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 â—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
against_o her_o uncharitable_a imposition_n and_o when_o he_o have_v publish_v a_o book_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n agree_v on_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o convocation_n and_o establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n when_o he_o have_v already_o the_o most_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o church_n and_o state_n it_o look_v like_o a_o very_a hypocritical_a piece_n of_o modesty_n a_o downright_a challenge_n to_o the_o whole_a clergy_n to_o cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v teach_v i_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o i_o will_v hold_v my_o peace_n cause_v i_o to_o understand_v wherein_o i_o have_v err_v and_o i_o will_v thankful_o yea_o i_o will_v public_o retract_v it_o any_o body_n i_o think_v but_o a_o protestant_a reconciler_n will_v call_v this_o libel_v the_o church_n and_o hector_v and_o outbraving_a all_o his_o mother_n child_n how_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o brethren_n will_v digest_v this_o outrageous_a contempt_n of_o church-authority_n i_o can_v tell_v for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v bear_v it_o but_o be_o resolve_v to_o do_v my_o weak_a endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v my_o dear_a mother_n from_o the_o rudeness_n and_o insolence_n of_o her_o undutiful_a son_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o it_o be_v he_o contend_v for_o wherein_o we_o agree_v and_o where_o we_o part_v and_o fair_o debate_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v the_o proposition_n which_o he_o undertake_v to_o prove_v be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a 4._o which_o may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v without_o sin_n or_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n ought_v not_o especial_o under_o our_o present_a circumstance_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o superior_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n or_o as_o condition_n without_o which_o none_o shall_v minister_v in_o sacred_a thing_n though_o call_v to_o that_o work_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o public_a ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n bâ—t_o shall_v upon_o refusal_n to_o submit_v unto_o they_o for_o ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o member_n of_o it_o where_o by_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v without_o sin_n or_o violation_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o mean_v whatever_o be_v not_o express_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o must_v include_v all_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n which_o be_v not_o enjoin_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n that_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v signify_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o impose_v they_o as_o he_o express_o assert_v before_o 2._o and_o which_o all_o his_o argument_n be_v design_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o governors_n sin_n in_o it_o to_o impose_v signify_v only_o to_o command_v and_o to_o impose_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o impose_v though_o it_o sound_v big_a for_o the_o church_n make_v such_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o she_o command_v those_o of_o her_o communion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o reject_v those_o which_o will_v not_o which_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o command_v as_o to_o command_v be_v oppose_v to_o leave_v every_o one_o at_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o make_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o this_o sense_n so_o as_o to_o reject_v those_o who_o will_v not_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o such_o prescription_n i._n e._n who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v then_o she_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o command_v and_o when_o he_o add_v especial_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n he_o refer_v to_o those_o division_n and_o schism_n which_o he_o say_v be_v occasion_v by_o such_o imposition_n whenever_o such_o ceremony_n be_v doubt_v and_o scruple_v and_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o schism_n then_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o impose_v they_o but_o when_o he_o say_v especial_o he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v at_o all_o time_n sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v such_o uncommand_v rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v any_o who_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o imposition_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o protestant_a reconciler_n which_o i_o shall_v rather_o have_v expect_v from_o a_o profess_a enemy_n than_o from_o a_o pretend_a advocate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o have_v at_o once_o very_o modest_o reject_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o have_v condemn_v all_o the_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n until_o this_o time_n which_o concern_v the_o external_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n he_o have_v plain_o renounce_v one_o of_o thoâ—e_a article_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o he_o have_v subscribe_v and_o declare_v his_o assent_n if_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n for_o art_n 20._o assert_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o decree_v rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o do_v this_o i_o suppose_v she_o may_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n and_o without_o ask_v leave_n of_o her_o inferior_n but_o though_o our_o reconciler_n have_v state_v this_o matter_n so_o general_o as_o to_o condemn_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o have_v say_v many_o thing_n which_o look_v that_o way_n in_o several_a part_n of_o his_o book_n yet_o his_o open_a and_o avow_a design_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o such_o imposition_n when_o they_o be_v scruple_v and_o make_v the_o occasion_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v join_v issue_n with_o he_o and_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n which_o though_o it_o will_v make_v this_o answer_n large_a than_o i_o can_v wish_v yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o pragmatical_a reconciler_n who_o be_v as_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o government_n as_o dissenter_n themselves_o chap._n 1._o concern_v the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o fair_a answer_n to_o our_o protestant_a reconciler_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v some_o of_o he_o mistake_v which_o run_v through_o his_o whole_a book_n and_o whereon_o the_o whole_a argument_n of_o his_o book_n be_v found_v the_o remove_n of_o which_o to_o man_n of_o any_o competent_a understanding_n will_v supersede_n the_o necessity_n of_o any_o far_a answer_n and_o they_o either_o concern_v 1._o the_o usefulness_n of_o some_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n or_o 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o the_o due_a measure_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o or_o 3._o that_o regard_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o a_o erroneous_a or_o scrupulous_a conscience_n from_o these_o topic_n he_o all-along_a argue_v to_o prove_v that_o church-governor_n ought_v to_o alter_v the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o worship_n because_o they_o be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n require_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n to_o condescend_v to_o the_o error_n or_o scruple_n or_o weakness_n of_o their_o brethren_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a mistake_n on_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v and_o therefore_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o it_o and_o that_o concern_v the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prescribe_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n now_o concern_v this_o matter_n our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o account_n at_o all_o for_o public_a worship_n may_v be_v perform_v as_o decent_o and_o reverent_o without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n as_o with_o they_o for_o thus_o he_o express_o and_o dogmatical_o assert_n that_o the_o ceremony_n which_o be_v impose_v by_o our_o church_n 39_o as_o they_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o their_o nature_n for_o which_o inferior_n
impose_v the_o ceremony_n now_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o they_o that_o be_v nothing_o of_o positive_a order_n or_o decency_n but_o what_o he_o say_v have_v be_v prove_v already_o i_o have_v make_v appear_v be_v not_o prove_v by_o he_o yet_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_n but_o if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o action_n or_o contribute_v to_o the_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o religious_a action_n have_v no_o positive_a decency_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o that_o positive_a decency_n be_v which_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o action_n i_o can_v see_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n in_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o if_o as_o the_o bishop_n say_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o perpetual_a judge_n and_o dictator_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o assent_v to_o how_o do_v it_o become_v the_o great_a modesty_n of_o our_o reconciler_n to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o those_o ceremony_n which_o the_o church_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n if_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o proper_a judge_n of_o this_o how_o do_v our_o reconciler_n come_v by_o this_o authority_n to_o judge_v his_o judge_n ii_o our_o reconciler_n add_v a_o limitation_n of_o this_o rule_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o reverend_a bishop_n ibid._n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o decency_n as_o be_v only_a ornament_n but_o be_v to_o be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o only_o rescue_v from_o confusion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o prelate_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n unless_o thing_n be_v so_o orderly_o that_o there_o be_v no_o confusion_n but_o if_o it_o can_v go_v beyond_o this_o limit_n than_o it_o can_v have_v no_o natural_a limit_n but_o may_v extend_v to_o sumptuousness_n to_o ornament_n of_o church_n to_o rich_a vtensit_n to_o splendour_n and_o majesty_n for_o all_o that_o be_v decent_a enough_o and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n very_o fit_a but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o subject_a to_o abuse_v and_o give_v a_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n and_o a_o authority_n over_o man_n estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o soul_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o spiritual_a government_n it_o be_v more_o than_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o minister_n how_o much_o our_o reconciler_n have_v injure_v this_o learned_a prelate_n by_o his_o numerous_a citation_n of_o his_o word_n to_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v shall_v be_v make_v appear_v before_o i_o leave_v this_o argument_n though_o he_o have_v deal_v no_o worse_o by_o he_o than_o he_o have_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o word_n â—e_v have_v as_o gross_o abuse_v that_o this_o excellent_a bishop_n have_v no_o design_n in_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o our_o reconciler_n transcribe_v from_o he_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o have_v more_o than_o one_o reason_n to_o believe_v as_o will_v appear_v present_o and_o therefore_o though_o i_o can_v not_o give_v a_o account_n of_o every_o particular_a expression_n yet_o none_o but_o such_o a_o protestant_a reconciler_n will_v expound_v any_o of_o his_o word_n in_o contradiction_n to_o his_o declare_a sense_n of_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a what_o he_o here_o say_v if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o that_o he_o never_o mean_v it_o so_o for_o 1._o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o decency_n as_o be_v only_a ornament_n this_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v no_o such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v mere_o for_o ornament_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n enough_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n though_o she_o have_v not_o authority_n to_o make_v her_o worship_n gay_a and_o theatrical_a which_o indeed_o be_v not_o decent_a and_o therefore_o not_o contain_v within_o this_o rule_n the_o bishop_n never_o think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o he_o give_v this_o rule_n but_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o fantastic_a ceremony_n and_o amusement_n of_o the_o romish_a worship_n 2._o but_o yet_o when_o he_o say_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o decency_n as_o be_v only_a ornament_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v all_o ornament_n neither_o if_o they_o serve_v any_o end_n of_o religion_n beside_o for_o if_o they_o be_v real_o such_o decency_n and_o ornament_n as_o become_v religion_n and_o christian_a worship_n i_o can_v imagine_v any_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v include_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n such_o decency_n and_o order_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n be_v always_o necessary_a and_o may_v always_o be_v have_v what_o state_n soever_o the_o church_n be_v in_o while_o there_o be_v any_o public_a face_n of_o a_o church_n ornamental_a decency_n can_v always_o be_v have_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o always_o oblige_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n but_o why_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o ornament_n when_o it_o be_v in_o her_o power_n to_o adorn_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o can_v guess_v must_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o afflict_a and_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n when_o god_n have_v make_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n a_o distinction_n between_o necessary_n convenience_n and_o ornament_n do_v he_o allow_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v bare_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o worship_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o man_n may_v mistake_v in_o what_o they_o call_v the_o ornament_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n evident_o do_v