Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n church_n religion_n true_a 7,548 5 5.1593 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59907 A vindication of the rights of ecclesiastical authority being an answer to the first part of the Protestant reconciler / by Will. Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1685 (1685) Wing S3379; ESTC R21191 238,170 475

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of_o these_o thing_n unlawful_a they_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a by_o any_o art_n to_o force_v he_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v only_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v indulge_v in_o it_o especial_o while_o they_o be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o use_v their_o innocent_a liberty_n innocent_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o guide_v we_o but_o what_o the_o apostle_n give_v let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 5._o which_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o sure_a rule_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o for_o this_o must_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o case_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n for_o if_o in_o all_o case_n we_o must_v suffer_v every_o man_n to_o act_v according_a as_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n this_o will_v subvert_v all_o law_n and_o government_n but_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o such_o case_n as_o only_o concern_v man_n private_a liberty_n and_o be_v under_o the_o restraint_n and_o government_n of_o no_o law_n but_o what_o man_n make_v or_o fancy_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v true_a all_o man_n who_o act_n upon_o any_o principle_n will_v in_o all_o case_n do_v as_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v give_v in_o all_o case_n it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n only_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o let_v a_o man_n judgement_n and_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_v he_o act_v safe_o while_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n which_o can_v never_o be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o other_o law_n to_o govern_v we_o beside_o our_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n for_o though_o we_o act_v with_o never_o so_o full_a a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o 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mind_n very_o free_o and_o plain_o about_o that_o perplex_a dispute_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n it_o seem_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o force_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o voluntary_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o no_o man_n be_v religious_a who_o be_v religious_a against_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v himself_o of_o any_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o suffer_v under_o heathen_a persecution_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o their_o apology_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v monstrous_o unreasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o the_o wild_a fancy_n of_o man_n that_o every_o one_o who_o please_v may_v have_v liberty_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n with_o enthusiastic_a conceit_n and_o new-fangled_a heresy_n and_o to_o divide_v the_o church_n with_o infinite_a schism_n and_o faction_n the_o patron_n of_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n declaim_v large_o on_o the_o first_o of_o these_o head_n those_o who_o be_v for_o preserve_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n on_o the_o second_o and_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v my_o mind_n free_o i_o think_v they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n and_o have_v divide_v the_o truth_n between_o they_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v force_v to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n whether_o turk_n or_o jew_n or_o christian_a though_o idolatry_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o though_o man_n may_v not_o be_v force_v to_o worship_n god_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v not_o to_o worship_v the_o devil_n nor_o to_o blaspheme_v or_o do_v any_o public_a dishonour_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o restraint_n that_o christian_a emperor_n lay_v upon_o the_o pagan_a idolater_n they_o demolish_v their_o temple_n and_o forbid_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o though_o no_o man_n must_v be_v compel_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n yet_o if_o they_o voluntary_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n they_o become_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n and_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n either_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n or_o worship_n of_o it_o or_o prove_v refractory_a and_o disobedient_a to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v censure_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v to_o thrust_v a_o member_n out_o of_o any_o society_n who_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o order_n 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thing_n be_v doubtful_a though_o some_o man_n may_v be_v very_o confident_a both_o way_n and_o nothing_o that_o be_v doubtful_a can_v be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n nor_o can_v the_o final_a decision_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o the_o argument_n on_o one_o hand_n to_o a_o unbiased_a and_o disinterest_v judgement_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a and_o the_o objection_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n nothing_o but_o empty_a and_o trifle_a cavil_n which_o be_v the_o true_a case_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n in_o the_o dispute_n of_o ceremony_n if_o the_o dissent_n of_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o render_v this_o matter_n uncertain_a we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a and_o unavoidable_a scepticism_n but_o our_o reconciler_n say_v let_v any_o man_n peruse_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o dissenter_n against_o conformity_n to_o symbolical_a ceremony_n and_o he_o will_v find_v they_o 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i_o any_o wise_a reason_n w●●_n the_o secular_a power_n must_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o man_n scruple_n in_o make_v useful_a law_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v whoever_o consider_v how_o wild_a unreasonable_a and_o fantastical_a some_o man_n mistake_n and_o scruple_n be_v must_v needs_o think_v it_o a_o very_a ridiculous_a constitution_n of_o government_n which_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o they_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n and_o as_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o all_o government_n those_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o govern_v must_v take_v care_n to_o do_v it_o wise_o and_o charitable_o and_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a must_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a without_o cavil_v at_o their_o superior_n command_n where_o they_o be_v not_o manifest_o contrary_a to_o some_o divine_a law_n and_o if_o there_o happen_v any_o
