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 bâ—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 thoâ—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
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 interpose_v no_o command_n though_o the_o rule_n they_o give_v contain_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a and_o decent_a yet_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v they_o gentle_o do_v admonish_v &_o reprove_v they_o &_o let_v they_o alone_o so_o s._n paul_n in_o case_n of_o the_o corinthian_a man_n wear_v long_a hair_n if_o any_o man_n list_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v let_v he_o choose_v it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v we_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o liberty_n but_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o but_o this_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n neither_o for_o wear_v long_a hair_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o uniformity_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v our_o only_a dispute_n but_o be_v a_o indecency_n in_o common_a conversation_n and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n the_o apostle_n indulge_v both_o to_o jew_n and_o heathen_n till_o they_o can_v be_v reform_v by_o reason_n and_o better_a instruction_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o do_v more_o severe_o correct_v the_o disorder_n and_o indecency_n of_o worship_n and_o yet_o i_o confess_v it_o seem_v a_o very_a odd_a comment_n upon_o the_o apostle_n word_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n viz._n let_v he_o choose_v it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v we_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o whereas_o in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o leave_v they_o to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v that_o he_o determine_v the_o controversy_n against_o they_o by_o the_o high_a authority_n to_o a_o christian_a next_o to_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n viz._n the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o do_v not_o here_o threaten_v church-censure_n against_o they_o but_o first_o try_v what_o reason_n and_o argument_n will_v do_v which_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a method_n for_o bishop_n to_o use_v but_o a_o very_a ill_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v not_o censure_v those_o who_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o her_o law_n and_o constitution_n 4._o if_o the_o bishop_n power_n be_v extend_v far_o it_o may_v extend_v to_o tyranny_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o limit_n beyond_o this_o to_o keep_v he_o within_o the_o measure_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o government_n evangelical_n but_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o go_v far_o he_o may_v be_v absolute_a and_o supreme_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o spirit_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o dynasty_a as_o one_o ancient_o complain_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o change_v the_o father_n into_o a_o prince_n and_o the_o church_n into_o a_o empire_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o how_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n shall_v degenerate_v into_o tyranny_n and_o secular_a power_n be_v unintelligible_a to_o i_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o know_v come_v in_o at_o another_o door_n and_o the_o presbyter_n who_o have_v little_a regard_n to_o the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n can_v find_v other_o pretence_n to_o get_v some_o secular_a power_n into_o his_o hand_n but_o what_o limit_n can_v be_v set_v to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n if_o the_o church_n exceed_v what_o be_v bare_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v confusion_n in_o religious_a worship_n i_o answer_v decency_n be_v the_o bind_v of_o it_o and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o what_o be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a in_o religious_a worship_n belong_v to_o church-authority_n what_o be_v more_o be_v a_o irregular_a abuse_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n that_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o shall_v make_v bishop_n secular_a prince_n this_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o i_o that_o this_o learned_a prelate_n intend_v not_o one_o word_n of_o all_o this_o against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o can_v not_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o he_o contradict_v himself_o and_o then_o his_o authority_n be_v good_a on_o neither_o side_n and_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o appear_v once_o for_o all_o and_o thereby_o answer_v the_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n to_o countenance_v this_o reconcile_a design_n all_o together_o i_o observe_v then_o that_o the_o bishop_n himself_o do_v express_o justify_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o not_o offend_v against_o any_o of_o those_o rule_n he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o ecclesiastical_a law_n 8._o when_o he_o speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o significant_a ceremony_n and_o censure_v such_o ceremony_n which_o be_v mere_o for_o signification_n which_o seem_v to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o case_n there_o he_o design_o not_o only_a vindicate_v the_o practice_n but_o applaud_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o reference_n to_o her_o ceremony_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o celebrate_v and_o honour_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v in_o all_o her_o office_n retain_v but_o one_o ritual_a or_o ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a ordinance_n or_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o that_o be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o significant_a ceremony_n and_o of_o no_o other_o use_n though_o in_o this_o i_o can_v agree_v with_o the_o bishop_n and_o have_v give_v my_o reason_n for_o it_o above_o so_o it_o be_v very_o innocent_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v one_o and_o alone_o be_v in_o no_o regard_n troublesome_a or_o afflective_a to_o those_o who_o understand_v her_o power_n her_o