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
great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross._n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n our_o reconciler_n himself_o have_v collect_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n or_o religion_n most_o of_o which_o be_v now_o out_o of_o use_n in_o most_o church_n which_o former_o use_v they_o and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v in_o uâ—e_v among_o we_o but_o what_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n ritual_n or_o ceremony_n but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a significant_a but_o a_o profess_v sign_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o for_o such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o which_o serve_v for_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o bishop_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o a_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o evident_a necessity_n or_o a_o great_a convenience_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o bishop_n speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n he_o understand_v by_o they_o exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n something_o which_o be_v like_o the_o ceremonial_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o religious_a rite_n such_o be_v their_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n their_o phylactery_n their_o fast_n and_o festival_n new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n not_o consider_v mere_o as_o circumstance_n of_o time_n but_o as_o have_v such_o a_o sacredness_n and_o religion_n stamp_v on_o they_o that_o the_o very_o observe_v they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o religious_a duty_n observe_v on_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o day_n not_o the_o day_n mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o numerous_a tradition_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o make_v broad_a their_o phylactery_n wash_v their_o cup_n and_o platter_n and_o their_o hand_n before_o dinner_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o superstitious_a observance_n now_o though_o some_o external_a action_n and_o thing_n wise_o choose_v and_o prudent_o use_v may_v be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v unless_o we_o will_v condemn_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o several_a age_n which_o use_v a_o great_a many_o external_a rite_n yet_o every_o one_o see_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o such_o rite_n as_o these_o and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o those_o man_n mistake_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o lie_v the_o controversy_n upon_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a signification_n of_o these_o word_n our_o fast_n and_o festival_n look_v most_o like_a such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o with_o we_o they_o be_v not_o religious_a day_n but_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n do_v from_o a_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o make_v a_o day_n religious_a which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v differ_v from_o appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n may_v do_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o observe_v a_o day_n differ_v from_o those_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v perform_v on_o such_o a_o day_n now_o this_o very_a observation_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n will_v answer_v most_o of_o his_o citation_n which_o he_o have_v impertinent_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o bishop_n write_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o have_v be_v very_o injudicious_o make_v against_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 214._o thus_o he_o observe_v from_o the_o bishop_n that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v mere_o such_o can_v be_v universal_a and_o perpetual_a but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n mere_o such_o that_o be_v say_v he_o those_o which_o do_v not_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n within_o their_o matter_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o they_o all_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o specification_n of_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n and_o include_v those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v and_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v enjoin_v to_o wear_v thesurplice_n it_o signify_v that_o he_o must_v perform_v divine_a office_n in_o a_o surplice_n these_o be_v but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o necessary_a duty_n and_o they_o found_v on_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o decency_n well_o but_o the_o bishop_n add_v when_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o to_o which_o all_o other_o nation_n be_v bind_v if_o they_o come_v into_o that_o communion_n it_o will_v be_v intolerable_a that_o the_o church_n who_o rejoice_v in_o their_o freedom_n from_o that_o yoke_n which_o god_n have_v impose_v shall_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o yoke_n of_o ordinance_n which_o man_n shall_v make_v for_o though_o before_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o now_o they_o may_v exercise_v communion_n and_o use_v the_o same_o religion_n without_o communicate_v in_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n now_o do_v not_o this_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o our_o english_a ceremony_n be_v but_o of_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o answer_v to_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ordinance_n which_o he_o call_v exterior_a thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o different_a rule_n and_o measure_n and_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n be_v so_o unfortunate_a that_o if_o the_o bishop_n have_v mean_v this_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n it_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o he_o add_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n this_o do_v no_o way_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o any_o government_n what_o liberty_n they_o be_v to_o retain_v and_o use_v i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o the_o follow_a number_n but_o it_o concern_v distinct_a church_n under_o distinct_a government_n and_o it_o mean_n as_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n and_o the_o whole_a analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v suffer_v no_o man_n to_o put_v a_o law_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v not_o their_o governor_n for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o must_v not_o be_v universal_a he_o mean_v that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v intend_v to_o oblige_v all_o christendom_n except_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v that_o be_v do_v consent_n that_o no_o church_n or_o company_n of_o christian_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n in_o it_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n which_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o such_o a_o usurpation_n as_o must_v not_o be_v endure_v which_o be_v direct_o level_v against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o though_o one_o church_n can_v impose_v upon_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n have_v power_n over_o she_o own_o member_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o be_v over_o they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o answer_v all_o his_o testimony_n from_o bishop_n davenant_n etc._n and_o bishop_n hall_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o duraeus_n about_o his_o pacificatory_a design_n of_o unite_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n into_o one_o communion_n and_o several_a other_o cite_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n they_o discourse_n upon_o what_o term_n distinct_a church_n which_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o aught_o to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n and_o this_o he_o apply_v to_o particular_a church_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o particular_a church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n and_o dominion_n over_o each_o other_o nor_o deny_v communion_n upon_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n or_o different_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o modes_n of_o worship_n therefore_o no_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o communion_n nor_o give_v law_n to_o her_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o
another_o sort_n of_o ceremony_n which_o be_v not_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o yet_o may_v be_v very_o decent_o use_v and_o do_v contribute_v to_o the_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o religious_a action_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o be_v no_o necessary_a circumstance_n for_o baptism_n may_v be_v very_o decent_o and_o reverent_o administer_v without_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o fit_v and_o decent_a to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n and_o which_o add_v to_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o it_o our_o church_n have_v enjoin_v no_o other_o ceremony_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o only_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o discourse_v something_o brief_o about_o the_o nature_n the_o decency_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o and_o in_o particular_a about_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n first_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o ceremony_n i_o shall_v observe_v three_o thing_n which_o i_o presume_v will_v contain_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v about_o they_o 1._o that_o though_o they_o be_v symbolical_a and_o significant_a ceremony_n they_o be_v not_o mere_o for_o signification_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o mere_a image_n and_o picture_n of_o thing_n which_o will_v transform_v religion_n into_o a_o external_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n indeed_o have_v be_v use_v and_o be_v still_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o dress_v up_o a_o baby_n and_o rock_v it_o in_o a_o cradle_n as_o a_o figure_n and_o emblem_n of_o christ_n birth_n about_o the_o time_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o suchlike_a childish_a and_o ludicrous_a show_n which_o unbecome_v the_o gravity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o mean_a representation_n as_o these_o be_v only_o for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o child_n but_o do_v mighty_o debase_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o detain_v they_o by_o earthly_a figure_n and_o similitude_n from_o contemplate_v those_o sublime_a mystery_n god_n never_o institute_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o nor_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n give_v any_o countenance_n or_o authority_n to_o it_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n indeed_o consist_v of_o a_o great_a