dr._n falkner_n do_v imagine_v that_o be_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o weak_a he_o mean_v they_o shall_v own_v they_o for_o christian_a brethren_n and_o as_o such_o shall_v receive_v they_o to_o communion_n see_v the_o schismatic_a be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n without_o that_o catholic_n church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n can_v be_v have_v since_o therefore_o we_o do_v censure_v he_o as_o one_o who_o have_v no_o inward_a relation_n to_o or_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o relation_n to_o his_o body_n since_o we_o do_v think_v he_o worthy_a of_o exclusion_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v escape_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v be_v the_o design_n of_o it_o that_o only_a which_o he_o do_v imagine_v as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o any_o person_n as_o want_v something_o essential_a to_o christianity_n and_o so_o have_v no_o right_a to_o church-communion_n and_o to_o â—hut_v those_o man_n out_o of_o our_o communion_n who_o be_v disorderly_a in_o it_o or_o separate_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o or_o be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o cast_v disorderly_a and_o irregular_a christian_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o communion_n the_o first_o make_v the_o dispute_n upon_o which_o we_o part_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o christianity_n as_o the_o doctor_n well_o observe_v the_o second_o proceed_v only_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o those_o who_o will_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n establish_v in_o it_o which_o may_v instruct_v our_o reconciler_n in_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o the_o church_n reject_v those_o from_o her_o communion_n 79._o who_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o her_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v parallel_a case_n and_o as_o for_o the_o reason_n he_o assign_v why_o the_o apostle_n can_v by_o receive_v mean_a that_o they_o shall_v own_v each_o other_o as_o christian_a brethren_n because_o the_o argument_n he_o use_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o do_v own_o each_o other_o as_o christian_n be_v plain_o false_a for_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v each_o other_o and_o to_o own_o one_o another_o for_o christian_a brethren_n because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o because_o he_o own_v they_o for_o christian_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n receive_v the_o weak_a jew_n with_o all_o his_o weakness_n and_o the_o irregular_a gentile_n as_o they_o judge_v they_o with_o all_o their_o irregularity_n certain_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n ought_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o but_o this_o will_v better_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o show_v how_o peculiar_a they_o be_v to_o that_o case_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o dissenter_n now_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n which_o st._n paul_n use_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o by_o apply_v all_o the_o argument_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o concern_v christian_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n and_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o his_o first_o argument_n be_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o 7._o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o what_o be_v more_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o st._n peter_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o cornelius_n and_o those_o who_o be_v with_o he_o all_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n while_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o which_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o god_n receive_v they_o even_o in_o their_o uncircumcision_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o deny_v water-baptism_n when_o god_n have_v already_o baptize_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n who_o declare_v what_o wonder_v god_n have_v wrought_v among_o the_o gentile_n by_o they_o and_o the_o same_o argument_n serve_v for_o the_o circumcise_a jew_n who_o still_o observe_v the_o law_n that_o god_n have_v own_v they_o also_o by_o bestow_v his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n on_o they_o now_o if_o either_o circumcision_n or_o uncircumcision_n have_v signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n god_n will_v not_o have_v indifferent_o bestow_v his_o spirit_n upon_o believe_v but_o circumcise_a jew_n and_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n by_o send_v his_o spirit_n on_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v in_o such_o a_o visible_a manner_n god_n do_v evident_o declare_v that_o both_o circumcise_a jew_n and_o the_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v here_o call_v god_n receive_v they_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n own_o all_o those_o for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n on_o who_o he_o bestow_v such_o visible_a gift_n but_o how_o do_v this_o concern_v our_o dissenter_n yes_o say_v our_o reconciler_n it_o rational_o follow_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n with_o we_o 85._o who_o will_v not_o by_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v who_o god_n have_v in_o such_o a_o visible_a and_o miraculous_a manner_n receive_v into_o communion_n and_o if_o our_o reconciler_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v determine_v this_o controversy_n about_o ceremony_n in_o as_o visible_a a_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o dispute_n about_o circumcision_n he_o will_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v all_o a_o mistake_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n for_o i_o know_v no_o way_n of_o judge_v whether_o any_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o as_o for_o any_o communion_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v invisible_a certain_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o can_v see_v only_o what_o be_v visible_a be_v not_o concern_v about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o church_n communion_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o