n austin_n complain_v in_o his_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o ceremony_n be_v much_o less_o than_o it_o be_v in_o this_o church_n at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o much_o of_o moses_n law_n be_v but_o a_o religion_n to_o serve_v god_n not_o in_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o figure_n or_o shadow_n but_o in_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o last_o the_o most_o weighty_a cause_n of_o the_o abolishment_n of_o certain_a ceremony_n be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o abuse_v partly_o by_o the_o superstitious_a blindness_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a and_o partly_o by_o the_o unsatiable_a avarice_n of_o such_o as_o seek_v more_o their_o own_o lucre_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o the_o abuse_n can_v not_o well_o be_v take_v away_o the_o thing_n remain_v still_o with_o what_o grave_n and_o mature_a consideration_n our_o church_n proceed_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o account_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o wise_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o for_o the_o alteration_n of_o any_o public_a constitution_n here_o be_v charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o deliver_v they_o from_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o case_n and_o liberty_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v oppress_v by_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o be_v hard_a to_o know_v and_o to_o remember_v and_o very_o troublesome_a to_o observe_v and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o understand_v which_o make_v they_o whole_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a here_o be_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v obscure_v by_o these_o ceremony_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v transform_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n into_o a_o mere_a external_a and_o figurative_a worship_n and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o ceremony_n which_o have_v be_v long_o use_v in_o a_o church_n and_o confirm_v by_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a law_n aught_o notwithstanding_o that_o to_o be_v remove_v when_o either_o their_o number_n be_v excessive_a or_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o such_o as_o can_v be_v take_v away_o without_o abolish_n the_o ceremony_n itself_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o may_v be_v give_v as_o to_o name_v only_a image_n in_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v safe_o retain_v at_o that_o time_n without_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n in_o those_o day_n be_v so_o superstitious_o addict_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n that_o have_v they_o be_v leave_v in_o church_n though_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o have_v be_v express_o forbid_v yet_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n will_v have_v worship_v they_o notwithstanding_o this_o very_a reason_n our_o church_n give_v in_o her_o homily_n against_o the_o peril_n of_o idolatry_n part_v 3._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o remove_v image_n out_o of_o church_n that_o as_o well_o by_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o nature_n of_o idol_n and_o image_n themselves_o as_o by_o the_o proneness_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n to_o idolatry_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o image_n if_o they_o be_v public_o set_v up_o can_v be_v separate_v nor_o man_n if_o they_o see_v image_n in_o temple_n and_o church_n can_v be_v stay_v and_o keep_v from_o idolatry_n wherefore_o they_o which_o thus_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o have_v image_n public_o and_o do_v prove_v that_o lawfulness_n by_o a_o few_o pick_v and_o choose_v man_n if_o they_o object_n that_o indifferent_o to_o all_o man_n which_o a_o very_a few_o can_v have_v without_o hurt_n and_o offence_n they_o seem_v to_o take_v the_o multitude_n for_o vile_a soul_n of_o who_o loss_n and_o safeguard_n no_o reputation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o who_o christ_n yet_o pay_v as_o dear_o as_o for_o the_o mighty_a prince_n or_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a learn_v of_o the_o earth_n
the_o church_n ought_v in_o charity_n to_o the_o people_n to_o show_v they_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o superstitious_a scruple_n iii_o but_o the_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o be_v only_a hypocrite_n who_o heart_n be_v harden_v against_o the_o truth_n what_o be_v they_o all_o hypocrite_n be_v there_o not_o one_o honest_a man_n among_o they_o some_o hypocrite_n there_o be_v then_o and_o so_o there_o be_v still_o hypocrite_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o these_o man_n be_v hypocrite_n for_o the_o jew_n do_v general_o believe_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o work_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o therefore_o be_v real_o scandalize_v and_o offend_v but_o we_o have_v a_o company_n of_o hypocrite_n among_o we_o who_o do_v not_o real_o scruple_n what_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v but_o only_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o scruple_n a_o occasion_n to_o abuse_v the_o people_n to_o stir_v up_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o faction_n in_o the_o state_n man_n who_o can_v conform_v when_o they_o please_v and_o be_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v when_o they_o please_v but_o our_o lord_n do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_a to_o prevent_v their_o scandal_n no_o he_o do_v not_o abstain_v from_o work_a miracle_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v please_v but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o they_o that_o he_o do_v it_o on_o purpose_n because_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o and_o to_o deliver_v man_n from_o such_o superstition_n as_o make_v they_o take_v offence_n but_o he_o first_o satisfy_v they_o from_o their_o own_o practice_n on_o a_o less_o occasion_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o that_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o can_v not_o answer_v he_o one_o word_n and_o have_v our_o church_n be_v want_v in_o this_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o dissenter_n how_o many_o unanswerable_a book_n have_v be_v write_v in_o justification_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v not_o ashamed_a but_o will_v talk_v on_o when_o they_o have_v not_o one_o wise_a word_n to_o say_v be_v only_o a_o argument_n that_o they_o have_v less_o wit_n and_o more_o impudence_n than_o the_o pharisee_n have_v our_o church_n indeed_o can_v work_v miracle_n as_o christ_n do_v to_o convince_v they_o though_o where_o plain_a and_o convince_a reason_n will_v not_o do_v i_o doubt_v miracle_n will_v not_o do_v neither_o for_o though_o the_o pharisee_n be_v silence_v by_o christ_n yet_o they_o be_v neither_o convince_v by_o his_o reason_n nor_o his_o miracle_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v what_o obligation_n charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n lay_v upon_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abate_v those_o ceremony_n which_o some_o man_n scruple_n and_o take_v offence_n at_o but_o i_o must_v here_o brief_o consider_v one_o principle_n more_o of_o our_o reconciler_n which_o he_o nowhere_o pretend_v to_o prove_v but_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n require_v the_o abatement_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o religion_n if_o it_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o scruple_n and_o offence_n for_o why_o must_v the_o church_n be_v tie_v up_o to_o what_o be_v necessary_a her_o power_n and_o authority_n extend_v to_o thing_n which_o be_v useful_a and_o expedient_a though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o she_o may_v exercise_v this_o power_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n notwithstanding_o the_o unreasonable_a &_o superstitious_a scruple_n of_o man_n which_o ought_v to_o lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o the_o prudent_a exercise_n of_o government_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n shall_v alter_v any_o scrupled_a ceremony_n how_o decent_a or_o expedient_a soever_o they_o be_v if_o we_o can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o his_o book_n and_o shall_v not_o think_v myself_o any_o further_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o often_o as_o i_o meet_v with_o they_o if_o these_o principle_n which_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o hold_v good_a his_o book_n be_v answer_v and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v exercise_v their_o just_a authority_n and_o he_o that_o be_v offend_v let_v he_o be_v offend_v and_o yet_o for_o the_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o man_n what_o a_o trifler_n our_o reconciler_n be_v i_o shall_v particular_o examine_v his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o show_v how_o impertinent_a they_o be_v to_o our_o present_a dispute_n chap._n iii_o concern_v a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n objection_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o discord_n divisian_n and_o schism_n though_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v b●_n sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v every_o