of_o the_o cross_n as_o a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o a_o suffer_a religion_n as_o constantine_n make_v the_o cross_a his_o banner_n and_o royal_a standard_n and_o yet_o will_v any_o christian_a refuse_v to_o fight_v under_o a_o general_n who_o bear_v the_o cross_n in_o his_o banner_n if_o you_o say_v that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o civil_a sign_n and_o ceremony_n i_o deny_v it_o and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o religious_a ceremony_n as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n unless_o any_o man_n think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o field_n but_o only_o in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o make_v it_o a_o religious_a ceremony_n either_o upon_o a_o man_n forehead_n or_o in_o the_o emperor_n standard_n be_v that_o it_o be_v do_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n as_o a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o i_o think_v the_o cross_n in_o the_o emperor_n standard_n display_v in_o the_o open_a field_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o pagan_n be_v a_o more_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o cross_n than_o what_o be_v private_o transact_v in_o the_o church_n and_o leave_v no_o visible_a sign_n behind_o it_o and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v not_o as_o much_o scruple_n to_o fight_v under_o such_o a_o visible_a banner_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o to_o receive_v a_o invisible_a sign_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o forehead_n since_o the_o profession_n the_o ceremony_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v numerous_a nor_o too_o familiar_o use_v nor_o upon_o slight_a occasion_n for_o this_o burden_n religion_n and_o make_v they_o degenerate_a into_o superstition_n or_o formality_n but_o our_o church_n have_v retain_v but_o one_o such_o ceremony_n and_o that_o use_v but_o once_o in_o a_o man_n life_n upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a occasion_n in_o the_o world_n at_o our_o admission_n to_o baptism_n and_o it_o argue_v very_o little_a understanding_n in_o our_o reconciler_n to_o reproach_v the_o church_n for_o this_o and_o scornful_o to_o ask_v why_o she_o reject_v cross_v of_o the_o breast_n and_o retain_v cross_v in_o the_o forehead_n 297._o why_o she_o reject_v cross_v at_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o baptismal_a water_n and_o retain_v it_o at_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o infant_n why_o she_o reject_v exorcism_n chrysom_n unction_n dip_v trine_n immersion_n and_o retain_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o do_v not_o become_v i_o to_o censure_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o any_o of_o these_o ceremony_n but_o i_o think_v if_o the_o ancient_a church_n can_v be_v condemn_v for_o these_o thing_n our_o church_n can_v one_o ceremony_n be_v more_o easy_o justify_v than_o twenty_o and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o once_o upon_o a_o very_a solemn_a occasion_n than_o a_o too_o familiar_a use_n especial_o where_o it_o can_v so_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o profess_v sign_n which_o be_v all_o i_o undertake_v for_o the_o only_a objection_n i_o can_v think_v of_o against_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n as_o a_o profess_v sign_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o this_o because_o we_o make_v the_o very_a same_o profession_n at_o our_o baptism_n which_o represent_v and_o signify_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a addition_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o do_v tacit_o charge_v that_o divine_a institution_n with_o defect_n i_o answer_v the_o same_o objection_n for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n may_v have_v be_v make_v against_o the_o love-feast_n which_o be_v celebrate_v at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n with_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o signify_v that_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o that_o heavenly_a feast_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n but_o our_o union_n to_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o require_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o receive_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a institution_n observe_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n of_o those_o day_n the_o same_o answer_n than_o will_v serve_v for_o both_o that_o christian_a love_n and_o unity_n be_v include_v in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o a_o patient_a suffering_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v to_o signify_v these_o duty_n nor_o do_v they_o signify_v they_o otherwise_o than_o collateral_o and_o consequential_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o these_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o signify_v and_o represent_v a_o duty_n but_o to_o convey_v divine_a blessing_n and_o virtue_n to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o baptism_n which_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o renewal_n of_o pardon_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n where_o we_o feast_v on_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o but_o then_o as_o we_o all_o feast_n on_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n eat_v of_o the_o same_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n this_o consequential_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o natural_a affection_n but_o the_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o great_a a_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o proper_a to_o be_v exercise_v at_o this_o time_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o use_v also_o to_o kiss_v each_o other_o before_o receive_v and_o yet_o not_o direct_o and_o primary_o represent_v in_o this_o holy_a feast_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o think_v it_o any_o derogation_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o appoint_v a_o common_a table_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o eat_v at_o as_o a_o testimony_n and_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n with_o each_o other_o when_o we_o feast_n with_o any_o person_n it_o be_v a_o direct_a signification_n that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o friendship_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o at_o who_o table_n we_o eat_v but_o it_o do_v not_o so_o immediate_o signify_v that_o all_o the_o guest_n who_o eat_v at_o the_o same_o table_n be_v friend_n to_o each_o other_o it_o be_v reasonable_a indeed_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o god_n