liberty_n and_o reason_n i_o say_v she_o have_v one_o only_a ceremony_n of_o her_o own_o appointment_n for_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o a_o â—ivil_a and_o religious_a contract_n it_o be_v a_o pledge_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n not_o of_o the_o religion_n and_o those_o other_o circumstance_n of_o her_o worship_n be_v but_o determination_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o manner_n of_o a_o duty_n they_o serve_v to_o other_o purpose_n beside_o signification_n they_o be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o but_o for_o order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o a_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o evident_a necessity_n or_o a_o great_a convenience_n now_o if_o beside_o these_o use_n they_o can_v be_v construe_v to_o any_o good_a signification_n or_o instruction_n that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o advantage_n their_o principal_a end_n be_v different_a and_o warrant_v and_o not_o destroy_v by_o their_o superinduce_v and_o accidental_a use_n in_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o figure_n and_o shadow_n be_v for_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o light_n and_o manifestation_n be_v in_o the_o new_a this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n about_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o i_o think_v make_v little_a for_o our_o reconcilers_n purpose_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v transcribe_v that_o large_a discourse_n about_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n mere_o for_o signification_n out_o of_o the_o bishop_n write_n etc._n he_o stop_v when_o he_o come_v to_o this_o as_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o intend_v one_o word_n of_o this_o against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o he_o express_o except_v and_o justify_v well_o but_o though_o the_o bishop_n out_o of_o civility_n to_o the_o church_n make_v such_o a_o exception_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o his_o argument_n be_v as_o strong_a against_o the_o
have_v say_v very_o true_a and_o this_o will_v have_v justify_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o any_o foreign_a church_n in_o all_o age_n but_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a fallacy_n to_o say_v that_o the_o particular_a ceremony_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o positive_a order_n decency_n or_o reverence_n because_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v perform_v orderly_o decent_o and_o reverent_o without_o they_o which_o our_o church_n always_o own_v for_o she_o never_o condemn_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o use_v her_o ceremony_n while_o by_o other_o mean_v they_o secure_v the_o external_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o worship_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o some_o other_o decent_a ceremony_n in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o worship_n whether_o we_o can_v worship_v decent_o and_o reverent_o without_o some_o decent_a habit_n posture_n place_n &_o c_o whether_o the_o ceremony_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o as_o decent_a and_o reverend_a as_o any_o other_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v the_o only_a decent_a and_o reverend_a ceremony_n that_o can_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n then_o indeed_o his_o argument_n have_v be_v strong_a that_o those_o who_o do_v not_o use_v they_o must_v worship_v god_n irreverent_o and_o indecent_o but_o we_o say_v they_o have_v a_o positive_a decency_n and_o reverence_n and_o that_o those_o who_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o church_n observe_v a_o external_a decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o worship_n but_o this_o he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n to_o and_o therefore_o i_o presume_v can_v for_o he_o have_v give_v evidence_n enough_o that_o he_o never_o want_v will_n but_o when_o he_o want_v power_n to_o be_v civil_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o prove_v that_o god_n may_v be_v decent_o and_o reverent_o worship_v without_o the_o use_n of_o the_o english_a ceremony_n for_o no_o body_n ever_o say_v otherwise_o that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o the_o very_a argument_n whereby_o he_o prove_v it_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v of_o that_o mind_n for_o she_o assert_v these_o ceremony_n to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o alterable_a whereas_o as_o he_o well_o urge_v they_o can_v be_v neither_o if_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o decency_n and_o reverence_n of_o worship_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o clear_a state_v of_o this_o matter_n to_o consider_v the_o several_a kind_n of_o decency_n and_o upon_o what_o account_n we_o assert_v that_o our_o ceremony_n have_v a_o positive_a decency_n in_o they_o now_o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o the_o decency_n of_o circumstance_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o thing_n or_o action_n no_o action_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o some_o circumstance_n and_o no_o action_n can_v be_v decent_o perform_v without_o decent_a circumstance_n such_o as_o â—ime_v and_o place_n and_o posture_n and_o habit_n and_o this_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v and_o to_o this_o head_n of_o decent_a circumstance_n we_o reduce_v the_o surplice_n which_o be_v a_o decent_a habit_n for_o the_o minister_n when_o he_o perform_v the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v two_o of_o the_o three_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o three_o ceremony_n be_v not_o a_o circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o decency_n nor_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o the_o other_o ceremony_n have_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o decent_a thing_n or_o action_n now_o these_o two_o be_v of_o so_o distinct_a a_o nature_n must_v be_v consider_v distinct_o also_o and_o therefore_o i_o must_v advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o what_o i_o shall_v now_o discourse_v about_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o iâ—_n concern_v only_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n such_o