●udge_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o stop_v and_o every_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o stop_v when_o she_o have_v cast_v every_o thing_n out_o of_o her_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o if_o she_o go_v further_a to_o satisfy_v unreasonable_a and_o clamorous_a demand_n she_o can_v never_o have_v a_o reason_n to_o stop_v till_o she_o have_v satisfy_v all_o clamour_n 2._o yes_o say_v our_o reconciler_n she_o may_v remove_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a which_o be_v all_o at_o present_a desire_a no_o say_v i_o she_o can_v part_v with_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a for_o some_o such_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n which_o must_v not_o be_v part_v with_o and_o the_o church_n never_o own_v the_o contrary_n she_o say_v indeed_o that_o her_o particular_a ceremony_n be_v indifferent_a and_o alterable_a that_o we_o may_v exchange_v one_o decent_a ceremony_n for_o another_o when_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o but_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o alter_v no_o ceremony_n without_o reason_n nor_o part_n with_o all_o indifferent_a ceremony_n for_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n for_o any_o reason_n and_o now_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o that_o 3._o he_o grant_v with_o some_o reconcile_a salvo_n that_o we_o must_v not_o part_v with_o our_o church-government_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o part_v with_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o if_o we_o must_v not_o part_v with_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o keep_v all_o the_o rest_n for_o our_o division_n will_v be_v the_o same_o no_o party_n ever_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o ceremony_n who_o do_v not_o quarrel_n with_o the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n the_o rest_n of_o his_o argument_n in_o that_o chapter_n do_v not_o concern_v this_o business_n but_o whatever_o he_o will_v prove_v by_o they_o there_o be_v two_o general_a answer_n will_v serve_v for_o they_o all_o 1._o that_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o order_n &_o decency_n be_v not_o such_o unnecessary_a trifle_n as_o to_o be_v part_v with_o for_o no_o reason_n which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v above_o and_o 2._o t●at_o part_v with_o they_o will_v not_o heal_v our_o division_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o upon_o that_o account_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o part_v with_o they_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v about_o division_n and_o discord_n 23._o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o his_o next_o long_a harangue_n about_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n in_o which_o i_o hearty_o concur_v with_o he_o as_o believe_v that_o schism_n itself_o will_v shut_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v as_o bad_a a_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o love_n to_o my_o brother_n soul_n i_o will_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n be_v guilty_a of_o his_o schism_n but_o how_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o church-governor_n must_v part_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n oh_o because_o dissenter_n take_v offence_n at_o these_o thing_n and_o run_v into_o schism_n and_o consequent_o must_v be_v damn_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o charity_n oblige_v to_o part_v with_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o prevent_v the_o eternal_a damnation_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n but_o now_o 1._o suppose_v the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v neither_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o schism_n nor_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o what_o then_o why_o must_v the_o church_n part_n with_o these_o ceremony_n which_o be_v of_o good_a use_n in_o religion_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v the_o several_a sect_n of_o religion_n be_v schismatic_n to_o each_o other_o when_o there_o be_v no_o ceremony_n to_o trouble_v they_o and_o will_v be_v so_o again_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v once_o more_o lay_v in_o the_o dust_n no_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o have_v not_o espouse_v some_o principle_n of_o faith_n or_o government_n beside_o the_o controversy_n about_o ceremony_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v the_o removal_n of_o ceremony_n make_v they_o orthodox_n in_o all_o other_o point_n or_o be_v they_o of_o such_o squeamish_a conscience_n that_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o a_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n and_o a_o antichristian_a liturgy_n but_o not_o to_o ceremony_n 2._o the_o argument_n of_o schism_n be_v the_o very_o worst_a argument_n our_o reconciler_n can_v have_v use_v as_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o all_o the_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v depend_v on_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o christian_a communion_n the_o only_a punishment_n she_o can_v inflict_v on_o refractory_a and_o disobedient_a member_n be_v to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a terrible_a punishment_n too_o if_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n to_o persuade_v dissenter_n to_o consider_v well_o what_o they_o do_v and_o not_o to_o engage_v themselves_o in_o a_o wilful_a and_o unnecessary_a schism_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pretty_a odd_a way_n to_o persuade_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o just_a authority_n for_o fear_v some_o man_n shall_v turn_v schismatic_n and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n have_v threaten_v such_o severe_a punishment_n against_o schism_n be_v to_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n sacred_a and_o venerable_a that_o no_o man_n shall_v dare_v to_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o their_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n without_o great_a and_o necessary_a reason_n and_o our_o reconciler_n will_v fright_v the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o just_a authority_n for_o fear_v man_n shall_v prove_v schismatic_n and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o christ_n have_v make_v schism_n a_o damn_v sin_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o church_n and_o our_o reconciler_n will_v persuade_v the_o church_n not_o to_o exercise_v her_o authority_n for_o fear_v man_n shall_v be_v damn_v for_o their_o schism_n now_o whether_o our_o saviour_n who_o think_v it_o better_o that_o schismatic_n shall_v be_v damn_v than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n or_o our_o reconciler_n who_o think_v it_o better_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n than_o that_o schismatic_n shall_v be_v damn_v be_v person_n of_o the_o great_a charity_n i_o leave_v other_o to_o judge_v indeed_o the_o odium_fw-la of_o this_o whole_a business_n which_o be_v so_o tragical_o exaggerated_a by_o the_o reconciler_n