expect_v and_o require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o none_o be_v welcome_a at_o god_n table_n who_o do_v not_o come_v in_o perfect_a love_n and_o charity_n but_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n supper_n consider_v as_o a_o symbolical_a rite_n do_v not_o primary_o and_o direct_o signify_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o signify_v and_o profess_v this_o by_o a_o common_a table_n where_o christian_n first_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o as_o friend_n and_o have_v thus_o testify_v their_o mutual_a kindness_n to_o each_o other_o they_o be_v the_o better_o prepare_v to_o eat_v together_o at_o the_o table_n of_o their_o common_a lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o receive_v the_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o all_o so_o that_o this_o love-feast_n do_v not_o at_o all_o entrench_v upon_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v institute_v for_o a_o different_a end_n though_o in_o subserviency_n to_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o baptism_n it_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o initiation_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o entitle_v to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n but_o the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o baptism_n whereby_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v implant_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n death_n do_v not_o primary_o signify_v our_o lay_n down_o our_o life_n for_o christ_n though_o that_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o discipleship_n but_o it_o signify_v our_o new_a birth_n our_o spiritual_a conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n as_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 6_o rom._n and_o therefore_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o make_v such_o a_o express_a condition_n of_o our_o discipleship_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v it_o very_o fit_v to_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o this_o by_o receive_v the_o sign_n
will_v allow_v that_o christian_a prince_n ought_v to_o take_v any_o care_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o must_v grant_v they_o so_o much_o authority_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o censure_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n how_o far_o this_o may_v extend_v be_v another_o question_n i_o think_v all_o protestant_n with_o great_a reason_n reject_v sanguinary_a law_n in_o this_o case_n but_o whoever_o grant_v any_o authority_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o christian_a prince_n must_v grant_v what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n thus_o i_o have_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n about_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o any_o parity_n of_o reason_n i_o grant_v st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a writer_n do_v accommodate_v this_o doctrine_n of_o scandal_n to_o other_o case_n some_o of_o which_o passage_n our_o reconciler_n have_v transcribe_v from_o they_o that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o scandalize_v our_o weak_a brother_n by_o use_v our_o innocent_a liberty_n much_o less_o by_o our_o wicked_a example_n by_o do_v thing_n evil_a in_o themselves_o which_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o i_o grant_v such_o accommodation_n as_o these_o be_v very_o allowable_a in_o popular_a harangue_n but_o i_o hope_v our_o reconciler_n do_v not_o take_v they_o for_o argument_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v he_o can_v no_o more_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n and_o dissenter_n than_o he_o can_v the_o case_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v but_o because_o this_o discourse_n have_v be_v somewhat_o long_o though_o as_o plain_a and_o methodical_a as_o i_o can_v contrive_v it_o i_o shall_v reduce_v some_o of_o the_o most_o material_a thing_n in_o it_o into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o compare_v the_o apostle_n argument_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o reconciler_n which_o will_v enable_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n to_o judge_v how_o unlike_a they_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n 14_o rom._n the_o dispute_n between_o the_o believe_a jew_n &_o gentile_n be_v concern_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o about_o thing_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v indifferent_a the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o occasion_v their_o scruple_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o a_o express_a law_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n as_o visible_o repeal_v as_o it_o be_v give_v the_o offence_n the_o jew_n take_v against_o the_o gentile_n be_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o still_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o force_n and_o so_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v as_o they_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o law_n which_o be_v so_o much_o as_o to_o render_v forbearance_n reasonable_a that_o weakness_n which_o plead_v for_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o weakness_n in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v tender_o use_v and_o indulge_v as_o be_v neither_o capable_a at_o present_a of_o better_a instruction_n nor_o severe_a government_n for_o the_o danger_n which_o the_o believe_a jew_n be_v in_o and_o which_o st._n paul_n endeavour_v to_o prevent_v be_v lest_o they_o shall_v reject_v christianity_n if_o christianity_n reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o they_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o while_n till_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n before_o they_o give_v they_o any_o disturbance_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o will_v endanger_v their_o apostasy_n while_o they_o more_o firm_o believe_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n than_o they_o do_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n and_o indeed_o god_n himself_o have_v by_o visible_a sign_n instruct_v both_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o nor_o to_o break_v christian_a communion_n upon_o theâ—e_n dispute_n because_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o one_o catholic_n church_n by_o the_o visible_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o both_o though_o one_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o it_o become_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o christian_a brethren_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a office_n and_o