but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o mistake_v and_o have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o give_v a_o external_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n to_o religion_n do_v they_o exceed_v their_o commission_n in_o this_o too_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v that_o sumptuousness_n ornament_n of_o church_n rich_a utensil_n splendour_n and_o majesty_n be_v decent_a enough_o and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n very_o fit_a and_o i_o shall_v much_o have_v wonder_v have_v he_o deny_v it_o now_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o fit_a do_v it_o exceed_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v they_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v in_o any_o circumstance_n which_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v that_o mere_a ornament_n be_v not_o comprehend_v within_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o than_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o strict_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o external_a ornament_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v have_v at_o all_o time_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n ornament_n be_v very_o fit_v when_o they_o can_v be_v have_v but_o the_o bishop_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o the_o charge_n and_o expense_n of_o such_o ornament_n unless_o they_o free_o and_o willing_o consent_n and_o that_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n appear_v from_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v of_o it_o that_o this_o be_v too_o subject_a to_o abuse_v and_o that_o it_o give_v a_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n and_o a_o authority_n over_o man_n estate_n and_o fortune_n which_o be_v good_a argument_n only_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o bishop_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v his_o people_n to_o such_o expense_n as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o ornament_n of_o religion_n but_o suppose_v devout_a people_n liberal_o contribute_v to_o such_o pious_a use_n if_o his_o authority_n and_o commission_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o ornament_n he_o must_v not_o receive_v their_o money_n nor_o adorn_v the_o church_n with_o it_o if_o he_o may_v than_o his_o authority_n extend_v to_o ornament_n though_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o man_n estate_n for_o he_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o
the_o law_n or_o to_o allow_v of_o such_o different_a posture_n when_o man_n scruple_n be_v remove_v 2._o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v neglect_v their_o duty_n so_o they_o will_v manifest_o injure_v their_o authority_n by_o such_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ignorance_n humour_n and_o scruple_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o how_o charitable_a soever_o our_o reconciler_n may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o charity_n as_o become_v governor_n for_o private_a christian_n to_o abridge_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o be_v in_o many_o case_n high_o commendable_a and_o a_o generous_a act_n of_o charity_n but_o for_o governor_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o gratify_v dissenter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v betray_v their_o trust._n either_o christ_n have_v commit_v this_o power_n to_o they_o to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o decent_a rule_n of_o worship_n or_o he_o have_v not_o if_o he_o have_v as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v more_o than_o once_o own_v in_o this_o very_a book_n than_o this_o power_n be_v a_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o such_o a_o trust_n as_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o no_o pretence_n of_o charity_n can_v justify_v they_o in_o renounce_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o reconciler_n indeed_o tell_v we_o 159._o that_o which_o be_v here_o plead_v for_o be_v neither_o a_o denial_n nor_o a_o dissemble_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o superior_n but_o only_o a_o abatement_n of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o towards_o some_o weak_a dissenter_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o power_n and_o a_o profession_n that_o they_o do_v suspend_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o not_o through_o conviction_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_o use_v but_o out_o of_o pure_a commiseration_n and_o howel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o their_o weak_a brethren_n but_o all_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o salve_v this_o matter_n for_o the_o great_a dispute_n about_o ceremony_n turn_v upon_o this_o hinge_n whether_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o command_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o express_o institute_v and_o enjoin_v by_o christ._n hence_o all_o such_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v by_o our_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a dissenter_n opprobrious_o call_v will-worship_n and_o humane_a invention_n and_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v be_v next_o to_o nothing_o yet_o their_o not_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o their_o be_v command_v by_o man_n though_o by_o such_o man_n as_o be_v invest_v with_o christ_n authority_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o now_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o dispute_n and_o ceremony_n only_o a_o collateral_a dispute_n as_o depend_v upon_o a_o usurp_a and_o illegal_a authority_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o our_o reconciler_n how_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o can_v give_v up_o these_o ceremony_n to_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o dissenter_n without_o give_v up_o their_o own_o authority_n with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o the_o ceremony_n be_v dispute_v now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o that_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n be_v this_o authority_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o it_o seem_v christ_n have_v place_v such_o a_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v not_o for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o this_o charge_v our_o saviour_n himself_o with_o want_n of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o his_o own_o church_n in_o set_v such_o a_o uncharitable_a power_n over_o it_o if_o church-authority_n be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a than_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o part_v with_o it_o as_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o which_o our_o reconciler_n be_v often_o at_o he_o tell_v we_o 323._o that_o the_o scripture-exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v such_o a_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o they_o perfect_o confute_v all_o those_o who_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o lay_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o uniformity_n in_o lesser_a matter_n and_o do_v impose_v they_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n for_o either_o we_o must_v all_o submit_v to_o some_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n as_o r._n h._n think_v it_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o compliance_n with_o these_o precept_n or_o else_o confess_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o it_o be_v visible_o impossible_a to_o bring_v all_o man_n unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o precept_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o papist_n do_v so_o continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o or_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o that_o of_o impose_v and_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n concern_v which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o that_o of_o mutual_a condescension_n and_o forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o lesser_a difference_n god_n help_v that_o church_n which_o meet_v with_o such_o reconciler_n as_o these_o but_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v here_o be_v his_o own_o concession_n and_o his_o dilemma_n upon_o it_o he_o argue_v strong_o that_o while_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o external_o of_o worship_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v they_o unto_o a_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o this_o he_o say_v must_v be_v grant_v unless_o we_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n here_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n and_o i_o differ_v a_o little_a about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o judge_n but_o we_o agree_v upon_o the_o main_a point_n that_o without_o a_o judge_n to_o determine_v these_o matter_n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n and_o agreement_n among_o christian_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o demonstration_n in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v how_o strange_a soever_o it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o unity_n and_o his_o dilemma_n be_v a_o very_a sore_a one_o for_o either_o this_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o unity_n or_o that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o desire_a unity_n be_v not_o require_v uniformity_n in_o little_a matter_n now_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o last_o first_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church-unity_n without_o unity_n in_o worship_n wherein_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n consist_v and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o this_o which_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n without_o uniformity_n and_o no_o uniformity_n without_o such_o imposition_n what_o follow_v then_o but_o that_o we_o must_v reflect_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o not_o leave_v authority_n in_o his_o church_n sufficient_a to_o determine_v such_o matter_n and_o grant_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o mean_n of_o union_n these_o be_v hard_a term_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o grant_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v though_o not_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n yet_o a_o supreme_a authority_n to_o his_o church_n to_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o case_n where_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v not_o contradict_v some_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o principle_n will_v quick_o make_v we_o all_o of_o a_o mind_n in_o such_o matter_n now_o then_o from_o hence_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o institute_v a_o church-society_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o love_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o the_o sacredness_n of_o
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 strengthen_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o many_o grave_n and_o learned_a divine_n both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o church_n as_o for_o the_o grave_a divine_n of_o other_o church_n let_v they_o mind_v their_o own_o business_n for_o their_o authority_n be_v nothing_o to_o we_o and_o as_o for_o the_o divine_n of_o our_o own_o church_n who_o strengthen_v the_o dissenter_n argument_n against_o ceremony_n who_o they_o be_v or_o how_o many_o or_o how_o grave_a and_o learned_a they_o be_v i_o can_v tell_v he_o have_v indeed_o transcribe_v several_a say_n out_o of_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o relaxation_n of_o such_o imposition_n but_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o to_o strengthen_v the_o dissenter_n argument_n which_o no_o divine_a in_o our_o church_n can_v do_v who_o honest_o conform_v himself_o well_o but_o how_o do_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o irenicum_fw-la countenance_n this_o reconcile_a design_n suppose_v there_o be_v probable_a reason_n on_o both_o side_n where_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o act_v one_o way_n what_o must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o do_v as_o he_o please_v so_o say_v the_o reconciler_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o peace_n but_o the_o irenicum_fw-la say_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o the_o way_n to_o peace_n can_v be_v by_o leave_v a_o absolute_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n 3._o for_o that_o be_v to_o build_v a_o babel_n instead_o of_o salem_n confusion_n instead_o of_o peace_n it_o must_v be_v then_o by_o convince_a man_n that_o neither_o of_o those_o way_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n which_o they_o contend_v about_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o divine_a command_n though_o some_o be_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n but_o which_o particular_a way_n or_o form_v it_o must_v be_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o those_o in_o who_o power_n and_o trust_v it_o be_v to_o see_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v secure_v on_o last_a foundation_n which_o be_v a_o peremptory_a determination_n against_o our_o reconciler_n who_o very_o rare_o quote_v any_o author_n without_o wrest_v his_o word_n to_o another_o sense_n than_o what_o be_v intend_v if_o every_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a of_o which_o some_o man_n doubt_v and_o nothing_o must_v be_v determine_v which_o be_v thus_o doubtful_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o external_a form_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n or_o any_o external_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v doubtful_a because_o some_o man_n doubt_v of_o it_o methinks_v it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n that_o that_o be_v not_o doubtful_a which_o no_o body_n doubt_n of_o and_o thus_o symbolical_a ceremony_n as_o our_o reconciler_n call_v they_o be_v past_o all_o doubt_n for_o no_o christian_a ever_o have_v any_o doubt_n about_o they_o for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n which_o be_v time_n enough_o in_o this_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o though_o some_o christian_n begin_v to_o doubt_v and_o to_o invent_v argument_n to_o countenance_v their_o doubt_n after_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o the_o church_n to_o doubt_v also_o well_o but_o if_o man_n doubt_a be_v not_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v be_v doubtful_a how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o be_v doubtful_a and_o what_o not_o i_o answer_v where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a evidence_n and_o the_o probability_n or_o difficulty_n be_v great_a on_o both_o side_n there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o