must_v at_o last_o fall_n upon_o our_o saviour_n himself_o either_o for_o institute_v such_o a_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n or_o for_o confirm_v this_o authority_n by_o such_o a_o severe_a sanction_n as_o eternal_a damnation_n if_o christ_n will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n condemn_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n for_o some_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n suppose_v he_o will_v than_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o christ_n approve_v of_o what_o the_o church_n do_v in_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o he_o think_v it_o very_o just_a that_o such_o schismatic_n shall_v be_v damn_v and_o then_o let_v our_o reconciler_n if_o he_o think_v fit_a charge_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n with_o want_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o church_n damn_v no_o man_n but_o do_v what_o she_o believe_v to_o be_v her_o duty_n and_o leave_v schismatic_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o damn_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n let_v our_o reconciler_n plead_v their_o cause_n then_o before_o the_o proper_a tribunal_n and_o if_o christ_n can_v justify_v himself_o in_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n i_o suppose_v he_o will_v justify_v his_o church_n too_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o authority_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n our_o dissenter_n be_v not_o schismatic_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o danger_n of_o damnation_n upon_o that_o score_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n then_o the_o church_n do_v not_o exceed_v her_o authority_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v notwithstanding_o that_o danger_n of_o schism_n which_o man_n wilful_o run_v themselves_o into_o
as_o we_o may_v suppose_v from_o his_o own_o character_n of_o himself_o by_o a_o dignify_a clergyman_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o he_o also_o who_o plead_v for_o separation_n from_o communion_n with_o we_o on_o account_n of_o those_o few_o scrupled_a ceremony_n and_o disputable_a expression_n of_o our_o liturgy_n be_v sinful_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o well_o as_o mischievous_a do_v also_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n or_o that_o one_o shall_v not_o impose_v these_o thing_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o other_o shall_v not_o when_o they_o be_v once_o impose_v refuse_v communion_n upon_o that_o account_n i._n e._n the_o church_n sin_n in_o impose_v and_o the_o dissent_a sin_n in_o disobey_v such_o imposition_n the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o she_o impose_v but_o sin_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o authority_n in_o command_v lawful_a thing_n the_o dissenter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o affirm_v these_o imposition_n to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o yet_o sin_n in_o not_o obey_v they_o that_o be_v the_o dissent_a judge_n aright_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o superior_n but_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o own_o and_o if_o he_o can_v reconcile_v these_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v one_o good_a step_n towards_o a_o reconciliation_n governors_n indeed_o may_v be_v overrigorous_a and_o severe_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o they_o always_o sin_v when_o they_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v so_o wise_o or_o so_o charitable_o as_o they_o may_v do_v for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n of_o government_n be_v so_o nice_a a_o thing_n and_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o difficulty_n that_o the_o case_n of_o governor_n will_v be_v very_o hard_a shall_v every_o mistake_v in_o such_o matter_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o government_n itself_o must_v necessary_o lose_v its_o sacredness_n and_o authority_n if_o every_o subject_a may_v censure_v the_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n of_o lawful_a command_n and_o imposition_n and_o vote_v they_o to_o be_v mischievous_a and_o sinful_a if_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o his_o notion_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n all_o that_o subject_n be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v about_o the_o command_v of_o their_o superior_n be_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o if_o they_o go_v any_o far_a they_o make_v themselves_o governor_n not_o subject_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o very_o modest_a to_o condemn_v the_o command_n otherwise_o civil_o call_v imposition_n of_o superior_n as_o sinful_a and_o mischievous_a when_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o obey_v they_o and_o he_o who_o think_v dissenter_n do_v ill_a in_o refuse_v obedience_n do_v not_o well_o himself_o in_o charge_v the_o church_n with_o do_v what_o be_v sinful_a and_o mischievous_a in_o impose_v but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o church_n do_v sin_n in_o impose_v she_o either_o exceed_v her_o authority_n and_o commission_n and_o so_o impose_v without_o authority_n or_o else_o she_o impose_v something_o unlawful_a and_o in_o either_o of_o these_o case_n no_o man_n can_v blame_v dissenter_n for_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o unlawful_a thing_n nor_o to_o obey_v where_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v and_o therefore_o our_o reconciler_n can_v never_o reconcile_v these_o two_o proposition_n that_o the_o church_n sin_n in_o impose_v the_o dissent_a sin_n in_o reject_v such_o imposition_n and_o in_o refuse_v communion_n where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o submit_v to_o ●hem_n for_o though_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n when_o they_o act_v illegal_o because_o we_o be_v bind_v never_o to_o resist_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o yield_v a_o active_a obedience_n to_o any_o illegal_a command_n but_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n or_o ecclesiastical_a body_n have_v no_o external_a and_o compulsory_a authority_n if_o she_o command_v what_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v she_o and_o if_o this_o occasion_n a_o schism_n she_o herself_o be_v the_o schismatic_a but_o to_o show_v how_o ominous_o our_o reconciler_n stumble_v at_o the_o threshold_n let_v we_o state_n the_o case_n a_o little_a otherwise_o the_o great_a reason_n he_o assign_v throughout_o his_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n sin_n in_o these_o imposition_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o either_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o positive_o afsert_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o and_o this_o occasion_n a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n to_o prevent_v which_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v in_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o to_o command_v such_o scruple_v and_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n and_o sin_n if_o she_o do_v now_o in_o this_o case_n also_o the_o sin_n and_o guilt_n can_v lie_v but_o on_o one_o side_n for_o if_o