impartial_a reader_n that_o all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n be_v mere_a fallacy_n as_o proceed_v upon_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n yet_o for_o the_o more_o abundant_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v inform_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a examination_n of_o his_o reason_n why_o church-governor_n ought_v to_o alter_v or_o abate_v such_o scruple_v ceremony_n 1._o i._o and_o first_o he_o declaim_v very_o copious_o about_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o division_n and_o true_o i_o believe_v discord_n and_o division_n especial_o among_o christian_a brethren_n to_o be_v as_o bad_a a_o thing_n as_o he_o can_v possible_o describe_v it_o to_o be_v but_o what_o then_o what_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v very_o plain_a for_o if_o conformist_n do_v not_o conceive_v it_o better_o at_o least_o that_o we_o shall_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o all_o these_o dreadful_a evil_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v consent_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n or_o to_o the_o alter_n of_o a_o few_o scruple_v expression_n in_o our_o liturgy_n 22._o then_o must_v they_o yield_v up_o these_o few_o ceremony_n and_o alter_v these_o expression_n to_o prevent_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a evil_n 1._o i_o answer_v do_v our_o reconciler_n then_o think_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o discord_n and_o division_n must_v be_v remove_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o be_v it_o not_o most_o proper_a to_o apply_v the_o remedy_n to_o the_o disease_n to_o instruct_v people_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o quarrel_v about_o such_o matter_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o pay_v such_o deference_n to_o their_o superior_n as_o cheerful_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v not_o express_o forbid_v till_o this_o be_v do_v the_o church_n may_v a●ter_v her_o constitution_n every_o year_n and_o be_v as_o far_o off_o from_o peace_n as_o now_o for_o while_o man_n be_v ignorant_a scrupulous_a and_o quarrelsome_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n and_o state_n by_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o prudent_a constitution_n to_o prevent_v division_n 2._o be_v not_o the_o contempt_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o the_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o great_a a_o mischief_n as_o division_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o indulge_v every_o scrupulous_a person_n without_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v now_o i_o must_v confess_v bonâ_fw-la fide_fw-la to_o our_o reconciler_n that_o i_o think_v all_o our_o division_n about_o ceremony_n a_o less_o scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o this_o will_v be_v for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v a_o well_o constitute_v church_n with_o division_n than_o to_o have_v none_o without_o it_o 3._o will_v our_o part_n with_o some_o few_o ceremony_n cure_v these_o division_n which_o he_o so_o much_o complain_v of_o this_o our_o reconciler_n can_v undertake_v for_o and_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a it_o will_v not_o be_v this_o the_o only_a controversy_n that_o presbyterian_o independent_o quaker_n and_o other_o sectary_n have_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v our_o reconciler_n never_o read_v mr._n baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n and_o those_o other_o venomous_a pamphlet_n of_o late_a date_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o these_o ceremony_n and_o episcopacy_n itself_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n do_v it_o cure_v division_n or_o increase_v they_o when_o the_o reverend_a dean_n
no_o more_o than_o a_o prince_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o make_v good_a law_n because_o some_o man_n will_v break_v they_o and_o be_v hang_v for_o it_o 3._o he_o persuade_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o schism_n by_o their_o imposition_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o prevent_v schism_n but_o by_o maintain_v and_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n when_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n in_o it_o as_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n in_o the_o state_n without_o some_o supreme_a power_n to_o who_o all_o must_v obey_v and_o therefore_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o schism_n church-governor_n be_v bind_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o ignorant_a and_o groundless_a scruple_n there_o be_v nothing_o occasion_n more_o schism_n than_o the_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v prevent_v schism_n they_o ought_v to_o exercise_v their_o utmost_a authority_n in_o maintain_v the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n which_o will_v prevent_v more_o schism_n than_o it_o can_v make_v it_o will_v preserve_v unity_n among_o those_o who_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o will_v be_v schismatic_n notwithstanding_o the_o only_a way_n i_o know_v of_o to_o prevent_v schism_n be_v by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a discipline_n the_o one_o to_o cure_v their_o ignorance_n and_o their_o scruple_n the_o other_o to_o curb_v their_o wantonness_n and_o petulancy_n but_o for_o governor_n to_o suffer_v their_o authority_n to_o be_v dispute_v and_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o frowardness_n fullenness_n or_o ignorance_n of_o man_n to_o alter_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n as_o often_o as_o any_o man_n can_v find_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o they_o will_v breed_v eternal_a confusion_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n government_n be_v the_o only_a cement_n and_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o when_o governor_n give_v the_o reins_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n every_o young_a phaethon_n will_v think_v himself_o fit_a to_o drive_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o no_o man_n will_v be_v govern_v when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o govern_v and_o what_o order_n &_o unity_n there_o can_v be_v in_o the_o church_n without_o government_n or_o what_o government_n where_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v must_v give_v law_n to_o their_o governor_n i_o will_v desire_v our_o reconciler_n at_o his_o leisure_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o follow_v in_o this_o chapter_n have_v already_o be_v consider_v in_o my_o first_o chapter_n and_o thither_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n chap._n iu._n a_o answer_n to_o the_o reconciler_n argument_n from_o the_o word_n the_o doctrine_n the_o deportment_n of_o christ_n whilst_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n contain_v in_o his_o three_o chapter_n there_o be_v two_o main_a principle_n on_o which_o all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n be_v found_v 1._o that_o these_o dispute_v ceremony_n be_v whole_o useless_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n 2._o that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o division_n and_o schism_n which_o will_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o which_o therefore_o be_v so_o great_a a_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o church-governor_n ought_v to_o consent_v to_o and_o promote_v such_o a_o alteration_n now_o all_o this_o be_v false_a as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v his_o other_o argument_n must_v fall_v with_o it_o but_o yet_o to_o avoid_v all_o cavil_n i_o shall_v particular_o consider_v the_o force_n of_o what_o he_o urge_v and_o first_o he_o begins_z with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o deportment_n of_o our_o saviour_n 45._o which_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a good_a topick_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o and_o he_o have_v no_o less_o than_o eight_o argument_n to_o confound_v all_o the_o stiff_a imposer_n of_o unnecessary_a thing_n i._o that_o our_o lord_n do_v frequent_o produce_v that_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n to_o justify_v himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n when_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o own_o body_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o they_o do_v what_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o canon_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o scribe_n ●nd_v pharisee_n who_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n this_o be_v what_o every_o body_n will_v grant_v and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o have_v trouble_v himself_o to_o prove_v it_o and_o his_o inference_n from_o hence_o be_v this_o 46._o that_o precept_n which_o contain_v only_a ritual_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o those_o which_o do_v concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n body_n and_o much_o more_o to_o those_o which_o do_v respect_v the_o welfare_n of_o our_o brother_n soul_n so_o that_o when_o both_o can_v together_o be_v observe_v we_o must_v neglect_v or_o violate_v the_o former_a to_o observe_v the_o latter_a from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v part_v with_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v make_v condition_n of_o communion_n do_v accidental_o