his_o church_n by_o the_o visible_a gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v external_a and_o visible_a communion_n to_o each_o other_o since_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o both_o not_o mere_o into_o a_o invisible_a communion_n with_o himself_o but_o into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o all_o act_n of_o church-communion_n and_o from_o hence_o our_o reconciler_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n must_v alter_v her_o constitution_n to_o receive_v those_o dissenter_n into_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o she_o because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shut_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o yes_o say_v the_o reconciler_n 86._o the_o plain_a result_n of_o this_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o either_o we_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n may_v judge_v of_o all_o dissenter_n that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o communion_n by_o god_n and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o a_o pack_n of_o damn_a hypocrite_n worthy_a to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v under_o a_o severe_a anathema_n or_o if_o we_o can_v charitable_o judge_v so_o hardly_o of_o they_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v they_o into_o communion_n with_o we_o notwithstanding_o their_o different_a conception_n and_o practice_n about_o lesser_a matter_n but_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o of_o a_o visible_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o god_n receive_v they_o from_o the_o visible_a sign_n and_o effect_n
meat_n be_v perfect_o take_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o may_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v just_a as_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o great_a breach_n of_o charity_n to_o eat_v with_o offence_n to_o destroy_v our_o brother_n with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v 15_o 16_o v._n which_o may_v just_o cause_v our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o valuable_a thing_n in_o it_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o condemn_v on_o all_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v use_v so_o uncharitable_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o v_o 16._o and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v our_o charity_n it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v and_o perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n which_o we_o will_v do_v so_o neither_o be_v religion_n concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n indeed_o be_v concern_v in_o thedispute_n about_o the_o lawfulnessof_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a convert_v to_o renounce_v this_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v they_o but_o bare_a eat_n or_o not_o eat_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o opinion_n about_o it_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v neither_o the_o better_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v eat_v nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 17._o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v no_o law_n about_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o diet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o eat_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o liberty_n of_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o act_n of_o eat_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o though_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o direct_a and_o positive_a command_n about_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o duty_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n consist_v which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v a_o collateral_a restraint_n upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o deal_v kind_o and_o compassionate_o with_o our_o fellow-christians_a to_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o delight_n which_o christian_n brethren_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o each_o other_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o the_o joint_a worship_n of_o their_o common_a father_n and_o saviour_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o please_v to_o our_o great_a master_n and_o have_v so_o much_o natural_a goodness_n as_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o man_n 18._o for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v this_o rule_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o give_v we_o free_a leave_n to_o eat_v of_o every_o thing_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o company_n to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v former_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o since_o we_o know_v that_o to_o do_v so_o gives_z great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a jew_n without_o serve_v any_o end_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o essential_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n unity_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a edification_n let_v we_o not_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n as_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o though_o no_o meat_n be_v now_o unclean_a but_o all_o thing_n all_o kind_n of_o diet_n be_v now_o pure_a and_o lawful_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n by_o his_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o his_o weak_a brother_n think_v unclean_a to_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o he_o it_o be_v good_a much_o better_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a discourage_v in_o his_o christian_a course_n and_o tempt_v to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o beside_o this_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o in_o our_o choice_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o require_v either_o and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o not_o eat_v be_v in_o itself_o consider_v of_o any_o concernment_n to_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n at_o all_o to_o thy_o christian_a liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o brother_n have_v thou_o faith_n do_v thou_o believe_v thou_o may_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o meat_n believe_v so_o still_o