the_o dissenter_n notwithstanding_o this_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o conform_v to_o such_o imposition_n than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n upon_o that_o account_n for_o the_o church_n to_o alter_v her_o constitution_n nor_o do_v she_o sin_n in_o impose_v if_o they_o may_v not_o than_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o reject_v such_o imposition_n if_o some_o particular_a governor_n be_v act_v by_o ill_a principle_n this_o contract_v a_o personal_a guilt_n on_o themselves_o but_o it_o neither_o excuse_n dissenter_n nor_o affect_v the_o government_n while_o they_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v and_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o obey_v but_o if_o the_o mere_a scruple_n of_o dissenter_n will_v make_v the_o command_v of_o the_o church_n sinful_a when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o her_o constitution_n but_o that_o disfenter_n will_v not_o obey_v they_o this_o overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o our_o reconciler_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o prove_v both_o these_o proposition_n that_o the_o church_n sin_n in_o impose_v and_o the_o dissenter_n in_o break_v communion_n for_o such_o imposition_n will_v have_v much_o ado_n to_o reconcile_v his_o two_o book_n together_o one_o part_n of_o his_o task_n be_v certain_o needless_a for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o either_o part_n he_o effectual_o do_v the_o business_n if_o he_o can_v convince_v the_o dissenter_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o conform_v to_o these_o imposition_n the_o church_n may_v impose_v without_o sin_n or_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v our_o governor_n that_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o impose_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o deal_v with_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o methinks_v it_o have_v savour_v of_o more_o modesty_n and_o great_a deference_n to_o authority_n to_o have_v try_v his_o skill_n upon_o dissenter_n first_o but_o our_o author_n by_o over_n be_v like_a to_o spoil_v all_o for_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a he_o will_v convince_v dissenter_n of_o what_o they_o believe_v before_o that_o the_o church_n can_v impose_v such_o thing_n from_o whence_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o his_o logic_n they_o will_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v and_o he_o will_v convince_v the_o government_n that_o the_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o conform_v and_o sin_n in_o not_o do_v it_o which_o justify_v their_o imposition_n and_o thus_o he_o end_v just_a where_o he_o begin_v nay_o can_v he_o convince_v the_o church_n that_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o impose_v upon_o dissenter_n while_o their_o scruple_n last_o and_o the_o dissenter_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o scruple_n these_o thing_n nor_o disobey_v they_o when_o they_o be_v command_v we_o may_v expect_v it_o will_v take_v up_o some_o time_n to_o adjust_a the_o dispute_n after_o all_o this_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n which_o of_o they_o shall_v yield_v for_o both_o side_n can_v yield_v unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o church_n must_v leave_v off_o impose_v and_o then_o the_o dissenter_n must_v begin_v to_o obey_v that_o the_o church_n must_v no_o long_o command_v and_o then_o the_o dissenter_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v when_o no_o body_n command_v so_o that_o can_v he_o effectual_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n be_v both_o guilty_a of_o sin_n the_o one_o in_o impose_v the_o other_o in_o refuse_v obedience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reconciliation_n this_o be_v like_a to_o make_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o reconcile_v two_o contend_a party_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o fault_n unless_o you_o can_v propose_v some_o middle_a term_n of_o accommodation_n or_o prove_v that_o though_o they_o be_v both_o
the_o church_n ought_v in_o charity_n to_o the_o people_n to_o show_v they_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o superstitious_a scruple_n iii_o but_o the_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o be_v only_a hypocrite_n who_o heart_n be_v harden_v against_o the_o truth_n what_o be_v they_o all_o hypocrite_n be_v there_o not_o one_o honest_a man_n among_o they_o some_o hypocrite_n there_o be_v then_o and_o so_o there_o be_v still_o hypocrite_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o these_o man_n be_v hypocrite_n for_o the_o jew_n do_v general_o believe_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o work_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o therefore_o be_v real_o scandalize_v and_o offend_v but_o we_o have_v a_o company_n of_o hypocrite_n among_o we_o who_o do_v not_o real_o scruple_n what_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v but_o only_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o scruple_n a_o occasion_n to_o abuse_v the_o people_n to_o stir_v up_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o faction_n in_o the_o state_n man_n who_o can_v conform_v when_o they_o please_v and_o be_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v when_o they_o please_v but_o our_o lord_n do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_a to_o prevent_v their_o scandal_n no_o he_o do_v not_o abstain_v from_o work_a miracle_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v please_v but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o they_o that_o he_o do_v it_o on_o purpose_n because_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o and_o to_o deliver_v man_n from_o such_o superstition_n as_o make_v they_o take_v offence_n but_o he_o first_o satisfy_v they_o from_o their_o own_o practice_n on_o a_o less_o occasion_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o that_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o can_v not_o answer_v he_o one_o word_n and_o have_v our_o church_n be_v want_v in_o this_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o dissenter_n how_o many_o unanswerable_a book_n have_v be_v write_v in_o justification_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v not_o ashamed_a but_o will_v talk_v on_o when_o they_o have_v not_o one_o wise_a word_n to_o say_v be_v only_o a_o argument_n that_o they_o have_v less_o wit_n and_o more_o impudence_n than_o the_o pharisee_n have_v our_o church_n indeed_o can_v work_v miracle_n as_o christ_n do_v to_o convince_v they_o though_o where_o plain_a and_o convince_a reason_n will_v not_o do_v i_o doubt_v miracle_n will_v not_o do_v neither_o for_o though_o the_o pharisee_n be_v silence_v by_o christ_n yet_o they_o be_v neither_o convince_v by_o his_o reason_n nor_o his_o miracle_n thus_o i_o have_v consider_v what_o obligation_n charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n lay_v upon_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abate_v those_o ceremony_n which_o some_o man_n scruple_n and_o take_v offence_n at_o but_o i_o must_v here_o brief_o consider_v one_o principle_n more_o of_o our_o reconciler_n which_o he_o nowhere_o pretend_v to_o prove_v