the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n qu._n i._o whether_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n qu._n ii_o whether_o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o it_o london_n print_v by_o j._n redmayne_n jun._n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1682_o 3._o question_n q._n whether_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n itself_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o question_n more_o immediate_o respect_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o which_o be_v either_o by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n so_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o age_n necessary_a in_o natural_a religion_n such_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o which_o must_v be_v divine_a such_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n due_a and_o peculiar_a to_o those_o object_n as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o be_v always_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o there_o be_v other_o thing_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o variable_a and_o determine_v according_a to_o circumstance_n as_o gesture_n place_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o former_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o contend_a party_n that_o they_o be_v all_o already_o prescribe_v and_o that_o nothing_o in_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v add_v to_o what_o be_v already_o prescribe_v nor_o can_v any_o thing_n so_o prescribe_v be_v alter_v or_o abolish_v nothing_o now_o can_v be_v make_v necessary_a and_o bind_v to_o all_o person_n place_n and_o age_n that_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o nothing_o that_o be_v once_o make_v so_o by_o divine_a authority_n can_v be_v render_v void_a or_o unnecessary_a by_o any_o other_o therefore_o the_o question_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o latter_a and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o whether_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a 2._o show_v that_o thing_n indifferent_a may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n 3._o consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 4._o how_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n so_o apply_v 5._o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o church_n but_o what_o be_v either_o necessary_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o bind_v to_o all_o christian_n or_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o so_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v by_o they_o 1._o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o do_v of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o all_o thing_n with_o reference_n to_o practice_n be_v reducible_a to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o duty_n second_o sin_n three_o neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n duty_n be_v either_o so_o moral_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o make_v so_o by_o divine_a and_o positive_a command_n sin_n be_v so_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o make_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o by_o divine_a and_o positive_a prohibition_n neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o no_o law_n either_o of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n have_v determine_v and_o be_v usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o indifferent_a that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n partake_v in_o itself_o of_o neither_o extreme_n and_o may_v be_v indifferent_o use_v or_o forbear_v as_o in_o reason_n and_o prudence_n shall_v be_v think_v meet_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_a the_o apostle_n call_v lawful_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23._o etc._n etc._n because_o they_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o law_n and_o what_o be_v therefore_o lawful_a to_o we_o and_o which_o without_o sin_n we_o may_v either_o choose_v or_o refuse_v thus_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v rom._n 4._o 15._o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n to_o omit_v that_o which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o enjoin_v nor_o to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v for_o else_o that_o will_v be_v a_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o enjoin_v and_o that_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o law_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o that_o duty_n and_o sin_n be_v so_o without_o respect_n to_o any_o law_n but_o now_o if_o duty_n be_v duty_n because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o sin_n be_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v forbid_v then_o indifferent_a be_v indifferent_a because_o it_o be_v neither_o enjoin_v nor_o forbid_v for_o as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n there_o need_v a_o command_n and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n there_o need_v a_o prohibition_n so_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o command_n nor_o prohibition_n it_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n and_o must_v be_v therefore_o indifferent_a lawful_a and_o free_n so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o know_v by_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o law_n what_o be_v indifferent_a as_o we_o may_v know_v by_o its_o authority_n what_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n and_o i_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o