whoever_o after_o this_o visible_a determination_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o undertake_v to_o judge_v and_o censure_n and_o deprive_v each_o other_o of_o communion_n for_o such_o matter_n usurp_v a_o authority_n to_o judge_v over_o god_n judgement_n to_o reject_v those_o who_o god_n receive_v which_o be_v like_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n which_o god_n allow_v who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o we_o all_o beside_o this_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o observe_v and_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n act_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n the_o jew_n observe_v the_o law_n because_o god_n give_v they_o this_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o have_v not_o so_o visible_o repeal_v it_o as_o to_o remove_v all_o just_a scruple_n about_o it_o the_o gentile_n never_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o church_n without_o impose_v that_o burden_n on_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n out_o of_o reverence_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o that_o liberty_n he_o have_v grant_v they_o and_o therefore_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v reason_n to_o receive_v each_o other_o since_o it_o be_v not_o humour_n peevishness_n or_o faction_n which_o make_v they_o differ_v but_o a_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o a_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n which_o they_o both_o pretend_v and_o which_o at_o that_o time_n they_o both_o have_v and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o believe_a gentile_n not_o to_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v very_o kind_a to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n if_o they_o please_v it_o be_v only_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o no_o body_n be_v concern_v but_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o distinction_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o every_o thing_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n have_v forbid_v but_o we_o may_v abstain_v if_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n not_o to_o destroy_v he_o with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v especial_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v great_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n which_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o especial_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o man_n may_v keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o enjoy_v the_o private_a exercise_n of_o their_o liberty_n without_o offence_n whereas_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n can_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o gentile_a christian_n without_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o make_v it_o very_o reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o charitable_a to_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n where_o they_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o restraint_n of_o no_o other_o law_n neither_o of_o god_n nor_o man_n for_o in_o this_o
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
meat_n be_v perfect_o take_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o may_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v just_a as_o we_o please_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o great_a breach_n of_o charity_n to_o eat_v with_o offence_n to_o destroy_v our_o brother_n with_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v 15_o 16_o v._n which_o may_v just_o cause_v our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o valuable_a thing_n in_o it_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o condemn_v on_o all_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v use_v so_o uncharitable_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o v_o 16._o and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o hinder_v our_o charity_n it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v and_o perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n which_o we_o will_v do_v so_o neither_o be_v religion_n concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n indeed_o be_v concern_v in_o thedispute_n about_o the_o lawfulnessof_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a convert_v to_o renounce_v this_o liberty_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v they_o but_o bare_a eat_n or_o not_o eat_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o opinion_n about_o it_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v neither_o the_o better_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v eat_v nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 17._o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v no_o law_n about_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o diet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o eat_v or_o to_o forbear_v the_o liberty_n of_o eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o act_n of_o eat_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o though_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o direct_a and_o positive_a command_n about_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o duty_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n consist_v which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v a_o collateral_a restraint_n upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o deal_v kind_o and_o compassionate_o with_o our_o fellow-christians_a to_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o delight_n which_o christian_n brethren_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o each_o other_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o the_o joint_a worship_n of_o their_o common_a father_n and_o saviour_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o please_v to_o our_o great_a master_n and_o have_v so_o much_o natural_a goodness_n as_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o man_n 18._o for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v this_o rule_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o give_v we_o free_a leave_n to_o eat_v of_o every_o thing_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o company_n to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v former_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o since_o we_o know_v that_o to_o do_v so_o gives_z great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a jew_n without_o serve_v any_o end_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o essential_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n unity_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a edification_n