as_o the_o surplice_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v as_o for_o decent_a thing_n or_o action_n such_o as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v at_o baptism_n i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o that_o distinct_o by_o its_o self_n have_v premise_v this_o let_v we_o now_o return_v to_o our_o reconciler_n this_o modest_a man_n who_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o proneness_n to_o mistake_v in_o judge_v 2._o who_o be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o do_v the_o least_o disservice_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o have_v such_o a_o hearty_a honour_n for_o his_o reverend_a superior_n yet_o with_o great_a humility_n venture_v to_o confute_v and_o expose_v all_o the_o savoy-commissioner_n 39_o who_o be_v very_o grave_a and_o reverend_a person_n the_o commissioner_n observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v command_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v uniformity_n let_v there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rule_n and_o canon_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o hence_o he_o say_v they_o infer_v that_o though_o charity_n will_v move_v to_o pity_n and_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v perplex_v and_o scrupulous_a that_o we_o must_v not_o break_v god_n commandment_n in_o charity_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o perform_v public_a service_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o tender_a conscience_n which_o he_o add_v be_v express_o say_v to_o justify_v their_o refusal_n to_o abate_v the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n especial_o these_o three_o the_o surplice_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o kneel_v this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o wise_o and_o judicious_o urge_v by_o our_o commissioner_n but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v they_o have_v great_o overshoot_v themselves_o when_o they_o assert_v that_o by_o abate_v the_o use_n and_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n they_o shall_v break_v god_n commandment_n and_o perform_v public_a service_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o true_o i_o think_v this_o be_v a_o little_a too_o much_o and_o our_o author_n have_v load_v it_o with_o a_o great_a many_o hard_a consequence_n which_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v answer_v but_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o commissioner_n never_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n cite_v by_o he_o which_o he_o reduce_v to_o this_o absurd_a proposition_n but_o do_v not_o they_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o break_v god_n command_n in_o charity_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o perform_v public_a service_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o tender_a conscience_n yes_o they_o do_v say_v so_o and_o be_v not_o that_o say_v to_o justify_v their_o refusal_n to_o abate_v the_o imposition_n of_o the_o ceremony_n suppose_v that_o too_o do_v not_o this_o then_o signify_v that_o by_o abate_v the_o use_n or_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n they_o shall_v break_v god_n commandment_n and_o perform_v public_a service_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o by_o no_o mean_n this_o be_v only_o one_o instance_n of_o our_o author_n proneness_n to_o mistake_v in_o judge_v which_o i_o wish_v he_o be_v more_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o and_o that_o will_v make_v he_o more_o modest_a without_o a_o compliment_n the_o commissioner_n assert_v very_o true_o that_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 this_o they_o take_v to_o be_v god_n command_n as_o well_o they_o might_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n command_v to_o perform_v public_a service_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o and_o charity_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o break_v any_o command_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o do_v this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o tender_a conscience_n all_o this_o i_o presume_v our_o reconciler_n himself_o will_v acknowledge_v what_o then_o be_v the_o fault_n why_o the_o commissioner_n urge_v this_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o dispute_n about_o abate_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o it_o prove_v that_o they_o think_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v decent_o and_o reverent_o perform_v without_o those_o particular_a ceremony_n for_o otherwise_o their_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a yes_o say_v i_o the_o argument_n be_v very_o good_a without_o this_o supposition_n and_o therefore_o the_o reconciler_n consequence_n be_v not_o good_a for_o i_o will_v ask_v he_o one_o plain_a question_n can_v any_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
great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross._n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n our_o reconciler_n himself_o have_v collect_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n or_o religion_n most_o of_o which_o be_v now_o out_o of_o use_n in_o most_o church_n which_o former_o use_v they_o and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v in_o uâ—e_v among_o we_o but_o what_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n ritual_n or_o ceremony_n but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a significant_a but_o a_o profess_v sign_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o for_o such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o which_o serve_v for_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o bishop_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o a_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o evident_a necessity_n or_o a_o great_a convenience_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o bishop_n speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n he_o understand_v by_o they_o exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n something_o which_o be_v like_o the_o ceremonial_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o religious_a rite_n such_o be_v their_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n their_o phylactery_n their_o fast_n and_o festival_n new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n