it_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o since_o all_o obligation_n arise_v from_o a_o law_n than_o that_o not_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o lawful_a thing_n be_v as_o much_o determine_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o want_n of_o such_o authority_n as_o that_o of_o necessary_a be_v determine_v by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v say_v that_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o so_o make_v and_o declare_v by_o any_o law_n may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o be_v no_o duty_n or_o sin_n which_o there_o be_v a_o law_n about_o to_o conclude_v there_o must_v be_v a_o law_n to_o make_v it_o a_o transgression_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o law_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v none_o and_o what_o there_o be_v no_o law_n for_o or_o against_o remain_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o and_o lawful_a to_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o dispute_n concern_v day_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n how_o must_v this_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o case_n but_o by_o consider_v what_o the_o law_n enjoin_v or_o forbid_v in_o it_o if_o we_o find_v it_o not_o enjoin_v it_o can_v be_v of_o itself_o no_o duty_n if_o we_o find_v it_o not_o forbid_v it_o can_v be_v of_o itself_o no_o sin_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o in_o what_o we_o neither_o sin_n by_o omit_v nor_o observe_v so_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v rom._n 14._o 6._o he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o the_o day_n unto_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o law_n require_v it_o and_o so_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o necessary_a and_o no_o law_n forbid_v it_o and_o so_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o observe_v or_o not_o to_o observe_v it_o as_o they_o please_v and_o in_o both_o they_o do_v well_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o such_o thing_n though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o it_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n to_o be_v expect_v about_o the_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o which_o the_o service_n can_v be_v celebrate_v without_o such_o as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o that_o these_o be_v leave_v
the_o governor_n and_o the_o permit_v they_o to_o choose_v and_o determine_v in_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_a as_o they_o shall_v see_v meet_a it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n vndetermine_v in_o scripture_n and_o such_o thing_n indeed_o there_o be_v that_o christian_n may_v have_v a_o liberty_n in_o and_o yet_o hold_v communion_n as_o in_o posture_n etc._n etc._n though_o decency_n will_v plead_v for_o uniformity_n in_o those_o thing_n also_o but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o public_a worship_n or_o christian_a communion_n which_o yet_o they_o differ_v in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o other_o as_o now_o whether_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n whether_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o morning_n or_o evening_n whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a etc._n etc._n now_o unless_o one_o of_o these_o disagree_a party_n do_v yield_v to_o the_o other_o or_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o superior_n and_o guide_n to_o determine_v for_o they_o and_o they_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o it_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o why_o superior_n may_v not_o then_o command_v and_o why_o inferior_n be_v not_o to_o obey_v in_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n in_o posture_n or_o habit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o time_n above_o specify_v and_o form_n i_o understand_v not_o to_o conclude_v this_o if_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n require_v or_o general_o practise_v in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v not_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n omit_v or_o forbid_v in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v not_o require_v in_o scripture_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o act_n or_o to_o forbear_v as_o they_o that_o be_v of_o its_o communion_n do_v general_o act_v or_o forbear_v or_o the_o law_n of_o that_o communion_n require_v and_o in_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o public_a voice_n of_o the_o communion_n that_o be_v authority_n custom_n or_o the_o majority_n but_o to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v say_v object_n if_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v determine_v in_o our_o practice_n then_o where_o be_v our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v only_o in_o different_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o liberty_n which_o yet_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o â—_o 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n answer_n for_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o all_o person_n grant_v this_o in_o the_o latter_a and_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a be_v apt_a to_o plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o to_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o they_o by_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v but_o now_o if_o a_o person_n may_v recede_v from_o his_o liberty_n and_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o yet_o his_o liberty_n be_v not_o thereby_o