let_v we_o not_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n as_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o though_o no_o meat_n be_v now_o unclean_a but_o all_o thing_n all_o kind_n of_o diet_n be_v now_o pure_a and_o lawful_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n by_o his_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o his_o weak_a brother_n think_v unclean_a to_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o he_o it_o be_v good_a much_o better_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a discourage_v in_o his_o christian_a course_n and_o tempt_v to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n but_o beside_o this_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o in_o our_o choice_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o require_v either_o and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o not_o eat_v be_v in_o itself_o consider_v of_o any_o concernment_n to_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n at_o all_o to_o thy_o christian_a liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o brother_n have_v thou_o faith_n do_v thou_o believe_v thou_o may_v eat_v indifferent_o of_o all_o meat_n believe_v so_o still_o and_o use_v this_o liberty_n private_o when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o offence_n but_o thou_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o publish_v this_o belief_n nor_o of_o act_v according_a to_o it_o in_o all_o company_n but_o have_v this_o faith_n to_o thyself_o before_o god_n this_o faith_n make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v but_o then_o thou_o must_v take_v great_a care_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o become_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o be_v thou_o must_v not_o eat_v how_o lawful_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o with_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o thy_o weak_a brother_n which_o make_v it_o very_o unlawful_a happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v who_o do_v not_o do_v a_o good_a action_n in_o so_o ill_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o bring_v condemnation_n upon_o himself_o but_o then_o as_o thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o eat_v do_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o eat_v nor_o lawful_a in_o all_o circumstance_n when_o it_o be_v do_v with_o offence_n and_o scandal_n so_o much_o less_o do_v thy_o believe_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o thy_o weak_a brother_n to_o eat_v for_o if_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o doubt_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o still_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o meat_n and_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o he_o notwithstanding_o this_o eat_v such_o forbid_a meat_n he_o be_v damn_v self-condemned_n by_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n do_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o cenâ—ure_n and_o reproach_v thy_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o case_n but_o to_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o to_o avoid_v give_v he_o any_o scandal_n or_o offence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_v in_o this_o place_n to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v by_o eat_v meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o contain_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a determination_n of_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o review_v and_o inquire_v how_o applicable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o our_o reconciler_n apply_v it_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n can_v be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o forbid_v offer_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o exercise_n
i_o observe_v before_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o in_o all_o such_o case_n wherein_o not_o religion_n but_o our_o own_o liberty_n be_v concern_v the_o great_a rule_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v be_v to_o promote_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o each_o other_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o now_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a rule_n which_o all_o man_n at_o first_o hear_v will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v reasonable_a not_o to_o violate_v the_o plain_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o contend_v about_o such_o liberty_n the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o which_o be_v of_o no_o account_n in_o religion_n not_o to_o scandalize_v a_o weak_a brother_n nor_o destroy_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o christian_n in_o love_n by_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o we_o may_v indeed_o in_o other_o case_n lawful_o eat_v but_o the_o eat_n of_o which_o be_v at_o no_o time_n and_o in_o no_o case_n in_o itself_o consider_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o if_o we_o understand_v these_o word_n in_o our_o reconciler_n way_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o account_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o dear_a interest_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o mutual_a edification_n i_o confess_v the_o argument_n be_v plain_a enough_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o to_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n nor_o be_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o reconciler_n and_o of_o those_o man_n who_o affect_v the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o moderation_n that_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v little_a worth_n and_o of_o small_a account_n with_o god_n but_o the_o great_a business_n which_o christian_n ought_v to_o mind_n be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o moral_a virtue_n wherein_o they_o place_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o become_v they_o to_o quarrel_v about_o the_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o indulgence_n in_o such_o matter_n become_v the_o good_a and_o benign_a temper_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o know_v that_o god_n be_v so_o indifferent_a about_o his_o own_o worship_n i_o can_v guess_v nor_o how_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v a_o less_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n than_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a under_o the_o law_n god_n appear_v very_o jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o worship_n and_o though_o he_o reject_v all_o the_o worship_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o despise_v