not_o consider_v mere_o as_o circumstance_n of_o time_n but_o as_o have_v such_o a_o sacredness_n and_o religion_n stamp_v on_o they_o that_o the_o very_o observe_v they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o religious_a duty_n observe_v on_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o day_n not_o the_o day_n mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o numerous_a tradition_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o make_v broad_a their_o phylactery_n wash_v their_o cup_n and_o platter_n and_o their_o hand_n before_o dinner_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o superstitious_a observance_n now_o though_o some_o external_a action_n and_o thing_n wise_o choose_v and_o prudent_o use_v may_v be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v unless_o we_o will_v condemn_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o several_a age_n which_o use_v a_o great_a many_o external_a rite_n yet_o every_o one_o see_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o such_o rite_n as_o these_o and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o those_o man_n mistake_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o lie_v the_o controversy_n upon_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a signification_n of_o these_o word_n our_o fast_n and_o festival_n look_v most_o like_a such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o with_o we_o they_o be_v not_o religious_a day_n but_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n do_v from_o a_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o make_v a_o day_n religious_a which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v differ_v from_o appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n may_v do_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o observe_v a_o day_n differ_v from_o those_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v perform_v on_o such_o a_o day_n now_o this_o very_a observation_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n will_v answer_v most_o of_o his_o citation_n which_o he_o have_v impertinent_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o bishop_n write_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o have_v be_v very_o injudicious_o make_v against_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 214._o thus_o he_o observe_v from_o the_o bishop_n that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v mere_o such_o can_v be_v universal_a and_o perpetual_a but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n mere_o such_o that_o be_v say_v he_o those_o which_o do_v not_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n within_o their_o matter_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o they_o all_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o specification_n of_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n and_o include_v those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v and_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v enjoin_v to_o wear_v thesurplice_n it_o signify_v that_o he_o must_v perform_v divine_a office_n in_o a_o surplice_n these_o be_v but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o necessary_a duty_n and_o they_o found_v on_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o decency_n well_o but_o the_o bishop_n add_v when_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o to_o which_o all_o other_o nation_n be_v bind_v if_o they_o come_v into_o that_o communion_n it_o will_v be_v intolerable_a that_o the_o church_n who_o rejoice_v in_o their_o freedom_n from_o that_o yoke_n which_o god_n have_v impose_v shall_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o yoke_n of_o ordinance_n which_o man_n shall_v make_v for_o though_o before_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o now_o they_o may_v exercise_v communion_n and_o use_v the_o same_o religion_n without_o communicate_v in_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n now_o do_v not_o this_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o our_o english_a ceremony_n be_v but_o of_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o answer_v to_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ordinance_n which_o he_o call_v exterior_a thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o different_a rule_n and_o measure_n and_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n be_v so_o unfortunate_a that_o if_o the_o bishop_n have_v mean_v this_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n it_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o he_o add_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n this_o do_v no_o way_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o any_o government_n what_o liberty_n they_o be_v to_o retain_v and_o use_v i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o the_o follow_a number_n but_o it_o concern_v distinct_a church_n under_o distinct_a government_n and_o it_o mean_n as_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n and_o the_o whole_a analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v suffer_v no_o man_n to_o put_v a_o law_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v not_o their_o governor_n for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o must_v not_o be_v universal_a he_o mean_v that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v intend_v to_o oblige_v all_o christendom_n except_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v that_o be_v do_v consent_n that_o no_o church_n or_o company_n of_o christian_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n in_o it_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n which_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o such_o a_o usurpation_n as_o must_v not_o be_v endure_v which_o be_v direct_o level_v against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o though_o one_o church_n can_v impose_v upon_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n have_v power_n over_o she_o own_o member_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o be_v over_o they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o answer_v all_o his_o testimony_n from_o bishop_n davenant_n etc._n and_o bishop_n hall_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o duraeus_n about_o his_o pacificatory_a design_n of_o unite_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n into_o one_o communion_n and_o several_a other_o cite_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n they_o discourse_n upon_o what_o term_n distinct_a church_n which_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o aught_o to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n and_o this_o he_o apply_v to_o particular_a church_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o particular_a church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n and_o dominion_n over_o each_o other_o nor_o deny_v communion_n upon_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n or_o different_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o modes_n of_o worship_n therefore_o no_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o communion_n nor_o give_v law_n to_o her_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_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