many_o significant_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n such_o as_o circumcision_n wash_n purification_n sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n many_o of_o which_o be_v institute_v pure_o for_o their_o signification_n but_o then_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o by_o such_o external_a rite_n those_o thing_n which_o at_o that_o time_n he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v any_o express_a law_n about_o nor_o to_o make_v a_o plain_a and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o law_n be_v either_o typical_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o have_v a_o moral_a signification_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o evangelical_n grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a then_o express_o to_o command_v now_o in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n as_o this_o it_o do_v high_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n by_o such_o external_a sign_n and_o figure_n to_o give_v some_o hint_n and_o intimation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o a_o more_o excellent_a philosophy_n to_o devout_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n the_o design_n of_o these_o legal_a ceremony_n be_v to_o teach_v they_o that_o by_o hieroglyphic_n which_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o time_n to_o teach_v they_o by_o plain_a precept_n and_o express_a revelation_n but_o to_o transform_v the_o plain_a precept_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o earthly_a figure_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n backward_o to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o immediate_a contemplation_n of_o pure_a and_o naked_a truth_n to_o court_v a_o picture_n and_o a_o shadow_n and_o to_o dote_v upon_o earthly_a figure_n and_o image_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n to_o call_v such_o foolery_n as_o these_o jewish_a rite_n and_o superstition_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hide_a and_o secret_a wisdom_n contain_v in_o and_o teach_v by_o those_o rite_n which_o at_o that_o time_n they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o learn_v but_o such_o significant_a ceremony_n as_o be_v mere_o for_o signification_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v only_o obscure_v and_o debase_v divine_a mystery_n be_v whole_o useless_a when_o we_o be_v instruct_v in_o those_o thing_n by_o plain_a and_o express_v revelation_n which_o these_o ceremony_n teach_v or_o rather_o darken_v by_o earthly_a figure_n and_o they_o corrupt_v a_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o hereby_o degenerate_v into_o external_a pomp_n and_o show_n 2._o these_o ceremony_n therefore_o though_o they_o be_v significant_a must_v not_o be_v mere_a teach_v sign_n which_o be_v out_o of_o date_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o clear_a revelation_n and_o perfect_a light_n of_o it_o but_o be_v visible_a sign_n and_o expression_n of_o some_o grace_n or_o virtue_n or_o duty_n which_o we_o at_o that_o time_n exercise_n or_o profess_v the_o exercise_n of_o as_o to_o give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v both_o allow_v and_o practise_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 5._o christ_n wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n as_o a_o example_n of_o humility_n as_o well_o as_o kindness_n which_o he_o recommend_v to_o their_o imitation_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v literal_o practise_v by_o they_o after_o his_o death_n 5.10_o and_o be_v continue_v in_o some_o church_n to_o after-age_n but_o now_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o this_o ceremony_n only_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o humility_n but_o as_o a_o real_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o those_o country_n to_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o any_o man_n be_v a_o servile_a work_n and_o as_o mean_v a_o office_n as_o they_o can_v do_v for_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a exercise_n of_o humility_n in_o our_o saviour_n to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o they_o too_o who_o imitate_v he_o in_o it_o but_o do_v withal_o signify_v all_o other_o act_n of_o kindness_n humility_n and_o condescension_n which_o by_o that_o act_n of_o wash_v the_o foot_n they_o do_v profess_v to_o each_o other_o and_o shall_v man_n wash_v each_o other_o foot_n still_o without_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o humility_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o religious_a ceremony_n but_o a_o ludicrous_a piece_n of_o superstition_n thus_o the_o kiss_n of_o charity_n or_o the_o holy_a kiss_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a significant_a sign_n but_o a_o real_a exercise_n and_o expression_n of_o that_o brotherly_a love_n which_o they_o have_v and_o which_o they_o express_v to_o each_o other_o and_o those_o who_o kiss_v without_o this_o divine_a charity_n profane_v the_o ceremony_n thus_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v in_o use_n also_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n where_o all_o christian_n the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a eat_v together_o at_o a_o common_a table_n be_v not_o only_o a_o significant_a sign_n of_o mutual_a love_n but_o a_o exercise_n and_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n severe_o reprove_v they_o for_o such_o disorder_n at_o that_o holy_a feast_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o they_o profess_v in_o it_o thus_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o our_o church_n at_o baptism_n be_v not_o mere_o for_o signification_n but_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o a_o promise_n and_o engagement_n of_o ourselves_o to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o to_o suffer_v as_o he_o do_v rather_o than_o to_o deny_v he_o in_o token_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o hereafter_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o manful_o to_o fight_v under_o his_o banner_n against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o continue_v christ_n faithful_a servant_n and_o soldier_n unto_o our_o life_n end_v but_o yet_o we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o though_o these_o ceremony_n may_v be_v call_v religious_a action_n or_o ceremony_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n as_o that_o signify_v act_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v religious_a action_n as_o be_v do_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n as_o be_v the_o exercise_n or_o profession_n of_o some_o virtue_n but_o we_o do_v not_o proper_o worship_n god_n in_o they_o no_o more_o than_o we_o do_v by_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o charitable_a and_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n before_o man_n to_o kiss_v each_o other_o and_o
the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v but_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o man_n soul_n right_a and_o therefore_o not_o a_o absolute_a and_o necessary_a duty_n otherwise_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o bishop_n authority_n extend_v only_o to_o necessary_n why_o may_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o external_a beauty_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v consider_v in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n why_o may_v not_o spiritual_a advantage_n find_v place_n in_o our_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v bare_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o spiritual_a government_n right_a not_o to_o seize_v man_n estate_n to_o adorn_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o these_o reason_n he_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v more_o authority_n than_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o minister_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o learn_v what_o kind_n of_o authority_n he_o mean_v such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n to_o adorn_v religion_n as_o give_v the_o bishop_n authority_n over_o man_n estate_n for_o such_o prous_a use_n but_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o their_o authority_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o decency_n of_o religion_n 3._o when_o that_o reverend_a bishop_n say_v that_o rule_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n must_v be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o only_o rescue_v from_o confusion_n he_o must_v have_v some_o large_a notion_n of_o confusion_n than_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o that_o word_n will_v justify_v for_o man_n may_v avoid_v all_o confusion_n and_o yet_o neglect_v all_o the_o natural_a decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o meeting_n of_o quaker_n may_v be_v very_o orderly_o without_o any_o confusion_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o decency_n and_o the_o reason_n the_o bishop_n assign_v for_o this_o because_o the_o prelate_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n unless_o thing_n be_v so_o orderly_o that_o there_o be_v no_o confusion_n be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n against_o confusion_n but_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o to_o rescue_v from_o confusion_n in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o there_o be_v something_o more_o require_v in_o religious_a assembly_n than_o mere_o that_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o decent_a manner_n as_o become_v the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o natural_o belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o church-governor_n whether_o there_o have_v be_v any_o law_n for_o it_o or_o no_o much_o more_o when_o they_o be_v command_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o their_o authority_n extend_v to_o whatever_o be_v true_o decent_a in_o religion_n but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o this_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o matter_n do_v in_o confusion_n 4._o and_o disorder_n may_v be_v plain_o gather_v from_o all_o the_o instance_n precede_v which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o rule_n they_o be_v instance_n of_o great_a indecency_n and_o disorder_n commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o tell_v we_o this_o only_o can_v be_v certain_o collect_v that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v perform_v indecent_o and_o disorderly_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n the_o ruler_n of_o it_o shall_v correct_v they_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o urge_v a_o argument_n of_o mr._n jeane_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v not_o disobey_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o indecency_n commit_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n or_o some_o disorder_n in_o it_o for_o decency_n and_o indecency_n order_n and_o disorder_n or_o ataxy_n be_v privative_o opposite_a and_o between_o privative_a opposite_n in_o a_o capable_a subject_n there_o be_v no_o medium_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v decency_n sufficient_a in_o those_o action_n where_o