doubt_v and_o in_o such_o case_n i_o think_v the_o church_n have_v not_o authority_n to_o determine_v either_o way_n when_o the_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n nor_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v that_o to_o be_v lawful_a which_o it_o be_v equal_o probable_a may_v be_v unlawful_a nor_o that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o have_v equal_a proof_n of_o its_o be_v false_a but_o this_o can_v concern_v the_o controversy_n about_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n in_o religious_a worship_n for_o which_o we_o have_v as_o plain_a and_o positive_a evidence_n as_o we_o can_v desire_v for_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o any_o man_n doubt_v of_o this_o make_v it_o no_o more_o doubtful_a than_o their_o doubt_n about_o any_o plain_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n render_v that_o also_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a 2._o though_o the_o church_n must_v not_o command_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a nature_n yet_o the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n or_o mistake_n of_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o act_n of_o government_n there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a imposition_n upon_o governor_n than_o this_o which_o make_v all_o government_n the_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o precarious_a and_o useless_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n if_o this_o rule_n be_v allow_v what_o work_n will_v it_o make_v in_o kingdom_n and_o family_n when_o prince_n parent_n and_o master_n must_v command_v nothing_o which_o their_o subject_n child_n or_o servant_n scruple_n to_o do_v that_o which_o make_v government_n necessary_a be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v themselves_o but_o this_o principle_n make_v all_o man_n their_o own_o governor_n and_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o any_o authority_n to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o their_o subject_n which_o they_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o for_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o scruple_n or_o to_o pretend_v to_o scruple_n whatever_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o do_v and_o yet_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o reconciler_n here_o be_v no_o distinction_n to_o be_v make_v between_o man_n who_o be_v real_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o it_o etc._n for_o it_o be_v a_o uncharitable_a thing_n it_o seem_v whatever_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o it_o to_o charge_v those_o man_n with_o obstinacy_n malice_n or_o perverseness_n who_o pretend_v to_o scruple_n and_o tender_a conscience_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n have_v god_n commit_v any_o authority_n to_o some_o certain_a person_n in_o church_n or_o state_n if_o they_o must_v not_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o best_a judgement_n they_o have_v of_o thing_n but_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o mistake_v or_o scruple_n of_o those_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o govern_v if_o they_o must_v not_o command_v what_o be_v innocent_a useful_a and_o convenient_a when_o those_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o command_v do_v not_o think_v it_o so_o this_o all_o man_n will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v intolerable_a in_o the_o state_n and_o i_o challenge_v our_o reconciler_n to_o show_v i_o any_o wise_a reason_n wâ—â—_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
hard_a case_n as_o such_o case_n will_v happen_v under_o all_o government_n god_n who_o be_v our_o supreme_a governor_n will_v take_v care_n to_o rectify_v it_o when_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n or_o state_n can_v do_v it_o without_o loosen_a the_o sinew_n of_o government_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v take_v care_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o decent_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o mistake_n and_o scruple_n as_o this_o it_o be_v possible_a some_o very_a honest_a but_o weak_a christian_n may_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o best_a and_o most_o prudent_a constitution_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n what_o must_v the_o church_n do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v she_o alter_v her_o law_n as_o often_o as_o any_o christian_n pretend_v to_o scruple_n they_o or_o must_v she_o make_v no_o law_n about_o such_o matter_n but_o suffer_v every_o christian_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v this_o be_v to_o renounce_v their_o government_n because_o some_o christian_n will_v not_o obey_v or_o to_o make_v government_n contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a when_o it_o must_v yield_v to_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o scruple_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v prove_v a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o they_o and_o occasion_n their_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n but_o i_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o either_o of_o these_o governors_n must_v do_v their_o duty_n must_v take_v care_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o just_a offence_n and_o if_o after_o all_o their_o care_n some_o very_a honest_a man_n may_v take_v offence_n and_o fall_v into_o schism_n we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o will_v make_v allowance_n for_o all_o favourable_a case_n the_o church_n can_v give_v no_o relief_n in_o such_o case_n without_o destroy_v her_o authority_n and_o government_n and_o give_v advantage_n to_o knave_n and_o design_v hypocrite_n to_o disturb_v the_o best_a constitution_n of_o thing_n but_o god_n can_v distinguish_v between_o honest_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o if_o man_n be_v sincere_o honest_a and_o do_v fall_v into_o schism_n through_o a_o innocent_a mistake_n god_n will_v be_v merciful_a to_o they_o which_o secure_v the_o final_a happiness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o sacredness_n and_o reverence_n of_o authority_n for_o when_o man_n know_v that_o nothing_o can_v justify_v a_o schism_n and_o nothing_o can_v plead_v their_o pardon_n with_o god_n but_o great_a honesty_n and_o some_o invincible_a mistake_n it_o will_v make_v all_o honest_a man_n careful_a how_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v pass_v with_o almighty_a god_n for_o a_o honest_a separatist_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v man_n convince_v of_o this_o it_o will_v soon_o cure_v our_o schism_n than_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o scrupled_a ceremony_n but_o in_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-governor_n to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o man_n scruple_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a occasion_n for_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o allow_v any_o man_n to_o scruple_n their_o authority_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o weaken_v government_n and_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o eternal_a schism_n to_o enter_v 259._o it_o be_v very_o true_a as_o our_o reconciler_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o the_o church_n in_o several_a age_n have_v make_v great_a alteration_n in_o the_o external_o and_o ritual_n of_o religion_n but_o how_o this_o serve_v his_o cause_n i_o can_v tell_v no_o body_n question_n but_o the_o church_n have_v do_v this_o and_o that_o she_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o she_o have_v so_o still_o when_o she_o see_v just_a occasion_n to_o do_v it_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o she_o must_v do_v this_o as_o often_o as_o every_o little_a reconciler_n or_o every_o scrupulous_a christian_a demand_n such_o a_o alteration_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o unreasonable_a scruple_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v a_o necessary_a reason_n for_o the_o church_n to_o make_v such_o alteration_n and_o if_o he_o can_v give_v any_o one_o example_n in_o all_o antiquity_n that_o the_o church_n alter_v her_o constitution_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o scruple_n of_o private_a christian_n he_o will_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n no_o in_o those_o day_n private_a christian_n do_v not_o use_v to_o scruple_n any_o ceremony_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v but_o bishop_n make_v or_o repeal_v law_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o they_o think_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o repeal_v all_o law_n for_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o worship_n or_o renounce_v their_o authority_n to_o make_v such_o law_n in_o compliance_n with_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o the_o church_n again_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o in_o the_o same_o church_n they_o allow_v all_o private_a christian_n to_o worship_n god_n after_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v according_a to_o their_o own_o private_a persuasion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o those_o who_o be_v for_o a_o maypole_n may_v have_v a_o maypole_n as_o our_o reconciler_n very_o reverent_o express_v it_o if_o he_o can_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o these_o point_n i_o confess_v it_o will_v be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o now_o he_o know_v what_o he_o be_v to_o prove_v but_o though_o his_o history_n of_o those_o alteration_n which_o the_o church_n in_o several_a age_n have_v make_v in_o the_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o serve_v his_o main_a design_n yet_o it_o high_o gratify_v his_o pride_n and_o insolence_n to_o trample_v upon_o a_o great_a man_n who_o he_o think_v he_o have_v take_v at_o some_o advantage_n the_o reverend_a dean_n of_o st._n paul_n assign_v some_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o england_n still_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n 16._o his_o first_o reason_n be_v out_o of_o a_o due_a reverence_n to_o antiquity_n they_o will_v hereby_o convince_v the_o papist_n they_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o gross_a and_o intolerable_a superstition_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o innocent_a rite_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n before_o 297._o this_o say_v our_o reconciler_n be_v very_o like_a hypocrisy_n to_o pretend_v to_o retain_v three_o ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o their_o suppose_a antiquity_n whilst_o we_o reject_v as_o many_o which_o be_v unquestionable_o of_o a_o divine_a original_n and_o therefore_o sure_a of_o a_o antiquity_n which_o more_o deserve_v to_o be_v reverence_v true_o if_o our_o church_n have_v part_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o divine_a original_n i_o think_v she_o have_v reform_v too_o far_o but_o will_v our_o reconciler_n say_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v of_o divine_a original_n bishop_n taylor_n to_o who_o he_o so_o often_o appeal_v will_v have_v teach_v he_o otherwise_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o order_v religious_a assembly_n and_o in_o prescribe_v such_o rule_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o receive_v from_o christ_n act_v but_o as_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o they_o prescribe_v oblige_v no_o long_o than_o the_o reason_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n have_v as_o full_a and_o ample_a authority_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o such_o matter_n but_o do_v the_o dean_n say_v that_o these_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v only_o for_o their_o antiquity_n then_o indeed_o the_o reconciler_n objection_n have_v be_v strong_a that_o other_o ceremony_n which_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v retain_v also_o but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a reverence_n to_o antiquity_n that_o when_o our_o church_n have_v for_o other_o reason_n determine_v what_o number_n of_o ceremony_n to_o retain_v and_o for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n she_o choose_v to_o use_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v ancient_o use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n rather_o than_o to_o invent_v any_o new_a one_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o ancient_a
church_n to_o have_v reject_v those_o ceremony_n which_o have_v be_v make_v venerable_a by_o ancient_a use_n when_o they_o will_v equal_o or_o better_o serve_v those_o end_n we_o design_v than_o any_o new_a one_o this_o be_v the_o very_a account_n our_o church_n give_v of_o it_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n why_o she_o retain_v some_o ceremony_n still_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v she_o answer_v that_o objection_n why_o she_o have_v retain_v some_o old_a ceremony_n if_o they_o think_v much_o that_o any_o of_o the_o old_a remain_n ceremony_n and_o will_v rather_o have_v all_o devise_v new_a then_o such_o man_n grant_v some_o ceremony_n convenient_a to_o be_v have_v sure_o where_o the_o old_a may_v be_v well_o use_v there_o they_o can_v reasonable_o reprove_v the_o old_a only_o for_o their_o age_n without_o betray_v of_o their_o own_o folly_n for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o ought_v rather_o to_o have_v reverence_n to_o they_o for_o their_o antiquity_n if_o they_o will_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v more_o studious_a of_o unity_n and_o concord_n than_o of_o innovation_n and_o new_a fangleness_n which_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v with_o true_a set_n forth_o of_o christ_n religion_n be_v always_o to_o be_v eschew_v let_v our_o reconciler_n consider_v whether_o this_o be_v hypocrisy_n or_o true_a and_o sober_a reason_n 2._o the_o dean_n second_o reason_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o reformation_n by_o let_v their_o enemy_n see_v that_o they_o do_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o mere_a indifferent_a thing_n or_o as_o our_o reconciler_n add_v that_o they_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o far_o than_o she_o leave_v the_o ancient_a church_n which_o the_o dean_n do_v not_o say_v under_o that_o head_n nor_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o but_o yet_o here_o he_o take_v advantage_n and_o say_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o have_v leave_v off_o pray_v for_o depart_a saint_n the_o unction_n of_o the_o sick_a the_o mix_v water_n with_o the_o sacramental_a wine_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o first_o liturgy_n and_o which_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a retain_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o be_v our_o reconciler_n in_o good_a earnest_n i_o fear_v the_o next_o