church_n to_o have_v reject_v those_o ceremony_n which_o have_v be_v make_v venerable_a by_o ancient_a use_n when_o they_o will_v equal_o or_o better_o serve_v those_o end_n we_o design_v than_o any_o new_a one_o this_o be_v the_o very_a account_n our_o church_n give_v of_o it_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n why_o she_o retain_v some_o ceremony_n still_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v she_o answer_v that_o objection_n why_o she_o have_v retain_v some_o old_a ceremony_n if_o they_o think_v much_o that_o any_o of_o the_o old_a remain_n ceremony_n and_o will_v rather_o have_v all_o devise_v new_a then_o such_o man_n grant_v some_o ceremony_n convenient_a to_o be_v have_v sure_o where_o the_o old_a may_v be_v well_o use_v there_o they_o can_v reasonable_o reprove_v the_o old_a only_o for_o their_o age_n without_o betray_v of_o their_o own_o folly_n for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o ought_v rather_o to_o have_v reverence_n to_o they_o for_o their_o antiquity_n if_o they_o will_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v more_o studious_a of_o unity_n and_o concord_n than_o of_o innovation_n and_o new_a fangleness_n which_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v with_o true_a set_n forth_o of_o christ_n religion_n be_v always_o to_o be_v eschew_v let_v our_o reconciler_n consider_v whether_o this_o be_v hypocrisy_n or_o true_a and_o sober_a reason_n 2._o the_o dean_n second_o reason_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o reformation_n by_o let_v their_o enemy_n see_v that_o they_o do_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o mere_a indifferent_a thing_n or_o as_o our_o reconciler_n add_v that_o they_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o far_o than_o she_o leave_v the_o ancient_a church_n which_o the_o dean_n do_v not_o say_v under_o that_o head_n nor_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o but_o yet_o here_o he_o take_v advantage_n and_o say_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o have_v leave_v off_o pray_v for_o depart_a saint_n the_o unction_n of_o the_o sick_a the_o mix_v water_n with_o the_o sacramental_a wine_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o first_o liturgy_n and_o which_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a retain_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o be_v our_o reconciler_n in_o good_a earnest_n i_o fear_v the_o next_o book_n we_o shall_v have_v from_o he_o will_v be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n reconciler_n be_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o use_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n indifferent_a be_v pray_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o merit_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v their_o grossing_n and_o exorcism_n and_o suchlike_a ceremony_n abuse_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o absurde_a superstition_n indifferent_a thing_n our_o reformer_n at_o first_o in_o veneration_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o which_o some_o of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v use_v do_v retain_v the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o liturgy_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o but_o upon_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n find_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a use_n and_o to_o purge_v they_o from_o the_o superstitious_a abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o which_o their_o people_n be_v still_o addict_v lay_v they_o all_o aside_o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v reproach_v by_o our_o reconciler_n some_o man_n will_v have_v be_v call_v papist_n in_o masquerade_n for_o half_a so_o much_o as_o this_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o dean_n reason_n that_o we_o do_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o mere_a indifferent_a thing_n for_o certain_o to_o retain_v three_o indifferent_a ceremony_n though_o we_o shall_v reject_v five_o hundred_o more_o equal_o indifferent_a be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o we_o do_v not_o quarrel_v nor_o break_v communion_n for_o indifferent_a thing_n consider_v as_o indifferent_a which_o be_v all_o that_o the_o dean_n mean_v by_o it_o but_o he_o have_v a_o fling_n at_o some_o other_o beside_o the_o dean_n though_o who_o he_o mean_v i_o can_v well_o tell_v but_o he_o say_v some_o of_o our_o church_n senseless_o pretend_v we_o can_v change_v these_o ceremony_n because_o they_o have_v be_v once_o receive_v and_o own_a by_o the_o church_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o though_o i_o think_v it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o say_v we_o can_v change_v what_o have_v be_v once_o receive_v for_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n have_v as_o much_o authority_n as_o the_o church_n of_o former_a age_n have_v yet_o i_o think_v what_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v not_o but_o upon_o very_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v reject_v by_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o now_o have_v our_o reconciler_n be_v honest_a he_o may_v have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o useful_a remark_n upon_o this_o history_n of_o ancient_a ceremony_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o dissenter_n he_o may_v have_v observe_v that_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n there_o be_v several_a ceremony_n use_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n which_o yet_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a but_o humane_a authority_n and_o therefore_o be_v afterward_o disuse_v or_o alter_v by_o the_o church_n that_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o have_v be_v great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n use_v and_o those_o much_o more_o liable_a to_o exception_n than_o be_v now_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o challenge_v and_o exercise_v this_o authority_n in_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o there_o have_v not_o be_v any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n with_o which_o our_o dissenter_n can_v have_v communicate_v upon_o their_o principle_n this_o have_v be_v do_v like_o a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o true_a reconciler_n but_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o he_o who_o can_v find_v so_o many_o good_a word_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v find_v none_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 3._o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o public_a authority_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o some_o profess_a christian_n when_o i_o say_v authority_n must_v determine_v such_o thing_n i_o mean_v if_o they_o will_v do_v their_o duty_n and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o decency_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o wherein_o some_o man_n scruple_n every_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o public_a worship_n but_o what_o they_o like_v and_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v uncover_v at_o prayer_n be_v as_o considerable_a a_o scruple_n to_o some_o quaker_n as_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v to_o other_o dissenter_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o dispute_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o st._n paul_n day_n but_o the_o apostle_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o determine_v that_o question_n notwithstanding_o that_o etc._n and_o yet_o pray_v cover_v or_o uncover_v be_v but_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o kneel_v or_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v and_o if_o i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o argue_v this_o point_n with_o our_o reconciler_n i_o think_v i_o can_v prove_v they_o as_o indifferent_a circumstance_n as_o the_o other_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o apostle_n assign_v for_o the_o man_n pray_v uncover_v and_o the_o woman_n cover_v that_o one_o be_v a_o emblem_n of_o authority_n the_o other_o of_o subjection_n which_o make_v it_o a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n as_o our_o dissenter_n speak_v be_v quite_o contrary_a among_o we_o though_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o be_v so_o still_o in_o some_o eastern_a country_n to_o be_v uncover_v among_o we_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o subjection_n and_o to_o be_v cover_v a_o sign_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o prince_n parent_n and_o master_n be_v cover_v or_o have_v their_o hat_n on_o while_o subject_n child_n and_o servant_n be_v uncover_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o therefore_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o apostle_n reason_n man_n shall_v now_o pray_v cover_v because_o that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o civil_a dignity_n and_o superiority_n whereas_o we_o now_o pray_v uncover_v in_o token_n of_o a_o religious_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n now_o i_o will_v ask_v our_o reconciler_n whether_o our_o church_n may_v determine_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v pray_v with_o their_o hat_n off_o notwithstanding_o the_o scruple_n of_o some_o quaker_n for_o if_o the_o church_n must_v have_v respect_n to_o man_n scruple_n why_o not_o to_o the_o scruple_n of_o quaker_n
term_n of_o admission_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n that_o a_o man_n have_v serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n to_o a_o trade_n and_o be_v make_v free_a by_o his_o master_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o corporation_n but_o though_o he_o understand_v his_o trade_n very_o well_o and_o behave_v himself_o honest_o in_o it_o yet_o if_o he_o prove_v a_o disobedient_a and_o refractory_a member_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o society_n he_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o again_o and_o i_o wonder_v what_o the_o master_n and_o warden_n of_o such_o a_o company_n will_v say_v to_o the_o reconciler_n shall_v he_o come_v and_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o such_o a_o disobedient_a member_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o his_o continuance_n in_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o society_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o first_o admission_n the_o charter_n whereon_o the_o society_n be_v found_v be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o the_o society_n whereby_o it_o be_v govern_v as_o it_o must_v be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o power_n of_o make_v law_n commit_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n have_v commit_v such_o a_o power_n of_o make_v law_n to_o his_o church_n as_o our_o reconciler_n himself_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o they_o must_v not_o excommunicate_v or_o cast_v any_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o live_v a_o virtuous_a life_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n how_o disobedient_a soever_o he_o be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o quest._n 6._o his_o six_o query_n whether_o anathematise_v man_n for_o doubtful_a action_n or_o for_o such_o fault_n as_o consist_v with_o true_a christianity_n and_o continue_a subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a church-dividing_a mean_n only_o i_o shall_v observe_v far_o that_o as_o he_o have_v state_v this_o query_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o england_n she_o anathematize_n no_o man_n for_o doubtful_a action_n for_o she_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v doubtful_a though_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o pretend_v some_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n about_o it_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o doubtful_a action_n etc._n and_o a_o action_n which_o some_o man_n doubt_v of_o the_o first_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v command_v the_o second_o may_v and_o then_o our_o church_n excommunicate_v no_o man_n who_o live_v in_o a_o continue_a subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n which_o no_o schismatic_a do_v whatever_o pretence_n he_o make_v to_o holiness_n of_o life_n for_o subjection_n to_o christ_n require_v subjection_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n as_o well_o as_o obedience_n to_o his_o other_o law_n quest._n 7._o as_o for_o his_o next_o question_n about_o impose_v heavy_a burden_n etc._n and_o intolerable_a yoke_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o take_v they_o away_o it_o have_v be_v at_o large_a answer_v already_o quest._n 8._o whether_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v law_n sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n and_o whether_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o it_o who_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o church-unity_n and_o communion_n ans._n christ_n have_v make_v law_n sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v command_v all_o christian_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a bond_n of_o union_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n while_o nothing_o be_v enjoin_v which_o contradict_v the_o other_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v be_v say_v to_o break_v no_o law_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o church-unity_n or_o communion_n for_o they_o break_v that_o law_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o union_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o break_v no_o other_o law_n of_o christ._n quest._n 9_o whether_o if_o many_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v injudicious_o scrupulous_a when_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o hell_n be_v the_o cause_n a_o tender_a pastor_n will_v not_o abate_v they_o a_o ceremony_n in_o such_o a_o case_n when_o his_o abate_n it_o have_v no_o such_o danger_n ans._n a_o tender_a pastor_n in_o such_o case_n ought_v to_o instruct_v such_o child_n but_o not_o to_o suffer_v such_o childish_a fancy_n to_o impose_v upon_o church-authority_n for_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o countenance_v man_n injudicious_a scruple_n by_o such_o indulgence_n be_v a_o much_o great_a mischief_n and_o more_o unpardonable_a in_o a_o governor_n than_o the_o severe_a censure_n on_o private_a person_n if_o a_o private_a connivance_n for_o a_o time_n in_o some_o hard_a case_n will_v do_v any_o good_a it_o may_v be_v think_v reasonable_a and_o charitable_a but_o to_o alter_v public_a law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o injudicious_a people_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o sacrifice_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o humour_n of_o child_n which_o will_v not_o be_v think_v either_o prudent_a or_o charitable_a in_o any_o other_o government_n quest._n 10._o if_o diversity_n in_o religion_n be_v such_o a_o evil_a whether_o shall_v man_n cause_v it_o by_o their_o unnecessary_a law_n and_o canon_n and_o make_v engine_n