afford_v occasion_n to_o such_o great_a and_o fatal_a evil_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n now_o do_v not_o every_o body_n see_v that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o conclusion_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o premise_n for_o 1._o do_v our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o abrogate_a the_o law_n of_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o mercy_n how_o do_v he_o then_o hence_o conclude_v any_o thing_n about_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_n which_o neither_o the_o prophet_n nor_o our_o saviour_n ever_o think_v on_o when_o they_o say_v these_o word_n though_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n yet_o he_o give_v law_n about_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n and_o continue_v those_o law_n after_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v and_o so_o may_v the_o church_n do_v also_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_n for_o 2._o our_o saviour_n neither_o speak_v here_o of_o make_v nor_o repleal_v law_n about_o sacrifice_n or_o ritual_n but_o only_o prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n when_o there_o happen_v a_o competition_n between_o they_o he_o suppose_v that_o both_o may_v be_v do_v and_o that_o both_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v but_o if_o both_o can_v be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n mercy_n must_v take_v place_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o this_o mercy_n our_o church_n allow_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n can_v desire_v she_o be_v not_o so_o severe_a to_o exact_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n or_o at_o prayer_n or_o stand_v at_o the_o creed_n if_o man_n have_v any_o such_o infirmity_n on_o they_o that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o great_a inconvenience_n she_o do_v not_o exact_a godfather_n or_o godmother_n or_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n nor_o bring_v the_o child_n to_o church_n when_o it_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n she_o do_v not_o impose_v fast_v on_o weak_a and_o crazy_a person_n nor_o think_v her_o law_n so_o sacred_a that_o no_o punctillo_n must_v be_v neglect_v when_o it_o be_v do_v without_o offence_n and_o scandal_n she_o will_v not_o blame_v any_o for_o stay_v from_o church_n or_o go_v out_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o prayer_n to_o quench_v a_o fire_n or_o to_o help_v a_o sick_a person_n and_o this_o answer_n to_o our_o saviour_n case_n wherein_o he_o prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n but_o how_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o exact_a obedience_n to_o wholesome_a constitution_n because_o some_o man_n scruple_n they_o our_o saviour_n never_o apply_v this_o say_n to_o any_o such_o case_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o reconciler_n have_v neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o when_o our_o reconciler_n prove_v from_o these_o word_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n that_o the_o church_n must_v part_v with_o her_o ceremony_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o who_o will_v separate_v from_o she_o if_o she_o do_v not_o he_o must_v either_o argue_v from_o the_o say_v itself_o or_o from_o those_o case_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v by_o our_o saviour_n now_o this_o say_v as_o it_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 6._o signify_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o god_n prefer_v all_o act_n of_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n before_o a_o external_a religion_n even_o before_o sacrifice_n itself_o as_o the_o prophet_n micah_n express_v it_o more_o at_o large_a but_o to_o the_o very_a same_o sense_n wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o
disadvantage_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n as_o be_v make_v schismatic_n upon_o this_o account_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o consider_v what_o likeness_n or_o affinity_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o dispute_n be_v here_o be_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n such_o as_o man_n impose_v upon_o themselves_o or_o observe_v in_o imitation_n of_o their_o sect_n and_o party_n or_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o several_a master_n christ_n impose_v no_o such_o fast_n upon_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n though_o in_o such_o matter_n christ_n conform_v himself_o and_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v all_o as_o much_o of_o humane_a institution_n as_o our_o ceremony_n be_v which_o be_v a_o admirable_a way_n of_o argue_v the_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v private_a and_o voluntary_a fast_n though_o it_o may_v offend_v some_o superstitious_a pharisee_n be_v no_o affront_n to_o public_a authority_n nor_o make_v any_o alteration_n or_o confusion_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n think_v as_o dissent_v from_o public_a constitution_n this_o christ_n never_o indulge_v his_o disciple_n in_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n any_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o 2._o this_o indulgence_n be_v but_o temporary_a during_o our_o saviour_n abode_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o than_o they_o shall_v fast_v and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n look_v upon_o this_o say_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o institution_n of_o the_o quadrigesimal_n fast_o and_o will_v our_o reconciler_n argue_v ●rom_o a_o short_a indulgence_n for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o grant_v to_o the_o disciple_n by_o christ_n to_o prove_v a_o perpetual_a indulgence_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o dissenter_n for_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v good_a they_o will_v last_v for_o ever_o christ_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v always_o child_n nor_o have_v he_o impose_v upon_o his_o church_n to_o indulge_v such_o childish_a weakness_n and_o fancy_n for_o ever_o 3._o fast_v be_v a_o very_a severe_a duty_n very_o afflictive_a both_o to_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o our_o saviour_n to_o forbear_v command_v it_o for_o some_o time_n but_o what_o severity_n be_v there_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n what_o mighty_a trouble_n be_v it_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n what_o offence_n be_v a_o white_a linen_n garment_n to_o the_o eye_n what_o disturbance_n do_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n make_v with_o the_o gentle_a motion_n of_o the_o finger_n cause_n but_o though_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o grievous_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v burdensome_a to_o the_o conscience_n let_v he_o show_v then_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v any_o regard_n in_o this_o to_o a_o doubtful_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n and_o i_o will_v grant_v it_o a_o good_a proof_n how_o can_v any_o jew_n scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v so_o often_o command_v and_o recommend_v in_o their_o law_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n take_v notice_n only_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o duty_n not_o of_o its_o burdensomness_n to_o the_o conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n indulgence_n 48._o well_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o theophylact_fw-mi and_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v that_o herein_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o rule_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v convert_v the_o world_n they_o also_o shall_v condescend_v and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o with_o the_o great_a meekness_n whether_o christ_n intend_v this_o or_o not_o in_o what_o he_o now_o say_v to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n careful_o observe_v they_o indulge_v the_o believe_a jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o bear_v with_o many_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n both_o in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o do_v this_o meekness_n extend_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v do_v they_o prescribe_v no_o rule_n or_o order_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n or_o do_v they_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n without_o exact_v obedience_n to_o they_o do_v they_o suffer_v any_o christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o case_n and_o be_v it_o think_v a_o act_n of_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v strange_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v think_v so_o in_o after-age_n wherein_o the_o church_n exercise_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n and_o no_o christian_a ever_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n but_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v our_o saviour_n as_o one_o who_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o who_o will_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a well_o we_o ready_o grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o most_o kind_a and_o gentle_a master_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o do_v this_o signify_v that_o he_o will_v give_v no_o law_n about_o worship_n or_o that_o if_o any_o