book_n we_o shall_v have_v from_o he_o will_v be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n reconciler_n be_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o use_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n indifferent_a be_v pray_v for_o the_o dead_a as_o it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o merit_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v their_o grossing_n and_o exorcism_n and_o suchlike_a ceremony_n abuse_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o absurde_a superstition_n indifferent_a thing_n our_o reformer_n at_o first_o in_o veneration_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o which_o some_o of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v use_v do_v retain_v the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o liturgy_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o but_o upon_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n find_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a use_n and_o to_o purge_v they_o from_o the_o superstitious_a abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o which_o their_o people_n be_v still_o addict_v lay_v they_o all_o aside_o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v reproach_v by_o our_o reconciler_n some_o man_n will_v have_v be_v call_v papist_n in_o masquerade_n for_o half_a so_o much_o as_o this_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o dean_n reason_n that_o we_o do_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o mere_a indifferent_a thing_n for_o certain_o to_o retain_v three_o indifferent_a ceremony_n though_o we_o shall_v reject_v five_o hundred_o more_o equal_o indifferent_a be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o we_o do_v not_o quarrel_v nor_o break_v communion_n for_o indifferent_a thing_n consider_v as_o indifferent_a which_o be_v all_o that_o the_o dean_n mean_v by_o it_o but_o he_o have_v a_o fling_n at_o some_o other_o beside_o the_o dean_n though_o who_o he_o mean_v i_o can_v well_o tell_v but_o he_o say_v some_o of_o our_o church_n senseless_o pretend_v we_o can_v change_v these_o ceremony_n because_o they_o have_v be_v once_o receive_v and_o own_a by_o the_o church_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o though_o i_o think_v it_o be_v too_o much_o to_o say_v we_o can_v change_v what_o have_v be_v once_o receive_v for_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n have_v as_o much_o authority_n as_o the_o church_n of_o former_a age_n have_v yet_o i_o think_v what_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v not_o but_o upon_o very_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v reject_v by_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o now_o have_v our_o reconciler_n be_v honest_a he_o may_v have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o useful_a remark_n upon_o this_o history_n of_o ancient_a ceremony_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o dissenter_n he_o may_v have_v observe_v that_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n there_o be_v several_a ceremony_n use_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n which_o yet_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a but_o humane_a authority_n and_o therefore_o be_v afterward_o disuse_v or_o alter_v by_o the_o church_n that_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o have_v be_v great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n use_v and_o those_o much_o more_o liable_a to_o exception_n than_o be_v now_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o challenge_v and_o exercise_v this_o authority_n in_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o there_o have_v not_o be_v any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n with_o which_o our_o dissenter_n can_v have_v communicate_v upon_o their_o principle_n this_o have_v be_v do_v like_o a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o true_a reconciler_n but_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o he_o who_o can_v find_v so_o many_o good_a word_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v find_v none_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 3._o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o public_a authority_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o some_o profess_a christian_n when_o i_o say_v authority_n must_v determine_v such_o thing_n i_o mean_v if_o they_o will_v do_v their_o duty_n and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o decency_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o wherein_o some_o man_n scruple_n every_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o public_a worship_n but_o what_o they_o like_v and_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v uncover_v at_o prayer_n be_v as_o considerable_a a_o scruple_n to_o some_o quaker_n as_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v to_o other_o dissenter_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o dispute_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o st._n paul_n day_n but_o the_o apostle_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o determine_v that_o question_n notwithstanding_o that_o etc._n and_o yet_o pray_v cover_v or_o uncover_v be_v but_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o kneel_v or_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v and_o if_o i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o argue_v this_o point_n with_o our_o reconciler_n i_o think_v i_o can_v prove_v they_o as_o indifferent_a circumstance_n as_o the_o other_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o apostle_n assign_v for_o the_o man_n pray_v uncover_v and_o the_o woman_n cover_v that_o one_o be_v a_o emblem_n of_o authority_n the_o other_o of_o subjection_n which_o make_v it_o a_o symbolical_a ceremony_n as_o our_o dissenter_n speak_v be_v quite_o contrary_a among_o we_o though_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o be_v so_o still_o in_o some_o eastern_a country_n to_o be_v uncover_v among_o we_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o subjection_n and_o to_o be_v cover_v a_o sign_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o prince_n parent_n and_o master_n be_v cover_v or_o have_v their_o hat_n on_o while_o subject_n child_n and_o servant_n be_v uncover_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o therefore_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o apostle_n reason_n man_n shall_v now_o pray_v cover_v because_o that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o civil_a dignity_n and_o superiority_n whereas_o we_o now_o pray_v uncover_v in_o token_n of_o a_o religious_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n now_o i_o will_v ask_v our_o reconciler_n whether_o our_o church_n may_v determine_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v pray_v with_o their_o hat_n off_o notwithstanding_o the_o scruple_n of_o some_o quaker_n for_o if_o the_o church_n must_v have_v respect_n to_o man_n scruple_n why_o not_o to_o the_o scruple_n of_o quaker_n
very_a foolish_a argument_n against_o either_o the_o true_a argument_n against_o the_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v for_o where_o god_n have_v not_o interpose_v his_o authority_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o governor_n the_o argument_n be_v not_o that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o case_n bind_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v they_o to_o do_v which_o be_v ridiculous_o absurd_a for_o what_o be_v not_o unlawful_a not_o forbid_v by_o god_n may_v either_o be_v do_v or_o may_v be_v let_v alone_o without_o sin_n unless_o some_o other_o consideration_n beside_o its_o being_n not_o forbid_v alter_v the_o case_n but_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v governor_n may_v command_v and_o subject_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v let_v we_o see_v then_o how_o he_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o imposer_n as_o he_o modest_o call_v our_o governor_n in_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a as_o not_o forbid_v by_o god_n to_o leave_v these_o ceremony_n indifferent_a so_o far_o indeed_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n that_o the_o ceremony_n be_v not_o unlawful_a as_o not_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n but_o now_o where_o be_v the_o superior_a authority_n over_o governor_n to_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o impose_v that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a not_o to_o impose_v than_o the_o case_n of_o imposer_n will_v be_v exact_o parallel_v with_o the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o governor_n which_o make_v that_o their_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a and_o that_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v by_o no_o express_a prohibition_n make_v unlawful_a but_o here_o the_o parallel_n fail_v and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o church_n and_o state_n can_v have_v no_o superior_a authority_n on_o earth_n to_o make_v that_o unlawful_a to_o they_o which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v unlawful_a all_o that_o our_o reconciler_n offer_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n lay_v as_o necessary_a a_o obligation_n on_o governor_n to_o forbear_v what_o they_o may_v lawful_o forbear_v for_o the_o promote_a these_o end_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o governor_n oblige_v subject_n to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o lawful_o may_v that_o be_v that_o governor_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v lawful_o not_o command_v when_o hereby_o they_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n yet_o so_o the_o argument_n will_v not_o be_v the_o same_o for_o than_o we_o must_v state_n the_o case_n of_o governor_n thus_o that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v not_o that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a not_o to_o be_v do_v the_o authority_n of_o governor_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o intrinsic_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v very_o proper_o say_v that_o subject_n must_v obey_v their_o governor_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a and_o that_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n unlawful_a be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o obey_v but_o the_o end_n and_o circumstance_n of_o action_n alter_v its_o moral_a nature_n and_o that_o which_o in_o some_o circumstance_n be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o other_o circumstance_n become_v absolute_o unlawful_a and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o that_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v unlawful_a when_o it_o give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n then_o the_o argument_n to_o dissuade_v governor_n from_o such_o imposition_n be_v not_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o forbear_v impose_v which_o be_v parallel_n to_o the_o argument_n use_v against_o dissenter_n that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o obey_v but_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o impose_v in_o such_o circumstance_n which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o to_o persuade_v man_n not_o to_o do_v what_o they_o lawful_o may_v not_o do_v differ_v from_o dissuade_v they_o from_o do_v what_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v this_o i_o think_v be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o show_v that_o our_o reconciler_n be_v very_o much_o out_o in_o his_o logic_n when_o he_o make_v this_o argument_n against_o dissenter_n and_o imposer_n to_o be_v the_o same_o as_o for_o the_o argument_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o governor_n to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n when_o it_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o weak_a brethren_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v sufficient_o answer_v that_o already_o 3._o his_o next_o argument_n which_o he_o say_v equal_o hold_v against_o the_o dissenter_n and_o imposer_n be_v take_v from_o the_o littleness_n and_o small_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v divide_v and_o it_o be_v in_o short_a this_o that_o dissenter_n ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o refuse_v obedience_n in_o such_o little_a thing_n nor_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o impose_v such_o little_a thing_n now_o i_o need_v not_o concern_v myself_o about_o this_o argument_n which_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o have_v any_o effect_n either_o upon_o dissenter_n or_o imposer_n who_o if_o they_o understand_v themselves_o and_o act_v honest_o it_o be_v plain_a do_v not_o think_v these_o thing_n so_o little_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o worth_a contend_v about_o that_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o such_o very_a contemptible_a thing_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o little_a that_o governor_n ought_v not_o to_o impose_v they_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o governor_n and_o if_o as_o our_o reconciler_n say_v it_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n against_o dissenter_n i_o be_o content_v to_o leave_v it_o so_o however_o our_o reconciler_n be_v mighty_o out_o when_o he_o think_v the_o littleness_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n against_o the_o imposition_n of_o governor_n as_o against_o the_o disobedience_n of_o dissenter_n for_o governor_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o little_a as_o well_o as_o of_o great_a thing_n because_o thing_n which_o be_v little_a in_o themselves_o may_v have_v very_o great_a effect_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o the_o disobedience_n of_o subject_n in_o such_o case_n for_o the_o less_o the_o command_n be_v the_o less_o reason_n have_v they_o to_o refuse_v obedience_n i_o believe_v all_o parent_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o world_n think_v so_o except_v our_o reconciler_n in_o the_o next_o place_n our_o reconciler_n argue_v from_o many_o general_a topic_n receive_v and_o own_a by_o all_o casuist_n 200._o as_o 1._o qui_fw-la non_fw-la vetat_fw-la peccare_fw-la cum_fw-la possit_fw-la jubet_fw-la which_o he_o translate_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v a_o superior_a a_o father_n a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o what_o lawful_o he_o may_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o government_n become_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n now_o suppose_v all_o this_o what_o care_n can_v be_v take_v to_o prevent_v sin_n which_o it_o become_v governor_n to_o take_v which_o be_v neglect_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n yes_o say_v the_o reconciler_n they_o may_v abate_v those_o imposition_n which_o occasion_n the_o schism_n but_o this_o have_v be_v so_o often_o answer_v already_o that_o i_o shall_v now_o only_o direct_v my_o reader_n in_o the_o margin_n where_o to_o find_v the_o answer_n etc._n 2._o he_o say_v divine_n concern_v the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v general_o lay_v down_o these_o rule_n viz._n that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v forbid_v by_o these_o law_n all_o those_o thing_n be_v forbid_v also_o which_o follow_v from_o that_o forbid_a action_n and_o for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v forbid_v now_o i_o think_v this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a rule_n and_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v a_o forbid_a action_n i_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o schism_n which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o be_v imputable_a to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v if_o the_o church_n have_v this_o