to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n which_o by_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n and_o command_v mutual_a forbearance_n will_v live_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v ans._n whoever_o cause_n a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n by_o their_o law_n and_o canon_n or_o make_v engine_n to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n be_v certain_o very_o great_a schismatic_n but_o law_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n can_v never_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n nor_o occasion_n it_o neither_o unless_o every_o thing_n produce_v its_o contrary_a heat_n produce_v cold_a peace_n war_n and_o love_v hatred_n man_n may_v quarrel_v indeed_o about_o law_n of_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n but_o it_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o religion_n or_o opinion_n which_o man_n have_v already_o espouse_v not_o the_o law_n of_o unity_n which_o make_v the_o quarrel_n the_o plain_a case_n then_o be_v this_o whether_o when_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v worship_v god_n in_o different_a way_n according_a to_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o persuasion_n it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o church-governor_n to_o make_v law_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n because_o whatever_o they_o be_v some_o man_n will_v quarrel_v at_o they_o or_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v law_n to_o cure_v and_o restrain_v that_o diversity_n of_o religion_n which_o man_n have_v already_o make_v to_o themselves_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v man_n all_o of_o a_o mind_n the_o law_n of_o unity_n can_v not_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o therefore_o these_o law_n and_o canon_n be_v not_o the_o engine_n which_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n but_o that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o man_n have_v wanton_o take_v up_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o tear_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n into_o a_o thousand_o conventicle_n but_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o these_o canon_n by_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n they_o will_v live_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v but_o what_o ancient_a simplicity_n do_v he_o mean_a the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o best_a pattern_n this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a simplicity_n for_o a_o fanatic_a simplicity_n be_v never_o know_v till_o of_o late_a day_n there_o never_o be_v a_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n without_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n till_o of_o late_a when_o man_n pretend_v to_o reform_v religion_n by_o destroy_v all_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o take_v in_o a_o command_v mutual_a forbearance_n to_o patch_v up_o church-unity_n that_o be_v if_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o they_o please_v and_o be_v command_v not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o cut_v
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
which_o be_v upon_o all_o account_n indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o any_o good_a nor_o hurt_n in_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o be_v command_v in_o religious_a worship_n for_o this_o be_v to_o trifle_v in_o sacred_a thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o decency_n and_o gravity_n of_o worship_n but_o those_o ceremony_n which_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v not_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o necessary_a consider_v as_o decent_a there_o must_v upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o be_v a_o antecedent_n decency_n in_o thing_n before_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v command_v church-governor_n must_v take_v care_n to_o maintain_v the_o decency_n of_o worship_n but_o they_o must_v find_v thing_n decent_a for_o by_o their_o mere_a command_n they_o can_v make_v they_o so_o all_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v by_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n fit_v and_o qualify_v to_o be_v make_v the_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o nothing_o pure_o indifferent_a be_v and_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o church-governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v only_o to_o determine_v what_o particular_a decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o their_o church_n that_o be_v to_o apply_v the_o apostle_n general_a rule_n to_o particular_a instance_n i_o know_v very_o well_o how_o jealous_a and_o fearful_a most_o man_n be_v of_o own_v any_o other_o necessity_n or_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a governor_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o in_o a_o age_n wherein_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o despise_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v absolute_o deny_v they_o fall_v under_o such_o a_o general_a contempt_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o own_o some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 1._o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o a_o apostolical_a precept_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n 2._o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n 3._o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v decent_a shall_v be_v use_v and_o therefore_o 4._o all_o particular_a decent_a ceremony_n have_v this_o necessity_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n that_o some_o of_o they_o must_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n and_o no_o other_o must_v and_o therefore_o 5._o when_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v determine_v which_o particular_a decent_a ceremony_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n these_o particular_a ceremony_n become_v necessary_a not_o mere_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o apostolical_a command_n and_o their_o own_o natural_a decency_n which_o bring_v they_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o general_a rule_n church-governor_n have_v authority_n to_o apply_v that_o general_a rule_n to_o particular_a ceremony_n which_o have_v such_o order_n and_o decency_n as_o comprehend_v they_o within_o that_o general_a rule_n but_o these_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n when_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v do_v not_o derive_v their_o obligation_n mere_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o from_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n we_o must_v observe_v they_o not_o mere_o because_o the_o church_n have_v command_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o decent_a and_o so_o comprehend_v within_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o church-authority_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v only_o in_o apply_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n to_o such_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o by_o their_o own_o decency_n be_v fit_a and_o qualify_v to_o be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n as_o apply_v by_o the_o church_n to_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n which_o give_v they_o their_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n hence_o mr._n calvin_n observe_v that_o those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o order_n 14.40_o must_v not_o be_v account_v humane_a tradition_n because_o they_o be_v found_v in_o this_o general_a precept_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o so_o receive_v their_o approbation_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n have_v such_o goodness_n and_o necessity_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v for_o they_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o necessity_n of_o decency_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o apostolical_a canon_n but_o still_o the_o controversy_n remain_v what_o this_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v and_o by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o it_o for_o one_o man_n may_v account_v that_o decent_a which_o another_o may_v think_v have_v no_o positive_a decency_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o church_n of_o england_n retain_v the_o use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o decency_n our_o modest_a reconciler_n who_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o proneness_n to_o mistake_v yet_o venture_v to_o contradict_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a order_n or_o decency_n in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a second_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o decency_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v and_o by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o it_o now_o in_o general_n the_o external_a decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v expressive_a of_o honour_n reverence_n and_o devotion_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o external_a worship_n but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o external_a honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o yet_o most_o man_n understand_v this_o very_a well_o also_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o civil_a honour_n they_o know_v what_o posture_n what_o action_n what_o habit_n what_o behaviour_n what_o language_n what_o address_v become_v they_o when_o they_o approach_v their_o prince_n and_o their_o parent_n or_o any_o other_o person_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o honour_n or_o respect_n and_o this_o suggest_v to_o we_o two_o general_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o religious_a worship_n 1._o that_o whatever_o will_v be_v deserve_o think_v a_o breach_n of_o good_a manner_n in_o common_a conversation_n or_o a_o violation_n of_o that_o civil_a respect_n and_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o prince_n and_o all_o superior_n can_v never_o become_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o god_n tell_v the_o israelite_n who_o offer_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a in_o sacrifice_n hold_v good_a in_o all_o other_o case_n offer_v it_o now_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n 1_o mal._n 8._o such_o word_n and_o action_n and_o behaviour_n as_o will_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n do_v much_o more_o unbecome_v religious_a worship_n because_o god_n be_v much_o great_a than_o the_o great_a prince_n 2._o that_o whatever_o be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o our_o honour_n and_o reverence_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a degreâ—_n due_a to_o almighty_a god_n many_o of_o the_o external_a expression_n and_o sign_n of_o honour_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v alike_o and_o if_o not_o the_o very_a same_o yet_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n for_o whether_o we_o intend_v to_o honour_n god_n or_o man_n it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o some_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_o determine_v either_o to_o religious_a or_o civil_a worship_n but_o applicable_a to_o both_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o honour_n to_o our_o prince_n to_o be_v uncover_v in_o his_o presence_n to_o deliver_v our_o petition_n upon_o the_o knee_n to_o come_v in_o a_o decent_a apparel_n to_o put_v on_o a_o grave_n and_o modest_a countenance_n to_o keep_v our_o distance_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o we_o must_v express_v our_o reverence_n for_o our_o prince_n in_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n in_o our_o look_n and_o habit_n and_o deportment_n of_o our_o
of_o the_o cross_n as_o a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o a_o suffer_a religion_n as_o constantine_n make_v the_o cross_a his_o banner_n and_o royal_a standard_n and_o yet_o will_v any_o christian_a refuse_v to_o fight_v under_o a_o general_n who_o bear_v the_o cross_n in_o his_o banner_n if_o you_o say_v that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o civil_a sign_n and_o ceremony_n i_o deny_v it_o and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o religious_a ceremony_n as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n unless_o any_o man_n think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o field_n but_o only_o in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o make_v it_o a_o religious_a ceremony_n either_o upon_o a_o man_n forehead_n or_o in_o the_o emperor_n standard_n be_v that_o it_o be_v do_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n as_o a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o i_o think_v the_o cross_n in_o the_o emperor_n standard_n display_v in_o the_o open_a field_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o pagan_n be_v a_o more_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o cross_n than_o what_o be_v private_o transact_v in_o the_o church_n and_o leave_v no_o visible_a sign_n behind_o it_o and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v not_o as_o much_o scruple_n to_o fight_v under_o such_o a_o visible_a banner_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o to_o receive_v a_o invisible_a sign_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o forehead_n since_o the_o profession_n the_o ceremony_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v numerous_a nor_o too_o familiar_o use_v nor_o upon_o slight_a occasion_n for_o this_o burden_n religion_n and_o make_v they_o degenerate_a into_o superstition_n or_o formality_n but_o our_o church_n have_v retain_v but_o one_o such_o ceremony_n and_o that_o use_v but_o once_o in_o a_o man_n life_n upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a occasion_n in_o the_o world_n at_o our_o admission_n to_o baptism_n and_o it_o argue_v very_o little_a understanding_n in_o our_o reconciler_n to_o reproach_v the_o church_n for_o this_o and_o scornful_o to_o ask_v why_o she_o reject_v cross_v of_o the_o breast_n and_o retain_v cross_v in_o the_o forehead_n 297._o why_o she_o reject_v cross_v at_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o baptismal_a water_n and_o retain_v it_o at_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o infant_n why_o she_o reject_v exorcism_n chrysom_n unction_n dip_v trine_n immersion_n and_o retain_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o do_v not_o become_v i_o to_o censure_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o any_o of_o these_o ceremony_n but_o i_o think_v if_o the_o ancient_a church_n can_v be_v condemn_v for_o these_o thing_n our_o church_n can_v one_o ceremony_n be_v more_o easy_o justify_v than_o twenty_o and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o once_o upon_o a_o very_a solemn_a occasion_n than_o a_o too_o familiar_a use_n especial_o where_o it_o can_v so_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o profess_v sign_n which_o be_v all_o i_o undertake_v for_o the_o only_a objection_n i_o can_v think_v of_o against_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n