person_n scruple_v these_o law_n he_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o give_v they_o their_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o they_o please_v if_o christ_n be_v a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a lord_n without_o this_o his_o minister_n also_o may_v exercise_v great_a lenity_n and_o gentleness_n without_o prostitute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o the_o ignorance_n or_o giddiness_n or_o frowardness_n of_o professor_n christ_n give_v very_o easy_a and_o gentle_a law_n instruct_v his_o hearer_n with_o great_a mildness_n and_o calmness_n bear_v their_o dulness_n and_o infidelity_n their_o indignity_n and_o affront_n with_o admirable_a patience_n converse_v even_o with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o gain_v they_o to_o repentance_n encourage_v the_o least_o beginning_n and_o cherish_v the_o first_o and_o weak_a essay_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n he_o expect_v they_o shall_v submit_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o law_n and_o still_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v submit_v to_o that_o authority_n he_o have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n and_o if_o church-governor_n use_v this_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n in_o their_o law_n and_o in_o their_o behaviour_n though_o they_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n and_o exact_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n which_o our_o reconciler_n so_o charitable_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v 50._o iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v a_o wonderful_a one_o that_o christ_n take_v compassion_n on_o the_o jew_n as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n that_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v himself_o that_o he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v that_o he_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v send_v forth_o more_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o query_n then_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v conform_v to_o this_o example_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o prayer_n who_o do_v exclude_v so_o many_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o labour_v in_o his_o harvest_n for_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a true_o i_o think_v they_o may_v though_o they_o exclude_v the_o reconciler_n into_o the_o bargain_n for_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o now_o with_o we_o asit_fw-la be_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v now_o send_v out_o numerous_a labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n man_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o diligence_n more_o indeed_o than_o there_o be_v entertainment_n or_o employment_n for_o and_o the_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o this_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o scruple_v cast_v schismatical_a presbyter_n out_o of_o christ_n vineyard_n but_o have_v our_o reconciler_n the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o mere_o for_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o themselves_o give_v another_o account_n of_o it_o renounce_v of_o the_o covenant_n keep_v they_o out_o a_o great_a while_n reordination_n episcopal_a government_n a_o national_a church_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v all_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o the_o dissent_v preacher_n
god_n have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n whereas_o the_o dispute_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v actual_o determine_v by_o god_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v indulge_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o exceed_v their_o authority_n they_o judge_v over_o god_n judgement_n and_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o when_o she_o judge_n and_o censure_v she_o own_o refractory_a and_o dissent_v member_n for_o their_o disobedience_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v subject_a to_o her_o authority_n 3._o the_o apostle_n persuade_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o christian_a communion_n because_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o practice_n yet_o both_o of_o they_o act_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n know_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v repeal_v and_o therefore_o still_o observe_v the_o law_n in_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n which_o first_o give_v it_o the_o convert_a gentile_n know_v that_o the_o law_n be_v never_o give_v to_o they_o and_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o same_o person_n upon_o who_o authority_n they_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o they_o thankful_o accept_v that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o both_o of_o they_o at_o that_o time_n can_v true_o plead_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o not_o mere_o some_o unaccountable_a humour_n and_o prejudice_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o for_o such_o different_a practice_n one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n 6._o and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o which_o will_v be_v a_o profane_a and_o impudent_a mockery_n of_o god_n do_v he_o not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o liberty_n to_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o any_o thing_n and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v our_o reconciler_n represent_v the_o apostle_n argument_n thus_o 88_o these_o person_n say_v the_o apostle_n aught_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n although_o they_o differ_v in_o practice_n and_o in_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v from_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o do_v what_o be_v most_o please_a to_o he_o that_o some_o do_v eat_v and_o other_o not_o that_o some_o do_v regard_v a_o day_n and_o other_o not_o if_o charity_n therefore_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o conclude_v of_o such_o as_o do_v observe_v or_o do_v refuse_v observance_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o these_o inferior_a matter_n that_o as_o they_o outward_o profess_v so_o do_v they_o real_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n which_o they_o who_o can_v know_v man_n conscience_n but_o by_o their_o own_o profession_n can_v well_o deny_v then_o must_v they_o both_o by_o the_o apostle_n rule_v receive_v each_o other_o to_o communion_n and_o not_o reject_v each_o other_o on_o the_o account_n of_o difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o in_o practice_n in_o these_o lesser_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v under_o no_o government_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v usual_o mean_v by_o conscience_n viz._n man_n private_a opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n the_o plain_a english_a of_o it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n must_v do_v as_o he_o list_v and_o thus_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n be_v overrule_v by_o the_o more_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v so_o extreme_o absurd_a that_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o man_n of_o common_a understanding_n shall_v not_o blush_v to_o own_v it_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o condemn_v they_o too_o if_o they_o be_v erroneous_a and_o wicked_a the_o jew_n crucify_v our_o saviour_n and_o persecute_v his_o apostle_n out_o of_o zeal_n for_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n witness_n but_o god_n destroy_v their_o city_n temple_n and_o nation_n for_o it_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o charge_v all_o the_o heathen_a idolater_n even_o after_o the_o empire_n be_v turn_v christian_n with_o be_v a_o pack_n of_o damn_a hypocrite_n many_o of_o they_o no_o doubt_n very_o sincere_o follow_v their_o conscience_n and_o yet_o be_v damn_v not_o for_o hypocrite_n but_o for_o conscientious_a idolater_n all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whatever_o their_o particular_a persuasion_n may_v be_v and_o if_o man_n conscience_n will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n will_v judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o and_o yet_o it_o seem_v as_o hard_a a_o thing_n that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v man_n who_o act_n out_o of_o conscience_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o do_v what_o be_v most_o please_a to_o he_o as_o that_o earthly_a governor_n shall_v condemn_v and_o punish_v they_o no_o you_o will_v say_v god_n be_v the_o sole_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o conscience_n and_o he_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v but_o all_o this_o be_v senseless_a cant_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o conscience_n do_v it_o signify_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o command_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o disobey_v and_o have_v not_o all_o governor_n then_o who_o have_v receive_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o command_v the_o government_n of_o man_n conscience_n too_o as_o far_o as_o their_o authority_n reach_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o question_n who_o have_v authority_n to_o give_v law_n to_o conscience_n for_o whoever_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n