but_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o governor_n require_v the_o abatement_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o religion_n if_o it_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o scruple_n and_o offence_n for_o why_o must_v the_o church_n be_v tie_v up_o to_o what_o be_v necessary_a her_o power_n and_o authority_n extend_v to_o thing_n which_o be_v useful_a and_o expedient_a though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o she_o may_v exercise_v this_o power_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n notwithstanding_o the_o unreasonable_a &_o superstitious_a scruple_n of_o man_n which_o ought_v to_o lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o the_o prudent_a exercise_n of_o government_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n shall_v alter_v any_o scrupled_a ceremony_n how_o decent_a or_o expedient_a soever_o they_o be_v if_o we_o can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o his_o book_n and_o shall_v not_o think_v myself_o any_o further_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o often_o as_o i_o meet_v with_o they_o if_o these_o principle_n which_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o hold_v good_a his_o book_n be_v answer_v and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v exercise_v their_o just_a authority_n and_o he_o that_o be_v offend_v let_v he_o be_v offend_v and_o yet_o for_o the_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o man_n what_o a_o trifler_n our_o reconciler_n be_v i_o shall_v particular_o examine_v his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o show_v how_o impertinent_a they_o be_v to_o our_o present_a dispute_n chap._n iii_o concern_v a_o more_o particular_a answer_n to_o our_o reconciler_n objection_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o discord_n divisian_n and_o schism_n though_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v b●_n sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v every_o impartial_a reader_n that_o all_o our_o reconciler_n argument_n be_v mere_a fallacy_n as_o proceed_v upon_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n yet_o for_o the_o more_o abundant_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v inform_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a examination_n of_o his_o reason_n why_o church-governor_n ought_v to_o alter_v or_o abate_v such_o scruple_v ceremony_n 1._o i._o and_o first_o he_o declaim_v very_o copious_o about_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o division_n and_o true_o i_o believe_v discord_n and_o division_n especial_o among_o christian_a brethren_n to_o be_v as_o bad_a a_o thing_n as_o he_o can_v possible_o describe_v it_o to_o be_v but_o what_o then_o what_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v very_o plain_a for_o if_o conformist_n do_v not_o conceive_v it_o better_o at_o least_o that_o we_o shall_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o all_o these_o dreadful_a evil_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v consent_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n or_o to_o the_o alter_n of_o a_o few_o scruple_v expression_n in_o our_o liturgy_n 22._o then_o must_v they_o yield_v up_o these_o few_o ceremony_n and_o alter_v these_o expression_n to_o prevent_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a evil_n 1._o i_o answer_v do_v our_o reconciler_n then_o think_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o discord_n and_o division_n must_v be_v remove_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o division_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o be_v it_o not_o most_o proper_a to_o apply_v the_o remedy_n to_o the_o disease_n to_o instruct_v people_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o quarrel_v about_o such_o matter_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o pay_v such_o deference_n to_o their_o superior_n as_o cheerful_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v not_o express_o forbid_v till_o this_o be_v do_v the_o church_n may_v a●ter_v her_o constitution_n every_o year_n and_o be_v as_o far_o off_o from_o peace_n as_o now_o for_o while_o man_n be_v ignorant_a scrupulous_a and_o quarrelsome_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n and_o state_n by_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o prudent_a constitution_n to_o prevent_v division_n 2._o be_v not_o the_o contempt_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o the_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o great_a a_o mischief_n as_o division_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o indulge_v every_o scrupulous_a person_n without_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v now_o i_o must_v confess_v bonâ_fw-la fide_fw-la to_o our_o reconciler_n that_o i_o think_v all_o our_o division_n about_o ceremony_n a_o less_o scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o this_o will_v be_v for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v a_o well_o constitute_v church_n with_o division_n than_o to_o have_v none_o without_o it_o 3._o will_v our_o part_n with_o some_o few_o ceremony_n cure_v these_o division_n which_o he_o so_o much_o complain_v of_o this_o our_o reconciler_n can_v undertake_v for_o and_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a it_o will_v not_o be_v this_o the_o only_a controversy_n that_o presbyterian_o independent_o quaker_n and_o other_o sectary_n have_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v our_o reconciler_n never_o read_v mr._n baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n and_o those_o other_o venomous_a pamphlet_n of_o late_a date_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o these_o ceremony_n and_o episcopacy_n itself_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n do_v it_o cure_v division_n or_o increase_v they_o when_o the_o reverend_a dean_n
only_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n themselves_o but_o scorn_v and_o despise_v the_o jew_n for_o do_v it_o and_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o a_o open_a contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o law_n this_o will_v have_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o have_v alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o call_v lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o our_o brother_n way_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n by_o tempt_v he_o to_o infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v thus_o st._n chrysostom_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v afraid_a locum_fw-la lest_o this_o contemptuous_a usage_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v they_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o they_o learn_v to_o despise_v their_o teacher_n and_o to_o think_v themselves_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a sort_n of_o christian_n but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o schism_n be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n as_o infidelity_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o charity_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o prevent_v the_o one_o oblige_v we_o also_o with_o equal_a care_n to_o prevent_v the_o other_o now_o though_o i_o think_v every_o good_a christian_a will_n and_o