and_o use_v this_o liberty_n private_o when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o offence_n but_o thou_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o publish_v this_o belief_n nor_o of_o act_v according_a to_o it_o in_o all_o company_n but_o have_v this_o faith_n to_o thyself_o before_o god_n this_o faith_n make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v but_o then_o thou_o must_v take_v great_a care_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o become_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o be_v thou_o must_v not_o eat_v how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o with_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o thy_o weak_a brother_n which_o make_v it_o very_o unlawful_a happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v who_o do_v not_o do_v a_o good_a action_n in_o so_o ill_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o bring_v condemnation_n upon_o himself_o but_o then_o as_o thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v do_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o eat_v nor_o lawful_a in_o all_o circumstance_n when_o it_o be_v do_v with_o offence_n and_o scandal_n so_o much_o less_o do_v thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thy_o weak_a brother_n to_o eat_v for_o if_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o doubt_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o still_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o he_o notwithstanding_o this_o eat_v such_o forbid_a meat_n he_o be_v damn_v self-condemned_n by_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n do_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o cenâ—ure_n and_o reproach_v thy_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o case_n but_o to_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o avoid_v give_v he_o any_o scandal_n or_o offence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_v in_o this_o place_n to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v by_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o contain_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a determination_n of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o review_v and_o inquire_v how_o applicable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n can_v be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o forbid_v offer_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o exercise_n
will_v allow_v that_o christian_a prince_n ought_v to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o must_v grant_v they_o so_o much_o authority_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o censure_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n how_o far_o this_o may_v extend_v be_v another_o question_n i_o think_v all_o protestant_n with_o great_a reason_n reject_v sanguinary_a law_n in_o this_o case_n but_o whoever_o grant_v any_o authority_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o christian_a prince_n must_v grant_v what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n thus_o i_o have_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n about_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n i_o grant_v st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a writer_n do_v accommodate_v this_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n to_o other_o case_n some_o of_o which_o passage_n our_o reconciler_n have_v transcribe_v from_o they_o that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o scandalize_v our_o weak_a brother_n by_o use_v our_o innocent_a liberty_n much_o less_o by_o our_o wicked_a example_n by_o do_v thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o which_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o i_o grant_v such_o accommodation_n as_o these_o be_v very_o allowable_a in_o popular_a harangue_n but_o i_o hope_v our_o reconciler_n do_v not_o take_v they_o for_o argument_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v he_o can_v no_o more_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n than_o he_o can_v the_o case_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v but_o because_o this_o discourse_n have_v be_v somewhat_o long_o though_o as_o plain_a and_o methodical_a as_o i_o can_v contrive_v it_o i_o shall_v reduce_v some_o of_o the_o most_o material_a thing_n in_o it_o into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o compare_v the_o apostle_n argument_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o reconciler_n which_o will_v enable_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n to_o judge_v how_o unlike_a they_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n 14_o rom._n the_o dispute_n between_o the_o believe_a jew_n &_o gentile_n be_v concern_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o about_o thing_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v indifferent_a the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o occasion_v their_o scruple_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o a_o express_a law_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n as_o visible_o repeal_v as_o it_o be_v give_v the_o offence_n the_o jew_n take_v against_o the_o gentile_n be_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o still_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o so_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v as_o they_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o law_n which_o be_v so_o much_o as_o to_o render_v forbearance_n reasonable_a that_o weakness_n which_o plead_v for_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v tender_o use_v and_o indulge_v as_o be_v neither_o capable_a at_o present_a of_o better_a instruction_n nor_o severe_a government_n for_o the_o danger_n which_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v in_o and_o which_o st._n paul_n endeavour_v to_o prevent_v be_v lest_o they_o shall_v reject_v christianity_n if_o christianity_n reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o while_n till_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n before_o they_o give_v they_o any_o disturbance_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o will_v endanger_v their_o apostasy_n while_o they_o more_o firm_o believe_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n than_o they_o do_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n and_o indeed_o god_n himself_o have_v