infringe_v why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v also_o little_o infringe_v when_o restrain_v by_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o vast_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o restraint_n and_o restraint_n and_o that_o he_o that_o be_v restrain_v by_o authority_n shall_v have_v his_o liberty_n prejudice_v 29._o and_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v shall_v keep_v it_o entire_a and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o be_v occasional_a but_o the_o other_o be_v perpetuate_v by_o the_o order_n perhaps_o of_o a_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o all_o order_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o be_v only_o intend_v to_o bind_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n and_o if_o they_o be_v for_o continuance_n that_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n know_v his_o own_o liberty_n and_o where_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n can_v insist_v upon_o it_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o can_v be_v damnify_v though_o for_o his_o whole_a life_n it_o be_v restrain_v 13._o for_o thus_o he_o resolve_v 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 which_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v condescend_v to_o if_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o his_o exhortation_n of_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o therefore_o to_o find_v out_o the_o tendency_n of_o his_o exhortation_n its_o fit_a to_o understand_v what_o christian_a liberty_n be_v and_o that_o be_v true_o no_o other_o than_o the_o liberty_n which_o mankind_n natural_o have_v before_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o particular_a institution_n and_o which_o be_v call_v christian_a liberty_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o have_v it_o not_o under_o their_o law_n but_o be_v restrain_v from_o the_o practice_n and_o use_v of_o thing_n otherwise_o and_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a by_o severe_a prohibition_n now_o as_o all_o the_o world_n be_v then_o divide_v into_o jew_n and_o gentile_n so_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v before_o deny_v be_v call_v christian_n because_o by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n all_o these_o former_a restraint_n be_v take_v off_o and_o all_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n do_v enjoy_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o it_o be_v as_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o epistle_n do_v show_v to_o warn_v they_o against_o return_v to_o that_o jewish_a state_n and_o against_o those_o who_o hold_v it_o necessary_a for_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n still_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n and_o order_n of_o it_o now_o if_o the_o usage_n of_o a_o church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n or_o have_v the_o same_o tendency_n or_o be_v alike_o necessary_o impose_v as_o those_o of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n than_o christian_n will_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n but_o where_o these_o reason_n be_v not_o our_o liberty_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v by_o compliance_n with_o they_o as_o long_o i_o say_v as_o they_o be_v neither_o peccant_a in_o their_o nature_n nor_o end_v nor_o number_n they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o we_o nor_o be_v our_o liberty_n injure_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o so_o i_o be_o bring_v to_o the_o last_o general_n which_o be_v v._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o church_n which_o be_v not_o either_o a_o duty_n in_o itself_o and_o so_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n or_o else_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o so_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v by_o they_o by_o thing_n require_v i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o lay-member_n of_o it_o for_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n my_o subject_n do_v more_o especial_o respect_n this_o be_v a_o subject_a too_o copious_a for_o i_o to_o follow_v through_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o if_o the_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v be_v good_a and_o the_o rule_n before_o give_v be_v fit_a measure_n for_o we_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n by_o for_o by_o these_o we_o shall_v soon_o bring_v the_o cause_n to_o a_o issue_n i_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o our_o church_n for_o be_v defective_a in_o any_o essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o its_o half-communion_n nor_o of_o any_o practice_n that_o be_v apparent_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o that_o do_v defeat_v the_o end_n of_o any_o institution_n as_o the_o same_o church_n do_v offend_v by_o have_v its_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o its_o ceremony_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sincere_o and_o free_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n entire_o and_o true_o administer_v the_o prayer_n for_o matter_n inoffensive_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n be_v about_o the_o ministration_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n and_o i_o think_v the_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n object_v against_o refer_v either_o to_o time_n or_o form_n or_o gesture_n to_o time_n such_o be_v festival_n or_o day_n set_v apart_o for_o