aught_o to_o do_v what_o he_o reasonable_o can_v to_o prevent_v a_o schism_n yet_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o schism_n and_o infidelity_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n be_v very_o great_a while_o man_n be_v weak_a and_o unsettle_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o apt_a to_o take_v offence_n and_o apostatise_v from_o christ_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o capable_a of_o be_v govern_v they_o must_v be_v humour_v for_o a_o while_n as_o child_n be_v who_o must_v be_v manage_v by_o art_n not_o by_o rule_n of_o discipline_n but_o when_o man_n be_v well_o root_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v humour_v but_o govern_v they_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o submit_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o obey_v not_o to_o dispute_v the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n when_o there_o be_v no_o plain_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o they_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o man_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n and_o turn_v schismatic_n it_o be_v at_o their_o own_o peril_n and_o this_o indeed_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n command_v the_o strong_a christian_n to_o treat_v with_o so_o much_o tenderness_n without_o give_v they_o the_o least_o offence_n those_o who_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o his_o stumble_n and_o be_v offend_v and_o make_v weak_a signify_v his_o be_v shake_v and_o unsettle_a in_o the_o faith_n every_o one_o who_o be_v a_o ignorant_a and_o uninstruct_v be_v not_o therefore_o a_o weak_a christian_a his_o understanding_n may_v be_v weak_a but_o his_o faith_n may_v be_v strong_a that_o be_v he_o may_v very_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o weak_a person_n be_v to_o be_v use_v very_o different_o you_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o you_o must_v instruct_v and_o govern_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o understanding_n or_o else_o you_o prostitute_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o christian_n to_o every_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v conceit_v obstinate_a and_o censorious_a professor_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o those_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v in_o this_o chapter_n not_o to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n can_v concern_v our_o dissenter_n who_o though_o they_o be_v weak_a enough_o as_o that_o signify_v ignorant_a yet_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o that_o signify_v those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o christianity_n or_o not_o well_o confirm_v in_o that_o belief_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v humour_v like_o child_n but_o train_v up_o to_o great_a attainment_n by_o wise_a instruction_n and_o a_o prudent_a discipline_n second_o have_v see_v what_o this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v by_o what_o argument_n the_o apostle_n persuade_v those_o who_o be_v strong_a not_o to_o offend_v the_o weak_a now_o our_o reconciler_n have_v turn_v almost_o every_o word_n into_o a_o argument_n one_o argument_n be_v etc._n that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o our_o brother_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o charity_n and_o evil_a in_o itself_o that_o it_o cause_v christianity_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o concern_v of_o peace_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o have_v no_o dispute_n with_o our_o reconciler_n about_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n and_o very_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n if_o we_o be_v as_o well_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v offence_n as_o that_o give_v this_o offence_n be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n the_o dispute_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o yet_o by_o this_o artifice_n he_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n be_v very_o copious_a and_o rhetorical_a in_o his_o harangue_n on_o this_o argument_n and_o transcribe_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a writer_n to_o show_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o manifold_a aggravation_n of_o scandal_n which_o every_o one_o will_v grant_v he_o to_o be_v very_o good_a when_o right_o apply_v but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guilty_a of_o give_v offend_v to_o the_o dissenter_n in_o that_o sense_n in_o which_o st._n paul_n and_o other_o ancient_a writer_n mean_v it_o and_o if_o our_o reconciler_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v find_v enough_o in_o st._n paul_n argument_n to_o have_v convince_v he_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o case_n very_o different_a from_o we_o which_o because_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o overlook_v i_o shall_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o mind_v he_o of_o it_o now_o i_o take_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o jew_n by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n be_v because_o their_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v of_o no_o concernment_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n for_o when_o we_o discourse_v of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a inquiry_n be_v of_o what_o moment_n and_o consequence_n the_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o exercise_v our_o charity_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v nor_o leave_v undo_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o any_o man_n whatever_o offence_n be_v take_v at_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o charitable_a condescension_n and_o compliance_n than_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n against_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n be_v very_o seasonable_o and_o proper_o urge_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o as_o will_v appear_v from_o consider_v the_o series_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o 13_o verse_n he_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o their_o brother_n way_n and_o to_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n he_o add_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a that_o be_v all_o distinction_n of_o