be_v no_o indecency_n but_o now_o by_o the_o omission_n of_o symbolical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n such_o as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n surplice_n in_o prayer_n kneel_v when_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v commit_v no_o indecency_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n precept_n be_v not_o disobey_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o ceremony_n and_o consequent_o this_o precept_n can_v warrant_v the_o impose_v of_o they_o i_o wonder_v how_o learned_a man_n can_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o with_o such_o silly_a sophism_n as_o these_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v 1._o suppose_v this_o precept_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v give_v upon_o occasion_n of_o those_o disorder_n and_o indecency_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o apostle_n require_v no_o other_o decency_n than_o just_o what_o will_v remove_v the_o indecency_n of_o worship_n be_v decency_n a_o thing_n valuable_a for_o itself_o or_o only_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o indecency_n if_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o good_a thing_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o indecency_n can_v be_v a_o fault_n than_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o the_o end_n of_o decency_n be_v only_o to_o prevent_v indecency_n as_o if_o the_o end_n of_o see_v be_v only_o to_o prevent_v blindness_n or_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n only_o to_o prevent_v vice_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v privative_o opposite_a that_o be_v i_o suppose_v that_o indecency_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o decency_n not_o that_o decency_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o indecency_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o indecency_n consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o decency_n yet_o the_o nature_n of_o decency_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n though_o we_o shall_v allow_v that_o to_o be_v decent_a which_o be_v not_o indecent_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a mere_o because_o it_o be_v not_o indecent_a but_o because_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o precept_n upon_o occasion_n of_o these_o indecency_n commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n yet_o the_o command_n extend_v to_o any_o instance_n and_o degree_n of_o decency_n for_o he_o do_v not_o command_v decency_n mere_o out_o of_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n which_o be_v to_o invert_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n but_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n as_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o public_a worship_n as_o he_o who_o reprove_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o exhort_v man_n to_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o shall_v only_o practice_v so_o much_o virtue_n as_o not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o popular_a vice_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v aim_v at_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o instance_n of_o virtue_n 2._o and_o therefore_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v include_v in_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o omission_n of_o which_o be_v not_o disorderly_a and_o indecent_a if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n because_o the_o decency_n of_o our_o action_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n but_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a argument_n on_o which_o our_o reconciler_n and_o mr._n jeane_v rely_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v be_v include_v in_o that_o apostolical_a precept_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n because_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o indecent_a if_o then_o say_v the_o reconciler_n it_o can_v appear_v that_o pray_n without_o a_o surplice_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n without_o kneel_v or_o baptise_v without_o the_o cross_n be_v do_v these_o thing_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o then_o must_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a warrant_n for_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o till_o this_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v it_o must_v be_v vain_o plead_v to_o that_o end_n but_o now_o say_v mr._n jeane_n by_o the_o omission_n of_o symbolical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n such_o as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n surplice_n in_o prayer_n kneel_v when_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v commit_v no_o indecency_n in_o those_o
significant_a ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o any_o other_o church_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o bishop_n do_v not_o think_v so_o and_o when_o the_o reconciler_n allege_v the_o bishop_n authority_n as_o well_o as_o argument_n against_o we_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v urge_v his_o argument_n no_o far_o than_o he_o himself_o do_v or_o to_o have_v tell_v his_o reader_n what_o exception_n the_o bishop_n make_v and_o leave_v it_o to_o he_o to_o judge_v whether_o the_o exception_n be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a or_o not_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n will_v have_v make_v some_o little_a difference_n as_o the_o bishop_n do_v between_o such_o significant_a ceremony_n as_o be_v withal_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n and_o receive_v their_o decency_n from_o their_o signification_n and_o such_o ceremony_n as_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o only_o entertain_v a_o childish_a fancy_n with_o some_o theatrical_a show_n and_o arbitrary_a image_n and_o figure_n of_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o bishop_n there_o speak_v and_o indeed_o all_o his_o other_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n be_v as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n because_o none_o of_o they_o concern_v the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v our_o present_a dispute_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v from_o thence_o learn_v what_o the_o bishop_n judgement_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n as_o to_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o these_o argument_n as_o he_o call_v they_o take_v out_o of_o bishop_n tailor_n be_v ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la his_o first_o argument_n be_v patch_v up_o of_o two_o say_n 212._o at_o the_o distance_n of_o fifteen_o page_n from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v much_o near_o to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o book_n than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o design_n and_o signification_n he_o say_v the_o bishop_n true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o church-ruler_n his_o authority_n for_o trifle_v and_o needless_a purpose_n this_o be_v say_v in_o one_o place_n and_o to_o make_v up_o his_o argument_n he_o tack_n another_o say_v to_o it_o now_o ritual_n say_v he_o and_o external_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a appendage_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v observe_v they_o not_o that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n but_o because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o law_n the_o first_o of_o these_o say_n be_v under_o the_o three_o rule_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o necessary_a duty_n by_o a_o direct_a power_n and_o divine_a authority_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o to_o some_o necessary_a duty_n the_o instance_n the_o bishop_n give_v in_o that_o place_n be_v this_o that_o the_o bishop_n have_v power_n to_o command_v his_o subject_a or_o parishioner_n to_o put_v away_o his_o concubine_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o not_o only_a sin_n by_o uncleanness_n but_o by_o disobedience_n too_o this_o sure_a be_v remote_a enough_o from_o the_o dispute_n of_o ceremony_n but_o then_o he_o prove_v that_o such_o man_n sin_n by_o disobey_v the_o bishop_n in_o such_o case_n by_o this_o argument_n among_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o church-ruler_n his_o authority_n for_o trifle_v and_o needless_a purpose_n for_o it_o be_v a_o trifle_a thing_n to_o have_v authority_n to_o command_v if_o that_o authority_n have_v no_o effect_n if_o man_n may_v disobey_v such_o command_n without_o sin_n so_o that_o these_o word_n whereby_o the_o bishop_n prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o command_v and_o that_o those_o sin_n who_o disobey_v our_o reconciler_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n because_o in_o his_o opinion_n they_o be_v trifle_v and_o needless_a thing_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o bishop_n six_o rule_n which_o be_v this_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v by_o the_o tie_n of_o religion_n not_o of_o power_n oblige_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n his_o resolution_n of_o which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o such_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a religion_n can_v be_v neglect_v by_o prince_n without_o some_o strain_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n which_o be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o choice_n of_o man_n determine_v in_o such_o a_o instance_n to_o such_o a_o specification_n but_o in_o external_o and_o ritual_n they_o have_v a_o great_a liberty_n so_o that_o every_o omission_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n in_o they_o though_o it_o may_v be_v in_o subject_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v that_o they_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a appendage_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v observe_v ritual_n because_o they_o be_v command_v by_o law_n not_o that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o god_n since_o therefore_o these_o be_v whole_o matter_n of_o obedience_n king_n be_v free_a save_v only_o when_o they_o become_v bind_v collateral_o and_o accidental_o so_o that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o external_o and_o ritual_n as_o such_o trifle_a and_o needless_a thing_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v they_o to_o which_o purpose_n our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o but_o as_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v bind_v on_o we_o only_o by_o humane_a authority_n a_o sovereign_a prince_n who_o own_v no_o high_a humane_a authority_n than_o his_o own_o be_v not_o so_o strict_o oblige_v by_o they_o as_o his_o subject_n be_v but_o may_v dispense_v with_o himself_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a these_o be_v excellent_a premise_n for_o such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o our_o reconciler_n draw_v from_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o the_o external_o or_o ritual_n of_o religion_n whatever_o our_o reconciler_n find_v say_v about_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o