as_o a_o profess_v sign_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o this_o because_o we_o make_v the_o very_a same_o profession_n at_o our_o baptism_n which_o represent_v and_o signify_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a addition_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o do_v tacit_o charge_v that_o divine_a institution_n with_o defect_n i_o answer_v the_o same_o objection_n for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n may_v have_v be_v make_v against_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v celebrate_v at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n with_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o signify_v that_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o that_o heavenly_a feast_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n but_o our_o union_n to_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o require_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o receive_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a institution_n observe_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n of_o those_o day_n the_o same_o answer_n than_o will_v serve_v for_o both_o that_o christian_a love_n and_o unity_n be_v include_v in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o a_o patient_a suffering_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v to_o signify_v these_o duty_n nor_o do_v they_o signify_v they_o otherwise_o than_o collateral_o and_o consequential_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o these_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o signify_v and_o represent_v a_o duty_n but_o to_o convey_v divine_a blessing_n and_o virtue_n to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o baptism_n which_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o renewal_n of_o pardon_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n where_o we_o feast_v on_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o but_o then_o as_o we_o all_o feast_n on_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n eat_v of_o the_o same_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n this_o consequential_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o natural_a affection_n but_o the_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o great_a a_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o proper_a to_o be_v exercise_v at_o this_o time_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o use_v also_o to_o kiss_v each_o other_o before_o receive_v and_o yet_o not_o direct_o and_o primary_o represent_v in_o this_o holy_a feast_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o think_v it_o any_o derogation_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o appoint_v a_o common_a table_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o eat_v at_o as_o a_o testimony_n and_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n with_o each_o other_o when_o we_o feast_n with_o any_o person_n it_o be_v a_o direct_a signification_n that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o friendship_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o at_o who_o table_n we_o eat_v but_o it_o do_v not_o so_o immediate_o signify_v that_o all_o the_o guest_n who_o eat_v at_o the_o same_o table_n be_v friend_n to_o each_o other_o it_o be_v reasonable_a indeed_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o god_n expect_v and_o require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o none_o be_v welcome_a at_o god_n table_n who_o do_v not_o come_v in_o perfect_a love_n and_o charity_n but_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n supper_n consider_v as_o a_o symbolical_a rite_n do_v not_o primary_o and_o direct_o signify_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o signify_v and_o profess_v this_o by_o a_o common_a table_n where_o christian_n first_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o as_o friend_n and_o have_v thus_o testify_v their_o mutual_a kindness_n to_o each_o other_o they_o be_v the_o better_o prepare_v to_o eat_v together_o at_o the_o table_n of_o their_o common_a lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o receive_v the_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o all_o so_o that_o this_o love-feast_n do_v not_o at_o all_o entrench_v upon_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v institute_v for_o a_o different_a end_n though_o in_o subserviency_n to_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o baptism_n it_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o initiation_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o entitle_v to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n but_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o baptism_n whereby_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v implant_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n death_n do_v not_o primary_o signify_v our_o lay_n down_o our_o life_n for_o christ_n though_o that_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o discipleship_n but_o it_o signify_v our_o new_a birth_n our_o spiritual_a conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n as_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 6_o rom._n and_o therefore_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o make_v such_o a_o express_a condition_n of_o our_o discipleship_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v it_o very_o fit_v to_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o this_o by_o receive_v the_o sign_n
church-authority_n that_o without_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n be_v obscure_v and_o expose_v to_o censure_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n render_v impracticable_a protestant_n leave_v destitute_a of_o any_o mean_n of_o union_n and_o occasion_n give_v to_o papist_n to_o cry_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n that_o which_o draw_v so_o many_o fatal_a consequent_n after_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v any_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n and_o yet_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v shall_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o frowardness_n and_o scruple_n of_o schismatic_n give_v up_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n and_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v while_o the_o church_n maintain_v her_o authority_n a_o little_a discipline_n and_o government_n and_o a_o few_o good_a argument_n may_v in_o time_n cure_v the_o schism_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o let_v schismatic_n answer_v for_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o if_o schismatic_n once_o gain_v this_o point_n and_o wheedle_n the_o church_n for_o peace_n sake_n out_o of_o her_o authority_n than_o we_o must_v bid_v a_o eternal_a farewell_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n for_o man_n will_v never_o agree_v in_o these_o matter_n without_o the_o determination_n of_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n to_o decide_v these_o difference_n when_o the_o church_n have_v part_v with_o her_o authority_n and_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v reproach_v and_o censure_v and_o the_o protestant_a name_n and_o religion_n expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o this_o be_v our_o reconciler_n protestant_a charity_n well_o but_o suppose_v this_o compliance_n with_o dissenter_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o renuntiation_n of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o only_o a_o suspension_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o for_o this_o forbearance_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o these_o man_n will_v return_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n leave_v off_o to_o command_v now_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n to_o renounce_v her_o power_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o i_o suppose_v christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o church_n that_o she_o shall_v exercise_v it_o and_o if_o the_o power_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o unity_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sure_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v for_o authority_n be_v a_o mere_a empty_a name_n and_o good_a for_o nothing_o when_o it_o do_v nothing_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n do_v not_o require_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o government_n neither_o in_o the_o authority_n nor_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o ii_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o government_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v our_o present_a dispute_n in_o make_v and_o repeal_n law_n and_o i_o dare_v join_v issue_n here_o with_o our_o reconciler_n and_o challenge_v he_o and_o all_o his_o dissent_v client_n to_o fix_v the_o least_o imputation_n of_o uncharitableness_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n on_o this_o account_n as_o to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n a_o little_a more_o particular_o to_o confound_v all_o such_o unjust_a defamer_n of_o authority_n and_o government_n 1._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o repeal_n law_n and_o alter_v such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v either_o sinful_a superstitious_a or_o inconvenient_a because_o here_o our_o reformation_n begin_v and_o what_o rule_v our_o church_n '_o observe_v in_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o common-prayer_n where_o the_o reason_n be_v assign_v why_o some_o ceremony_n be_v abolish_v as_o 1._o because_o some_o of_o they_o which_o be_v at_o first_o well_o intend_v do_v in_o time_n degenerate_a into_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n 2._o other_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o indiscreet_a devotion_n and_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o daily_o grow_v to_o more_o and_o more_o abuse_n and_o they_o be_v reject_v because_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a blind_v the_o people_n hinder_v they_o from_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 3._o some_o be_v put_v away_o because_o their_o very_a number_n be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o make_v the_o estate_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o worse_a case_n concern_v this_o matter_n than_o be_v the_o jew_n as_o st._n austin_n complain_v in_o his_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o ceremony_n be_v much_o less_o than_o it_o be_v in_o this_o church_n at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o much_o of_o moses_n law_n be_v but_o a_o religion_n to_o serve_v god_n not_o in_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o figure_n or_o shadow_n but_o in_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o last_o the_o most_o weighty_a cause_n of_o the_o abolishment_n of_o certain_a ceremony_n be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o abuse_v partly_o by_o the_o superstitious_a blindness_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a and_o partly_o by_o the_o unsatiable_a avarice_n of_o such_o as_o seek_v more_o their_o own_o lucre_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o the_o abuse_n can_v not_o well_o be_v take_v away_o the_o thing_n remain_v still_o with_o what_o grave_n and_o mature_a consideration_n our_o church_n proceed_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o account_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o wise_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o for_o the_o alteration_n of_o any_o public_a constitution_n here_o be_v charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o deliver_v they_o from_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o case_n and_o liberty_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v oppress_v by_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o be_v hard_a to_o know_v and_o to_o remember_v and_o very_o troublesome_a to_o observe_v and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o understand_v which_o make_v they_o whole_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a here_o be_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v obscure_v by_o these_o ceremony_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v transform_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n into_o a_o mere_a external_a and_o figurative_a worship_n and_o here_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o ceremony_n which_o have_v be_v long_o use_v in_o a_o church_n and_o confirm_v by_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a law_n aught_o notwithstanding_o that_o to_o be_v remove_v when_o either_o their_o number_n be_v excessive_a or_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o such_o as_o can_v be_v take_v away_o without_o abolish_n the_o ceremony_n itself_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o may_v be_v give_v as_o to_o name_v only_a image_n in_o church_n which_o can_v not_o be_v safe_o retain_v at_o that_o time_n without_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n in_o those_o day_n be_v so_o superstitious_o addict_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n that_o have_v they_o be_v leave_v in_o church_n though_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o have_v be_v express_o forbid_v yet_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n will_v have_v worship_v they_o notwithstanding_o this_o very_a reason_n our_o church_n give_v in_o her_o homily_n against_o the_o peril_n of_o idolatry_n part_v 3._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o remove_v image_n out_o of_o church_n that_o as_o well_o by_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o nature_n of_o idol_n and_o image_n themselves_o as_o by_o the_o proneness_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n to_o idolatry_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o image_n if_o they_o be_v public_o set_v up_o can_v be_v separate_v nor_o man_n if_o they_o see_v image_n in_o temple_n and_o church_n can_v be_v stay_v and_o keep_v from_o idolatry_n wherefore_o they_o which_o thus_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o have_v image_n public_o and_o do_v prove_v that_o lawfulness_n by_o a_o few_o pick_v and_o choose_v man_n if_o they_o object_n that_o indifferent_o to_o all_o man_n which_o a_o very_a few_o can_v have_v without_o hurt_n and_o offence_n they_o seem_v to_o take_v the_o multitude_n for_o vile_a soul_n of_o who_o loss_n and_o safeguard_n no_o reputation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o who_o christ_n yet_o pay_v as_o dear_o as_o for_o the_o mighty_a prince_n or_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a learn_v of_o the_o earth_n