and_o unity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o they_o may_v entertain_v and_o multiply_v such_o dispute_n for_o ever_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v now_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v always_o reason_n to_o suppress_v those_o scruple_n which_o cannot_v be_v cure_v or_o outwear_v by_o time_n when_o indulgence_n will_v not_o cure_v the_o disease_n nor_o time_n remove_v it_o it_o must_v be_v stifle_v and_o suppress_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n whether_o our_o reconciler_n will_v think_v this_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o his_o four_o chapter_n i_o can_v tell_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o do_v chap._n vi_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n or_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n so_o particular_o answer_v our_o reconciler_n argument_n take_v as_o he_o pretend_v from_o that_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o exercise_v towards_o each_o other_o in_o that_o great_a dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o seem_v little_a occasion_n to_o answer_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n may_v do_v from_o the_o principle_n already_o lay_v down_o but_o that_o our_o reconciler_n may_v not_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v not_o answer_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o needless_a answer_n if_o my_o reader_n will_v be_v please_v to_o pardon_v it_o his_o first_o argument_n be_v from_o st._n paul_n discourse_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 122._o where_o he_o condemn_v the_o corinthian_n because_o they_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o minister_v scandal_n to_o the_o heathen_n and_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o christian_n be_v covetous_a contentious_a and_o prone_a to_o injure_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n since_o therefore_o our_o contention_n about_o these_o lesser_a matter_n do_v minister_v far_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o atheist_n the_o sceptic_a etc._n etc._n our_o governor_n shall_v rather_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v restrain_v a_o little_a and_o even_o injure_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o just_a power_n about_o thing_n unnecessary_a than_o by_o their_o stiffness_n to_o assert_v and_o to_o exert_v it_o to_o continue_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o so_o great_a a_o scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a argument_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o christian_n must_v not_o go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_a judge_n therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v the_o argument_n be_v good_a because_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o to_o avoid_v scandal_n let_v we_o then_o suppose_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v make_v these_o two_o case_n parallel_v it_o must_v be_v thus_o to_o go_v to_o law_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v avoid_v to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o church-governor_n must_v not_o exercise_v this_o authority_n will_v our_o reconciler_n now_o stand_v to_o this_o proposition_n no_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v scandalous_a but_o the_o contention_n about_o such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o governor_n must_v not_o insist_v on_o their_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v they_o but_o now_o this_o way_n of_o state_v it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o case_n parallel_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v argue_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_a judge_n because_o it_o be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o christian_a profession_n to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o reconciler_n will_v make_v a_o parallel_a case_n he_o must_v instance_n only_o in_o something_o which_o be_v scandalous_a and_o then_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n he_o may_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v also_o but_o neither_o the_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n nor_o the_o prudent_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v scandalous_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v prove_v this_o to_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n but_o contention_n indeed_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n whatever_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o therefore_o all_o scandalous_a contention_n be_v forbid_v as_o all_o scandalous_a go_v to_o law_n be_v for_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n tell_v they_o there_o be_v utter_o a_o fault_n among_o you_o because_o you_o go_v to_o law_n one_o with_o another_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v go_v to_o law_n as_o that_o signify_v use_v some_o fair_a and_o lawful_a mean_n of_o right_v ourselves_o when_o we_o suffer_v wrong_v even_o from_o our_o christian_a brethren_n but_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unbeliever_n or_o heathen_a magistrate_n for_o he_o require_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v their_o cause_n hear_v and_o try_v before_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v either_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n who_o by_o joint_a consent_n they_o shall_v make_v judge_n and_o arbitrator_n among_o they_o but_o to_o go_v to_o law_n in_o those_o day_n do_v proper_o signify_v to_o implead_v one_o another_o before_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o magistrate_n at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v any_o legal_a authority_n and_o this_o go_n to_o law_n be_v scandalous_a thus_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v only_o that_o contention_n which_o be_v scandalous_a that_o can_v be_v forbid_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n in_o order_v the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o for_o private_a christian_n to_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n though_o with_o some_o vehemence_n and_o earnestness_n be_v not_o scandalous_a for_o it_o be_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o to_o contend_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a scandalous_a contention_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o duty_n which_o private_a christian_n owe_v to_o their_o superior_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o scandal_n be_v give_v by_o such_o contention_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o scandalous_a contender_n that_o be_v to_o the_o dissenter_n who_o scandalous_o oppose_v the_o authority_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o our_o reconciler_n ought_v to_o have_v reprove_v the_o dissenter_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o leave_v off_o their_o scandalous_a contention_n not_o to_o lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n which_o these_o man_n so_o scandalous_o oppose_v as_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o very_a place_n turn_v the_o edge_n of_o his_o reproof_n against_o those_o who_o do_v the_o wrong_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o scandalous_a contention_n you_o do_v wrong_a and_o defraud_v and_o that_o your_o brethren_n contention_n either_o about_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o scandalous_a but_o be_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n not_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n not_o to_o oppose_v heresy_n and_o schism_n because_o these_o dispute_n represent_v christianity_n as_o a_o very_a uncertain_a thing_n and_o give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n then_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n do_v very_o ill_a to_o meet_v in_o such_o frequent_a council_n to_o condemn_v arianism_n and_o other_o pestilent_a heresy_n where_o there_o be_v a_o scandal_n only_o on_o one_o side_n and_o contention_n be_v the_o only_a scandal_n this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n against_o such_o contentious_a dispute_n but_o when_o it_o be_v more_o scandalous_a to_o suffer_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n to_o see_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n despise_v to_o permit_v any_o indecency_n and_o disorder_n different_a custom_n and_o practice_n in_o christian_a worship_n than_o it_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o order_n and_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o contend_v for_o these_o thing_n the_o only_a scandalous_a contention_n be_v to_o contend_v against_o they_o his_o second_o argument_n 2._o which_o he_o draw_v out_o to_o a_o great_a length_n 123._o be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n grant_v it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o touch_v a_o wife_n