for_o conscience_n unless_o they_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n without_o oblige_v any_o body_n to_o obey_v they_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o after_o law_n be_v make_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n every_o man_n may_v equitable_o challenge_v a_o liberty_n to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n though_o his_o conscience_n mistake_v its_o rule_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v this_o liberty_n for_o he_o punish_v such_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o will_v eternal_o damn_v those_o who_o do_v wicked_a action_n out_o of_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n or_o equity_n in_o the_o case_n it_o will_v more_o oblige_v god_n than_o any_o earthly_a governor_n because_o such_o misguide_a zealot_n be_v suppose_v to_o intend_v god_n glory_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o if_o god_n will_v not_o indulge_v such_o man_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n though_o they_o intend_v to_o please_v he_o by_o it_o what_o reason_n have_v earthly_a governor_n to_o do_v it_o who_o receive_v their_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o can_v imitate_v a_o better_a example_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o than_o god_n himself_o 2._o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o man_n conscience_n in_o make_v or_o execute_v law_n for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o nation_n if_o the_o saint_n shall_v think_v it_o their_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n to_o rob_v and_o plunder_v and_o murder_v the_o ungodly_a if_o they_o shall_v think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o pull_v down_o earthly_a prince_n to_o set_v up_o king_n jesus_n on_o his_o throne_n shall_v magistrate_n be_v afraid_a of_o hang_v such_o villain_n as_o these_o as_o commit_v such_o horrid_a outrage_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n nay_o if_o man_n refuse_v to_o give_v security_n to_o the_o government_n or_o a_o legal_a testimony_n in_o any_o civil_a cause_n out_o of_o a_o scruple_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n be_v the_o government_n to_o take_v notice_n or_o to_o make_v any_o allowance_n for_o this_o if_o god_n do_v not_o magistrate_n have_v less_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o because_o god_n know_v what_o man_n conscience_n
not_o unite_v we_o in_o one_o body_n and_o to_o countenance_v such_o scruple_n as_o these_o by_o the_o least_o indulgence_n will_v lay_v a_o eternal_a foundation_n of_o schism_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o hold_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n because_o forbearance_n in_o one_o case_n will_v cure_v the_o schism_n in_o other_o it_o will_v increase_v it_o 5._o this_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o christian_a worship_n but_o a_o indulgence_n of_o dissenter_n in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o so_o our_o reconciler_n prove_v from_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v the_o use_n of_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o that_o in_o charity_n to_o dissenter_n they_o must_v alter_v such_o rule_n and_o canon_n when_o as_o often_o as_o there_o be_v any_o who_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v they_o must_v part_v with_o their_o authority_n or_o for_o ever_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v much_o at_o one_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n when_o there_o be_v any_o person_n so_o ignorant_a or_o so_o humoursome_a as_o to_o dispute_v their_o authority_n or_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o they_o command_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o principle_n i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a 118._o but_o yet_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v a_o example_n of_o such_o condescension_n as_o this_o i_o will_v ready_o submit_v as_o not_o dare_v to_o dispute_v against_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n but_o if_o this_o forbearance_n which_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n than_o it_o be_v no_o precedent_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v up_o their_o authority_n to_o dissenter_n now_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n here_o the_o dispute_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o you_o have_v already_o see_v do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n nor_o the_o government_n of_o christian_a assembly_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o man_n private_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n may_v grant_v and_o may_v exhort_v to_o this_o forbearance_n without_o injure_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o prescribe_v the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v indulge_v the_o scruple_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o diminution_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o assert_v as_o high_a as_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o give_v several_a direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a assembly_n for_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o prophesy_a for_o their_o demeanour_n and_o deportment_n of_o themselves_o that_o man_n shall_v pray_v and_o prophesy_v uncover_v and_o woman_n cover_v that_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o love-feast_n for_o their_o holy_a kiss_n beside_o his_o general_a direction_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o after_o these_o particular_a direction_n reserve_v the_o final_a order_n of_o thing_n to_o himself_o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v 11.34_o this_o same_o power_n he_o commit_v to_o titus_n in_o crete_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v that_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o which_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n the_o apostle_n allow_v private_a christian_n to_o dispute_v their_o command_n and_o give_v indulgence_n to_o every_o one_o to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v who_o do_v not_o like_a to_o do_v what_o be_v command_v it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o may_v just_o be_v think_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o church-governor_n but_o the_o apostle_n understand_v their_o authority_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n their_o duty_n better_a than_o so_o none_o dispute_v their_o command_n in_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o decency_n nor_o will_v they_o suffer_v their_o command_n to_o be_v dispute_v without_o censure_n st._n paul_n commend_v the_o corinthian_n upon_o this_o account_n 7.15_o i_o praise_v you_o brethren_z that_o you_o remember_v i_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o i_o deliver_v they_o to_o you_o he_o commend_v they_o for_o their_o obedience_n to_o titus_n and_o give_v the_o thessalonian_n this_o general_a rule_n 13._o to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o high_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o what_o that_o mean_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o 17._o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n and_o he_o command_v the_o thessalonian_n if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n 3.14_o note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a which_o show_v a_o true_a apostolical_a spirit_n and_o power_n which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o he_o exercise_v in_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v there_o mention_v now_o if_o this_o forbearance_n towards_o the_o believe_a jew_n which_o st._n paul_n plead_v for_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n if_o it_o appear_v from_o other_o place_n that_o he_o do_v assert_v his_o authority_n and_o require_v obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o it_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o the_o reconciler_n shall_v hence_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v up_o their_o authority_n to_o the_o dissenter_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o not_o impose_v any_o thing_n which_o through_o ignorance_n or_o scrupulosity_n or_o from_o some_o worse_a cause_n they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v which_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v where_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o impose_v for_o as_o for_o his_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n of_o which_o more_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n it_o refer_v only_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a liberty_n not_o of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o this_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n plead_v for_o be_v only_o temporary_a it_o be_v a_o prudent_a expedient_a for_o that_o time_n which_o be_v such_o a_o critical_a period_n as_o never_o happen_v before_o nor_o can_v ever_o hap_v again_o nor_o can_v continue_v long_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o but_o what_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o out_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o weak_a brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o at_o that_o time_n believe_v in_o christ_n can_v not_o present_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v abrogate_a or_o out_o of_o date_n but_o st._n paul_n see_v a_o time_n a_o come_n which_o will_v effectual_o convince_v they_o of_o this_o when_o god_n shall_v suffer_v the_o roman_n to_o destroy_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o jewish_a worship_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o when_o he_o tell_v they_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a thorough_o inform_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v thus_o mind_v 15._o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o now_o when_o we_o see_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o such_o dispute_n and_o have_v a_o expedient_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o christian_a charity_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n but_o now_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o this_o they_o raise_v scruple_n and_o dispute_n after_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n prescription_n against_o they_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o such_o principle_n as_o condemn_v the_o best_a and_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o former_a age_n and_o if_o their_o scruple_n be_v indulge_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o peace_n