by_o visible_a sign_n instruct_v both_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o nor_o to_o break_v christian_a communion_n upon_o theâ—e_n dispute_n because_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o one_o catholic_n church_n by_o the_o visible_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o both_o though_o one_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o it_o become_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o christian_a brethren_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a office_n and_o whoever_o after_o this_o visible_a determination_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o undertake_v to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o deprive_v each_o other_o of_o communion_n for_o such_o matter_n usurp_v a_o authority_n to_o judge_v over_o god_n judgement_n to_o reject_v those_o who_o god_n receive_v which_o be_v like_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n which_o god_n allow_v who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o we_o all_o beside_o this_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o observe_v and_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n act_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n observe_v the_o law_n because_o god_n give_v they_o this_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o have_v not_o so_o visible_o repeal_v it_o as_o to_o remove_v all_o just_a scruple_n about_o it_o the_o gentile_n never_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o church_n without_o impose_v that_o burden_n on_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n out_o of_o reverence_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o and_o therefore_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v reason_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o since_o it_o be_v not_o humour_n peevishness_n or_o faction_n which_o make_v they_o differ_v but_o a_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o a_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n which_o they_o both_o pretend_v and_o which_o at_o that_o time_n they_o both_o have_v and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a gentile_n not_o to_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v very_o kind_a to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n if_o they_o please_v it_o be_v only_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o no_o body_n be_v concern_v but_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o every_o thing_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n have_v forbid_v but_o we_o may_v abstain_v if_o we_o please_v 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 not_o to_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v especial_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v great_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n which_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o especial_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o man_n may_v keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o enjoy_v the_o private_a exercise_n of_o their_o liberty_n without_o offence_n whereas_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n can_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o gentile_a christian_n without_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o make_v it_o very_o reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o charitable_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n where_o they_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o restraint_n of_o no_o other_o law_n neither_o of_o god_n nor_o man_n for_o in_o this_o
in_o its_o policy_n and_o will_v not_o always_o hinder_v its_o stability_n and_o increase_v ans._n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o church_n against_o her_o popish_a adversary_n to_o unite_v all_o protestant_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o into_o one_o body_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o probable_a that_o a_o little_a church_n which_o have_v not_o many_o member_n nor_o any_o worldly_a strength_n and_o interest_n to_o support_v it_o shall_v be_v soon_o destroy_v than_o a_o numerous_a flourish_a and_o potent_a church_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v so_o model_v as_o to_o receive_v all_o protestant_n and_o papist_n also_o into_o our_o communion_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v have_v no_o enemy_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n but_o this_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v while_o both_o of_o they_o recede_v so_o far_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n 2._o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n within_o itself_o how_o small_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v a_o better_a security_n to_o it_o than_o schism_n and_o discord_n in_o its_o own_o bowel_n and_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o large_a as_o you_o please_v if_o the_o building_n be_v not_o close_o unite_v in_o all_o its_o part_n it_o will_v fall_v with_o its_o own_o weight_n while_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o schismatical_a principle_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o last_a union_n to_o remove_v those_o particular_a thing_n about_o which_o they_o differ_v at_o present_a for_o when_o man_n be_v give_v to_o quarrel_n they_o will_v never_o want_v occasion_n for_o it_o take_v away_o every_o thing_n which_o our_o dissenter_n quarrel_v at_o and_o you_o leave_v no_o remains_o of_o a_o church_n of_o england_n and_o thus_o indeed_o you_o may_v enlarge_v the_o church_n by_o pull_v it_o down_o by_o pluck_v up_o all_o its_o hedge_n and_o fence_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o a_o enclosure_n but_o a_o common_a a_o church_n which_o make_v no_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n nor_o reject_v any_o old_a one_o which_o set_v up_o no_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a worship_n which_o observe_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o secure_v the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o exercise_n her_o authority_n for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a society_n and_o the_o act_n of_o discipline_n prudent_o and_o charitable_o have_v lay_v her_o foundation_n as_o wide_o as_o she_o can_v and_o as_o she_o lawful_o may_v and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o