the_o external_o and_o ritual_n of_o religion_n he_o present_o apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o except_v the_o cross_n be_v only_o decent_a circumstance_n without_o which_o or_o suchlike_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v decent_o or_o reverent_o perform_v that_o be_v without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o external_a worship_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o honour_n and_o devotion_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a what_o a_o vast_a difference_n the_o bishop_n make_v between_o these_o two_o thus_o he_o express_o do_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v 6._o and_o from_o it_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v substract_v and_o in_o christianity_n we_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o ceremony_n except_v n._n b._n the_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o very_a ministry_n as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o vessel_n and_o ornament_n and_o necessary_a appendage_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n beside_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n where_o he_o express_o distinguish_v between_o the_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o very_a ministry_n what_o be_v necessary_a or_o convenient_a for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n from_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n whereby_o he_o understand_v exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n that_o be_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a action_n but_o be_v distinct_a act_n themselves_o either_o institute_v as_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o he_o say_v they_o be_v intolerable_a or_o mere_o for_o signification_n and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a little_a thing_n and_o of_o very_o inconsiderable_a use_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o revelation_n evangelical_n such_o he_o reckon_v give_v milk_n and_o honey_n or_o a_o little_a wine_n to_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o present_a milk_n together_o with_o bread_n and_o wine_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o signify_v nutrition_n by_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o let_v a_o pigeon_n fly_v to_o signify_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o light_v up_o candle_n to_o represent_v the_o epiphany_n to_o dress_v a_o bed_n to_o express_v the_o secret_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o prepare_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o bury_v a_o image_n to_o describe_v the_o
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
to_o one_o case_n and_o not_o to_o the_o other_o and_o argue_v great_a ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o impudence_n in_o our_o reconciler_n to_o censure_v it_o which_o i_o shall_v large_o prove_v when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v his_o four_o chapter_n and_o because_o our_o reconciler_n so_o often_o mention_n not_o only_o the_o abatement_n of_o the_o ceremony_n but_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o scrupled_a expression_n in_o the_o liturgy_n without_o mention_v what_o those_o be_v i_o can_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o to_o represent_v that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o those_o late_a alteration_n which_o be_v make_v in_o our_o liturgy_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o common-prayer-book_n our_o general_a aim_n therefore_o in_o this_o undertake_n be_v not_o to_o gratisie_n this_o or_o that_o party_n in_o any_o of_o their_o unreasonable_a demand_n but_o to_o do_v that_o which_o to_o our_o best_a understanding_n we_o conceive_v might_n most_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n the_o procure_n of_o reverence_n and_o exciting_a of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n of_o cavil_n or_o quarrel_n against_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n most_n of_o the_o alteration_n be_v make_v for_o the_o more_o proper_a express_v of_o some_o word_n or_o phrase_n of_o ancient_a usage_n in_o term_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o language_n of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o the_o clear_a explanation_n of_o some_o other_o word_n or_o phrase_n which_o be_v either_o of_o doubtful_a signification_n or_o otherwise_o liable_a to_o misconstruction_n and_o what_o other_o rule_n our_o reconciler_n will_v have_v the_o church_n observe_v in_o alter_v scruple_v phrase_n i_o can_v tell_v for_o if_o she_o muâ—t_v alter_v while_o some_o people_n cease_v to_o scruple_n she_o must_v alter_v it_o all_o or_o rather_o take_v it_o quite_o away_o 3._o but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o impose_v such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v scruple_v by_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o which_o occasion_n a_o formidable_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n i_o shall_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n my_o design_n at_o present_a lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o mistake_v and_o scruple_n of_o christian_n and_o how_o far_o governor_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o they_o and_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v 1._o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a or_o suspicious_a nature_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a her_o authority_n to_o command_v be_v doubtful_a too_o or_o rather_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o doubtful_a matter_n for_o her_o authority_n can_v be_v no_o large_a than_o her_o commission_n and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o her_o commission_n to_o teach_v or_o command_v thing_n which_o be_v doubtful_a thus_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o set_v up_o image_n in_o church_n to_o pray_v before_o a_o crucifix_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o devotion_n though_o we_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o pay_v any_o religious_a homage_n to_o they_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n can_v by_o her_o authority_n adopt_v doubtful_a proposition_n into_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o require_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v they_o as_o the_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o reconciler_n at_o his_o usual_a impertinent_a rate_n of_o citation_n etc._n allege_n several_a passage_n out_o of_o mr._n chillingworth_n to_o prove_v that_o no_o doubtful_a proposition_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v article_n of_o faith_n or_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n in_o which_o i_o perfect_o agree_v with_o mr._n chillingworth_n but_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n see_v how_o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o because_o the_o church_n must_v not_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n therefore_o she_o must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o worship_n that_o because_o she_o must_v not_o impose_v thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a nature_n therefore_o she_o must_v not_o command_v any_o thing_n which_o some_o people_n raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n about_o but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a and_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n doubt_v of_o it_o and_o the_o thing_n be_v dispute_v and_o controvert_v and_o argument_n produce_v on_o both_o side_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o there_o be_v not_o any_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v doubtful_a it_o be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o whether_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n or_o a_o importer_n for_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o atheist_n jew_n turk_n and_o infidel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o dissenter_n dispute_v against_o they_o if_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suspend_v upon_o submission_n to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o controversy_n concern_v they_o 240._o be_v not_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o kingdom_n farewell_o to_o all_o certainty_n in_o religion_n but_o he_o prove_v this_o by_o a_o argument_n transcribe_v from_o dr._n stillingfleet_n irenicum_fw-la a_o book_n which_o certain_o do_v such_o great_a service_n at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v write_v to_o draw_v man_n on_o to_o a_o calm_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o who_o reverend_a author_n have_v do_v such_o excellent_a service_n since_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o his_o incomparable_a write_n both_o against_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n that_o whatever_o fault_n there_o may_v be_v in_o it_o both_o the_o book_n and_o the_o author_n have_v merit_v something_o more_o than_o a_o pardon_n especial_o since_o that_o book_n stand_v now_o upon_o its_o own_o leg_n and_o can_v derive_v no_o authority_n from_o that_o great_a name_n he_o have_v sufficient_o declare_v his_o dislike_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_o answer_v some_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o himself_o and_o though_o i_o can_v assent_v to_o every_o proposition_n in_o the_o irenicum_fw-la as_o i_o be_o pretty_a sure_a the_o author_n himself_o do_v not_o yet_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v that_o it_o deserve_v all_o that_o clamour_n which_o some_o man_n have_v raise_v against_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o never_o can_v make_v any_o man_n a_o dissenter_n and_o i_o think_v it_o much_o more_o desirable_a and_o more_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o man_n shall_v conform_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o irenicum_fw-la than_o that_o they_o shall_v continue_v dissenter_n i_o can_v not_o forbear_v say_v this_o once_o for_o all_o out_o of_o that_o sincere_a honour_n i_o have_v for_o that_o excellent_a person_n who_o have_v meet_v with_o very_o ill_a usage_n from_o some_o man_n who_o either_o envy_n his_o deserve_a praise_n or_o hope_v to_o make_v themselves_o considerable_a by_o be_v his_o rival_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o argument_n be_v where_o probable_a argument_n be_v bring_v for_o the_o maintain_v one_o part_n of_o a_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o another_o though_o the_o argument_n bring_v be_v not_o convince_a for_o the_o necessary_a entertain_v either_o part_n to_o a_o unbiased_a understanding_n yet_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v argument_n sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o both_o party_n will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v on_o their_o own_o side_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n it_o give_v man_n ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v never_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o i_o confess_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v not_o assent_v to_o all_o this_o for_o if_o the_o argument_n be_v only_o probable_a on_o both_o side_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o convince_a either_o way_n to_o a_o unbiased_a judgement_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o