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
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
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 â—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
case_n if_o they_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o any_o body_n but_o themselves_o in_o a_o unnecessary_a restraint_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n but_o neither_o offend_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o hurt_v man_n but_o if_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o compliance_n with_o other_o they_o sin_n in_o it_o for_o every_o man_n private_a conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v he_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o dispute_n between_o dissenter_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n the_o scruple_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o ground_v on_o any_o express_a law_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o party_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n but_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o pervert_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o better_a instruction_n the_o dissenter_n can_v produce_v any_o plain_a positive_a law_n which_o be_v oâ—_n ever_o be_v in_o force_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n and_o so_o have_v no_o reasonable_a pretence_n to_o be_v offend_v the_o weakness_n of_o dissenter_n be_v not_o a_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o at_o best_a a_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v indulge_v but_o to_o be_v rectify_v by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o prudent_a restraint_n unless_o we_o think_v that_o every_o ignorant_a christian_a must_v give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v his_o own_o ignorant_a and_o childish_a prejudices_fw-la whatever_o offence_n the_o dissenter_n take_v at_o our_o ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v christianity_n but_o only_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o make_v they_o forsake_v the_o church_n for_o a_o conventicle_n but_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o in_o itself_o for_o any_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n to_o be_v sure_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reaâ—on_n there_o must_v be_v no_o authority_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o no_o exercise_n of_o it_o lest_o those_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v shall_v turn_v schismatic_n but_o now_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o those_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o to_o communion_n without_o mutual_a offence_n and_o scandal_n who_o observe_v such_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o god_n have_v never_o by_o any_o such_o visible_a sign_n declare_v that_o dissenter_n shall_v be_v receive_v to_o communion_n notwithstanding_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o nonconformity_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o for_o our_o reconciler_n invisible_a communion_n with_o god_n which_o he_o grant_v to_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n who_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n st._n paul_n never_o think_v of_o it_o and_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o our_o reconciler_n shall_v know_v it_o especial_o if_o schism_n as_o he_o assert_n be_v a_o damn_v sin_n for_o no_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o case_n of_o schismatic_n can_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o when_o the_o church_n judge_n and_o censure_n and_o excommunicate_v those_o who_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o her_o worship_n she_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v for_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o though_o our_o dissenter_n pretend_v conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o nonconformity_n yet_o these_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o not_o to_o be_v allow_v of_o because_o there_o be_v no_o plain_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o it_o and_o neither_o governor_n nor_o private_a christian_n be_v concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o to_o make_v any_o allowance_n for_o every_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o will_v bring_v eternal_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n or_o private_a opinion_n the_o first_o require_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n for_o our_o rule_n which_o will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v what_o we_o do_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o man_n private_a conscience_n if_o they_o misguide_v they_o may_v deserve_v our_o pity_n but_o can_v challenge_v our_o indulgence_n our_o reconciler_n exhort_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n for_o public_a worship_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_a dissenter_n but_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o prudent_a and_o charitable_a but_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a government_n and_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o religious_a office_n which_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o other_o measure_n than_o a_o private_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o private_a christian_n to_o dispense_v in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o nor_o