authority_n and_o aught_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n than_o the_o schism_n can_v be_v charge_v only_o upon_o the_o disobey_v schismatic_a but_o this_o i_o have_v large_o discourse_v in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o those_o shrewd_a question_n which_o our_o reconciler_n say_v he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o dissenter_n â—02_n to_o which_o he_o find_v no_o answer_n in_o the_o reply_v of_o any_o of_o their_o adversary_n and_o which_o he_o entreat_v the_o champion_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o respect_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o church-governor_n the_o reputation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o her_o discipline_n not_o to_o pass_v by_o without_o the_o least_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v now_o though_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o character_n of_o a_o champion_n yet_o i_o have_v such_o a_o hearty_a love_n and_o reverence_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o i_o can_v deny_v so_o easy_a a_o request_n as_o this_o the_o most_o troublesome_a task_n be_v to_o transcribe_v all_o these_o question_n quest._n 1._o the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o do_v well_o that_o unnecessary_o bring_v subject_n into_o such_o a_o straight_o by_o needless_a law_n for_o addition_n in_o religion_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n must_v unavoidable_o be_v perplex_v between_o a_o fear_n of_o treason_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n and_o disobedience_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n ans._n i_o answer_v such_o man_n do_v certain_o very_o ill_o in_o it_o but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o she_o have_v make_v no_o needless_a law_n for_o law_n to_o direct_v and_o determine_v the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v not_o needless_a but_o necessary_a as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v our_o reconciler_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o authority_n and_o if_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v needless_a the_o authority_n be_v so_o too_o and_o than_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n a_o needless_a authority_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v not_o own_o that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n but_o what_o she_o have_v from_o christ._n nor_o do_v the_o church_n make_v any_o addition_n in_o religion_n for_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o addition_n to_o external_a worship_n but_o as_o necessary_a to_o it_o as_o decency_n be_v unless_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o command_v we_o to_o reverence_v our_o prince_n and_o parent_n and_o superior_n to_o command_v child_n servant_n or_o subject_n to_o stand_v bare_a before_o they_o nor_o need_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n be_v unavoidable_o perplex_v between_o a_o fear_n of_o treason_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n and_o of_o disobedience_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n for_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o fear_n god_n be_v not_o thus_o perplex_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unavoidable_a i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o if_o he_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o reckon_v he_o among_o those_o man_n who_o either_o fear_n god_n or_o reverence_v their_o prince_n and_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v another_o good_a reason_n why_o this_o be_v not_o unavoidable_a because_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n in_o this_o case_n between_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o prince_n and_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n need_v to_o be_v perplex_v about_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a competition_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v thus_o perplex_v neither_o because_o all_o man_n who_o fear_n god_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o understand_v that_o where_o christ_n command_v one_o thing_n and_o our_o prince_n another_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n quest._n 2._o whether_o ruler_n may_v command_v any_o indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n which_o will_v notable_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a or_o make_v a_o unnecessary_a necessary_a thing_n a_o mean_n or_o occasion_n of_o exclude_v the_o necessary_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n ans._n if_o by_o indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n he_o mean_v thing_n whole_o useless_a and_o by_o their_o notable_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n hurtful_a as_o well_o as_o useless_a it_o be_v certain_a governor_n ought_v not_o to_o command_v such_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n though_o upon_o some_o account_n they_o may_v be_v call_v indifferent_a yet_o be_v very_o useful_a as_o contribute_v to_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o public_a worship_n be_v and_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o do_v any_o hurt_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o with_o what_o face_n can_v our_o reconciler_n pretend_v that_o they_o exclude_v the_o necessary_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n when_o god_n be_v still_o worship_v and_o the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o all_o the_o parish-church_n of_o england_n unless_o he_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o worship_v nor_o the_o gospel_n preach_v any_o where_o but_o at_o a_o conventicle_n quest._n 3._o whether_o be_v it_o more_o to_o common_a good_a and_o the_o interest_n of_o honesty_n and_o conscience_n that_o all_o the_o parson_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v imprison_v banish_a or_o silence_v that_o dare_v not_o swear_v say_v and_o practice_v all_o that_o be_v impose_v on_o they_o than_o that_o unnecessary_a imposition_n be_v alter_v or_o forbear_v now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o ask_v our_o reconciler_n a_o question_n now_o and_o then_o i_o ask_v therefore_o whether_o be_v most_o for_o the_o common_a good_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o settle_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o whether_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o order_n or_o government_n without_o reject_v and_o censure_v those_o who_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o it_o whether_o be_v most_o for_o the_o public_a good_a to_o maintain_v and_o encourage_v a_o loyal_a and_o conformable_a clergy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o such_o man_n or_o to_o nourish_v shism_n and_o schismatic_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o quest._n 4._o have_v image_n be_v lawful_o use_v in_o place_n or_o exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o whether_o be_v it_o not_o inhuman_a and_o unchristian_a in_o those_o bishop_n and_o council_n who_o anathematise_v all_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o eject_v and_o silence_v the_o dissenter_n ans._n the_o bare_a lawfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o fit_a matter_n for_o a_o law_n but_o whatever_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o useful_a if_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o just_a authority_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v by_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o be_v censure_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n but_o why_o he_o particular_o instance_n in_o image_n i_o can_v tell_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o but_o our_o church_n which_o retain_v ceremony_n remove_v image_n as_o just_a matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n quest._n 5._o whether_o christ_n who_o make_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n the_o test_n and_o stand_a term_n of_o entrance_n do_v set_v up_o pastor_n over_o his_o church_n to_o make_v new_a and_o strict_a term_n and_o law_n or_o to_o preserve_v concord_n on_o the_o term_n that_o he_o have_v found_v it_o and_o to_o see_v that_o man_n live_v in_o unity_n and_o piety_n according_a to_o those_o term_n and_o when_o they_o as_o christ_n minister_n have_v receive_v man_n on_o christ_n term_n whether_o they_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n again_o for_o want_n of_o more_o or_o only_o for_o violate_v these_o 104._o ans._n the_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n but_o church-communion_n require_v our_o submission_n to_o church-authority_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o to_o say_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o society_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o society_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o the_o
the_o come_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v never_o enlarge_v yet_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o schismatic_n which_o divide_v and_o lessen_v the_o church_n but_o will_v never_o enlarge_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o pray_v hearty_o thy_o kingdom_n come_v must_v take_v care_n to_o suppress_v all_o schism_n and_o schismatical_a preacher_n who_o be_v the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n q._n 3._o can_v you_o or_o any_o mortal_a man_n prove_v that_o other_o may_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o differ_v from_o you_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o you_o differ_v from_o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n ans._n i_o dare_v put_v the_o final_a decision_n of_o this_o controversy_n upon_o this_o issue_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o dissenter_n come_v near_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a church_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o we_o do_v not_o use_v all_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o we_o use_v some_o which_o be_v not_o then_o use_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v dissenter_n for_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v she_o own_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n while_o they_o comply_v with_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n but_o private_a christian_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n while_o she_o enjoin_v nothing_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n q._n 4._o what_o if_o the_o old_a liturgy_n and_o that_o new_a one_o compile_v and_o present_v to_o the_o bishop_n at_o the_o savoy_n 1661._o have_v both_o pass_v and_o be_v allow_v for_o minister_n to_o use_v as_o they_o judge_v most_o convenient_a may_v not_o several_a minister_n and_o congregation_n in_o this_o case_n have_v use_v several_a modes_n of_o worship_n without_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n or_o count_v each_o other_o schismatic_n what_o if_o our_o king_n and_o parliament_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n enjoin_v conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n that_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n for_o substance_n to_o attend_v peaceable_o upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o serve_v god_n and_o his_o church_n the_o best_a they_o can_v whether_o they_o use_v the_o ceremony_n and_o scruple_v expression_n of_o the_o liturgy_n or_o no_o without_o uncharitable_a reflection_n or_o bitter_a censure_n upon_o one_o another_o in_o word_n or_o writing_n where_o will_v be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o such_o a_o law_n ans._n this_o be_v much_o like_o mr._n humphrey_n project_n of_o unite_n all_o dissenter_n into_o one_o national_a church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n under_o the_o king_n as_o the_o accidental_a head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v large_o and_o particular_o answer_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n the_o only_a fault_n in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o it_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divide_v christian_n into_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a schism_n and_o emulation_n which_o no_o law_n can_v prevent_v as_o for_o mr._n baxter_n liturgy_n i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o man_n may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v allow_v to_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la as_o to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v write_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la it_o argue_v very_o little_a modesty_n in_o those_o man_n to_o present_v such_o crude_a and_o indigested_a stuff_n to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o it_o argue_v as_o little_a understanding_n and_o honesty_n in_o our_o reconciler_n to_o plead_v for_o it_o q._n 5._o dissenter_n ought_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o shall_v not_o imposer_n do_v the_o like_a be_v this_o one_o rule_n agree_v on_o what_o peace_n and_o unity_n will_v soon_o follow_v and_o if_o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n peace_n extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o schism_n in_o their_o set_n up_o unnecessary_a rule_n which_o other_o can_v submit_v to_o as_o in_o man_n vary_v from_o such_o rule_n ans._n i_o wonder_v what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o dissenter_n yield_v as_o if_o they_o stand_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n like_o two_o equal_n to_o compose_v a_o difference_n and_o quarrel_n shall_v yield_v and_o condescend_v to_o each_o other_o the_o dissenter_n ought_v not_o to_o yield_v to_o but_o to_o obey_v the_o church_n the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o yield_v to_o dissenter_n but_o to_o govern_v prudent_o and_o charitable_o the_o church_n have_v do_v her_o part_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 2._o and_o the_o only_a quarrel_n be_v that_o dissenter_n will_v not_o do_v they_o but_o what_o a_o admirable_a rule_n be_v this_o to_o make_v peace_n