apostle_n which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o reveal_v the_o gospel-mystery_n by_o degree_n and_o to_o person_n well_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v to_o receive_v they_o but_o when_o a_o doctrine_n have_v be_v full_o publish_v and_o confirm_v by_o all_o necessary_a evidence_n and_o universal_o receive_v as_o a_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o governor_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v continue_v to_o preach_v it_o whether_o dissenter_n will_v hear_v or_o no_o for_o else_o we_o may_v lose_v all_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o degree_n again_o and_o return_v to_o our_o milk_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n humanity_n and_o leave_v off_o feed_v on_o strong_a meat_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n divinity_n 183._o because_o jew_n and_o socinian_n can_v bear_v it_o whatever_o have_v be_v publish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v the_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o which_o all_o bishop_n 6.20_o as_o well_o as_o timothy_n be_v command_v to_o keep_v 185._o 5._o his_o next_o motive_n to_o condescension_n be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n which_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v be_v deal_v with_o now_o i_o confess_v this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a topick_n to_o declaim_v on_o as_o our_o reconciler_n do_v for_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o manage_v it_o contain_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o passion_n and_o interest_n more_o than_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o observe_v that_o this_o rule_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o just_a and_o equitable_a to_o be_v do_v for_o what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o how_o passionate_o soever_o man_n desire_v it_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o fondness_n and_o partiality_n to_o themselves_o not_o to_o a_o true_a reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o unless_o it_o appear_v upon_o other_o account_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o reasonable_a to_o grant_v this_o indulgence_n this_o rule_n can_v make_v it_o so_o to_o discourse_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n at_o large_a will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n from_o my_o present_a design_n and_o therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o what_o our_o reconciler_n say_v will_v we_o be_v content_v if_o we_o be_v inferior_n to_o be_v punish_v imprison_a and_o banish_v for_o opinion_n which_o we_o can_v help_v or_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n for_o such_o opinion_n or_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v glad_a that_o other_o will_v bear_v with_o we_o in_o some_o lesser_a matter_n in_o which_o we_o by_o our_o judgement_n be_v constrain_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o will_v not_o pass_v upon_o we_o the_o severe_a censure_n because_o we_o be_v constrain_v thus_o to_o differ_v i_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o and_o suchlike_a popular_a appeal_n i_o shall_v ask_v he_o some_o other_o question_n as_o whether_o ever_o any_o offender_n or_o criminal_a be_v content_v to_o suffer_v for_o his_o fault_n or_o do_v not_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v pardon_v and_o to_o escape_v whether_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o punish_v any_o man_n because_o all_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v punish_v whether_o every_o man_n love_n to_o himself_o in_o such_o case_n or_o that_o natural_a pity_n which_o all_o man_n have_v for_o those_o who_o suffer_v be_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a discipline_n and_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n whether_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n shall_v over-rule_v the_o authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n whether_o be_v the_o most_o pitiable_a sight_n to_o see_v a_o flourish_a and_o true_o apostolic_a church_n rend_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n by_o faction_n and_o schism_n or_o to_o see_v such_o schismatic_n suffer_v in_o the_o suppression_n of_o their_o schism_n whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o punish_v schismatic_n when_o their_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n threaten_v the_o state_n and_o make_v the_o throne_n of_o prince_n shake_v and_o totter_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o rule_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o may_v be_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o direct_v our_o private_a conversation_n but_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o public_a government_n and_o my_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v respect_n only_o to_o every_o man_n private_a happiness_n and_o suppose_v a_o equality_n between_o they_o for_o that_o which_o make_v this_o a_o rule_n of_o equity_n be_v that_o equal_v as_o all_o man_n be_v consider_v as_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v equal_a usage_n and_o therefore_o that_o natural_a sense_n which_o every_o man_n have_v of_o happiness_n that_o natural_a aversion_n to_o suffer_v wrong_a and_o that_o natural_a desire_n to_o receive_v good_a from_o other_o shall_v teach_v every_o man_n to_o deal_v by_o other_o who_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o happiness_n and_o aversion_n to_o misery_n as_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o themselves_o but_o now_o public_a government_n have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o public_a than_o to_o any_o man_n private_a good_a and_o a_o man_n private_a and_o particular_a good_a must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o public_a welfare_n and_o therefore_o what_o aversion_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o mankind_n to_o suffering_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a and_o just_a that_o private_a man_n when_o they_o deserve_v it_o shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o it_o be_v not_o every_o man_n love_n to_o himself_o or_o what_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v which_o be_v the_o rule_n here_o but_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a good_n and_o though_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o prefer_v the_o public_a good_a before_o their_o own_o private_a 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