absolute_o in_o the_o power_n of_o church-governor_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n whoever_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n in_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n wherein_o religion_n be_v near_o concern_v for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o act_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n wherein_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n consist_v which_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o external_a worship_n be_v and_o therefore_o can_v refer_v to_o the_o public_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o they_o be_v practise_v at_o all_o must_v be_v practise_v public_o because_o they_o concern_v the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n there_o be_v no_o avoid_v offence_n in_o this_o case_n by_o dissemble_v our_o faith_n or_o by_o a_o private_a exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o governor_n must_v part_v with_o their_o authority_n and_o private_a christian_n with_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o the_o apostle_n nowhere_o require_v any_o man_n to_o do_v no_o not_o to_o avoid_v offence_n now_o though_o our_o dissenter_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o our_o reconciler_n plead_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a argument_n in_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o their_o mistake_n do_v not_o mere_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a liberty_n but_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o every_o man_n private_a conscience_n but_o to_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o where_o there_o be_v for_o if_o they_o sin_n in_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n which_o no_o man_n can_v force_v they_o to_o do_v so_o they_o sin_v also_o in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n which_o governor_n ought_v to_o hinder_v if_o they_o can_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n from_o that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n the_o dispute_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o those_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v and_o which_o be_v very_o proper_a argument_n in_o that_o case_n can_v by_o no_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o dispute_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o there_o be_v several_a other_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v at_o which_o plain_o show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n
the_o idol_n temple_n and_o then_o the_o sound_n christian_n be_v to_o forbear_v for_o fear_n of_o encourage_v such_o weak_a christian_n in_o their_o idolatry_n for_o they_o may_v apprehend_v it_o as_o lawful_a to_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n as_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o as_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n as_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o thus_o the_o use_n of_o their_o innocent_a liberty_n in_o eat_v what_o be_v set_v before_o they_o without_o scruple_n may_v confirm_v such_o man_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a practice_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o be_v to_o forbear_v and_o it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o st._n paul_n may_v have_v respect_n to_o all_o these_o from_o what_o he_o add_v v_o 32._o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o idolatry_n by_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o suspect_v you_o of_o the_o least_o approach_n to_o idolatry_n which_o will_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o aversion_n to_o christianity_n not_o to_o the_o gentile_a by_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o idolatry_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o scandalize_a either_o weak_a or_o scrupulous_a christian_n much_o less_o by_o scandalize_a the_o christian_a profession_n as_o the_o gnostic_n do_v by_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n but_o how_o any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o make_v to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n i_o can_v see_v that_o which_o come_v near_a the_o business_n be_v if_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o abstain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o who_o scruple_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o meat_n but_o then_o this_o forbearance_n be_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a liberty_n in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v wherein_o religion_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v for_o though_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o such_o meat_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o their_o eat_n in_o itself_o consider_v do_v not_o please_v god_n though_o they_o eat_v without_o scandal_n much_o less_o when_o their_o eat_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o weak_a christian_n meat_n commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n 8.8_o for_o neither_o if_o we_o eat_v be_v we_o the_o better_a neither_o if_o we_o eat_v not_o be_v we_o the_o worse_o as_o he_o have_v before_o tell_v the_o roman_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n it_o become_v they_o to_o exercise_v great_a charity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n but_o how_o little_a this_o make_v to_o our_o reconciler_n purpose_n i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a in_o the_o five_o chapter_n and_o our_o reconciler_n have_v offer_v nothing_o new_a here_o to_o deserve_v a_o new_a answer_n all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n himself_o which_o may_v be_v answer_v in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n he_o exercise_v great_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n both_o towards_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o great_a a_o apostle_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a forbearance_n to_o all_o succeed_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n or_o aught_o to_o alter_v and_o abolish_v they_o in_o charity_n and_o condescension_n to_o dissenter_n i_o will_v yield_v the_o cause_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o st._n paul_n condescension_n be_v and_o i_o observe_v in_o general_a that_o he_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o