when_o they_o do_v not_o they_o can_v tell_v we_o how_o far_o the_o dissenter_n will_v yield_v and_o what_o the_o church_n must_v yield_v to_o make_v peace_n but_o for_o aught_o i_o perceive_v this_o be_v a_o great_a secret_a and_o like_a to_o continue_v so_o i_o suppose_v the_o dissenter_n aâ—ter_v all_o think_v they_o can_v yield_v nothing_o and_o the_o church_n see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v any_o thing_n and_o here_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o project_n indeed_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o church_n to_o yield_v every_o thing_n all_o her_o unnecessary_a rule_n which_o other_o can_v otherwise_o call_v will_v not_o submit_v to_o that_o be_v at_o least_o all_o the_o decent_a ceremony_n of_o worship_n if_o not_o her_o own_o authority_n too_o and_o the_o only_a argument_n he_o use_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o yield_v be_v because_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o yield_v that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o governor_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o subject_n because_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o governor_n i_o do_v not_o much_o care_n to_o be_v a_o undertaker_n and_o yet_o i_o will_v venture_v for_o once_o to_o propose_v this_o expedient_a for_o peace_n let_v the_o dissenter_n as_o in_o duty_n bind_v yield_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o church_n shall_v yield_v every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o desire_a union_n this_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a proposition_n not_o only_o because_o subject_n ought_v first_o to_o yield_v but_o because_o the_o church_n know_v not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v yield_v till_o she_o see_v how_o far_o the_o dissenter_n can_v yield_v indeed_o will_v the_o dissenter_n yield_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n for_o the_o church_n yield_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n enjoin_v nothing_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o injurious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o do_v not_o think_v she_o do_v both_o dissent_v preacher_n and_o hearer_n when_o it_o serve_v a_o secular_a interest_n can_v hear_v the_o common-prayer_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v though_o the_o minister_n officiate_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o i_o be_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o hope_v that_o when_o they_o do_v so_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o this_o they_o can_v yield_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n or_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o yield_v and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v little_o leave_v for_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v his_o two_o next_o question_n whether_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v perform_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n without_o these_o ceremony_n and_o whether_o if_o man_n must_v be_v without_o the_o word_n and_o without_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o without_o these_o ceremony_n which_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o etc._n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v this_o do_v not_o make_v they_o of_o equal_a necessity_n with_o divine_a institution_n have_v be_v already_o answer_v at_o large_a in_o the_o first_o chapter_n q._n 8._o whether_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v set_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o encompass_v of_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o whether_o the_o take_n of_o a_o narrow_a compass_n be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a error_n
for_o deny_v this_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v then_o that_o he_o be_v a_o reconciler_n for_o never_o any_o reconciler_n be_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o church_n and_o methinks_v the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n and_o the_o prosecution_n of_o dissenter_n upon_o that_o and_o former_a act_n may_v convince_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o our_o present_a sovereign_n be_v none_o of_o his_o protestant_a reconciler_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o can_v prove_v against_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o experience_n and_o complaint_n of_o dissenter_n all_o these_o to_o be_v reconcile_a king_n i_o be_o resolve_v i_o will_v be_v a_o protestant_a reconciler_n too_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v pass_v for_o as_o good_a a_o reconciler_n as_o any_o of_o these_o renown_a king_n without_o recant_v this_o book_n let_v we_o hear_v then_o how_o he_o prove_v these_o great_a prince_n to_o be_v reconciler_n as_o for_o king_n james_n he_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o reconciler_n 4._o from_o casaubon_n epistle_n to_o cardinal_n perroon_n now_o how_o faithful_o casaubon_n represent_v the_o king_n judgement_n be_v more_o than_o our_o reconciler_n can_v tell_v only_o i_o be_o certain_a he_o do_v misrepresent_v he_o if_o he_o make_v a_o reconciler_n of_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o this_o for_o whoever_o consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o word_n may_v put_v a_o very_a sober_a construction_n on_o they_o without_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o our_o reconciler_n for_o the_o dispute_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o religious_a worship_n but_o the_o unscriptural_a innovation_n of_o popery_n which_o they_o impose_v upon_o all_o church_n as_o term_n of_o catholic_n communion_n now_o in_o this_o controversy_n any_o man_n may_v safe_o say_v what_o casaubon_n say_v for_o the_o king_n without_o be_v a_o protestant_a reconciler_n for_o there_o be_v no_o near_a way_n of_o concord_n than_o to_o separate_v thing_n necessary_a from_o unnecessary_a to_o call_v nothing_o simple_o necessary_a but_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v or_o which_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o other_o humane_a constitution_n whatever_o antiquity_n or_o authority_n be_v pretend_v for_o they_o may_v be_v change_v mollify_v antiquate_a and_o that_o this_o may_v in_o the_o general_n be_v say_v of_o most_o ecclesiastical_a observation_n introduce_v without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o this_o do_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o such_o ecclesiastical_a observation_n as_o be_v in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o celibacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a pilgrimage_n monastic_a vow_n the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n and_o the_o like_a for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o ancient_a council_n or_o the_o ancient_a practice_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n now_o in_o these_o case_n i_o be_o perfect_o of_o the_o king_n mind_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o take_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o protestant_a reconciler_n in_o our_o author_n way_n our_o royal_a martyr_n when_o he_o see_v what_o danger_n church_n and_o state_n and_o his_o own_o royal_a person_n be_v in_o from_o the_o outrageous_a zeal_n of_o dissent_v protestant_n who_o do_v not_o now_o humble_o beg_v for_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n but_o contend_v for_o rule_n and_o empire_n be_v willing_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o allay_v these_o heat_n and_o divert_v the_o storm_n by_o yield_v somewhat_o to_o their_o boisterous_a and_o threaten_a importunity_n and_o if_o he_o have_v yield_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o at_o that_o time_n than_o he_o do_v i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v no_o argument_n of_o his_o own_o settle_a judgement_n of_o thing_n the_o reconciler_n may_v hence_o prove_v that_o the_o king_n think_v it_o much_o better_a to_o yield_v a_o little_a at_o that_o time_n than_o to_o ruin_v church_n and_o state_n by_o too_o much_o stiffness_n not_o that_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v any_o thing_n on_o his_o subject_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o scruple_n and_o yet_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o king_n yield_v under_o these_o necessity_n for_o that_o our_o reconciler_n produce_v these_o word_n as_o for_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o for_o matter_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n concern_v religion_n we_o shall_v in_o tenderness_n to_o any_o number_n of_o our_o love_a subject_n very_o willing_o comply_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o parliament_n that_o some_o law_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o exemption_n of_o tender_a conscience_n from_o punishment_n or_o prosecution_n for_o such_o ceremony_n and_o in_o such_o case_n which_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o man_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v matter_n indifferent_a and_o of_o some_o to_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a do_v the_o king_n in_o these_o word_n promise_v to_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abolish_v all_o ceremony_n &_o c_o by_o no_o mean_n he_o only_o say_v that_o he_o will_v comply_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o parliament_n to_o exempt_v such_o tender_a conscience_n from_o punishment_n and_o how_o can_v our_o reconciler_n hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o king_n believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n because_o at_o such_o a_o critical_a time_n he_o be_v content_v there_o shall_v be_v some_o provision_n make_v to_o secure_a dissenter_n from_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o penal_a law_n and_o yet_o that_o ill_a usage_n which_o so_o excellent_a a_o prince_n meet_v with_o from_o these_o dissent_v protestant_n after_o such_o a_o condescension_n as_o this_o give_v no_o great_a encouragement_n to_o prince_n to_o try_v this_o experiment_n again_o thus_o he_o prove_v our_o present_a sovereign_n to_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n by_o his_o declaration_n from_o breda_n which_o he_o print_v at_o large_a i_o suppose_v for_o fear_v people_n shall_v forget_v that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o declaration_n or_o what_o be_v the_o content_n of_o it_o how_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n at_o that_o time_n may_v incline_v his_o majesty_n to_o such_o a_o condescension_n be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o inquire_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o present_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o king_n against_o that_o declaration_n which_o so_o far_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v be_v not_o of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n now_o and_o indeed_o never_o be_v notwithstanding_o that_o declaration_n for_o he_o never_o assert_v it_o unlawful_a to_o impose_v scruple_v ceremony_n upon_o dissenter_n but_o think_v it_o expedient_a at_o that_o time_n to_o indulge_v their_o weakness_n and_o while_o matter_n be_v under_o debate_n for_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n no_o wonder_n that_o the_o king_n and_o his_o great_a minister_n shall_v make_v proposal_n of_o accommodation_n and_o offer_v their_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o it_o but_o i_o always_o think_v that_o what_o be_v say_v by_o any_o person_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o while_o the_o matter_n be_v under_o debate_n be_v not_o so_o good_a a_o argument_n what_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n be_v as_o what_o he_o agree_v and_o consent_v to_o when_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n have_v be_v hear_v and_o scan_v thus_o our_o king_n be_v our_o own_o again_o and_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o countenance_v such_o a_o design_n as_o this_o which_o serve_v only_o to_o encourage_v a_o busy_a and_o restless_a party_n among_o we_o who_o first_o strike_v at_o the_o church_n but_o will_v never_o be_v quiet_a till_o they_o have_v usurp_v the_o throne_n what_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v evident_a from_o her_o article_n canon_n and_o constitution_n and_o this_o signify_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o i_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o private_a doctor_n of_o what_o note_n and_o eminency_n soever_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o particular_a doctor_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a work_n to_o number_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o private_a doctor_n on_o both_o side_n indeed_o their_o authority_n be_v no_o great_a than_o their_o reason_n be_v and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o speak_v without_o book_n unless_o they_o have_v something_o more_o