those_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o justice_n and_o charity_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o undervalue_v his_o own_o worship_n because_o he_o be_v not_o please_v with_o a_o empty_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o as_o for_o his_o prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n i_o have_v give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o already_o and_o may_v do_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v but_o certain_o religion_n be_v proper_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n in_o it_o and_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a honour_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o external_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o therefore_o the_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o worship_n without_o it_o for_o to_o worship_n god_n visible_o without_o public_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n after_o what_o manner_n god_n be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v leave_v indifferent_o to_o every_o man_n humour_n upon_o every_o slight_a pretence_n of_o charity_n and_o moderation_n however_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o this_o here_o which_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n 3._o this_o apostolical_a exhortation_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n concern_v only_o such_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o to_o do_v that_o in_o public_a in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n which_o we_o believe_v we_o may_v very_o lawful_o &_o innocent_o do_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n that_o be_v keep_v thy_o faith_n to_o thyself_o and_o enjoy_v thy_o liberty_n private_o when_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o without_o offence_n now_o i_o suppose_v our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o think_v this_o a_o good_a rule_n in_o all_o case_n to_o dissemble_v our_o faith_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o religion_n to_o ourselves_o which_o will_v effectual_o undermine_v the_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o this_o be_v once_o grant_v man_n will_v find_v a_o great_a many_o other_o as_o good_a reason_n to_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o as_o avoid_v scandal_n indeed_o this_o rule_n can_v hold_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o private_a nature_n such_o as_o i_o before_o observe_v this_o case_n to_o be_v for_o matter_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n and_o practice_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n consist_v to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o exercise_v this_o forbearance_n towards_o their_o weak_a jewish_a brethren_n not_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v they_o with_o their_o meat_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n which_o include_v these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o a_o public_a profession_n or_o exercise_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n in_o these_o matter_n 2._o that_o though_o it_o be_v some_o restraint_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o injury_n to_o their_o liberty_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n public_o which_o give_v such_o offence_n for_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v maintain_v as_o well_o by_o a_o private_a as_o by_o a_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o may_v do_v it_o at_o any_o time_n their_o liberty_n be_v secure_a though_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o restrain_v but_o now_o if_o we_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o public_a worship_n what_o sense_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argument_n for_o public_a worship_n must_v be_v public_o profess_v and_o public_o practise_v or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o public_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o place_n here_o to_o avoid_v public_a scandal_n by_o keep_v our_o faith_n to_o ourselves_o for_o than_o we_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n public_o as_o we_o think_v we_o may_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o only_o restrain_v but_o it_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o obedience_n of_o private_a christian_n for_o what_o relate_v to_o public_a worship_n can_v be_v do_v at_o all_o if_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v public_o and_o that_o be_v no_o authority_n and_o no_o liberty_n which_o can_v be_v exercise_v without_o sin_n that_o be_v without_o a_o criminal_a offence_n and_o scandal_n as_o for_o what_o our_o reconciler_n frequent_o urge_v and_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v renounce_v her_o authority_n and_o worship_n but_o only_o give_v liberty_n to_o dissenter_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o their_o own_o way_n this_o plain_o show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v and_o how_o little_a they_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o forbearance_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o jew_n be_v offend_v not_o at_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n for_o they_o be_v indulge_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o at_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o gentile_a believer_n use_v in_o break_v of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n our_o dissenter_n it_o seem_v be_v scandalize_v not_o so_o much_o at_o what_o we_o do_v as_o because_o they_o can_v do_v what_o they_o will_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v private_a christian_n not_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n public_o as_o offend_v their_o weak_a brethren_n this_o great_a reconcile_a apostle_n exhort_v or_o rather_o command_v the_o church_n to_o suffer_v dissenter_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o this_o will_v remove_v the_o