hard_a case_n as_o such_o case_n will_v happen_v under_o all_o government_n god_n who_o be_v our_o supreme_a governor_n will_v take_v care_n to_o rectify_v it_o when_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n or_o state_n can_v do_v it_o without_o loosen_a the_o sinew_n of_o government_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v take_v care_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n as_o this_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o very_a honest_a but_o weak_a christian_n may_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o best_a and_o most_o prudent_a constitution_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n what_o must_v the_o church_n do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v she_o alter_v her_o law_n as_o often_o as_o any_o christian_n pretend_v to_o scruple_n they_o or_o must_v she_o make_v no_o law_n about_o such_o matter_n but_o suffer_v every_o christian_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v this_o be_v to_o renounce_v their_o government_n because_o some_o christian_n will_v not_o obey_v or_o to_o make_v government_n contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a when_o it_o must_v yield_v to_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o scruple_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v prove_v a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o they_o and_o occasion_n their_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n but_o i_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o either_o of_o these_o governors_n must_v do_v their_o duty_n must_v take_v care_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o just_a offence_n and_o if_o after_o all_o their_o care_n some_o very_a honest_a man_n may_v take_v offence_n and_o fall_v into_o schism_n we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o will_v make_v allowance_n for_o all_o favourable_a case_n the_o church_n can_v give_v no_o relief_n in_o such_o case_n without_o destroy_v her_o authority_n and_o government_n and_o give_v advantage_n to_o knave_n and_o design_v hypocrite_n to_o disturb_v the_o best_a constitution_n of_o thing_n but_o god_n can_v distinguish_v between_o honest_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o if_o man_n be_v sincere_o honest_a and_o do_v fall_v into_o schism_n through_o a_o innocent_a mistake_n god_n will_v be_v merciful_a to_o they_o which_o secure_v the_o final_a happiness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o sacredness_n and_o reverence_n of_o authority_n for_o when_o man_n know_v that_o nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o schism_n and_o nothing_o can_v plead_v their_o pardon_n with_o god_n but_o great_a honesty_n and_o some_o invincible_a mistake_n it_o will_v make_v all_o honest_a man_n careful_a how_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v pass_v with_o almighty_a god_n for_o a_o honest_a separatist_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v man_n convince_v of_o this_o it_o will_v soon_o cure_v our_o schism_n than_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o scrupled_a ceremony_n but_o in_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-governor_n to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o man_n scruple_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a occasion_n for_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o allow_v any_o man_n to_o scruple_n their_o authority_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o weaken_v government_n and_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o eternal_a schism_n to_o enter_v 259._o it_o be_v very_o true_a as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o the_o church_n in_o several_a age_n have_v make_v great_a alteration_n in_o the_o external_o and_o ritual_n of_o religion_n but_o how_o this_o serve_v his_o cause_n i_o can_v tell_v no_o body_n question_n but_o the_o church_n have_v do_v this_o and_o that_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o she_o have_v so_o still_o when_o she_o see_v just_a occasion_n to_o do_v it_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o she_o must_v do_v this_o as_o often_o as_o every_o little_a reconciler_n or_o every_o scrupulous_a christian_a demand_n such_o a_o alteration_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o unreasonable_a scruple_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v a_o necessary_a reason_n for_o the_o church_n to_o make_v such_o alteration_n and_o if_o he_o can_v give_v any_o one_o example_n in_o all_o antiquity_n that_o the_o church_n alter_v her_o constitution_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o scruple_n of_o private_a christian_n he_o will_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n no_o in_o those_o day_n private_a christian_n do_v not_o use_v to_o scruple_n any_o ceremony_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v but_o bishop_n make_v or_o repeal_v law_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o they_o think_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o repeal_v all_o law_n for_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o make_v such_o law_n in_o compliance_n with_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o the_o church_n again_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o in_o the_o same_o church_n they_o allow_v all_o private_a christian_n to_o worship_n god_n after_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o own_o private_a persuasion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o those_o who_o be_v for_o a_o maypole_n may_v have_v a_o maypole_n as_o our_o reconciler_n very_o reverent_o express_v it_o if_o he_o can_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o these_o point_n i_o confess_v it_o will_v be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o now_o he_o know_v what_o he_o be_v to_o prove_v but_o though_o his_o history_n of_o those_o alteration_n which_o the_o church_n in_o several_a age_n have_v make_v in_o the_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o serve_v his_o main_a design_n yet_o it_o high_o gratify_v his_o pride_n and_o insolence_n to_o trample_v upon_o a_o great_a man_n who_o he_o think_v he_o have_v take_v at_o some_o advantage_n the_o reverend_a dean_n of_o st._n paul_n assign_v some_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o england_n still_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n 16._o his_o first_o reason_n be_v out_o of_o a_o due_a reverence_n to_o antiquity_n they_o will_v hereby_o convince_v the_o papist_n they_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o gross_a and_o intolerable_a superstition_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o innocent_a rite_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n before_o 297._o this_o say_v our_o reconciler_n be_v very_o like_a hypocrisy_n to_o pretend_v to_o retain_v three_o ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o their_o suppose_a antiquity_n whilst_o we_o reject_v as_o many_o which_o be_v unquestionable_o of_o a_o divine_a original_n and_o therefore_o sure_a of_o a_o antiquity_n which_o more_o deserve_v to_o be_v reverence_v true_o if_o our_o church_n have_v part_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o divine_a original_n i_o think_v she_o have_v reform_v too_o far_o but_o will_v our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v of_o divine_a original_n bishop_n taylor_n to_o who_o he_o so_o often_o appeal_v will_v have_v teach_v he_o otherwise_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o order_v religious_a assembly_n and_o in_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o receive_v from_o christ_n act_v but_o as_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o they_o prescribe_v oblige_v no_o long_o than_o the_o reason_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n have_v as_o full_a and_o ample_a authority_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o such_o matter_n but_o do_v the_o dean_n say_v that_o these_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v only_o for_o their_o antiquity_n then_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n objection_n have_v be_v strong_a that_o other_o ceremony_n which_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v retain_v also_o but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a reverence_n to_o antiquity_n that_o when_o our_o church_n have_v for_o other_o reason_n determine_v what_o number_n of_o ceremony_n to_o retain_v and_o for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n she_o choose_v to_o use_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v ancient_o use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n rather_o than_o to_o invent_v any_o new_a one_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o ancient_a
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
the_o lord_n 8._o and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n now_o because_o god_n prefer_v true_a and_o real_a goodness_n before_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o external_a worship_n or_o that_o the_o church_n must_v make_v no_o law_n for_o the_o decent_a or_o orderly_a performance_n of_o it_o or_o must_v repeal_v these_o law_n when_o any_o ignorant_a people_n refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o just_o as_o much_o as_o that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n because_o he_o prefer_v mercy_n before_o it_o our_o reconciler_n observe_v two_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v this_o say_n 1._o to_o justify_v his_o disciple_n who_o pull_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n as_o they_o walk_v through_o the_o field_n 7._o and_o rub_v they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o eat_v they_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n which_o the_o pharisee_n expound_v to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n as_o be_v a_o servile_a work_n and_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o dispute_v with_o they_o upon_o that_o point_n but_o justify_v what_o they_o do_v by_o their_o present_a necessity_n and_o by_o this_o rule_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v that_o god_n who_o prefer_v act_n of_o kindness_n and_o mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o each_o other_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rigorous_a exacter_n of_o obedience_n to_o any_o positive_a institution_n as_o to_o allow_v no_o indulgence_n to_o necessity_n itself_o and_o it_o become_v church-governor_n to_o imitate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o and_o our_o church_n do_v so_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v but_o how_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v make_v no_o law_n about_o ceremony_n or_o repeal_v they_o if_o man_n will_v obey_v they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o next_o instance_n be_v our_o saviour_n justify_v himself_n against_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o pharisee_n for_o his_o eat_n and_o drink_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n 