embrace_v her_o communion_n upon_o these_o term_n must_v stay_v out_o 3._o for_o at_o best_o this_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o carnal_a policy_n to_o think_v to_o secure_v the_o church_n by_o our_o strength_n and_o number_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n but_o to_o the_o protection_n of_o christ._n his_o flock_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n but_o all_o the_o unite_a strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v destroy_v it_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o 4._o when_o we_o speak_v of_o enlarge_a the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o to_o encompass_v all_o true_a christian_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o principal_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o those_o who_o take_v any_o other_o compass_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n though_o they_o shall_v enclose_v a_o whole_a nation_n of_o dissenter_n they_o will_v mighty_o straiten_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o reject_v all_o external_a rite_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n as_o unlawful_a in_o christian_a worship_n and_o reform_v and_o enlarge_v the_o church_n upon_o these_o principle_n reject_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o 1500_o year_n and_o of_o most_o church_n at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v enlarge_v the_o church_n in_o england_n the_o catholic_n church_n will_v gain_v little_a by_o it_o when_o it_o unchurche_n most_o other_a church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v model_v by_o such_o principle_n that_o she_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o all_o sound_n and_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v now_o or_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o catholic_n church_n may_v have_v communion_n with_o she_o which_o be_v as_o large_a a_o compass_n as_o she_o ought_v to_o take_v for_o that_o church_n be_v a_o little_a too_o large_a which_o take_v in_o schismatic_n to_o her_o communion_n and_o too_o narrow_a which_o exclude_v any_o true_a catholic_n church_n thus_o i_o have_v answer_v those_o question_n which_o our_o reconciler_n borrow_v from_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n barret_n and_o to_o these_o he_o have_v add_v some_o of_o his_o own_o which_o i_o must_v consider_v also_o q._n 9_o whether_o baptism_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o new_a birth_n of_o infant_n 207._o and_o their_o regeneration_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v not_o hardship_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o unnecessary_a condition_n on_o the_o parent_n who_o have_v power_n to_o offer_v or_o withhold_v the_o child_n from_o baptism_n which_o shall_v cause_v they_o to_o deprive_v their_o infant_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n may_v not_o such_o child_n complain_v in_o the_o language_n of_o st._n cyprian_n nos_fw-la parvuli_fw-la quid_fw-la fecimus_fw-la ans._n now_o though_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v by_o observe_v that_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n child_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v baptize_v private_o without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o no_o child_n in_o ordinary_a case_n can_v die_v without_o baptism_n but_o by_o the_o great_a neglect_n and_o carelessness_n of_o parent_n how_o scrupulous_a soever_o they_o be_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v so_o much_o in_o fashion_n to_o ask_v question_n i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o may_v not_o ask_v a_o few_o question_n too_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v our_o reconciler_n to_o resolve_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o very_o short_a one_o as_o 1._o how_o do_v child_n come_v to_o have_v any_o right_n to_o baptism_n be_v it_o a_o original_a right_n of_o their_o own_o or_o in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o parent_n 2._o if_o child_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n only_o in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o parent_n how_o do_v the_o child_n of_o schismatic_n who_o though_o they_o be_v baptize_v themselves_o yet_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n come_v to_o have_v any_o right_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n 3._o how_o be_v the_o church_n oblige_v to_o receive_v those_o child_n into_o communion_n by_o baptism_n who_o she_o certain_o know_v if_o their_o parent_n live_v will_v be_v nurse_v up_o in_o a_o schism_n 4._o how_o be_v the_o church_n more_o concern_v to_o alter_v her_o constitution_n for_o the_o child_n of_o schismatic_n than_o for_o their_o schismatical_a parent_n when_o he_o have_v answer_v these_o question_n i_o will_v answer_v he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v proceed_v q._n 10._o if_o man_n conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v for_o the_o secure_n and_o restore_v of_o the_o civil_a peace_n when_o it_o be_v once_o disturb_v and_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o lay_v aside_o a_o civil_a if_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o civil_a broil_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o christian_a blood_n how_o frivolous_a soever_o be_v the_o exception_n of_o the_o seditious_a against_o it_o must_v they_o not_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o ecclesiastical_a confusion_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n ans._n no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o wise_a prince_n ought_v not_o to_o part_v with_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v civil_a war_n and_o confusion_n for_o the_o future_a only_o that_o he_o may_v allay_v and_o prevent_v some_o present_a heat_n and_o commotion_n no_o more_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o heal_v a_o present_a schism_n by_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o eternal_a schism_n the_o example_n of_o our_o late_a martyr_a sovereign_a will_v teach_v all_o prince_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o one_o and_o those_o infinite_a schism_n which_o follow_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v convince_v any_o man_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n q._n 11._o will_v not_o our_o