prove_v by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n himself_o make_v a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o a_o offence_n offer_v to_o private_a and_o particular_a man_n and_o that_o public_a offence_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n 10.32_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o different_a regard_n to_o particular_a man_n in_o their_o single_a or_o private_a capacity_n whether_o they_o be_v believe_v or_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o to_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a community_n of_o christian_n for_o this_o be_v a_o eternal_a law_n in_o all_o society_n to_o prefer_v the_o public_a good_a before_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o must_v have_v a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o particular_a man_n and_o have_v a_o great_a care_n lest_o we_o offend_v a_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o a_o private_a nature_n and_o use_n yet_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n i._n e._n in_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v christian_a communion_n we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o offend_v the_o church_n than_o particular_a christian_n though_o their_o number_n may_v be_v great_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v argue_v that_o because_o we_o must_v grant_v all_o reasonable_a indulgence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v church-communion_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n therefore_o the_o public_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n must_v be_v make_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o private_a fancy_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n and_o submit_v to_o unreasonable_a scruple_n our_o reconciler_n own_v this_o consequence_n as_o to_o dissenter_n 154._o see_v the_o refusal_n of_o submission_n to_o these_o thing_n give_v great_a offence_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o equal_o concern_v the_o dissenter_n upon_o these_o motive_n to_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o concern_v they_o both_o to_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n careful_a to_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v their_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o why_o can_v not_o our_o reconciler_n observe_v that_o this_o rule_n equal_o concern_v governor_n as_o it_o do_v dissenter_n not_o to_o offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n when_o he_o so_o earnest_o dispute_v that_o church-governor_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o all_o these_o rule_n of_o charity_n forbearance_n avoid_v offence_n and_o scandal_n as_o private_a christian_n and_o st._n paul_n urge_v this_o exhortation_n from_o his_o own_o example_n even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n now_o if_o church-governor_n must_v not_o offend_v the_o church_n they_o can_v grant_v a_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o private_a scruple_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n only_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o public_a communion_n of_o christian_n the_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o method_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n must_v be_v fix_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o general_a direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o the_o please_a and_o humour_v some_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a christian_n for_o it_o be_v a_o just_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o church_n to_o make_v some_o man_n private_a fancy_n and_o groundless_a scruple_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o christian_a worship_n second_o this_o will_n more_o plain_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v a_o very_a material_a difference_n between_o indulge_v man_n private_a scruple_n which_o concern_v matter_n of_o private_a use_n and_o observance_n and_o indulge_v such_o scruple_n as_o affect_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o the_o first_o case_n christian_n communion_n may_v be_v secure_v man_n may_v worship_v god_n together_o according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n though_o believe_v jew_n be_v allow_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o believe_v gentile_n indifferent_o to_o eat_v of_o all_o but_o when_o man_n differ_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a worship_n one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n must_v happen_v either_o 1._o that_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o these_o matter_n must_v divide_v communion_n and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o or_o 2._o that_o christian_a worship_n must_v be_v make_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o groundless_a fancy_n of_o scrupulous_a christian_n or_o 3._o that_o man_n of_o differ_v opinion_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o observe_v different_a modes_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o same_o christian_a assembly_n each_o of_o which_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1._o that_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n must_v divide_v communion_n and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a effect_n of_o such_o dispute_n about_o the_o modes_n of_o worship_n as_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n witness_v but_o this_o our_o reconciler_n will_v not_o plead_v for_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a st._n paul_n never_o intend_v as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o present_o 2._o christian_n worship_n than_o must_v be_v make_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o groundless_a fancy_n of_o scrupulous_a christian_n that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v no_o rule_n give_v for_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o what_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o most_o humoursome_a professor_n will_v ready_o submit_v to_o which_o be_v both_o absurd_a in_o itself_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o government_n and_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o secure_v the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a care_n of_o church-governor_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 3._o as_o for_o the_o three_o that_o man_n of_o differ_v opinion_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o observe_v different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o same_o christian_a assembly_n this_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o the_o other_o as_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v at_o this_o rate_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n in_o take_v care_n of_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o who_o can_v foresee_v what_o indecency_n will_v be_v commit_v when_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o please_v nay_o this_o very_a thing_n in_o itself_o be_v extreme_o indecent_a for_o what_o order_n what_o decency_n can_v there_o be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o one_o rule_n of_o worship_n uniformity_n in_o worship_n be_v like_o the_o proportion_n and_o symmetry_n of_o part_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n wherein_o the_o external_a grace_n and_o beauty_n of_o it_o consist_v though_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o