other_o will_v choose_v sit_v as_o the_o dissent_v party_n among_o we_o and_o some_o foreign_a church_n other_o be_v for_o the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v use_v in_o we_o and_o many_o more_o and_o all_o with_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n in_o these_o different_a case_n it_o may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o a_o person_n educate_v in_o a_o different_a way_n from_o what_o be_v practise_v and_o prescribe_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o decency_n or_o edification_n but_o if_o he_o find_v it_o not_o indecent_a or_o destructive_a of_o piety_n and_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v he_o be_v therewith_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o 118._o st._n austin_n put_v a_o like_a case_n and_o give_v the_o like_a answer_n some_o church_n fast_o on_o the_o saturday_n because_o christ_n body_n be_v then_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o he_o in_o a_o state_n of_o humiliation_n other_o do_v eat_v on_o the_o saturday_n both_o because_o that_o day_n god_n rest_v from_o his_o work_n and_o christ_n rest_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o how_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n that_o father_n thus_o direct_v if_o say_v he_o what_o be_v enjoin_v be_v not_o against_o faith_n or_o good_a manner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v indifferent_a and_o i_o may_v add_v if_o it_o be_v not_o indecent_a disorderly_a and_o destructive_a of_o piety_n its_o lawful_a 3._o if_o the_o case_n be_v not_o apparent_a and_o we_o can_v easy_o find_v out_o how_o the_o thing_n use_v and_o enjoin_v in_o a_o church_n be_v decent_a etc._n etc._n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v in_o or_o oblige_v to_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n do_v respect_v such_o a_o society_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v cautious_a how_o we_o condemn_v this_o or_o that_o for_o indecent_a confuse_a and_o inexpedient_a when_o we_o see_v christian_n agree_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o such_o who_o for_o other_o thing_n we_o can_v condemn_v when_o we_o find_v if_o we_o argue_v against_o it_o they_o argue_v for_o it_o and_o produce_v experience_n against_o experience_n and_o reason_n against_o reason_n and_o that_o we_o have_v a_o whole_a church_n against_o our_o particular_a conception_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v the_o fault_n may_v be_v in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o understanding_n and_o insight_n for_o want_v of_o use_n and_o trial_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o prejudices_fw-la or_o prepossession_n that_o we_o thus_o differ_v in_o our_o judgement_n from_o they_o we_o see_v what_o little_a thing_n do_v determine_v man_n ordinary_o in_o these_o matter_n how_o addict_v some_o be_v to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o custom_n and_o forward_o to_o like_a or_o condemn_v according_a to_o their_o education_n which_o do_v form_v their_o conception_n and_o fix_v their_o inclination_n how_o prone_a again_o other_o be_v to_o novelty_n and_o innovation_n 118._o so_o st._n austin_n observe_v some_o warm_o contend_v for_o a_o usage_n because_o its_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o church_n as_o if_o they_o come_v suppose_v into_o another_o place_n where_o lent_n be_v observe_v without_o any_o relaxation_n they_o however_o refuse_v to_o fast_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o do_v in_o their_o country_n there_o be_v other_o again_o do_v like_a and_o be_v bend_v upon_o a_o particular_a rite_n or_o usage_n because_o say_v he_o they_o observe_v this_o in_o their_o travel_n abroad_o and_o so_o a_o person_n be_v for_o it_o as_o perhaps_o he_o will_v be_v think_v so_o much_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o considerable_a as_o he_o be_v distant_a or_o do_v disagree_v from_o what_o be_v observe_v at_o home_n now_o when_o person_n be_v prone_a thus_o to_o judge_n upon_o such_o little_a reason_n and_o may_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o do_v judge_n against_o a_o church_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n against_o it_o will_v become_v they_o to_o think_v again_o and_o to_o think_v that_o the_o case_n perhaps_o require_v only_a time_n or_o use_n to_o wear_v off_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o that_o by_o these_o way_n they_o may_v as_o effectual_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o thing_n practise_v in_o a_o church_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o civil_a usage_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o they_o look_v upon_o in_o their_o kind_n as_o indecent_a and_o inexpedient_a as_o they_o can_v do_v of_o the_o usage_n of_o a_o church_n in_o they_o as_o suppose_v the_o dispute_n shall_v be_v about_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o the_o use_n of_o responsal_n in_o it_o we_o see_v that_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n be_v plead_v by_o the_o party_n contend_v for_o and_o against_o but_o when_o a_o person_n consider_v that_o whatever_o opinion_n he_o therein_o have_v yet_o if_o he_o be_v against_o they_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n against_o all_o form_a church_n in_o the_o world_n he_o may_v conclude_v safe_o that_o there_o be_v a_o decency_n order_n and_o expediency_n in_o the_o public_a use_n of_o they_o 86._o and_o as_o st._n austin_n say_v of_o a_o christian_a live_v in_o rome_n where_o they_o fast_v upon_o the_o saturday_n that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v not_o so_o praise_v a_o