of_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n the_o gentile_a christian_n who_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n which_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n be_v perfect_o at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o that_o law_n and_o this_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o no_o body_n be_v direct_o concern_v but_o themselves_o neither_o any_o other_o particular_a man_n except_v the_o case_n of_o scandal_n nor_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o any_o man_n what_o be_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whether_o i_o eat_v such_o meat_n or_o not_o when_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v either_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n for_o charity_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v exercise_v only_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v perfect_o in_o our_o power_n and_o therefore_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v lawful_o extend_v his_o charity_n any_o far_a than_o his_o own_o private_a liberty_n extend_v whatever_o other_o be_v concern_v in_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o especial_o whatever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v in_o be_v the_o object_n neither_o of_o private_a liberty_n nor_o of_o private_a charity_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o private_a christian._n and_o whether_o we_o say_v that_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v only_o particular_a christian_n or_o church-governor_n also_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o concern_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n now_o if_o any_o such_o case_n shall_v happen_v again_o which_o i_o think_v can_v possible_o be_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o private_a liberty_n in_o our_o diet_n or_o clothes_n or_o way_n of_o live_v we_o shall_v give_v such_o offence_n to_o weak_a christian_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o endanger_v their_o final_a apostasy_n this_o 14_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n will_v be_v a_o admirable_a text_n to_o preach_v on_o to_o correct_v such_o uncharitable_a abuse_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o use_n of_o decent_a but_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n concern_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n not_o every_o christian_n private_a liberty_n every_o instance_n of_o our_o private_a liberty_n may_v indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v call_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o that_o signify_v what_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v not_o do_v as_o we_o please_v but_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a as_o the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a for_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n and_o the_o particular_a rite_n of_o worship_n the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a prudence_n and_o authority_n and_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n this_o make_v in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n will_v appear_v from_o my_o second_o observation_n on_o st._n paul_n discourse_n which_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o this_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n must_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o religion_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o concern_v for_o by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n persuade_v they_o to_o this_o forbearance_n because_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n their_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o act_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v the_o charity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o give_v such_o great_a scandal_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n for_o thing_n in_o which_o religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v those_o who_o expound_v meat_n and_o drink_n in_o this_o place_n to_o signify_v all_o the_o external_o of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o all_o such_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n as_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a institution_n and_o command_n as_o our_o reconciler_n plain_o do_v do_v mighty_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n 59_o and_o affix_v such_o doctrine_n to_o he_o as_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unaccountable_a when_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n it_o plain_o signify_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o or_o such_o meat_n that_o no_o man_n be_v the_o better_a christian_a for_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o other_o prohibit_v meat_n nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n mere_o for_o not_o eat_v they_o no_o man_n question_n whether_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n signify_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v that_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o must_v mean_v not_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o dream_v of_o but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o no_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v to_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n how_o mean_a and_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v think_v can_v be_v comprehend_v under_o those_o general_a term_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n because_o this_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v no_o act_n nor_o part_n nor_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n nor_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v necessary_a to_o public_a worship_n now_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o exercise_v forbearance_n and_o condescension_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o matter_n by_o this_o very_a argument_n because_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o our_o reconciler_n will_v be_v a_o very_a wonderful_a man_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o we_o must_v exercise_v the_o same_o indulgence_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o do_v concern_v religious_a worship_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v indulge_v private_a christian_n in_o the_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o religious_a worship_n because_o private_a christian_n must_v indulge_v each_o other_o in_o such_o different_a practice_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o relate_v to_o religion_n i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o dispute_v more_o with_o he_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n able_a to_o make_v good_a the_o great_a paradox_n in_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o christian_n not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o nor_o to_o divide_v the_o unity_n or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o dispute_n as_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o religion_n for_o where_o it_o be_v pure_o matter_n of_o our_o own_o liberty_n there_o be_v room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o where_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v what_o we_o please_v in_o such_o matter_n nor_o to_o allow_v other_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v what_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v any_o such_o liberty_n which_o will_v effectual_o undermine_v all_o order_n decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n add_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v neither_o that_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n or_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v about_o as_o the_o reconciler_n understand_v it_o for_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o these_o but_o these_o be_v plain_a and_o acknowledge_v duty_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o violate_v a_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o be_v no_o duty_n at_o all_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n as_o
i_o observe_v before_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o in_o all_o such_o case_n wherein_o not_o religion_n but_o our_o own_o liberty_n be_v concern_v the_o great_a rule_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v be_v to_o promote_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o each_o other_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o now_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a rule_n which_o all_o man_n at_o first_o hear_v will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v reasonable_a not_o to_o violate_v the_o plain_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o contend_v about_o such_o liberty_n the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o which_o be_v of_o no_o account_n in_o religion_n not_o to_o scandalize_v a_o weak_a brother_n nor_o destroy_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o christian_n in_o love_n by_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o we_o may_v indeed_o in_o other_o case_n lawful_o eat_v but_o the_o eat_n of_o which_o be_v at_o no_o time_n and_o in_o no_o case_n in_o itself_o consider_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o if_o we_o understand_v these_o word_n in_o our_o reconciler_n way_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o account_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o dear_a interest_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o mutual_a edification_n i_o confess_v the_o argument_n be_v plain_a enough_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o to_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n nor_o be_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o reconciler_n and_o of_o those_o man_n who_o affect_v the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o moderation_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v little_a worth_n and_o of_o small_a account_n with_o god_n but_o the_o great_a business_n which_o christian_n ought_v to_o mind_n be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o moral_a virtue_n wherein_o they_o place_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o become_v they_o to_o quarrel_v about_o the_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o indulgence_n in_o such_o matter_n become_v the_o good_a and_o benign_a temper_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o know_v that_o god_n be_v so_o indifferent_a about_o his_o own_o worship_n i_o can_v guess_v nor_o how_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v a_o less_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n than_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a under_o the_o law_n god_n appear_v very_o jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n and_o though_o he_o reject_v all_o the_o worship_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o despise_v those_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o justice_n and_o charity_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o undervalue_v his_o own_o worship_n because_o he_o be_v not_o please_v with_o a_o empty_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o as_o for_o his_o prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n i_o have_v give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o already_o and_o may_v do_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v but_o certain_o religion_n be_v proper_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n in_o it_o and_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a honour_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o external_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o therefore_o the_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o worship_n without_o it_o for_o to_o worship_n god_n visible_o without_o public_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n after_o what_o manner_n god_n be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v leave_v indifferent_o to_o every_o man_n humour_n upon_o every_o slight_a pretence_n of_o charity_n and_o moderation_n however_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o this_o here_o which_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n 3._o this_o apostolical_a exhortation_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o such_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o to_o do_v that_o in_o public_a in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n which_o we_o believe_v we_o may_v very_o lawful_o &_o innocent_o do_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n that_o be_v keep_v thy_o faith_n to_o thyself_o and_o enjoy_v thy_o liberty_n private_o when_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o without_o offence_n now_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o think_v this_o a_o good_a rule_n in_o all_o case_n to_o dissemble_v our_o faith_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o religion_n to_o ourselves_o which_o will_v effectual_o undermine_v the_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o this_o be_v once_o grant_v man_n will_v find_v a_o great_a many_o other_o as_o good_a reason_n to_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o as_o avoid_v scandal_n indeed_o this_o rule_n can_v hold_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o private_a nature_n such_o as_o i_o before_o observe_v this_o case_n to_o be_v for_o matter_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n consist_v to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o exercise_v this_o forbearance_n towards_o their_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n not_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v they_o with_o their_o meat_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n which_o include_v these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o a_o public_a profession_n or_o exercise_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o these_o matter_n 2._o that_o though_o it_o be_v some_o restraint_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n to_o their_o liberty_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n public_o which_o give_v such_o offence_n for_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v maintain_v as_o well_o by_o a_o private_a as_o by_o a_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o may_v do_v it_o at_o any_o time_n their_o liberty_n be_v secure_a though_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o restrain_v but_o now_o if_o we_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n what_o sense_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argument_n for_o public_a worship_n must_v be_v public_o profess_v and_o public_o practise_v or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o public_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o place_n here_o to_o avoid_v public_a scandal_n by_o keep_v our_o faith_n to_o ourselves_o for_o than_o we_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n public_o as_o we_o think_v we_o may_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o only_o restrain_v but_o it_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o obedience_n of_o private_a christian_n for_o what_o relate_v to_o public_a worship_n can_v be_v do_v at_o all_o if_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v public_o and_o that_o be_v no_o authority_n and_o no_o liberty_n which_o can_v be_v exercise_v without_o sin_n that_o be_v without_o a_o criminal_a offence_n and_o scandal_n as_o for_o what_o our_o reconciler_n frequent_o urge_v and_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v renounce_v her_o authority_n and_o worship_n but_o only_o give_v liberty_n to_o dissenter_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o their_o own_o way_n this_o plain_o show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v and_o how_o little_a they_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o forbearance_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o jew_n be_v offend_v not_o at_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n for_o they_o be_v indulge_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o at_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o gentile_a believer_n use_v in_o break_v of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n our_o dissenter_n it_o seem_v be_v scandalize_v not_o so_o much_o at_o what_o we_o do_v as_o because_o they_o can_v do_v what_o they_o will_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v private_a christian_n not_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n public_o as_o offend_v their_o weak_a brethren_n this_o great_a reconcile_a apostle_n exhort_v or_o rather_o command_v the_o church_n to_o suffer_v dissenter_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o this_o will_v remove_v the_o