13._o which_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o reform_v they_o as_o a_o physician_n converse_v with_o the_o sick_a and_o certain_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o converse_v with_o they_o upon_o so_o charitable_a a_o design_n since_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o certain_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v with_o our_o converse_v with_o sinner_n in_o order_n to_o make_v they_o good_a man_n than_o with_o our_o abstain_v from_o their_o company_n though_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o they_o upon_o other_o account_n be_v scandalous_a and_o how_o this_o prove_v what_o our_o reconciler_n will_v conclude_v from_o it_o i_o can_v see_v well_o but_o this_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o more_o case_n than_o one_o or_o two_o right_n but_o if_o we_o will_v argue_v from_o our_o saviour_n authority_n and_o application_n we_o must_v apply_v it_o only_o to_o such_o case_n as_o be_v parallel_n to_o those_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o otherwise_o we_o must_v not_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o let_v he_o set_v aside_o our_o saviour_n authority_n and_o we_o shall_v deal_v well_o enough_o with_o his_o reason_n all_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o this_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o where_o there_o happen_v any_o such_o case_n that_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a competition_n between_o two_o duty_n which_o be_v both_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n there_o the_o great_a and_o most_o necessary_a duty_n must_v take_v place_n and_o particular_o that_o all_o ritual_n must_v give_v place_n to_o mercy_n so_o that_o to_o make_v this_o a_o parallel_a case_n our_o reconciler_n must_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-governor_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n what_o be_v the_o other_o duty_n then_o to_o which_o this_o must_v give_v way_n to_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n say_v our_o reconciler_n no_o say_v i_o there_o be_v no_o inconsistency_n between_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o care_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o take_v care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v never_o be_v a_o competition_n between_o these_o two_o o_o but_o some_o man_n be_v ignorant_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o wilful_a and_o if_o you_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n of_o worship_n they_o will_v dissent_v from_o they_o and_o turn_v schismatic_n and_o be_v damn_v and_o thus_o accidental_o it_o afford_v occasion_n to_o these_o great_a and_o fatal_a evil_n let_v he_o prove_v then_o if_o he_o can_v from_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v never_o do_v their_o duty_n for_o fear_v those_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v who_o will_v not_o do_v they_o such_o case_n as_o these_o if_o they_o be_v true_o pitiable_a must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o especial_o when_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o destroy_v the_o public_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o renounce_v she_o own_o just_a authority_n the_o maintain_n of_o which_o be_v more_o for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o soul_n than_o her_o compliance_n with_o some_o scrupulous_a person_n will_v be_v i_o shall_v only_o far_o observe_v his_o great_a civility_n to_o thechurch_n and_o kingdom_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o his_o three_o observation_n from_o these_o word_n be_v that_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o prophet_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o observance_n and_o the_o require_v these_o ritual_n whilst_o charity_n and_o mercy_n to_o their_o brother_n be_v vanish_v from_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n no_o mercy_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n but_o kill_v commit_v adultery_n steal_v lie_a and_o swear_v false_o etc._n etc._n now_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o external_a worship_n institute_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n though_o our_o reconciler_n seem_v to_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o matter_n not_o how_o he_o reproach_n the_o institution_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o he_o can_v but_o reflect_v some_o odium_fw-la on_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o betray_v their_o hypocrisy_n by_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o leave_v any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o dull_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o observation_n he_o thetorical_o introduce_v it_o with_o a_o god_n forbid_v now_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o england_n but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o it_o if_o they_o please_v to_o think_v so_o this_o be_v true_a fanatic_a cant_n and_o charity_n there_o must_v be_v no_o rule_n prescribe_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o church_n must_v not_o take_v care_n to_o reclaim_v or_o restrain_v schismatic_n because_o our_o reconciler_n think_v the_o state_n do_v not_o take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o punish_v other_o vice_n certain_o there_o never_o be_v any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n take_v more_o care_n to_o decry_v this_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n of_o a_o external_a religion_n and_o to_o teach_v man_n that_o nothing_o will_v recommend_v they_o to_o god_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n than_o at_o this_o day_n who_o will_v not_o flatter_v the_o great_a man_n in_o their_o vice_n nor_o think_v any_o man_n a_o saint_n because_o he_o express_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o church_n when_o his_o life_n and_o action_n proclaim_v he_o to_o be_v a_o devil_n we_o leave_v this_o good_a reconciler_n to_o your_o belove_a tender-conscienced_n dissenter_n who_o can_v strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n who_o can_v see_v a_o surplice_n without_o horror_n but_o can_v dispense_v with_o lie_v and_o perjury_n with_o slander_n and_o revile_n and_o speak_v
be_v which_o magistrate_n can_v never_o know_v hypocrite_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sincere_a and_o government_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a if_o justice_n must_v be_v administer_v not_o by_o know_a and_o stand_a law_n but_o in_o compliance_n with_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v no_o body_n know_v what_o 3._o the_o only_a doubt_n than_o be_v about_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o in_o make_v law_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v more_o bind_v than_o either_o god_n or_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o various_a and_o different_a pretension_n of_o conscience_n if_o there_o be_v any_o equity_n in_o it_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o hold_v in_o other_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o these_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o be_v of_o what_o religion_n he_o please_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o will_v to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v a_o image_n or_o the_o host_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o yet_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a imposition_n it_o be_v upon_o conscience_n i_o have_v rather_o submit_v to_o twenty_o ceremony_n than_o to_o be_v require_v to_o subscribe_v to_o one_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o our_o reconciler_n pretend_v only_o to_o this_o indulgence_n in_o inferior_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v his_o reason_n for_o that_o for_o certain_o the_o less_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o less_o need_n there_o be_v and_o the_o less_o reason_n to_o humour_v man_n conscience_n about_o they_o the_o only_a reason_n he_o assign_v for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o do_v observe_v or_o do_v refuse_v observance_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o these_o inferior_a matter_n do_v real_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v good_a in_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o such_o inferior_a matter_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v in_o conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v st._n paul_n argument_n not_o the_o reconciler_n no_o say_v i_o it_o be_v the_o reconciler_n argument_n not_o st._n paul_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o regard_v a_o day_n regard_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v yes_o i_o grant_v that_o these_o be_v st._n paul_n word_n and_o do_v not_o this_o signify_v that_o they_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o eat_v act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n yes_o i_o grant_v that_o too_o the_o convert_a gentile_n do_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o the_o convert_a jew_n abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n forbid_v by_o their_o law_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o their_o law_n which_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o legal_a pollution_n but_o this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o case_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o dissenter_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o observe_v our_o ceremony_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n god_n have_v give_v a_o positive_a law_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n which_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n and_o other_o festival_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o though_o this_o law_n be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o repeal_v in_o as_o public_a a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v give_v and_o god_n have_v no_o way_n declare_v that_o they_o shall_v observe_v this_o law_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o those_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n dare_v not_o renounce_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o therefore_o these_o believe_a jew_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o observe_v day_n and_o not_o to_o eat_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v that_o law_n the_o believe_a gentile_n be_v never_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o god_n declare_v by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o in_o their_o uncircumcision_n and_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v by_o these_o divine_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o jewish_a observation_n of_o day_n and_o meat_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v day_n to_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n which_o have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n nor_o any_o public_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n whatever_o our_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o opinion_n may_v be_v we_o do_v