christian_a city_n for_o it_o casulano_n as_o to_z condemn_v the_o christian_a world_n that_o be_v against_o it_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a against_o a_o practice_n as_o to_o condemn_v those_o that_o be_v for_o it_o and_o be_v so_o addict_v to_o our_o own_o opinion_n as_o to_o set_v that_o against_o a_o community_n and_o a_o church_n nay_o against_o all_o church_n whatsoever_o this_o will_v give_v we_o reason_n to_o suspect_v its_o a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n when_o we_o presume_v to_o set_v our_o judgement_n reason_n and_o experience_n against_o the_o judgement_n reason_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o bring_v to_o the_o four_o general_n 4._o how_o be_v we_o to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o resolution_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v ourselves_o in_o a_o threefold_a capacity_n 1._o as_o particular_a person_n solitary_a and_o alone_a 2._o as_o we_o be_v in_o ordinary_a and_o civil_a conversation_n 3._o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o public_a society_n or_o church_n in_o the_o first_o capacity_n every_o christian_a may_v choose_v and_o act_v as_o he_o please_v and_o all_o lawful_a thing_n remain_v to_o he_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n free_n he_o may_v eat_v this_o or_o that_o choose_v this_o day_n or_o another_o and_o set_v it_o apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul._n in_o this_o state_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o man_n to_o require_v he_o may_v forbear_v to_o use_v what_o be_v indifferent_a where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o forbid_v he_o may_v free_o use_v it_o in_o the_o second_o capacity_n as_o in_o conversation_n with_o other_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o they_o and_o to_o use_v his_o liberty_n so_o as_o shall_v be_v less_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o more_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o he_o converse_v with_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n edify_v not_o in_o this_o capacity_n man_n be_v still_o in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o whilst_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n they_o may_v safe_o act_v and_o where_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n they_o may_v forbear_v in_o compliance_n with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o advance_v to_o the_o same_o maturity_n of_o judgement_n with_o themselves_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v etc._n though_o say_v he_o i_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n yet_o have_v i_o make_v myself_o servant_n unto_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o more_o and_o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v a_o jew_n etc._n etc._n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o strong_a shall_v not_o despise_v affront_n or_o discourage_v the_o weak_a nor_o the_o weak_a censure_n and_o condemn_v the_o strong_a in_o the_o three_o capacity_n as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o religious_a society_n so_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n come_v under_o further_a consideration_n since_o then_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v respect_v and_o as_o what_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v when_o alone_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v in_o conversation_n because_o of_o offence_n so_o what_o we_o may_v allowable_o do_v when_o alone_o or_o in_o conversation_n we_o must_v not_o do_v in_o society_n if_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o
custom_n of_o it_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o that_o restrain_v or_o determine_v we_o in_o conversation_n be_v as_o much_o more_o forcible_a in_o society_n as_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o a_o part_n and_o if_o the_o not_o grieve_v a_o brother_n or_o endanger_v his_o soul_n make_v it_o reasonable_a just_a and_o necessary_a to_o forego_v our_o liberty_n and_o to_o restrain_v ourselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o then_o much_o more_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o church_n upon_o which_o the_o present_a welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o future_a welfare_n of_o many_o depend_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o so_o do_v and_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v according_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n 2._o that_o be_v to_o his_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n or_o grace_n or_o christian_a piety_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o christian_n concord_n and_o charity_n now_o edification_n be_v eminent_o so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o every_o christian_n one_o of_o the_o live_a stone_n of_o which_o that_o spiritual_a building_n be_v compact_v 5._o and_o so_o he_o be_v to_o consider_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o to_o study_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a of_o any_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o and_o how_o be_v that_o but_o by_o promote_a love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o 8._o so_o we_o find_v edification_n oppose_v to_o destruction_n 26._o to_o confusion_n to_o disputacity_n and_o licentiousness_n 4._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a 19_o we_o find_v peace_n and_o edify_v 11._o comfort_n and_o edification_n union_n and_o edification_n join_v together_o 16._o as_o the_o one_o do_v