to_o say_v than_o our_o reconciler_n have_v and_o when_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o will_v consider_v it_o and_o yet_o those_o private_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o who_o judgement_n our_o reconciler_n appeal_v say_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n not_o a_o man_n of_o they_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v scruple_v as_o any_o one_o may_v observe_v who_o careful_o read_v their_o testimony_n some_o of_o they_o indeed_o do_v think_v it_o advisable_v if_o it_o will_v heal_v our_o present_a schism_n to_o part_v with_o some_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n 1._o those_o who_o think_v this_o may_v be_v do_v be_v there_o good_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o such_o abatement_n will_v cure_v the_o schism_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o a_o firm_a and_o last_a peace_n in_o this_o church_n 2._o those_o who_o think_v this_o way_n ought_v to_o be_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v effect_v the_o cure_n or_o no._n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o the_o exchange_n of_o a_o ceremony_n or_o two_o while_o the_o external_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n may_v be_v otherwise_o secure_v will_v certain_o heal_v our_o schism_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v ever_o be_v the_o man_n who_o shall_v oppose_v so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v my_o thought_n free_o that_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o great_a man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n in_o declare_v their_o judgement_n unasked_a about_o a_o imaginary_a case_n which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o impossible_a shall_v over_o be_v a_o real_a case_n this_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o present_a temper_n and_o complexion_n of_o the_o schism_n which_o even_o among_o the_o most_o moderote_v dissenter_n be_v improve_v far_o beyond_o the_o dispute_n of_o a_o ceremony_n but_o from_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o their_o principle_n whereon_o they_o demand_v such_o a_o alteration_n be_v schismatical_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o schismatical_a principle_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o ceremony_n may_v for_o the_o present_a quiet_a our_o dispute_n yet_o this_o peace_n will_v last_v no_o long_o than_o the_o man_n be_v in_o a_o good_a humour_n because_o those_o very_a principle_n which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n now_o will_v also_o disturb_v the_o best_a order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v devise_v and_o while_o the_o principle_n remain_v the_o seed_n of_o discord_n remain_v also_o and_o there_o will_v never_o want_v man_n or_o devil_n to_o improve_v they_o into_o open_a contention_n whoever_o believe_v that_o nothing_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o express_v divine_a law_n for_o that_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v sinful_a when_o they_o be_v command_v though_o by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n that_o neither_o the_o governor_n in_o church_n nor_o state_n have_v any_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n on_o which_o man_n oppose_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n will_v as_o inevitable_o be_v schismatic_n under_o any_o constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n be_v accountable_a to_o the_o people_n will_v be_v rebel_n whenever_o they_o be_v not_o please_v and_o have_v power_n to_o resist_v take_v away_o these_o principle_n and_o we_o may_v keep_v our_o ceremony_n and_o while_o these_o principle_n last_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o part_v with_o the_o least_o ceremony_n 2._o as_o for_o those_o who_o think_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o try_v this_o experiment_n whether_o such_o abatement_n and_o condescension_n will_v reconcile_v dissent_v protestant_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v in_o my_o opinion_n a_o very_a dangerous_a as_o well_o as_o a_o very_a unreasonable_a experiment_n all_o change_n and_o innovation_n unless_o they_o be_v make_v on_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n and_o with_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o caution_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o the_o great_a politician_n can_v always_o foresee_v what_o the_o event_n will_v be_v but_o to_o change_v light_o and_o wanton_o without_o a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o a_o good_a effect_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o gravity_n of_o government_n it_o be_v only_o like_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o a_o sick_a man_n who_o seek_v for_o some_o present_a relief_n by_o change_a side_n though_o when_o he_o have_v do_v he_o find_v himself_o as_o uneasy_a as_o he_o be_v before_o if_o such_o abatement_n do_v not_o 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call_v a_o charitable_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o importunity_n of_o other_o be_v always_o expound_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o weakness_n or_o mistake_n of_o government_n that_o it_o can_v defend_v itself_o against_o popular_a clamour_n and_o opposition_n or_o that_o they_o mistake_v their_o rule_n the_o first_o make_v their_o authority_n precarious_a and_o teach_v people_n not_o to_o fear_v their_o governor_n when_o they_o see_v their_o governor_n be_v afraid_a of_o they_o the_o other_o destroy_v the_o reverence_n of_o their_o law_n and_o teach_v people_n not_o to_o obey_v but_o to_o dispute_v and_o of_o all_o mistake_n the_o mistake_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o unpardonable_a and_o the_o great_a blemish_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n because_o here_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o certain_a and_o do_v not_o alter_v with_o accidental_a and_o mutable_a event_n so_o that_o if_o thing_n be_v well_o settle_v at_o first_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n ever_o to_o change_v as_o may_v be_v in_o all_o other_o law_n which_o must_v be_v fit_v to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o other_o changeable_a circumstance_n but_o even_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o vary_v with_o the_o unreasonable_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n in_o every_o age_n or_o if_o it_o do_v religion_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n suffer_v by_o it_o now_o whatever_o private_a doctor_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o for_o those_o who_o assert_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n assert_v it_o without_o authority_n too_o his_o next_o testimony_n be_v borrow_v from_o some_o foreign_a divine_n such_o as_o beza_n zanchy_a junius_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o oppose_v other_o foreign_a divine_n against_o they_o if_o not_o to_o answer_v they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o write_n but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a these_o man_n be_v not_o infallible_a i_o will_v never_o value_v those_o man_n judgement_n about_o ceremony_n who_o can_v be_v content_v to_o change_v the_o apostolical_a order_n of_o bishop_n for_o a_o presbyterian_a parity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o insist_o at_o large_a on_o those_o term_n of_o concord_n which_o have_v be_v propose_v both_o by_o our_o own_o and_o by_o foreign_a divine_n between_o distinct_a church_n and_o hence_o very_o wise_o conclude_v that_o the_o same_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n but_o this_o i_o have_v consider_v already_o and_o refer_v my_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o remark_n upon_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n etc._n thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o our_o reconciler_n and_o shall_v conclude_v this_o work_n with_o a_o short_a address_n to_o our_o dissenter_n lest_o they_o shall_v not_o right_o understand_v how_o much_o they_o be_v
suit_v to_o attain_v the_o same_o end_n as_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v necessary_a but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n which_o may_v be_v all_o very_a decent_a now_o in_o this_o case_n all_o these_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v on_o different_a account_n both_o necessary_a and_o indifferent_a they_o be_v necessary_a consider_v as_o to_o their_o general_a nature_n and_o use_n as_o they_o be_v decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n because_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v necessary_a they_o be_v indifferent_a consider_v as_o such_o particular_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n because_o there_o be_v other_o decent_a way_n of_o worship_n beside_o they_o as_o to_o show_v this_o in_o a_o parallel_n case_n all_o wholesome_a food_n be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v life_n and_o health_n and_o yet_o no_o one_o particular_a kind_n of_o food_n consider_v as_o such_o a_o particular_a 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occasion_v by_o the_o variety_n of_o decent_a rite_n it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o will_v use_v any_o decent_a ceremony_n or_o none_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o use_v decent_a or_o indecent_a ceremony_n but_o the_o only_a indifferency_n be_v in_o a_o variety_n of_o decent_a ceremony_n which_o we_o will_v choose_v from_o hence_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n it_o appear_v that_o all_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n have_v such_o a_o goodness_n in_o they_o as_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v command_v for_o though_o they_o have_v no_o inâ—ernal_a nor_o necessary_a goodness_n consider_v absolute_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o have_v the_o goodness_n of_o decency_n which_o be_v command_v by_o a_o express_a law_n and_o be_v essential_a to_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o indifferent_a as_o thing_n which_o can_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o hurt_n which_o we_o may_v use_v or_o may_v let_v alone_o but_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n as_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n or_o as_o a_o cause_n be_v to_o produce_v its_o effect_n we_o may_v safe_o say_v in_o general_a that_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a to_o public_a worship_n because_o public_a worship_n can_v be_v perform_v decent_o without_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o can_v say_v this_o of_o any_o particular_a ceremony_n be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v absolute_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n consider_v as_o decent_a but_o they_o be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o our_o choice_n and_o election_n when_o there_o be_v a_o variety_n of_o such_o decent_a ceremony_n for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o one_o decent_a garb_n or_o posture_n but_o may_v command_v the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v decent_a but_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o particular_a ceremony_n that_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o goodness_n or_o necessity_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v because_o there_o be_v other_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n as_o decent_a as_o they_o for_o this_o argument_n will_v hold_v against_o all_o particular_a ceremony_n consider_v in_o particular_a and_o so_o no_o particular_a ceremony_n of_o decency_n must_v be_v command_v and_o yet_o this_o general_a notion_n of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n can_v never_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a decent_a rite_n and_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v very_o undue_o and_o improper_o give_v to_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o have_v in_o part_n occasion_v those_o fierce_a dispute_n and_o contention_n about_o they_o for_o indeed_o indifferent_a thing_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
duty_n but_o the_o power_n of_o impose_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o the_o power_n of_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o power_n as_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o office_n be_v a_o trust_n and_o a_o duty_n the_o prudent_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o when_o they_o please_v either_o part_n with_o the_o power_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n be_v content_v to_o part_v with_o the_o temporal_a reward_n of_o his_o ministry_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o successful_o discharge_v the_o ministry_n itself_o therefore_o church-governor_n must_v not_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o humour_n dissenter_n st._n paul_n do_v more_o than_o his_o strict_a duty_n require_v that_o he_o may_v have_v something_o to_o glory_n in_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v neglect_v their_o duty_n and_o lose_v their_o reward_n indeed_o our_o reconciler_n talk_v as_o if_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v only_o a_o personal_a right_n a_o compliment_n to_o church-governor_n a_o ornamental_a power_n which_o they_o may_v use_v or_o may_v let_v alone_o as_o they_o please_v and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v present_o be_v of_o our_o reconciler_n mind_n but_o i_o believe_v they_o have_v no_o such_o kind_n of_o useless_a authority_n as_o this_o christ_n have_v not_o complemented_a his_o minister_n with_o any_o power_n which_o be_v not_o for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o useful_a power_n and_o that_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v when_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o whoever_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o another_o reason_n why_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospsl_n free_o at_o corinth_n he_o give_v we_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 12_o 13._o what_o i_o do_v that_o i_o will_v do_v that_o i_o may_v cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o wherein_o they_o glory_v they_o may_v be_v find_v even_o as_o we_o for_o such_o be_v false_a apostle_n deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o there_o be_v several_a false_a teacher_n who_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o and_o use_v all_o manner_n of_o art_n to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o among_o other_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o to_o they_o only_o as_o they_o pretend_v out_o of_o love_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o very_a popular_a art_n especial_o to_o that_o people_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o to_o they_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o be_v to_o disappoint_v those_o art_n of_o deceit_n whereby_o these_o false_a teacher_n endeavour_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o that_o wherein_o they_o glory_v they_o may_v be_v find_v even_o as_o we_o that_o whereas_o they_o glory_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n free_o this_o may_v give_v they_o no_o advantage_n since_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o myself_o have_v all_o along_o do_v and_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v our_o reconciler_n paraphrase_v these_o word_n thus_o to_o cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n that_o be_v lest_o his_o enemy_n shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o his_o liberty_n to_o charge_n 138._o or_o to_o traduce_v he_o as_o one_o who_o more_o consult_v his_o own_o profit_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o occasion_n have_v there_o be_v for_o this_o though_o he_o have_v take_v wage_n of_o they_o as_o he_o say_v he_o do_v of_o other_o church_n to_o supply_v his_o necessity_n it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a notwithstanding_o that_o he_o do_v exact_v nothing_o from_o they_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n for_o certain_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v the_o supply_n of_o his_o want_n without_o be_v charge_v with_o covetousness_n but_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o suffer_v these_o false_a prophet_n by_o a_o pretend_a and_o hypocritical_a zeal_n to_o outdo_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n now_o the_o apostle_n care_n to_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o false_a teacher_n be_v a_o good_a example_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n not_o to_o do_v so_o neither_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v give_v they_o great_a advantage_n than_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o order_n and_o decency_n to_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n