scandal_n now_o these_o two_o do_v so_o wide_o differ_v that_o the_o one_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a scandal_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o prove_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n of_o fall_v to_o he_o be_v scandal_n in_o the_o apostle_n notion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o only_a scandal_n of_o which_o he_o treat_v in_o this_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o thus_o it_o seem_v we_o do_v not_o scandalize_v the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v not_o offend_v in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n at_o what_o we_o do_v so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o own_o liberty_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o dissenter_n be_v concern_v in_o what_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n about_o scandal_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o as_o for_o that_o offence_n and_o scandal_n they_o take_v at_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o restrain_v their_o wild_a and_o fanatic_a pretence_n to_o liberty_n it_o be_v no_o other_o offence_n than_o what_o all_o criminal_n take_v at_o law_n and_o public_a government_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v such_o a_o scandal_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o avoid_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o religion_n than_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v think_v nothing_o impossible_a if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v out_o of_o this_o chapter_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v prescribe_v no_o rule_n of_o worship_n nor_o lay_v any_o restraint_n upon_o the_o giddy_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n of_o man_n for_o fear_v of_o give_v offence_n to_o they_o 4._o the_o last_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o represent_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o forbearance_n be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o gentile_a christian_n without_o sin_n or_o without_o any_o injury_n to_o their_o own_o liberty_n may_v comply_v with_o their_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n yet_o these_o jewish_a christian_n who_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v any_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n without_o sin_v against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o bring_v judgement_n and_o condemnation_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o that_o doubt_v which_o do_v not_o signify_v what_o we_o common_o call_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o certain_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o eat_v such_o meat_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o i_o observe_v before_o signify_v he_o who_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o so_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v any_o meat_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o who_o thus_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n now_o here_o our_o reconciler_n think_v he_o have_v we_o fast_o 99_o for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n it_o must_v be_v also_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n if_o the_o gentile_a believer_n be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o compel_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o eat_v those_o meat_n which_o they_o believe_v unlawful_a because_o how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o while_o they_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o compel_v dissenter_n to_o conformity_n which_o they_o believe_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o great_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o conform_v as_o well_o as_o if_o he_o eat_v this_o look_v most_o like_a a_o parallel_n case_n of_o any_o thing_n yet_o and_o if_o this_o fail_v he_o i_o doubt_v his_o cause_n be_v desperate_a and_o yet_o i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a that_o this_o will_v do_v he_o no_o service_n 1._o for_o first_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a argument_n in_o all_o case_n to_o grant_v such_o a_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n that_o man_n act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a for_o this_o will_v subvert_v all_o order_n and_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o supersede_n the_o authority_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o other_o law_n but_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n 2._o let_v we_o then_o consider_v in_o what_o case_n this_o argument_n be_v good_a for_o certain_o it_o be_v good_a in_o the_o case_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n apply_v it_o now_o i_o know_v of_o but_o one_o general_a case_n to_o which_o this_o argument_n can_v be_v reasonable_o apply_v and_o that_o be_v where_o every_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n not_o where_o conscience_n itself_o have_v a_o rule_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o superior_n when_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o rule_n whereby_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o act_v and_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o when_o man_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o law_n they_o must_v have_v liberty_n to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o be_v according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o though_o man_n be_v under_o law_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o none_o that_o magistrate_n may_v make_v law_n but_o they_o must_v not_o execute_v they_o but_o must_v suffer_v every_o man_n when_o his_o conscience_n serve_v he_o to_o break_v both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n wherein_o he_o live_v but_o where_o we_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o divine_a or_o humane_a law_n in_o such_o case_n every_o man_n own_o conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n and_o in_o these_o case_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n because_o they_o concern_v only_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n and_o have_v no_o influence_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o public_a and_o if_o in_o such_o case_n any_o man_n shall_v fancy_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o it_o will_v be_v barbarous_o uncharitable_a by_o censure_n and_o reproach_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o rude_a and_o ungentile_a art_n to_o force_v he_o to_o a_o compliance_n contrary_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n every_o man_n conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n and_o if_o he_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o he_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o force_v he_o to_o such_o a_o compliance_n we_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a in_o it_o and_o be_v guilty_a of_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o law_n which_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o do_v no_o long_o oblige_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a both_o for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o eat_v what_o meat_n they_o please_v but_o the_o jew_n still_o think_v that_o law_n to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o law_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o meat_n yet_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v always_o a_o law_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o do_v still_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a in_o the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o reproach_v they_o for_o this_o for_o though_o they_o who_o understand_v their_o liberty_n may_v use_v it_o yet_o a_o believe_a jew_n can_v not_o do_v this_o without_o sin_n and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a many_o case_n in_o â—ome_o degree_n parallel_v to_o this_o as_o suppose_v a_o man_n scruple_n the_o use_n of_o lot_n and_o consequent_o all_o game_n which_o depend_v upon_o lot_n or_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o drink_v a_o health_n or_o to_o see_v a_o play_n or_o apprehend_v himself_o oblige_v to_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v in_o former_a age_n think_v necessary_a though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o this_o man_n conscience_n be_v a_o law_n to_o he_o and_o while_o he_o think_v any_o
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
a_o vindication_n of_o the_o right_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n by_o will._n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n london_n print_v for_o abel_n swalle_n at_o the_o unicorn_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o who_o exclude_v so_o many_o labourer_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a p._n 212_o his_o four_o argument_n from_o our_o saviour_n command_n not_o to_o scandalize_v little_a one_o p._n 213_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o little_a one_o p._n 214_o what_o it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o p._n 215_o his_o five_o argument_n from_o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o those_o who_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n p._n 216_o how_o the_o pharisee_n shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ibid._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o heavy_a burden_n p._n 218_o and_o what_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n condemn_v under_o that_o notion_n p._n 219_o his_o six_o argument_n that_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o disciple_n to_o forbid_v that_o man_n who_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n but_o do_v not_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o dissent_v preacher_n who_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v p._n 220_o his_o seven_o argument_n from_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v part_v with_o her_o ceremony_n for_o they_o p._n 223_o his_o last_o argument_n from_o christ_n prayer_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n chap._n v._n the_o answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n draw_v from_o the_o 14_o of_o rom._n p._n 225_o there_o may_v be_v some_o case_n wherein_o forbearance_n be_v reasonable_a other_o wherein_o it_o be_v neither_o prudent_a nor_o reasonable_a ibid._n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n unless_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o same_o ibid._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o rom._n only_o exhort_v the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v to_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n which_o have_v already_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o high_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n 226_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v any_o indifferent_a ceremony_n which_o be_v scruple_v by_o dissenter_n 227_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o apostolical_a forbearance_n ibid._n private_a charity_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o such_o case_n where_o public_a authority_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a 231_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o one_o concern_v indifferent_a thing_n the_o other_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 235_o no_o dispute_v about_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o scripture_n nor_o any_o exhortation_n to_o forbearance_n in_o such_o matter_n 236_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o reconciler_n argument_n which_o he_o allege_n to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n do_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n ibid._n so_o that_o this_o chapter_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o dispute_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n 243_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n ibid._n the_o reason_n of_o his_o different_a treatment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o galatia_n 244_o whether_o though_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o dissenter_n be_v different_a yet_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o same_o indulgence_n ought_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o both_o 247_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o argument_n from_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n ibid._n that_o there_o be_v no_o parity_n of_o reason_n between_o these_o two_o case_n 249_o the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n use_v in_o this_o 14_o chap._n very_o proper_a to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o not_o applicable_a to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v at_o large_a ibid._n etc._n etc._n what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o receive_v one_o another_o and_o dr._n falkner_n vindicate_v from_o the_o reconciler_n objection_n the_o apostle_n first_o arg._n that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o that_o case_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o not_o applicable_a to_o dissenter_n 257_o etc._n etc._n 2_o arg._n that_o they_o must_v not_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n 262_o that_o this_o arg._n relate_v only_o to_o such_o matter_n as_o god_n have_v determine_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a authority_n 264_o 3_o arg._n that_o they_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n 265_o whether_o every_o man_n must_v be_v permit_v to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n 266_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o grant_v no_o such_o liberty_n as_o this_o 267_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o regard_v man_n conscience_n in_o make_v or_o execute_v law_n for_o the_o public_a