not_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n or_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o interpose_v his_o authority_n and_o therefore_o unless_o our_o reconciler_n can_v show_v any_o positive_a law_n either_o against_o ecclesiastical_a ceremony_n in_o general_a or_o against_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n the_o surplice_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o particular_a how_o much_o soever_o his_o belove_a dissenter_n pretend_v to_o conscience_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n nor_o do_v conformist_n observe_v they_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o foundation_n for_o conscience_n but_o either_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v may_v not_o that_o man_n also_o be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n who_o do_v or_o forbear_v do_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o persuasion_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o he_o can_v produce_v no_o law_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n while_o man_n design_v to_o please_v god_n in_o what_o they_o do_v sure_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o act_v out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n i_o answer_v i_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n and_o phrase_n with_o any_o man_n but_o let_v they_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o use_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n in_o scripture_n say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v produce_v a_o plain_a law_n for_o what_o he_o do_v other_o man_n may_v intend_v god_n glory_n in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o they_o may_v miss_v of_o their_o aim_n when_o they_o have_v no_o rule_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n instead_o of_o please_a god_n and_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n can_v grant_v any_o indulgence_n to_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o this_o but_o when_o both_o contend_v party_n can_v produce_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o do_v or_o not_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o never_o do_v and_o never_o can_v happen_v but_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o because_o they_o both_o act_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n in_o a_o word_n two_o contrary_a party_n as_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v in_o this_o controversy_n can_v never_o both_o of_o they_o
church_n and_o state_n it_o will_v necessary_o occasion_v very_o great_a inconvenience_n well_o but_o we_o must_v not_o set_v these_o little_a thing_n in_o competition_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o love_n and_o peace_n no_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v but_o do_v our_o reconciler_n know_v what_o a_o competition_n between_o two_o law_n mean_n i_o know_v but_o of_o two_o way_n that_o this_o can_v happen_v either_o when_o they_o contradict_v each_o each_o other_o or_o be_v so_o contrary_a in_o their_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v both_o observe_v or_o when_o there_o be_v a_o competition_n of_o time_n that_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o we_o can_v observe_v both_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o when_o we_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n go_v to_o church_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o attend_v a_o sick_a father_n or_o friend_n in_o which_o case_n our_o saviour_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n bâ—foâ—e_a sacrifice_n but_o now_o upon_o neither_o of_o these_o account_n can_v there_o be_v any_o competition_n pretend_v between_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o edification_n for_o can_v man_n observe_v the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o external_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o love_v one_o another_o and_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n indeed_o can_v there_o be_v a_o better_a mean_n to_o preserve_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n and_o to_o promote_v mutual_a edification_n than_o a_o uniformity_n in_o religious_a worship_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o breed_v great_a dissension_n and_o emulation_n and_o envy_n among_o christian_n than_o different_a and_o contrary_a modes_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n between_o the_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_n and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n why_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o command_v both_o though_o the_o particular_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v small_a thing_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n do_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o these_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o quarrel_n at_o they_o and_o divide_v the_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o if_o these_o controvert_v ceremony_n be_v remove_v love_n and_o unity_n will_v be_v restore_v among_o we_o now_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a which_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v not_o to_o be_v true_a what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o if_o they_o impose_v nothing_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n than_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o itself_o consider_v can_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o great_a gospel-duty_n for_o if_o what_o we_o command_v be_v consistent_a with_o love_n and_o unity_n than_o the_o command_n otherwise_o call_v the_o imposition_n must_v be_v so_o too_o it_o be_v not_o the_o command_n or_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o love_n and_o unity_n but_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n to_o such_o lawful_a command_n which_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o governor_n but_o of_o the_o subject_n not_o of_o those_o who_o command_n but_o of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v and_o therefore_o these_o be_v argument_n proper_a to_o be_v urge_v against_o dissenter_n but_o not_o against_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o give_v you_o a_o familiar_a instance_n of_o this_o a_o master_n command_v his_o servant_n to_o put_v on_o a_o clean_a band_n to_o wait_v at_o table_n the_o servant_n refuse_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o this_o the_o whole_a family_n be_v divide_v some_o take_v part_n with_o the_o master_n other_o with_o the_o servant_n in_o step_n a_o reconciler_n and_o tell_v the_o master_n he_o do_v very_o ill_a to_o cause_v such_o division_n in_o his_o family_n that_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v more_o considerable_a duty_n than_o a_o servant_n wear_v a_o clean_a band_n which_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o pray_v sir_n say_v the_o master_n preach_v this_o doctrine_n to_o my_o servant_n and_o not_o to_o i_o i_o have_v command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o i_o will_v have_v it_o do_v or_o he_o and_o all_o his_o partner_n shall_v turn_v out_o oâ—_n my_o family_n now_o let_v one_o who_o be_v a_o master_n judge_v whether_o the_o master_n or_o the_o reconciler_n be_v in_o the_o right_n the_o breach_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n though_o it_o be_v the_o consequent_a which_o our_o reconciler_n i_o perceive_v can_v distinguish_v of_o the_o command_n or_o imposition_n but_o of_o the_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o command_n be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a can_v be_v charge_v upon_o he_o who_o command_v but_o upon_o he_o who_o disobey_v but_o beside_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o christian_a love_n church-unity_n and_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o kind_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o each_o other_o upon_o other_o account_n man_n do_v not_o love_v like_o christian_n who_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o edification_n out_o of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o unite_n man_n in_o one_o communion_n but_o by_o a_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n then_o to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o christian_a love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v man_n who_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o different_a manner_n must_v and_o will_v worship_v in_o different_a place_n too_o and_o in_o distinct_a communion_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o injunction_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n will_v never_o consent_v in_o any_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v multiply_v schism_n but_o can_v cure_v they_o this_o be_v all_o perfect_a demonstration_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o late_a confusion_n when_o the_o pull_n down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o lessen_v our_o division_n but_o increase_v they_o but_o our_o reconciler_n confirm_v this_o argument_n that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o such_o little_a thing_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v the_o violation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v prescribe_v about_o it_o upon_o account_n of_o lesser_a moment_n than_o these_o be_v 170._o he_o instance_n in_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n which_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o wilderness_n because_o this_o will_v hinder_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o camp_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o first_o month_n and_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o month_n but_o god_n express_o provide_v that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v unclean_a or_o in_o a_o journey_n far_o off_o at_o that_o time_n they_o shall_v observe_v it_o on_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o second_o month_n in_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n which_o admit_v of_o work_n of_o necessity_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v never_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o that_o law_n nor_o intend_v to_o be_v now_o be_v not_o these_o admirable_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o his_o law_n but_o that_o upon_o some_o account_n he_o will_v permit_v the_o violation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v prescribe_v when_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o do_v so_o as_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n have_v give_v express_a order_n about_o it_o otherwise_o moses_n who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n and_o a_o punctual_a observer_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o statute_n will_v never_o have_v neglect_v it_o and_o this_o i_o may_v say_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o our_o reconciler_n can_v produce_v for_o god_n permission_n of_o it_o without_o a_o express_a order_n and_o somewhat_o more_o as_o for_o the_o passover_n let_v our_o reconciler_n consider_v again_o whether_o the_o observation_n of_o
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