same_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o persuade_v other_o private_a christian_n to_o exercise_v and_o therefore_o if_o that_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o exhort_v the_o christian_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o do_v not_o overthrow_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n nor_o plead_v for_o the_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n of_o dissenter_n than_o st._n paul_n example_n can_v do_v this_o neither_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o consider_v particular_n 13._o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n especial_o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n for_o fear_v of_o offend_v and_o scandalize_a weak_a christian_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v observe_v himself_o wherefore_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n he_o persuade_v believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o and_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o scandalize_v one_o another_o about_o the_o observation_n or_o non-observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o this_o condescension_n both_o â—o_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o exercise_v himself_o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n 22._o to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o law_n as_o without_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n he_o live_v as_o a_o jew_n observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o neither_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n gain_v some_o that_o be_v he_o practise_v that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o he_o teach_v other_o to_o practice_v and_o if_o that_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n nor_o plead_v for_o the_o like_a indulgence_n and_o toleration_n for_o they_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a it_o do_v not_o neither_o can_v the_o apostle_n example_n prove_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o this_o condescension_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o private_a liberty_n which_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o restrain_v to_o make_v his_o ministry_n the_o more_o effectual_a but_o he_o never_o part_v with_o his_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o dissenter_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 138._o but_o there_o be_v one_o instance_n more_o of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n which_o our_o reconciler_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o very_a notable_a one_o viz._n that_o though_o st._n paul_n assert_n his_o right_n to_o live_v upon_o the_o church_n stock_n as_o well_o as_o other_o minister_n yet_o he_o maintain_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o labour_n that_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o corinthian_n without_o charge_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o do_v receive_v contribution_n from_o other_o church_n and_o this_o he_o do_v 9_o lest_o he_o shall_v hinder_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n from_o whence_o our_o reconciler_n thus_o argue_v wherefore_o although_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n have_v certain_o a_o right_a to_o impose_v thing_n indifferent_a yet_o with_o submission_n to_o they_o i_o conceive_v they_o shall_v not_o exercise_v that_o power_n in_o like_a circumstance_n viz._n when_o by_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o they_o 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 poor_a soul_n from_o damn_v schism_n and_o the_o church_n from_o sad_a division_n when_o it_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o their_o flock_n as_o this_o impose_v seem_v to_o do_v ad_fw-la populum_fw-la phalerae_fw-la now_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v the_o case_n and_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v our_o reconciler_n application_n the_o case_n be_v this_o st._n paul_n have_v a_o right_a to_o live_v on_o the_o gospel_n 14_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o ordination_n as_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n who_o minister_v in_o holy_a thing_n live_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o they_o which_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n have_v their_o portion_n
it_o on_o the_o second_o month_n by_o those_o who_o be_v unclean_a or_o in_o a_o journey_n on_o the_o first_o month_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o what_o god_n have_v prescribe_v when_o god_n himself_o have_v express_o prescribe_v it_o and_o let_v he_o consider_v once_o more_o whether_o work_v of_o necessity_n and_o mercy_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o that_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v exclude_v such_o work_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o reconciler_n can_v produce_v any_o one_o instance_n wherein_o god_n permit_v and_o allow_v the_o violation_n of_o any_o ceremonial_a law_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n without_o express_a order_n for_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n be_v very_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a in_o exact_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o do_v give_v as_o signal_n example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o upon_o any_o other_o whatever_o witness_v the_o man_n who_o gather_v stick_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n for_o it_o the_o fate_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n who_o quarrel_v with_o moses_n and_o aaron_n which_o be_v more_o like_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o offer_v incense_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o a_o fire_n consume_v the_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o man_n that_o offer_v incense_n numb_a to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o case_n of_o vzzah_n who_o be_v strike_v dead_a upon_o the_o place_n for_o touch_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v though_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o very_a pious_a intention_n to_o preserve_v it_o from_o fall_v 7._o thus_o saul_n offering_n sacrifice_n in_o samuel_n absence_n etc._n though_o he_o have_v a_o very_a plausible_a excuse_n for_o