good_a 268_o nor_n be_v there_o any_o obligation_n on_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o do_v this_o 269_o what_o st._n paul_n mean_v by_o regard_v a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n 270_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o mere_o signify_v a_o private_a persuasion_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o 272_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n not_o to_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n 274_o what_o the_o scandal_n be_v of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 275_o who_o this_o weak_a brother_n be_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v applicable_a to_o dissenter_n 276_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v give_v be_v a_o suppose_a violation_n of_o a_o express_a law_n of_o god_n 277_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o criminal_a scandal_n 279_o the_o danger_n of_o offend_v these_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v they_o against_o be_v lest_o they_o shall_v renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o fall_v back_o into_o judaism_n 282_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n who_o be_v to_o be_v indulge_v signify_v those_o who_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n 284_o the_o same_o indulgence_n not_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o schismatic_n though_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a in_o understanding_n ibid._n the_o reason_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o from_o give_v scandal_n 287_o a_o paraphrase_n on_o the_o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n verse_n of_o the_o 14_o rom._n ibid._n these_o argument_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n 292_o that_o this_o compliance_n must_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o religion_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o concern_v 293_o meat_n and_o drink_n do_v not_o signify_v the_o external_o of_o religious_a worship_n 294_o nor_n do_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n signify_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n 296_o the_o mistake_n of_o reconciler_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o of_o small_a account_n with_o god_n 297_o this_o apostolical_a exhortation_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o such_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n 298_o the_o meaning_n of_o have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o 299_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o he_o that_o doubt_v 302_o how_o far_o the_o apostle_n allow_v that_o every_o man_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n where_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n not_o where_o conscience_n itself_o have_v a_o rule_n 303_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o sure_a rule_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o 306_o this_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n ibid._n the_o case_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n brief_o state_v 304_o a_o short_a recapitulation_n of_o this_o discourse_n by_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n 311_o the_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n plead_v for_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o christian_a worship_n it_o neither_o destroy_v the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n nor_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n what_o the_o reconciler_n plead_v for_o must_v do_v one_o or_o both_o 321_o dr._n stillingfleet_n vindicate_v 322_o the_o forbearance_n st._n paul_n plead_v for_o be_v in_o order_n to_o prevent_v schism_n which_o our_o reconciler_n forbearance_n can_v do_v 333_o this_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v
of_o st._n paul_n make_v some_o proposal_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o scrupulous_a person_n with_o reference_n to_o these_o ceremony_n what_o thanks_o have_v he_o for_o it_o how_o many_o bitter_a invective_n be_v write_v against_o he_o and_o can_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o then_o that_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o ceremony_n will_v cure_v our_o division_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o why_o do_v he_o urge_v the_o evil_a and_o mischief_n of_o division_n to_o persuade_v the_o church_n to_o part_v with_o these_o ceremony_n whatever_o other_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v to_o part_v with_o these_o ceremony_n the_o cure_n of_o division_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n when_o we_o certain_o know_v beforehand_o that_o this_o will_v not_o cure_v they_o unless_o he_o think_v the_o church_n bind_v to_o act_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o he_o himself_o and_o every_o body_n else_o know_v to_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o reason_n for_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o do_v it_o but_o because_o our_o reconciler_n attempt_v to_o say_v something_o to_o this_o in_o his_o ten_o chapter_n i_o shall_v follow_v he_o thither_o 326._o his_o first_o objection_n be_v that_o the_o church_n will_v gain_v little_a by_o such_o a_o indulgence_n and_o this_o i_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a let_v we_o hear_v then_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o and_o 1._o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o superior_n to_o condescend_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n rather_o than_o to_o debar_v man_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o thing_n unnecessary_a and_o which_o they_o nowhere_o be_v command_v to_o impose_v and_o if_o so_o let_v we_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o commit_v the_o event_n to_o god_n now_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v that_o he_o have_v prove_v this_o and_o have_v in_o part_n already_o and_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v before_o i_o have_v do_v that_o he_o have_v not_o prove_v it_o but_o 2._o suppose_v he_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n to_o condescend_v in_o such_o matter_n when_o they_o can_v do_v any_o good_a by_o their_o condescension_n have_v he_o prove_v also_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o condescend_v when_o they_o know_v they_o can_v do_v no_o good_a by_o it_o when_o these_o division_n will_v not_o be_v cure_v by_o such_o condescension_n which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n the_o gain_n of_o some_o very_o few_o proselyte_n will_v not_o countervail_v the_o mischief_n of_o alter_v public_a constitution_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o reasonable_a to_o condescend_v to_o such_o alteration_n when_o we_o can_v propose_v any_o great_a and_o public_a good_a by_o do_v it_o ii_o our_o reconciler_n answer_v 327._o suppose_v that_o we_o by_o yield_v in_o these_o matter_n shall_v not_o reduce_v one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n yet_o shall_v we_o take_v off_o their_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n and_o leave_v they_o nothing_o which_o can_v be_v rational_o offer_v as_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n or_o accusation_n of_o our_o proceed_n against_o they_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o our_o dissenter_n despise_v this_o reconciler_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o plausible_a pretence_n nor_o rational_a ground_n of_o separation_n but_o the_o dispute_n about_o ceremony_n what_o pretence_n then_o have_v the_o dissenter_n in_o scotland_n where_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v impose_v and_o be_v they_o more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a or_o less_o clamorous_a in_o their_o complaint_n than_o our_o dissenter_n in_o england_n for_o who_o sake_n shall_v the_o church_n make_v this_o experiment_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o own_o order_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o dissenter_n and_o what_o charity_n be_v it_o to_o they_o to_o discover_v their_o obstinacy_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o render_v they_o more_o inexcusable_a to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v it_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o the_o dissenter_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o peevish_a and_o obstinate_a schismatic_n who_o will_v make_v division_n without_o any_o just_a pretence_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o we_o know_v this_o already_o we_o know_v they_o have_v no_o rational_a ground_n for_o their_o separation_n though_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o remove_v or_o do_v we_o think_v to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o escape_v their_o reproach_n and_o censure_n as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o a_o schismatic_a or_o make_v he_o blush_v those_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v schismatic_n will_v always_o find_v something_o to_o say_v for_o it_o and_o let_v they_o talk_v on_o the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v defend_v her_o constitution_n with_o more_o reason_n than_o dissenter_n reproach_n they_o iii_o however_o he_o say_v this_o will_v entire_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o laity_n 330._o and_o if_o they_o be_v gain_v their_o preacher_n must_v follow_v but_o who_o tell_v he_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a mr._n baxter_n often_o complain_v that_o their_o laity_n be_v so_o headstrong_a and_o stubborn_a that_o they_o can_v govern_v they_o and_o in_o all_o my_o observation_n i_o find_v that_o they_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o schism_n as_o zealous_a against_o liturgy_n and_o bishop_n as_o obstinate_o addict_v to_o the_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o party_n as_o their_o preacher_n be_v though_o i_o be_o of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n that_o their_o preacher_n will_v soon_o follow_v their_o people_n to_o church_n than_o the_o people_n their_o preacher_n but_o with_o what_o face_n can_v our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o these_o ceremony_n chief_o debar_v the_o laity_n from_o full_a communion_n with_o we_o when_o every_o one_o know_v the_o contrary_a they_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o notwithstanding_o these_o ceremony_n when_o they_o please_v and_o when_o they_o can_v serve_v any_o interest_n by_o it_o and_o their_o preacher_n can_v give_v they_o leave_v to_o do_v so_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o admirable_a reason_n for_o alter_v the_o establish_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n to_o gratify_v such_o humoursome_a schismatic_n who_o can_v conform_v when_o they_o please_v iv._o he_o add_v they_o who_o at_o first_o dissent_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n declare_v they_o do_v it_o pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n i._n e._n the_o ceremony_n still_o use_v among_o we_o this_o now_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o history_n for_o the_o first_o dislike_n that_o be_v take_v against_o our_o church_n be_v for_o the_o square_a cap_n and_o tippet_n and_o some_o episcopal_a habit_n which_o be_v not_o talk_v of_o in_o our_o day_n and_o some_o of_o which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o university_n without_o scruple_n in_o the_o late_a bless_a time_n of_o reformation_n but_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v never_o scruple_v till_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o former_a heat_n at_o francford_n during_o the_o marian_n persecution_n 4._o and_o these_o man_n indeed_o do_v dissent_v as_o our_o reconciler_n express_v it_o that_o be_v they_o express_v their_o dislike_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v upon_o it_o the_o first_o that_o make_v any_o step_n to_o separation_n set_v up_o other_o pretence_n complain_v for_o want_n of_o a_o right_a ministry_n 25._o a_o right_a government_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o right_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o our_o separatist_n at_o this_o day_n well_o but_o suppose_v what_o he_o say_v to_o be_v true_a what_o reason_n be_v this_o for_o alter_v our_o ceremony_n at_o this_o day_n will_v our_o separatist_n conform_v now_o if_o these_o ceremony_n be_v take_v away_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v but_o we_o shall_v gain_v this_o by_o it_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o the_o old_a dissent_v protestant_n as_o if_o any_o man_n but_o a_o reconciler_n be_v to_o learn_v that_o now_o when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o often_o prove_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o themselves_o scorn_v and_o huff_v at_o the_o argument_n and_o will_v not_o have_v the_o old_a puritan_n make_v a_o precedent_n for_o they_o v._o in_o the_o treaty_n at_o the_o savoy_n the_o abatement_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o disputable_a passage_n in_o the_o liturgy_n be_v all_o that_o be_v contend_v for_o that_o be_v he_o mean_v the_o dispute_n go_v no_o far_o but_o if_o they_o have_v gain_v these_o point_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v hear_v more_o of_o they_o i_o be_o sure_a whoever_o read_v their_o petition_n for_o peace_n will_v find_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o mr._n baxter_n