to_o say_v than_o our_o reconciler_n have_v and_o when_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o will_v consider_v it_o and_o yet_o those_o private_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o who_o judgement_n our_o reconciler_n appeal_v say_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n not_o a_o man_n of_o they_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v scruple_v as_o any_o one_o may_v observe_v who_o careful_o read_v their_o testimony_n some_o of_o they_o indeed_o do_v think_v it_o advisable_v if_o it_o will_v heal_v our_o present_a schism_n to_o part_v with_o some_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n 1._o those_o who_o think_v this_o may_v be_v do_v be_v there_o good_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o such_o abatement_n will_v cure_v the_o schism_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o last_a peace_n in_o this_o church_n 2._o those_o who_o think_v this_o way_n ought_v to_o be_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v effect_v the_o cure_n or_o no._n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o the_o exchange_n of_o a_o ceremony_n or_o two_o while_o the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n may_v be_v otherwise_o secure_v will_v certain_o heal_v our_o schism_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v ever_o be_v the_o man_n who_o shall_v oppose_v so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v my_o thought_n free_o that_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o great_a man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n in_o declare_v their_o judgement_n unasked_a about_o a_o imaginary_a case_n which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o impossible_a shall_v over_o be_v a_o real_a case_n this_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o present_a temper_n and_o complexion_n of_o the_o schism_n which_o even_o among_o the_o most_o moderote_v dissenter_n be_v improve_v far_o beyond_o the_o dispute_n of_o a_o ceremony_n but_o from_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o their_o principle_n whereon_o they_o demand_v such_o a_o alteration_n be_v schismatical_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o schismatical_a principle_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o ceremony_n may_v for_o the_o present_a quiet_a our_o dispute_n yet_o this_o peace_n will_v last_v no_o long_o than_o the_o man_n be_v in_o a_o good_a humour_n because_o those_o very_a principle_n which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n now_o will_v also_o disturb_v the_o best_a order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v devise_v and_o while_o the_o principle_n remain_v the_o seed_n of_o discord_n remain_v also_o and_o there_o will_v never_o want_v man_n or_o devil_n to_o improve_v they_o into_o open_a contention_n whoever_o believe_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o express_v divine_a law_n for_o that_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v sinful_a when_o they_o be_v command_v though_o by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n that_o neither_o the_o governor_n in_o church_n nor_o state_n have_v any_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n on_o which_o man_n oppose_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n will_v as_o inevitable_o be_v schismatic_n under_o any_o constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n be_v accountable_a to_o the_o people_n will_v be_v rebel_n whenever_o they_o be_v not_o please_v and_o have_v power_n to_o resist_v take_v away_o these_o principle_n and_o we_o may_v keep_v our_o ceremony_n and_o while_o these_o principle_n last_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o part_v with_o the_o least_o ceremony_n 2._o as_o for_o those_o who_o think_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o try_v this_o experiment_n whether_o such_o abatement_n and_o condescension_n will_v reconcile_v dissent_v protestant_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v in_o my_o opinion_n a_o very_a dangerous_a as_o well_o as_o a_o very_a unreasonable_a experiment_n all_o change_n and_o innovation_n unless_o they_o be_v make_v on_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n and_o with_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o caution_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o the_o great_a politician_n can_v always_o foresee_v what_o the_o event_n will_v be_v but_o to_o change_v light_o and_o wanton_o without_o a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o a_o good_a effect_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o gravity_n of_o government_n it_o be_v only_o like_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o a_o sick_a man_n who_o seek_v for_o some_o present_a relief_n by_o change_a side_n though_o when_o he_o have_v do_v he_o find_v himself_o as_o uneasy_a as_o he_o be_v before_o if_o such_o abatement_n do_v not_o take_v effect_n we_o part_v with_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n to_o no_o purpose_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o sectary_n make_v they_o more_o bold_a and_o clamorous_a and_o weaken_v the_o authority_n and_o sinew_n of_o government_n which_o lose_v it_o due_a reverence_n when_o it_o be_v not_o steady_a and_o true_a to_o itself_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n governor_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o few_o experiment_n and_o to_o confess_v the_o few_o fault_n and_o mistake_n if_o there_o be_v any_o much_o less_o to_o seem_v to_o confess_v a_o fault_n when_o there_o be_v none_o for_o government_n ought_v to_o maintain_v its_o own_o reverence_n and_o authority_n and_o nothing_o can_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o government_n but_o a_o great_a opinion_n both_o of_o its_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o it_o can_v defend_v itself_o and_o direct_v other_o whereas_o all_o such_o change_n and_o alteration_n though_o they_o may_v be_v call_v a_o charitable_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o importunity_n of_o other_o be_v always_o expound_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o weakness_n or_o mistake_n of_o government_n that_o it_o can_v defend_v itself_o against_o popular_a clamour_n and_o opposition_n or_o that_o they_o mistake_v their_o rule_n the_o first_o make_v their_o authority_n precarious_a and_o teach_v people_n not_o to_o fear_v their_o governor_n when_o they_o see_v their_o governor_n be_v afraid_a of_o they_o the_o other_o destroy_v the_o reverence_n of_o their_o law_n and_o teach_v people_n not_o to_o obey_v but_o to_o dispute_v and_o of_o all_o mistake_n the_o mistake_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o unpardonable_a and_o the_o great_a blemish_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n because_o here_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o certain_a and_o do_v not_o alter_v with_o accidental_a and_o mutable_a event_n so_o that_o if_o thing_n be_v well_o settle_v at_o first_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n ever_o to_o change_v as_o may_v be_v in_o all_o other_o law_n which_o must_v be_v fit_v to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o other_o changeable_a circumstance_n but_o even_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o vary_v with_o the_o unreasonable_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n in_o every_o age_n or_o if_o it_o do_v religion_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n suffer_v by_o it_o now_o whatever_o private_a doctor_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o for_o those_o who_o assert_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n assert_v it_o without_o authority_n too_o his_o next_o testimony_n be_v borrow_v from_o some_o foreign_a divine_n such_o as_o beza_n zanchy_a junius_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o oppose_v other_o foreign_a divine_n against_o they_o if_o not_o to_o answer_v they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o write_n but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a these_o man_n be_v not_o infallible_a i_o will_v never_o value_v those_o man_n judgement_n about_o ceremony_n who_o can_v be_v content_v to_o change_v the_o apostolical_a order_n of_o bishop_n for_o a_o presbyterian_a parity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o insist_o at_o large_a on_o those_o term_n of_o concord_n which_o have_v be_v propose_v both_o by_o our_o own_o and_o by_o foreign_a divine_n between_o distinct_a church_n and_o hence_o very_o wise_o conclude_v that_o the_o same_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n but_o this_o i_o have_v consider_v already_o and_o refer_v my_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o remark_n upon_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n etc._n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o our_o reconciler_n and_o shall_v conclude_v this_o work_n with_o a_o short_a address_n to_o our_o dissenter_n lest_o they_o shall_v not_o right_o understand_v how_o much_o they_o be_v
behold_v to_o our_o reconciler_n for_o plead_v their_o cause_n o_o you_o dissenter_n when_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a when_o will_v you_o learn_v understanding_n when_o will_v you_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o defence_n and_o a_o demure_a abuse_n i_o blush_v to_o think_v that_o you_o do_v not_o blush_v for_o yourselves_o when_o you_o read_v such_o a_o apology_n as_o this_o which_o cast_v all_o the_o dirt_n upon_o you_o imaginable_a and_o yet_o you_o read_v and_o admire_v and_o applaud_v your_o reconciler_n as_o a_o man_n of_o wonderful_a charity_n and_o tenderness_n for_o you_o and_o yet_o if_o you_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n you_o must_v own_v your_o cause_n to_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o your_o condition_n to_o be_v very_o dangerous_a he_o all_o along_o suppose_n that_o you_o be_v schismatic_n and_o in_o very_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v damn_v for_o your_o schism_n which_o be_v his_o principal_a argument_n to_o persuade_v governor_n out_o of_o charity_n to_o your_o soul_n to_o abate_v those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v very_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a in_o themselves_o but_o abuse_v by_o you_o for_o a_o occasion_n of_o schism_n he_o confess_v the_o fault_n be_v your_o own_o for_o our_o governor_n command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v obey_v and_o the_o only_a apology_n he_o can_v make_v for_o you_o be_v that_o you_o be_v child_n and_o that_o you_o be_v froward_a and_o humoursome_a child_n too_o who_o will_v be_v sullen_a and_o refuse_v your_o victual_n unless_o you_o can_v receive_v it_o from_o what_o hand_n you_o please_v that_o you_o be_v very_o weak_a in_o understanding_n very_o ignorant_a of_o your_o religion_n and_o this_o make_v you_o so_o fearful_a and_o scrupulous_a that_o you_o start_v at_o your_o own_o shadow_n and_o stumble_v as_o man_n do_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o be_v almost_o scare_v out_o of_o your_o wit_n if_o any_o knavish_a wag_n make_v you_o believe_v that_o there_o 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