promote_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n so_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o act_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v comply_v with_o its_o custom_n observe_v its_o direction_n and_o obey_v its_o order_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n thus_o the_o apostle_n resolve_v the_o case_n write_v about_o public_a order_n and_o the_o custom_n new_o take_v up_o of_o worship_v uncover_v if_o any_o man_n seem_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v 16._o contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o contention_n and_o debate_n that_o whatever_o may_v be_v plausible_o urge_v against_o it_o from_o the_o jewish_a practice_n and_o the_o representation_n even_o of_o angel_n adore_v after_o that_o manner_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o a_o signification_n of_o shame_n and_o reverence_n or_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o idolator_n that_o do_v many_o of_o they_o worship_n uncover_v yet_o he_o peremptory_o conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n about_o it_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o custom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n for_o in_o public_a case_n a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o go_v his_o own_o way_n or_o to_o have_v his_o own_o mind_n for_o that_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n one_o man_n have_v as_o much_o a_o right_a as_o another_o there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v some_o common_a order_n and_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o if_o confusion_n be_v before_o such_o establishment_n then_o to_o break_v that_o establishment_n will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n and_o where_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o ensue_v it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o new_a experiment_n to_o decry_v and_o throw_v down_o what_o be_v already_o establish_v or_o use_v in_o a_o church_n because_o we_o think_v better_o of_o another_o for_o say_v a_o grave_a author_n and_o well_o skill_v in_o these_o matter_n 118._o the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n public_a peace_n be_v worth_a all_o new_a offer_n if_o the_o church_n be_v disquiet_v and_o its_o peace_n endanger_v by_o they_o though_o in_o themselves_o better_a and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o labour_v under_o the_o infirmity_n of_o public_a order_n than_o the_o mischief_n of_o be_v without_o it_o or_o what_o be_v next_o to_o that_o the_o trial_n of_o some_o form_n seem_o of_o a_o better_a cast_n and_o mould_n that_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v experiment_v i_o say_v it_o again_o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n or_o destruction_n which_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o i_o have_v rather_o choose_v that_o as_o i_o will_v a_o house_n to_o have_v one_o with_o some_o fault_n rather_o than_o to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o i_o can_v have_v they_o mend_v when_o tolerable_a i_o think_v myself_o bind_v not_o only_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o but_o to_o do_v all_o i_o can_v for_o its_o preservation_n though_o with_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a for_o its_o suppore_n and_o encouragement_n in_o do_v thus_o i_o serve_v god_n and_o his_o church_n my_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o promote_v religion_n and_o charity_n in_o the_o world_n 33._o for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o what_o the_o gospel_n look_v at_o be_v the_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o these_o be_v secure_v we_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o contend_v for_o or_o against_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n further_o than_o the_o church_n order_n and_o peace_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n let_v not_o your_o good_a be_v evil_a speak_v of_o 16._o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o promote_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o substantiul_a righteousness_n he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n 86._o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v within_o say_v st._n austin_n and_o all_o its_o observation_n be_v but_o its_o vesture_n which_o though_o various_a in_o different_a church_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o common_a faith_n nor_o to_o he_o that_o use_v they_o and_o therefore_o what_o he_o and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n and_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o divine_a oracle_n 86._o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_a to_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v thus_o take_v into_o consideration_n by_o a_o good_a man_n then_o certain_o much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o be_v when_o that_o be_v establish_v and_o be_v make_v a_o law_n and_o be_v back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n and_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o gratify_a our_o own_o inclination_n against_o public_a order_n be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v whether_o our_o will_n or_o the_o public_a good_a and_o order_n must_v take_v place_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o the_o distraction_n if_o not_o dissolution_n of_o government_n which_o as_o it_o can_v be_v without_o govern_v as_o well_o as_o governor_n so_o can_v be_v preserve_v without_o the_o submission_n of_o the_o govern_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n to_o