this_o i_o must_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o examine_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o receive_v the_o weak_a for_o though_o our_o reconciler_n and_o i_o agree_v that_o this_o signify_v to_o receive_v to_o communion_n yet_o i_o find_v we_o differ_v very_o much_o about_o that_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v to_o communion_n 83._o as_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o long_a paragraph_n wherein_o he_o oppose_v dr._n falkner_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o very_a perfection_n and_o quintessence_n of_o gibberish_n by_o receive_v one_o another_o i_o understand_v own_v each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n i._n e._n of_o the_o same_o christian_a communion_n a_o necessary_a consequence_n or_o duty_n of_o which_o be_v actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o in_o all_o act_n of_o christian_a worship_n or_o as_o dr._n falkner_n express_v it_o in_o other_o word_n 437._o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v own_v and_o judge_v as_o christian_n notwithstanding_o these_o different_a observation_n he_o forbid_v the_o weak_a jew_n to_o condemn_v the_o other_o jew_n or_o gentile_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o possess_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o they_o observe_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o prohibit_v those_o other_o from_o despise_v or_o disow_v these_o weak_a jew_n as_o not_o have_v embrace_v christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o 3._o signify_v here_o so_o to_o despise_v as_o withal_o to_o reject_v and_o disclaim_v as_o mark_v 9.12_o acts._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 1.28_o because_o they_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o judaism_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o if_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o will_v apply_v this_o to_o any_o other_o case_n it_o must_v be_v to_o condemn_v they_o who_o press_v their_o own_o practice_n or_o judgement_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a as_o be_v the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n and_o thereupon_o do_v undertake_v to_o censure_v all_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o such_o lesser_a thing_n as_o have_v no_o true_a religion_n or_o inward_a relation_n to_o or_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o live_v never_o so_o conscientious_o and_o act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n they_o can_v attain_v what_o now_o have_v our_o reconciler_n to_o say_v to_o this_o why_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o receive_v they_o to_o own_v they_o for_o christian_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o as_o they_o ought_v actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o why_o he_o say_v this_o be_v tacit_o presume_v in_o all_o the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o without_o that_o concession_n they_o be_v not_o cogent_a and_o of_o this_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o which_o both_o party_n be_v endow_v be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n and_o that_o because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o he_o do_v not_o only_o forbid_v the_o strong_a to_o disow_v these_o weak_a person_n as_o not_o have_v embrace_v christ_n for_o they_o who_o thus_o conceive_v most_o suitable_o unto_o that_o principle_n deny_v what_o the_o apostle_n here_o assert_n of_o these_o weak_a person_n viz._n that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o that_o they_o be_v christian_a brethren_n or_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o so_o all_o the_o apostle_n argument_n must_v be_v to_o man_n of_o such_o opinion_n weak_a and_o unconcluding_a but_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o christian_a fellowship_n or_o shall_v admit_v they_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o god_n do_v with_o he_o and_o have_v repeat_v over_o the_o same_o thing_n again_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n he_o conclude_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n plain_o be_v to_o condemn_v those_o person_n who_o for_o these_o thing_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o despise_v judge_n and_o refuse_v communion_n with_o those_o who_o differ_v thus_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n from_o they_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n do_v own_o each_o other_o to_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o that_o one_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o but_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v a_o pique_n against_o each_o other_o for_o these_o different_a custom_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v each_o other_o to_o actual_a communion_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o hinder_v this_o actual_a communion_n but_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v no_o hindrance_n at_o all_o since_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o those_o who_o observe_v it_o and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o be_v both_o of_o they_o very_o good_a christian_n which_o be_v so_o ridiculous_a a_o comment_n upon_o the_o text_n that_o i_o can_v wish_v it_o have_v be_v spare_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o protestant_a reconciler_n but_o the_o only_a way_n to_o end_v this_o dispute_n be_v by_o consider_v the_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o jew_n do_v look_v upon_o all_o person_n as_o unclean_a who_o be_v not_o circumcise_v and_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n for_o which_o reason_n god_n instruct_v peter_n by_o a_o vision_n not_o to_o call_v any_o man_n common_a or_o unclean_a 10._o and_o the_o believe_a jew_n retain_v the_o same_o apprehension_n even_o of_o the_o believe_a gentile_n after_o this_o matter_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o contest_v between_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n at_o antioch_n which_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v after_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n 12._o the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v about_o the_o law_n be_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o the_o jew_n teach_v the_o brethren_n at_o antioch_n 1._o except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v which_o occasion_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o jew_n at_o rome_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n do_v believe_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o prove_v justification_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n now_o man_n of_o such_o persuasion_n as_o these_o can_v not_o believe_v the_o gentile_n to_o be_v perfect_a christian_n because_o they_o reject_v something_o which_o ch_z they_o think_v as_o essential_a as_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o christianity_n viz._n circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o be_v incorporate_v by_o circumcision_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o reject_v they_o from_o their_o communion_n as_o for_o the_o gentile_n though_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o they_o ever_o reject_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o observe_v the_o law_n yet_o this_o chapter_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v very_o near_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a seem_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_a believer_n who_o be_v most_o numerous_a and_o prevalent_a at_o rome_n to_o receive_v the_o jewish_a christian_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o not_o to_o despise_v the_o weak_a not_o to_o reject_v they_o out_o of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o such_o imperfect_a christian_n as_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v still_o more_o the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n than_o of_o christ._n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v apt_a to_o reject_v each_o other_o from_o communion_n be_v because_o those_o who_o do_v so_o have_v no_o opinion_n of_o each_o other_o christianity_n for_o it_o be_v both_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o those_o time_n and_o absurd_a in_o itself_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v one_o another_o to_o be_v goodchristians_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o christian_a communion_n upon_o such_o dispute_v as_o do_v neither_o hinder_v their_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o nor_o prejudice_v their_o christianity_n which_o be_v as_o humoursome_a a_o schism_n as_o dissenter_n themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o such_o as_o there_o be_v no_o example_n of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n 84._o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o
only_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n themselves_o but_o scorn_v and_o despise_v the_o jew_n for_o do_v it_o and_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o a_o open_a contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o law_n this_o will_v have_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o have_v alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o call_v lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o brother_n way_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n by_o tempt_v he_o to_o infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v thus_o st._n chrysostom_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v afraid_a locum_fw-la lest_o this_o contemptuous_a usage_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v they_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o they_o learn_v to_o despise_v their_o teacher_n and_o to_o think_v themselves_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a sort_n of_o christian_n but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o schism_n be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n as_o infidelity_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o charity_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o prevent_v the_o one_o oblige_v we_o also_o with_o equal_a care_n to_o prevent_v the_o other_o now_o though_o i_o think_v every_o good_a christian_a will_n and_o aught_o to_o do_v what_o he_o reasonable_o can_v to_o prevent_v a_o schism_n yet_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o schism_n and_o infidelity_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n be_v very_o great_a while_o man_n be_v weak_a and_o unsettle_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o apt_a to_o take_v offence_n and_o apostatise_v from_o christ_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n because_o 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this_o chapter_n command_v the_o strong_a christian_n to_o treat_v with_o so_o much_o tenderness_n without_o give_v they_o the_o least_o offence_n those_o who_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o his_o stumble_n and_o be_v offend_v and_o make_v weak_a signify_v his_o be_v shake_v and_o unsettle_a in_o the_o faith_n every_o one_o who_o be_v a_o ignorant_a and_o uninstruct_v be_v not_o therefore_o a_o weak_a christian_a his_o understanding_n may_v be_v weak_a but_o his_o faith_n may_v be_v strong_a that_o be_v he_o may_v very_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o weak_a person_n be_v to_o be_v use_v very_o different_o you_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o you_o must_v instruct_v and_o govern_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o understanding_n or_o else_o you_o prostitute_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o christian_n to_o every_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v conceit_v obstinate_a and_o censorious_a professor_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o those_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v in_o this_o chapter_n not_o to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n can_v concern_v our_o dissenter_n who_o though_o they_o be_v weak_a enough_o as_o that_o signify_v ignorant_a yet_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o that_o signify_v those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o christianity_n or_o not_o well_o confirm_v in_o that_o belief_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v humour_v like_o child_n but_o train_v up_o to_o great_a attainment_n by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o a_o prudent_a discipline_n second_o have_v see_v what_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v by_o what_o argument_n the_o apostle_n persuade_v those_o who_o be_v strong_a not_o to_o offend_v the_o weak_a now_o our_o reconciler_n have_v turn_v almost_o every_o word_n into_o a_o argument_n one_o argument_n be_v etc._n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o our_o brother_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o charity_n and_o evil_a in_o itself_o that_o it_o cause_v christianity_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o concern_v of_o peace_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o have_v no_o dispute_n with_o our_o reconciler_n about_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n and_o very_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n if_o we_o be_v as_o well_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v offence_n as_o that_o give_v this_o offence_n be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n the_o dispute_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o yet_o by_o this_o artifice_n he_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n be_v very_o copious_a and_o rhetorical_a in_o his_o harangue_n on_o this_o argument_n and_o transcribe_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a writer_n to_o show_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o manifold_a aggravation_n of_o scandal_n which_o every_o one_o will_v grant_v he_o to_o be_v very_o good_a when_o right_o apply_v but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guilty_a of_o give_v offend_v to_o the_o dissenter_n in_o that_o sense_n in_o which_o st._n paul_n and_o other_o ancient_a writer_n mean_v it_o and_o if_o our_o reconciler_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v find_v enough_o in_o st._n paul_n argument_n to_o have_v convince_v he_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o case_n very_o different_a from_o we_o which_o because_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o overlook_v i_o shall_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o mind_v he_o of_o it_o now_o i_o take_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o jew_n by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n be_v because_o their_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v of_o no_o concernment_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n for_o when_o we_o discourse_v of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a inquiry_n be_v of_o what_o moment_n and_o consequence_n the_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o exercise_v our_o charity_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v nor_o leave_v undo_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o any_o man_n whatever_o offence_n be_v take_v at_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o charitable_a condescension_n and_o compliance_n than_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n against_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n be_v very_o seasonable_o and_o proper_o urge_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o as_o will_v appear_v from_o consider_v the_o series_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o 13_o verse_n he_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o their_o brother_n way_n and_o to_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n he_o add_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a that_o be_v all_o distinction_n of_o