duty_n but_o the_o power_n of_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o the_o power_n of_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o power_n as_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o office_n be_v a_o trust_n and_o a_o duty_n the_o prudent_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o when_o they_o please_v either_o part_n with_o the_o power_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n be_v content_v to_o part_v with_o the_o temporal_a reward_n of_o his_o ministry_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o successful_o discharge_v the_o ministry_n itself_o therefore_o church-governor_n must_v not_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o humour_n dissenter_n st._n paul_n do_v more_o than_o his_o strict_a duty_n require_v that_o he_o may_v have_v something_o to_o glory_n in_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v neglect_v their_o duty_n and_o lose_v their_o reward_n indeed_o our_o reconciler_n talk_v as_o if_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v only_o a_o personal_a right_n a_o compliment_n to_o church-governor_n a_o ornamental_a power_n which_o they_o may_v use_v or_o may_v let_v alone_o as_o they_o please_v and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v present_o be_v of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n but_o i_o believe_v they_o have_v no_o such_o kind_n of_o useless_a authority_n as_o this_o christ_n have_v not_o complemented_a his_o minister_n with_o any_o power_n which_o be_v not_o for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o useful_a power_n and_o that_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v when_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o whoever_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o another_o reason_n why_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospsl_n free_o at_o corinth_n he_o give_v we_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 12_o 13._o what_o i_o do_v that_o i_o will_v do_v that_o i_o may_v cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o wherein_o they_o glory_v they_o may_v be_v find_v even_o as_o we_o for_o such_o be_v false_a apostle_n deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o there_o be_v several_a false_a teacher_n who_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o and_o use_v all_o manner_n of_o art_n to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o among_o other_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o to_o they_o only_o as_o they_o pretend_v out_o of_o love_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o very_a popular_a art_n especial_o to_o that_o people_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o to_o they_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o be_v to_o disappoint_v those_o art_n of_o deceit_n whereby_o these_o false_a teacher_n endeavour_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o that_o wherein_o they_o glory_v they_o may_v be_v find_v even_o as_o we_o that_o whereas_o they_o glory_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o this_o may_v give_v they_o no_o advantage_n since_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o myself_o have_v all_o along_o do_v and_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v our_o reconciler_n paraphrase_v these_o word_n thus_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o be_v lest_o his_o enemy_n shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o his_o liberty_n to_o charge_n 138._o or_o to_o traduce_v he_o as_o one_o who_o more_o consult_v his_o own_o profit_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o occasion_n have_v there_o be_v for_o this_o though_o he_o have_v take_v wage_n of_o they_o as_o he_o say_v he_o do_v of_o other_o church_n to_o supply_v his_o necessity_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a notwithstanding_o that_o he_o do_v exact_v nothing_o from_o they_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n for_o certain_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v the_o supply_n of_o his_o want_n without_o be_v charge_v with_o covetousness_n but_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o suffer_v these_o false_a prophet_n by_o a_o pretend_a and_o hypocritical_a zeal_n to_o outdo_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n now_o the_o apostle_n care_n to_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o false_a teacher_n be_v a_o good_a example_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n not_o to_o do_v so_o neither_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v give_v they_o great_a advantage_n than_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o order_n and_o decency_n to_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n well_o but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n do_v give_v occasion_n to_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n to_o traduce_v they_o as_o man_n who_o more_o regard_v a_o ceremony_n than_o a_o immortal_a soul_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o command_a power_n than_o the_o preserve_n of_o poor_a soul_n from_o damn_v schism_n and_o the_o church_n from_o sad_a division_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v very_o spiteful_a but_o very_o foolish_a insinuation_n as_o for_o schism_n and_o division_n we_o have_v already_o consider_v where_o that_o charge_n must_v rest_v and_o then_o how_o do_v ceremony_n come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v the_o appointment_n of_o some_o ceremony_n for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n hinder_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n can_v man_n be_v save_v who_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n then_o indeed_o our_o reconciler_n may_v well_o complain_v that_o those_o who_o impose_v such_o damn_v ceremony_n have_v more_o regard_n to_o a_o ceremony_n than_o to_o a_o immortal_a soul_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n between_o ceremony_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v schismatic_n for_o a_o ceremony_n will_v be_v schismatic_n without_o it_o and_o will_v be_v damn_v for_o their_o schism_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o ceremony_n or_o not_o all_o that_o remain_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v his_o answer_n to_o meisner_n argument_n which_o i_o have_v already_o consider_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o purpose_n chap._n vii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o motive_n to_o mutual_a condescension_n urge_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n i_o find_v nothing_o in_o this_o chapter_n beside_o some_o harangue_n and_o popular_a declamation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v already_o the_o whole_a proceed_v upon_o those_o general_a topic_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o these_o thing_n the_o danger_n man_n soul_n be_v in_o by_o these_o imposition_n the_o obligation_n to_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v particular_o discourse_v above_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v particular_o examine_v but_o however_o i_o will_v brief_o try_v whether_o i_o can_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o all_o this_o which_o may_v be_v as_o popular_a as_o his_o objection_n be_v i._o his_o first_o argument_n or_o motive_n be_v from_o consider_v how_o small_a the_o thing_n be_v which_o cause_n our_o discord_n and_o division_n 166._o when_o they_o be_v set_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o love_n peace_n and_o the_o church_n union_n and_o edification_n and_o the_o avoid_v the_o offence_n and_o scandal_n of_o jew_n gentile_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o very_o pompous_o prove_v to_o be_v great_a gospel-duty_n now_o suppose_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v never_o so_o small_a if_o they_o be_v of_o any_o use_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n as_o our_o reconciler_n own_v they_o be_v what_o will_v he_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o little_a thing_n must_v not_o be_v enjoin_v what_o not_o when_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o enjoin_v they_o do_v christ_n then_o give_v any_o authority_n to_o his_o church_n which_o she_o must_v not_o use_v must_v nothing_o be_v enjoin_v which_o be_v little_a in_o comparison_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n or_o must_v they_o be_v enjoin_v and_o leave_v indifferent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n must_v the_o church_n appoint_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o command_v no_o body_n to_o observe_v they_o but_o those_o who_o please_v in_o all_o well-governed_a society_n there_n must_v be_v law_n about_o little_a as_o well_o as_o about_o great_a thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v the_o least_o matter_n both_o in_o