well_o but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n do_v give_v occasion_n to_o they_o that_o desire_v occasion_n to_o traduce_v they_o as_o man_n who_o more_o regard_v a_o ceremony_n than_o a_o immortal_a soul_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o command_a power_n than_o the_o preserve_n of_o poor_a soul_n from_o damn_v schism_n and_o the_o church_n from_o sad_a division_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v very_o spiteful_a but_o very_o foolish_a insinuation_n as_o for_o schism_n and_o division_n we_o have_v already_o consider_v where_o that_o charge_n must_v rest_v and_o then_o how_o do_v ceremony_n come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v the_o appointment_n of_o some_o ceremony_n for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n hinder_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n can_v man_n be_v save_v who_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n then_o indeed_o our_o reconciler_n may_v well_o complain_v that_o those_o who_o impose_v such_o damn_v ceremony_n have_v more_o regard_n to_o a_o ceremony_n than_o to_o a_o immortal_a soul_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n between_o ceremony_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v schismatic_n for_o a_o ceremony_n will_v be_v schismatic_n without_o it_o and_o will_v be_v damn_v for_o their_o schism_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o ceremony_n or_o not_o all_o that_o remain_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v his_o answer_n to_o meisner_n argument_n which_o i_o have_v already_o consider_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o purpose_n chap._n vii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o motive_n to_o mutual_a condescension_n urge_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o protestant_a reconciler_n i_o find_v nothing_o in_o this_o chapter_n beside_o some_o harangue_n and_o popular_a declamation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v already_o the_o whole_a proceed_v upon_o those_o general_a topic_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o these_o thing_n the_o danger_n man_n soul_n be_v in_o by_o these_o imposition_n the_o obligation_n to_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v particular_o discourse_v above_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v particular_o examine_v but_o however_o i_o will_v brief_o try_v whether_o i_o can_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o all_o this_o which_o may_v be_v as_o popular_a as_o his_o objection_n be_v i._o his_o first_o argument_n or_o motive_n be_v from_o consider_v how_o small_a the_o thing_n be_v which_o cause_n our_o discord_n and_o division_n 166._o when_o they_o be_v set_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o more_o weighty_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o love_n peace_n and_o the_o church_n union_n and_o edification_n and_o the_o avoid_v the_o offence_n and_o scandal_n of_o jew_n gentile_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o very_o pompous_o prove_v to_o be_v great_a gospel-duty_n now_o suppose_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v never_o so_o small_a if_o they_o be_v of_o any_o use_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n as_o our_o reconciler_n own_v they_o be_v what_o will_v he_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o little_a thing_n must_v not_o be_v enjoin_v what_o not_o when_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o enjoin_v they_o do_v christ_n then_o give_v any_o authority_n to_o his_o church_n which_o she_o must_v not_o use_v must_v nothing_o be_v enjoin_v which_o be_v little_a in_o comparison_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n or_o must_v they_o be_v enjoin_v and_o leave_v indifferent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n must_v the_o church_n appoint_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o command_v no_o body_n to_o observe_v they_o but_o those_o who_o please_v in_o all_o well-governed_a society_n there_n must_v be_v law_n about_o little_a as_o well_o as_o about_o great_a thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v the_o least_o matter_n both_o in_o
it_o on_o the_o second_o month_n by_o those_o who_o be_v unclean_a or_o in_o a_o journey_n on_o the_o first_o month_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o what_o god_n have_v prescribe_v when_o god_n himself_o have_v express_o prescribe_v it_o and_o let_v he_o consider_v once_o more_o whether_o work_v of_o necessity_n and_o mercy_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o sabbatick_a rest_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o that_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v exclude_v such_o work_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o reconciler_n can_v produce_v any_o one_o instance_n wherein_o god_n permit_v and_o allow_v the_o violation_n of_o any_o ceremonial_a law_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n without_o express_a order_n for_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n be_v very_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a in_o exact_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o and_o do_v give_v as_o signal_n example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o upon_o any_o other_o whatever_o witness_v the_o man_n who_o gather_v stick_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n for_o it_o the_o fate_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n who_o quarrel_v with_o moses_n and_o aaron_n which_o be_v more_o like_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o offer_v incense_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o a_o fire_n consume_v the_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o man_n that_o offer_v incense_n numb_a to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o case_n of_o vzzah_n who_o be_v strike_v dead_a upon_o the_o place_n for_o touch_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v though_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o very_a pious_a intention_n to_o preserve_v it_o from_o fall_v 7._o thus_o saul_n offering_n sacrifice_n in_o samuel_n absence_n etc._n though_o he_o have_v a_o very_a plausible_a excuse_n for_o it_o and_o his_o spare_a agag_n the_o king_n of_o the_o amalakite_n etc._n and_o the_o best_a of_o the_o sheep_n and_o ox_n etc._n etc._n cost_v he_o his_o kingdom_n this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o god_n be_v so_o little_o concern_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o ceremonial_a law_n or_o think_v any_o thing_n little_a which_o he_o command_v when_o he_o so_o severe_o revenge_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o god_n indeed_o do_v prefer_v true_a and_o real_a righteousness_n before_o any_o ceremonial_a observance_n but_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o countenance_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o mean_a law_n what_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n who_o pay_v thythe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v 23._o and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o stand_a rule_n in_o all_o these_o case_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v they_o shall_v observe_v they_o both_o the_o great_a and_o the_o less_o matter_n of_o 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argue_v from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o impose_v these_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dissenter_n among_o we_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o 1._o the_o example_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n 178._o that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o who_o be_v command_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n refuse_v to_o part_v with_o their_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n and_o to_o refrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o impose_v power_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a now_o if_o our_o reconciler_n will_v give_v i_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o i_o will_v tell_v he_o why_o they_o shall_v god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n but_o still_o they_o must_v be_v save_v in_o that_o method_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o this_o end_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o his_o law_n institute_v a_o church-society_n appoint_a steward_n of_o his_o family_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o household_n and_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o govern_v religious_a assembly_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o renounce_v this_o authority_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o in_o its_o rank_n and_o order_v it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o you_o will_v object_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contribute_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o that_o it_o destroy_v they_o what_o destroy_v they_o the_o use_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n no_o man_n may_v observe_v these_o ceremony_n without_o prejudice_v their_o salvation_n what_o then_o be_v it_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n nor_o that_o neither_o for_o to_o command_v that_o which_o will_v not_o destroy_v man_n soul_n can_v destroy_v they_o what_o be_v it_o then_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o obey_v such_o imposition_n right_o for_o this_o make_v man_n schismatic_n and_o will_v damn_v they_o and_o thus_o disobedience_n to_o any_o other_o of_o christ_n law_n will_v damn_v man_n though_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v god_n who_o do_v so_o infinite_o love_v sinner_n as_o to_o send_v christ_n to_o save_v they_o aught_o to_o have_v give_v they_o no_o law_n nor_o make_v any_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o fear_v man_n shall_v break_v they_o and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a thing_n to_o give_v his_o son_n for_o sinner_n than_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o some_o little_a folly_n and_o extravagance_n will_v god_n who_o love_v sinner_n so_o as_o to_o give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o they_o damn_v they_o for_o steal_v a_o shilling_n or_o two_o for_o play_v the_o goodfellow_n sometime_o or_o for_o some_o kind_n and_o amorous_a embrace_n sure_o he_o be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v repeal_v all_o these_o soul-destroying_a law_n and_o when_o we_o see_v this_o do_v it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o renounce_v their_o authority_n too_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n ibid._n ii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a to_o weak_a and_o err_a person_n as_o not_o to_o judge_v condemn_v or_o exclude_v they_o from_o his_o favour_n for_o any_o error_n of_o their_o judgement_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o true_a love_n to_o he_o and_o which_o they_o do_v not_o wilful_o embrace_v nor_o do_v persist_v in_o against_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o will_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o their_o unknown_a sin_n receive_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n though_o they_o live_v and_o die_v under_o such_o error_n and_o mistake_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v command_v to_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a reject_v they_o from_o communion_n who_o god_n will_v receive_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o forbear_v to_o condemn_v and_o censure_v they_o who_o god_n will_v absolve_v this_o be_v so_o fulsom_o ridiculous_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o answer_v it_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a to_o expose_v such_o popular_a cant._n for_o 1._o though_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n do_v incline_v we_o to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o invincible_a error_n yet_o we_o know_v
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 interest_n yet_o whatever_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o this_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n natural_a love_n to_o themselves_o to_o which_o this_o rule_n appeal_v will_v never_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o suffer_v especial_o when_o the_o suffering_n be_v great_a and_o capital_a upon_o any_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o be_v not_o our_o rule_n in_o such_o case_n for_o then_o no_o fault_n must_v ever_o be_v punish_v nor_o be_v there_o a_o equality_n between_o governor_n and_o subject_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n civil_a magistrate_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o consider_v the_o private_a passion_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n that_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o suffer_v when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o fault_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o punish_v other_o for_o they_o act_n not_o as_o private_a man_n but_o as_o public_a minister_n of_o justice_n and_o discipline_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o inequality_n this_o rule_n of_o equity_n will_v not_o hold_v governor_n and_o subject_n be_v equal_a consider_v as_o man_n but_o very_o unequal_a as_o governor_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o set_v they_o above_o other_o man_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o same_o man_n pass_v such_o different_a judgement_n on_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v subject_n and_o when_o they_o be_v governor_n because_o when_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o have_v a_o principal_a regard_n to_o a_o private_a and_o particular_a good_a and_o consult_v the_o desire_n and_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n when_o they_o be_v governor_n they_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o a_o public_a good_a and_o consider_v what_o their_o character_n and_o office_n and_o authority_n require_v they_o to_o do_v thus_o we_o know_v when_o some_o of_o our_o dissenter_n have_v get_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v as_o severe_a in_o press_v conformity_n to_o their_o new_a model_n and_o platform_n as_o loud_a and_o fierce_a in_o their_o declamation_n against_o toleration_n as_o now_o they_o be_v against_o conformity_n and_o for_o a_o toleration_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o see_v plain_o what_o the_o necessity_n of_o government_n require_v now_o the_o power_n be_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o consider_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o own_o preservation_n which_o make_v they_o dislike_v those_o thing_n when_o the_o government_n be_v against_o they_o which_o they_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o before_o this_o be_v universal_o true_a of_o all_o