meat_n be_v perfect_o take_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o may_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v just_a as_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o great_a breach_n of_o charity_n to_o eat_v with_o offence_n to_o destroy_v our_o brother_n with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v 15_o 16_o v._n which_o may_v just_o cause_v our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o valuable_a thing_n in_o it_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o condemn_v on_o all_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v use_v so_o uncharitable_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o v_o 16._o and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v our_o charity_n it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v and_o perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n which_o we_o will_v do_v so_o neither_o be_v religion_n concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n indeed_o be_v concern_v in_o thedispute_n about_o the_o lawfulnessof_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a convert_v to_o renounce_v this_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v they_o but_o bare_a eat_n or_o not_o eat_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o opinion_n about_o it_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v neither_o the_o better_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v eat_v nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 17._o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v no_o law_n about_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o diet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o eat_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o liberty_n of_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o act_n of_o eat_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o though_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o direct_a and_o positive_a command_n about_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o duty_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n consist_v which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v a_o collateral_a restraint_n upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o deal_v kind_o and_o compassionate_o with_o our_o fellow-christians_a to_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o delight_n which_o christian_n brethren_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o each_o other_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o the_o joint_a worship_n of_o their_o common_a father_n and_o saviour_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o please_v to_o our_o great_a master_n and_o have_v so_o much_o natural_a goodness_n as_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o man_n 18._o for_o 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 man_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v this_o rule_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o give_v we_o free_a leave_n to_o eat_v of_o every_o thing_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o company_n to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v former_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o since_o we_o know_v that_o to_o do_v so_o gives_z great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a jew_n without_o serve_v any_o end_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o essential_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n unity_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a edification_n let_v we_o not_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n as_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o though_o no_o meat_n be_v now_o unclean_a but_o all_o thing_n all_o kind_n of_o diet_n be_v now_o pure_a and_o lawful_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n by_o his_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o his_o weak_a brother_n think_v unclean_a to_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o he_o it_o be_v good_a much_o better_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a discourage_v in_o his_o christian_a course_n and_o tempt_v to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o beside_o this_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o in_o our_o choice_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o require_v either_o and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o not_o eat_v be_v in_o itself_o consider_v of_o any_o concernment_n to_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n at_o all_o to_o thy_o christian_a liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o brother_n have_v thou_o faith_n do_v thou_o believe_v thou_o may_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o meat_n believe_v so_o still_o and_o use_v this_o liberty_n private_o when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o offence_n but_o thou_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o publish_v this_o belief_n nor_o of_o act_v according_a to_o it_o in_o all_o company_n but_o have_v this_o faith_n to_o thyself_o before_o god_n this_o faith_n make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v but_o then_o thou_o must_v take_v great_a care_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o become_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o be_v thou_o must_v not_o eat_v how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o with_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o thy_o weak_a brother_n which_o make_v it_o very_o unlawful_a happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v who_o do_v not_o do_v a_o good_a action_n in_o so_o ill_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o bring_v condemnation_n upon_o himself_o but_o then_o as_o thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v do_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o eat_v nor_o lawful_a in_o all_o circumstance_n when_o it_o be_v do_v with_o offence_n and_o scandal_n so_o much_o less_o do_v thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thy_o weak_a brother_n to_o eat_v for_o if_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o doubt_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o still_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o he_o notwithstanding_o this_o eat_v such_o forbid_a meat_n he_o be_v damn_v self-condemned_n by_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n do_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o cenâ—ure_n and_o reproach_v thy_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o case_n but_o to_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o avoid_v give_v he_o any_o scandal_n or_o offence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_v in_o this_o place_n to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v by_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o contain_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a determination_n of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o review_v and_o inquire_v how_o applicable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n can_v be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o forbid_v offer_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o exercise_n
the_o apostle_n say_v not_o to_o touch_v a_o woman_n and_o why_o our_o reconciler_n say_v wife_n instead_o of_o woman_n i_o can_v tell_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o text_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n let_v the_o husband_n render_v unto_o the_o wife_n due_a benevolence_n and_o likewise_o also_o the_o wife_n unto_o the_o husband_n v_o 3._o but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v his_o argument_n in_o short_a be_v this_o the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o a_o single_a life_n have_v many_o advantage_n in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o that_o afflict_a and_o persecute_a state_n of_o the_o ghuach_n above_o marriage_n and_o therefore_o he_o recommend_v a_o single_a life_n to_o they_o but_o know_v as_o our_o saviour_n have_v before_o declare_v that_o every_o one_o can_v not_o receive_v this_o say_n he_o do_v not_o impose_v it_o upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o impose_v our_o ceremony_n though_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v like_a profit_n decency_n or_o tendence_n to_o perform_v god_n service_n better_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v under_o the_o present_a circumstance_n in_o keep_v their_o virginity_n now_o i_o will_v only_o ask_v our_o reconciler_n whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o impose_v virginity_n on_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n or_o to_o forbid_v they_o to_o marry_v if_o he_o have_v not_o as_o i_o think_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o say_v that_o he_o have_v than_o his_o argument_n run_v thus_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o impose_v that_o upon_o the_o christian_n which_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o impose_v therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o impose_v that_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n to_o impose_v some_o thing_n may_v have_v great_a profit_n and_o advantage_n in_o they_o which_o yet_o be_v instance_n of_o so_o perfect_a a_o virtue_n as_o be_v above_o the_o common_a attainment_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o stand_a law_n they_o may_v be_v proper_a matter_n for_o a_o exhortation_n but_o not_o for_o a_o command_n but_o what_o a_o wide_a difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o raise_v and_o perfect_a virtue_n and_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v too_o severe_a a_o imposition_n to_o command_v the_o one_o but_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o observe_v the_o other_o but_o the_o difference_n between_o law_n of_o burden_n and_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n 209._o have_v be_v already_o obseruâ—d_v three_o his_o next_o head_n of_o argument_n for_o condescension_n to_o dissenter_n be_v take_v from_o that_o dispute_n about_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n 1_o cor._n 8._o &_o 10._o now_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o answer_n to_o this_o 127._o but_o to_o state_n this_o case_n right_a which_o will_v convince_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n how_o unapplicable_a any_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o discourse_n be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o to_o do_v this_o plain_o and_o brief_o we_o must_v consider_v 1._o who_o those_o be_v who_o out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n go_v to_o the_o idol-temple_n and_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n 2._o who_o the_o weak_a be_v who_o be_v offend_v with_o this_o and_o what_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v 3._o how_o the_o apostle_n reason_n about_o this_o matter_n 1._o who_o these_o know_a person_n be_v who_o eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n tax_v the_o gnostick_n heretic_n who_o have_v occasion_v that_o first_o schism_n â—n_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o despise_v st._n paul_n as_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o the_o just_a extent_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o here_o tax_v a_o vain_a and_o arrogant_a pretence_n of_o knowledge_n v_o 2._o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v 8.2_o which_o be_v purposely_o to_o warn_v the_o christian_n against_o those_o man_n who_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o knowledge_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a notwithstanding_o all_o their_o brag_n of_o knowledge_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o man_n out_o of_o pretence_n of_o great_a knowledge_n do_v eat_v in_o the_o idol_n temple_n if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n who_o do_v so_o much_o boast_v of_o thy_o knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 10._o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n now_o this_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n absolute_o condemn_v not_o only_o as_o sinful_a upon_o account_n of_o scandal_n but_o as_o sinful_a in_o itself_o as_o partake_v with_o devil_n by_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n no_o true_a orthodox_n christian_n ever_o do_v this_o but_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n do_v partly_o out_o of_o luxury_n to_o partake_v in_o these_o splendid_a entertainment_n and_o to_o defile_v themselves_o with_o those_o impure_a lust_n which_o be_v part_n of_o their_o mystery_n as_o the_o apostle_n insinuate_v ch_n 10.6_o 7_o 8._o v_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o example_n to_o the_o intent_n we_o shall_v not_o lust_n after_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o also_o lust_v neither_o be_v you_o idolater_n as_o be_v some_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v neither_o let_v we_o commit_v fornication_n as_o some_o of_o they_o commit_v and_o partly_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o persecution_n against_o which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v and_o encourage_v the_o sincere_a christian_n v_o 13._o there_o have_v no_o temptation_n no_o trial_n by_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n take_v you_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n but_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o to_o justify_v this_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o eat_v at_o a_o idol_n temple_n they_o pretend_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n 4._o that_o the_o god_n who_o the_o heathen_a worship_v be_v not_o god_n but_o dead_a man_n or_o according_a to_o the_o mythology_n of_o the_o stoic_n which_o prevail_v in_o that_o age_n among_o the_o philosophical_a idolater_n and_o therefore_o most_o probable_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o gnostic_n be_v only_o the_o name_n of_o some_o divine_a power_n and_o attribute_n of_o the_o one_o eternal_a god_n which_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o these_o people_n have_v form_v into_o several_a distinct_a dâ—â—ies_n and_o therefore_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o it_o can_v not_o pollute_v the_o meat_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v as_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o that_o as_o of_o any_o other_o ordinary_a feast_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v who_o these_o weak_a person_n be_v who_o be_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v at_o this_o liberty_n which_o the_o gnostic_n take_v now_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o these_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o very_o imperfect_a christian_n who_o together_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n retain_v many_o of_o their_o old_a pagan_a superstition_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n this_o appear_v from_o that_o account_n st._n paul_n give_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v man_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o but_o look_v upon_o they_o at_o least_o as_o some_o inferior_a god_n and_o frequent_v their_o temple_n and_o eat_v of_o the_o meat_n offer_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o thereby_o do_v defile_v and_o pollute_v themselves_o with_o idolatrous_a worship_n howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n that_o knowledge_n 7._o for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n to_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a a_o sick_a misinform_v corrupt_a conscience_n be_v defile_v with_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o the_o scandal_n which_o be_v give_v to_o these_o man_n be_v this_o that_o when_o they_o see_v those_o who_o pretend_v to_o such_o perfect_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n this_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n and_o idolatry_n and_o make_v they_o conclude_v that_o such_o pagan_a superstition_n as_o these_o be_v reconcilable_a