apostle_n which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o reveal_v the_o gospel-mystery_n by_o degree_n and_o to_o person_n well_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v to_o receive_v they_o but_o when_o a_o doctrine_n have_v be_v full_o publish_v and_o confirm_v by_o all_o necessary_a evidence_n and_o universal_o receive_v as_o a_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o governor_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v continue_v to_o preach_v it_o whether_o dissenter_n will_v hear_v or_o no_o for_o else_o we_o may_v lose_v all_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o degree_n again_o and_o return_v to_o our_o milk_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n humanity_n and_o leave_v off_o feed_v on_o strong_a meat_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n divinity_n 183._o because_o jew_n and_o socinian_n can_v bear_v it_o whatever_o have_v be_v publish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v the_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o which_o all_o bishop_n 6.20_o as_o well_o as_o timothy_n be_v command_v to_o keep_v 185._o 5._o his_o next_o motive_n to_o condescension_n be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n which_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v be_v deal_v with_o now_o i_o confess_v this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a topick_n to_o declaim_v on_o as_o our_o reconciler_n do_v for_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o manage_v it_o contain_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o passion_n and_o interest_n more_o than_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o observe_v that_o this_o rule_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o just_a and_o equitable_a to_o be_v do_v for_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o how_o passionate_o soever_o man_n desire_v it_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o fondness_n and_o partiality_n to_o themselves_o not_o to_o a_o true_a reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o unless_o it_o appear_v upon_o other_o account_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o reasonable_a to_o grant_v this_o indulgence_n this_o rule_n can_v make_v it_o so_o to_o discourse_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n at_o large_a will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n from_o my_o present_a design_n and_o therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o what_o our_o reconciler_n say_v will_v we_o be_v content_v if_o we_o be_v inferior_n to_o be_v punish_v imprison_a and_o banish_v for_o opinion_n which_o we_o can_v help_v or_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n for_o such_o opinion_n or_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v glad_a that_o other_o will_v bear_v with_o we_o in_o some_o lesser_a matter_n in_o which_o we_o by_o our_o judgement_n be_v constrain_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o will_v not_o pass_v upon_o we_o the_o severe_a censure_n because_o we_o be_v constrain_v thus_o to_o differ_v i_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o and_o suchlike_a popular_a appeal_n i_o shall_v ask_v he_o some_o other_o question_n as_o whether_o ever_o any_o offender_n or_o criminal_a be_v content_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o fault_n or_o do_v not_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v pardon_v and_o to_o escape_v whether_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o punish_v any_o man_n because_o all_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v punish_v whether_o every_o man_n love_n to_o himself_o in_o such_o case_n or_o that_o natural_a pity_n which_o all_o man_n have_v for_o those_o who_o suffer_v be_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a discipline_n and_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n whether_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n shall_v over-rule_v the_o authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n whether_o be_v the_o most_o pitiable_a sight_n to_o see_v a_o flourish_a and_o true_o apostolic_a church_n rend_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n by_o faction_n and_o schism_n or_o to_o see_v such_o schismatic_n suffer_v in_o the_o suppression_n of_o their_o schism_n whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o punish_v schismatic_n when_o their_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n threaten_v the_o state_n and_o make_v the_o throne_n of_o prince_n shake_v and_o totter_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o rule_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o may_v be_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o direct_v our_o private_a conversation_n but_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o public_a government_n and_o my_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v respect_n only_o to_o every_o man_n private_a happiness_n and_o suppose_v a_o equality_n between_o they_o for_o that_o which_o make_v this_o a_o rule_n of_o equity_n be_v that_o equal_v as_o all_o man_n be_v consider_v as_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v equal_a usage_n and_o therefore_o that_o natural_a sense_n which_o every_o man_n have_v of_o happiness_n that_o natural_a aversion_n to_o suffer_v wrong_a and_o that_o natural_a desire_n to_o receive_v good_a from_o other_o shall_v teach_v every_o man_n to_o deal_v by_o other_o who_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o happiness_n and_o aversion_n to_o misery_n as_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o themselves_o but_o now_o public_a government_n have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o public_a than_o to_o any_o man_n private_a good_a and_o a_o man_n private_a and_o particular_a good_a must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o public_a welfare_n and_o therefore_o what_o aversion_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o mankind_n to_o suffering_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a and_o just_a that_o private_a man_n when_o they_o deserve_v it_o shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o it_o be_v not_o every_o man_n love_n to_o himself_o or_o what_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v which_o be_v the_o rule_n here_o but_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a good_n and_o though_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o prefer_v the_o public_a good_a before_o their_o own_o private_a interest_n yet_o whatever_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o this_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n natural_a love_n to_o themselves_o to_o which_o this_o rule_n appeal_v will_v never_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o suffer_v especial_o when_o the_o suffering_n be_v great_a and_o capital_a upon_o any_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o be_v not_o our_o rule_n in_o such_o case_n for_o then_o no_o fault_n must_v ever_o be_v punish_v nor_o be_v there_o a_o equality_n between_o governor_n and_o subject_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n civil_a magistrate_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o consider_v the_o private_a passion_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n that_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o suffer_v when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o fault_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o punish_v other_o for_o they_o act_n not_o as_o private_a man_n but_o as_o public_a minister_n of_o justice_n and_o discipline_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o inequality_n this_o rule_n of_o equity_n will_v not_o hold_v governor_n and_o subject_n be_v equal_a consider_v as_o man_n but_o very_o unequal_a as_o governor_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o set_v they_o above_o other_o man_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o same_o man_n pass_v such_o different_a judgement_n on_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v subject_n and_o when_o they_o be_v governor_n because_o when_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o have_v a_o principal_a regard_n to_o a_o private_a and_o particular_a good_a and_o consult_v the_o desire_n and_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n when_o they_o be_v governor_n they_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o a_o public_a good_a and_o consider_v what_o their_o character_n and_o office_n and_o authority_n require_v they_o to_o do_v thus_o we_o know_v when_o some_o of_o our_o dissenter_n have_v get_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v as_o severe_a in_o press_v conformity_n to_o their_o new_a model_n and_o platform_n as_o loud_a and_o fierce_a in_o their_o declamation_n against_o toleration_n as_o now_o they_o be_v against_o conformity_n and_o for_o a_o toleration_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o see_v plain_o what_o the_o necessity_n of_o government_n require_v now_o the_o power_n be_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o consider_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o own_o preservation_n which_o make_v they_o dislike_v those_o thing_n when_o the_o government_n be_v against_o they_o which_o they_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o before_o this_o be_v universal_o true_a of_o all_o