as_o to_o external_a reverence_n in_o the_o several_a posture_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n whether_o kneel_v standing_z or_o sit_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v indecent_a and_o disorderly_a in_o the_o communicant_o who_o receive_v together_o not_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o posture_n for_o some_o to_o kneel_v other_o to_o stand_v other_o to_o sit_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v think_v it_o so_o at_o any_o ordinary_a and_o common_a feast_n shall_v some_o of_o the_o guest_n sit_v at_o the_o table_n on_o chair_n other_o stand_v and_o eat_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o corner_n other_o sit_v on_o the_o ground_n other_o lean_a on_o couch_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o indecent_a in_o any_o of_o these_o posture_n according_a to_o the_o different_a mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o different_a country_n yet_o such_o a_o odd_a and_o humoursome_a variety_n itself_o be_v indecent_a and_o disorderly_a at_o the_o same_o feast_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o at_o a_o common_a table_n i_o think_v the_o indecency_n be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o unpardonable_a at_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o require_v the_o most_o universal_a harmony_n and_o consent_n nay_o such_o a_o variety_n as_o this_o must_v needs_o give_v mutual_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o receive_v 124._o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v the_o only_a reason_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v pretend_v why_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o think_v best_o be_v because_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o the_o mode_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n one_o think_v that_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a which_o another_o think_v necessary_a one_o think_v that_o posture_n or_o habit_n etc._n etc._n
they_o from_o communion_n who_o god_n will_v receive_v so_o that_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o england_n must_v receive_v papist_n into_o her_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o fanatic_n where_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o charity_n be_v bishop_n sanderson_n the_o inference_n and_o application_n the_o reconciler_n iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v from_o one_o great_a purpose_n of_o christ_n advent_n etc._n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n to_o make_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_a one_o by_o break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o abolish_n the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n now_o the_o conceit_n of_o it_o be_v this_o he_o suppose_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o a_o partition-wall_n between_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n as_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n have_v break_v down_o one_o partition-wall_n and_o make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o church_n so_o our_o governor_n ought_v to_o break_v down_o the_o other_o partition-wall_n to_o make_v conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n one_o body_n and_o church_n which_o be_v such_o a_o dull_a conceit_n and_o argue_v such_o stupid_a ignorance_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n that_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v he_o be_v so_o zealous_a a_o advocate_n for_o ignorance_n and_o error_n the_o partition-wall_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o partition_n in_o the_o temple_n which_o divide_v the_o court_n where_o the_o jew_n worship_v from_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o which_o make_v this_o partition_n be_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n when_o he_o choose_v his_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o separate_v they_o from_o other_o nation_n give_v they_o a_o peculiar_a law_n which_o be_v to_o last_o as_o long_o as_o this_o distinction_n do_v for_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v for_o ever_o to_o confine_v his_o church_n to_o one_o nation_n but_o when_o the_o promise_a messiah_n come_v to_o enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o his_o church_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o this_o law_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o typify_v the_o messiah_n and_o to_o receive_v its_o full_a completion_n in_o the_o perfect_a sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n of_o his_o death_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o former_a dispensation_n and_o seal_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o all_o mankind_n thus_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n break_v down_o the_o partition-wall_n because_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n which_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o that_o external_a and_o typical_a religion_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o be_v as_o christ_n make_v a_o covenant_n now_o with_o all_o mankind_n so_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o that_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a people_n now_o indeed_o any_o such_o partition-wall_n as_o this_o which_o confine_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o any_o particular_a people_n or_o nation_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o ought_v immediate_o to_o be_v pull_v down_o but_o must_v there_o therefore_o be_v no_o partion_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n must_v there_o be_v no_o wall_n and_o fence_n about_o the_o church_n this_o vineyard_n and_o fold_n of_o christ_n must_v there_o be_v no_o law_n make_v for_o the_o government_n of_o religious_a assembly_n and_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o christian_a worship_n for_o fear_v of_o keep_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o will_v not_o be_v orderly_o in_o it_o how_o come_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o wall_n of_o partition_n the_o church_n never_o make_v they_o so_o for_o she_o only_o design_v they_o for_o rule_n and_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o it_o be_v her_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o let_v those_o then_o who_o set_v up_o this_o wall_n of_o partition_n pull_v it_o down_o again_o that_o be_v let_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o make_v these_o ceremony_n a_o wall_n of_o partition_n return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o no_o body_n keep_v they_o from_o but_o themselves_o as_o for_o his_o modest_a insinuation_n