it_o and_o his_o spare_a agag_n the_o king_n of_o the_o amalakite_n etc._n and_o the_o best_a of_o the_o sheep_n and_o ox_n etc._n etc._n cost_v he_o his_o kingdom_n this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o god_n be_v so_o little_o concern_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o ceremonial_a law_n or_o think_v any_o thing_n little_a which_o he_o command_v when_o he_o so_o severe_o revenge_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o god_n indeed_o do_v prefer_v true_a and_o real_a righteousness_n before_o any_o ceremonial_a observance_n but_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o countenance_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o mean_a law_n what_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n who_o pay_v thythe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v 23._o and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o stand_a rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v they_o shall_v observe_v they_o both_o the_o great_a and_o the_o less_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o neglect_v or_o despise_v either_o so_o that_o god_n example_n in_o theâ—e_n matter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v our_o reconciler_n cause_n that_o it_o make_v against_o he_o god_n do_v not_o equal_a the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n of_o judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n equal_v a_o ceremony_n with_o the_o dear_a interest_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n but_o yet_o god_n institute_v these_o ceremony_n and_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o even_o when_o the_o whole_a congregation_n mutinied_a and_o rebel_v upon_o it_o as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o corah_n that_o be_v when_o they_o come_v as_o much_o in_o competition_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n as_o the_o reconciler_n pretend_v our_o ceremony_n at_o this_o day_n do_v 2._o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v our_o reconciler_n have_v another_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dissenter_n among_o we_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o 1._o the_o example_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n 178._o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o who_o be_v command_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n refuse_v to_o part_v with_o their_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n and_o to_o refrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n will_v give_v i_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o i_o will_v tell_v he_o why_o they_o shall_v god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n but_o still_o they_o must_v be_v save_v in_o that_o method_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o this_o end_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o his_o law_n institute_v a_o church-society_n appoint_a steward_n of_o his_o family_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o household_n and_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o renounce_v this_o authority_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o in_o its_o rank_n and_o order_v it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contribute_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o that_o it_o destroy_v they_o what_o destroy_v they_o the_o use_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n no_o man_n may_v observe_v these_o ceremony_n without_o prejudice_v their_o salvation_n what_o then_o be_v it_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n nor_o that_o neither_o for_o to_o command_v that_o which_o will_v not_o destroy_v man_n soul_n can_v destroy_v they_o what_o be_v it_o then_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o obey_v such_o imposition_n right_o for_o this_o make_v man_n schismatic_n and_o will_v damn_v they_o and_o thus_o disobedience_n to_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n law_n will_v damn_v man_n though_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v god_n who_o do_v so_o infinite_o love_v sinner_n as_o to_o send_v christ_n to_o save_v they_o aught_o to_o have_v give_v they_o no_o law_n nor_o make_v any_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o fear_v man_n shall_v break_v they_o and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a thing_n to_o give_v his_o son_n for_o sinner_n than_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o some_o little_a folly_n and_o extravagance_n will_v god_n who_o love_v sinner_n so_o as_o to_o give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o they_o damn_v they_o for_o steal_v a_o shilling_n or_o two_o for_o play_v the_o goodfellow_n sometime_o or_o for_o some_o kind_n and_o amorous_a embrace_n sure_o he_o be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v repeal_v all_o these_o soul-destroying_a law_n and_o when_o we_o see_v this_o do_v it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n too_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n ibid._n ii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a to_o weak_a and_o err_a person_n as_o not_o to_o judge_v condemn_v or_o exclude_v they_o from_o his_o favour_n for_o any_o error_n of_o their_o judgement_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o true_a love_n to_o he_o and_o which_o they_o do_v not_o wilful_o embrace_v nor_o do_v persist_v in_o against_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o will_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o their_o unknown_a sin_n receive_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n though_o they_o live_v and_o die_v under_o such_o error_n and_o mistake_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v command_v to_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a reject_v they_o from_o communion_n who_o god_n will_v receive_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o forbear_v to_o condemn_v and_o censure_v they_o who_o god_n will_v absolve_v this_o be_v so_o fulsom_o ridiculous_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o answer_v it_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a to_o expose_v such_o popular_a cant._n for_o 1._o though_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n do_v incline_v we_o to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o invincible_a error_n yet_o we_o know_v