to_o say_v than_o our_o reconciler_n have_v and_o when_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o will_v consider_v it_o and_o yet_o those_o private_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o who_o judgement_n our_o reconciler_n appeal_v say_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n not_o a_o man_n of_o they_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v scruple_v as_o any_o one_o may_v observe_v who_o careful_o read_v their_o testimony_n some_o of_o they_o indeed_o do_v think_v it_o advisable_v if_o it_o will_v heal_v our_o present_a schism_n to_o part_v with_o some_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n 1._o those_o who_o think_v this_o may_v be_v do_v be_v there_o good_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o such_o abatement_n will_v cure_v the_o schism_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o last_a peace_n in_o this_o church_n 2._o those_o who_o think_v this_o way_n ought_v to_o be_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v effect_v the_o cure_n or_o no._n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o the_o exchange_n of_o a_o ceremony_n or_o two_o while_o the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n may_v be_v otherwise_o secure_v will_v certain_o heal_v our_o schism_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v ever_o be_v the_o man_n who_o shall_v oppose_v so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v my_o thought_n free_o that_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o great_a man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n in_o declare_v their_o judgement_n unasked_a about_o a_o imaginary_a case_n which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o impossible_a shall_v over_o be_v a_o real_a case_n this_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o present_a temper_n and_o complexion_n of_o the_o schism_n which_o even_o among_o the_o most_o moderote_v dissenter_n be_v improve_v far_o beyond_o the_o dispute_n of_o a_o ceremony_n but_o from_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o their_o principle_n whereon_o they_o demand_v such_o a_o alteration_n be_v schismatical_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o schismatical_a principle_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o ceremony_n may_v for_o the_o present_a quiet_a our_o dispute_n yet_o this_o peace_n will_v last_v no_o long_o than_o the_o man_n be_v in_o a_o good_a humour_n because_o those_o very_a principle_n which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n now_o will_v also_o disturb_v the_o best_a order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v devise_v and_o while_o the_o principle_n remain_v the_o seed_n of_o discord_n remain_v also_o and_o there_o will_v never_o want_v man_n or_o devil_n to_o improve_v they_o into_o open_a contention_n whoever_o believe_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o express_v divine_a law_n for_o that_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v sinful_a when_o they_o be_v command_v though_o by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n that_o neither_o the_o governor_n in_o church_n nor_o state_n have_v any_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n on_o which_o man_n oppose_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n will_v as_o inevitable_o be_v schismatic_n under_o any_o constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n be_v accountable_a to_o the_o people_n will_v be_v rebel_n whenever_o they_o be_v not_o please_v and_o have_v power_n to_o resist_v take_v away_o these_o principle_n and_o we_o may_v keep_v our_o ceremony_n and_o while_o these_o principle_n last_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o part_v with_o the_o least_o ceremony_n 2._o as_o for_o those_o who_o think_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o try_v this_o experiment_n whether_o such_o abatement_n and_o condescension_n will_v reconcile_v dissent_v protestant_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v in_o my_o opinion_n a_o very_a dangerous_a as_o well_o as_o a_o very_a unreasonable_a experiment_n all_o change_n and_o innovation_n unless_o they_o be_v make_v on_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n and_o with_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o caution_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o the_o great_a politician_n can_v always_o foresee_v what_o the_o event_n will_v be_v but_o to_o change_v light_o and_o wanton_o without_o a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o a_o good_a effect_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o gravity_n of_o government_n it_o be_v only_o like_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o a_o sick_a man_n who_o seek_v for_o some_o present_a relief_n by_o change_a side_n though_o when_o he_o have_v do_v he_o find_v himself_o as_o uneasy_a as_o he_o be_v before_o if_o such_o abatement_n do_v not_o take_v effect_n we_o part_v with_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n to_o no_o purpose_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o sectary_n make_v they_o more_o bold_a and_o clamorous_a and_o weaken_v the_o authority_n and_o sinew_n of_o government_n which_o lose_v it_o due_a reverence_n when_o it_o be_v not_o steady_a and_o true_a to_o itself_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n governor_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o few_o experiment_n and_o to_o confess_v the_o few_o fault_n and_o mistake_n if_o there_o be_v any_o much_o less_o to_o seem_v to_o confess_v a_o fault_n when_o there_o be_v none_o for_o government_n ought_v to_o maintain_v its_o own_o reverence_n and_o authority_n and_o nothing_o can_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o government_n but_o a_o great_a opinion_n both_o of_o its_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o it_o can_v defend_v itself_o and_o direct_v other_o whereas_o all_o such_o change_n and_o alteration_n though_o they_o may_v be_v call_v a_o charitable_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o importunity_n of_o other_o be_v always_o expound_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o weakness_n or_o mistake_n of_o government_n that_o it_o can_v defend_v itself_o against_o popular_a clamour_n and_o opposition_n or_o that_o they_o mistake_v their_o rule_n the_o first_o make_v their_o authority_n precarious_a and_o teach_v people_n not_o to_o fear_v their_o governor_n when_o they_o see_v their_o governor_n be_v afraid_a of_o they_o the_o other_o destroy_v the_o reverence_n of_o their_o law_n and_o teach_v people_n not_o to_o obey_v but_o to_o dispute_v and_o of_o all_o mistake_n the_o mistake_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o unpardonable_a and_o the_o great_a blemish_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n because_o here_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o certain_a and_o do_v not_o alter_v with_o accidental_a and_o mutable_a event_n so_o that_o if_o thing_n be_v well_o settle_v at_o first_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n ever_o to_o change_v as_o may_v be_v in_o all_o other_o law_n which_o must_v be_v fit_v to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o other_o changeable_a circumstance_n but_o even_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o vary_v with_o the_o unreasonable_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n in_o every_o age_n or_o if_o it_o do_v religion_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n suffer_v by_o it_o now_o whatever_o private_a doctor_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o for_o those_o who_o assert_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n assert_v it_o without_o authority_n too_o his_o next_o testimony_n be_v borrow_v from_o some_o foreign_a divine_n such_o as_o beza_n zanchy_a junius_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o oppose_v other_o foreign_a divine_n against_o they_o if_o not_o to_o answer_v they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o write_n but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a these_o man_n be_v not_o infallible_a i_o will_v never_o value_v those_o man_n judgement_n about_o ceremony_n who_o can_v be_v content_v to_o change_v the_o apostolical_a order_n of_o bishop_n for_o a_o presbyterian_a parity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o insist_o at_o large_a on_o those_o term_n of_o concord_n which_o have_v be_v propose_v both_o by_o our_o own_o and_o by_o foreign_a divine_n between_o distinct_a church_n and_o hence_o very_o wise_o conclude_v that_o the_o same_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n but_o this_o i_o have_v consider_v already_o and_o refer_v my_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o remark_n upon_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n etc._n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o our_o reconciler_n and_o shall_v conclude_v this_o work_n with_o a_o short_a address_n to_o our_o dissenter_n lest_o they_o shall_v not_o right_o understand_v how_o much_o they_o be_v