that_o our_o ceremony_n be_v carnal_a ordinance_n weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v for_o their_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n as_o the_o mosaic_a ceremony_n be_v i_o have_v already_o large_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a religion_n and_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v for_o the_o decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a and_o must_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o external_n worship_n which_o require_v external_a sign_n of_o decency_n and_o honour_n do_v 182._o iv._o his_o next_o motive_n to_o condescension_n be_v from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n in_o such_o doctrine_n as_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o understanding_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o leave_v the_o revelation_n of_o such_o matter_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o send_v to_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o convert_v jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o immediate_o tell_v they_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v but_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n first_o and_o allow_v some_o time_n to_o wear_v off_o their_o jewish_a and_o pagan_n prejudices_fw-la therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v forbear_v impose_v of_o some_o practice_n at_o which_o our_o flock_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o prejudice_n and_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o take_v offence_n but_o how_o this_o follow_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o instruct_v their_o people_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o learn_v that_o our_o reconciler_n shall_v never_o have_v publish_v his_o second_o part_n to_o convince_v dissenter_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o and_o therefore_o in_o duty_n ought_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v impose_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o may_v instruct_v our_o people_n in_o such_o thing_n we_o may_v require_v their_o obedience_n too_o otherwise_o we_o have_v as_o good_a never_o instruct_v they_o but_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n then_o intend_v that_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o child_n do_v not_o st._n paul_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v full_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n must_v the_o church_n return_v again_o to_o her_o state_n of_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n to_o humour_n dissenter_v but_o indeed_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o governor_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o forbid_v such_o a_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a doctrine_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v conceal_v as_o too_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v it_o not_o a_o pretty_a way_n of_o reason_v that_o euclid_n element_n be_v too_o difficult_a a_o book_n for_o a_o young_a child_n to_o learn_v therefore_o his_o master_n must_v not_o teach_v he_o to_o obâ—y_v his_o parent_n neither_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o lesson_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v their_o disciple_n whatever_o else_o they_o conceal_v from_o they_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n found_v without_o government_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n where_o subject_n must_v not_o be_v teach_v obedience_n but_o however_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v publish_v the_o first_o require_v great_a prudence_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o fit_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o and_o of_o fit_a person_n to_o communicate_v it_o to_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o
which_o be_v upon_o all_o account_n indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o any_o good_a nor_o hurt_n in_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o be_v command_v in_o religious_a worship_n for_o this_o be_v to_o trifle_v in_o sacred_a thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o decency_n and_o gravity_n of_o worship_n but_o those_o ceremony_n which_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v not_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o necessary_a consider_v as_o decent_a there_o must_v upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o be_v a_o antecedent_n decency_n in_o thing_n before_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v command_v church-governor_n must_v take_v care_n to_o maintain_v the_o decency_n of_o worship_n but_o they_o must_v find_v thing_n decent_a for_o by_o their_o mere_a command_n they_o can_v make_v they_o so_o all_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v by_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n fit_v and_o qualify_v to_o be_v make_v the_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n which_o nothing_o pure_o indifferent_a be_v and_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o church-governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v only_o to_o determine_v what_o particular_a decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o their_o church_n that_o be_v to_o apply_v the_o apostle_n general_a rule_n to_o particular_a instance_n i_o know_v very_o well_o how_o jealous_a and_o fearful_a most_o man_n be_v of_o own_v any_o other_o necessity_n or_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a governor_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o in_o a_o age_n wherein_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o despise_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v absolute_o deny_v they_o fall_v under_o such_o a_o general_a contempt_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o own_o some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v 1._o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o a_o apostolical_a precept_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n 2._o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n 3._o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v decent_a shall_v be_v use_v and_o therefore_o 4._o all_o particular_a decent_a ceremony_n have_v this_o necessity_n antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a authority_n that_o some_o of_o they_o must_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n and_o no_o other_o must_v and_o therefore_o 5._o when_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v determine_v which_o particular_a decent_a ceremony_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n these_o particular_a ceremony_n become_v necessary_a not_o mere_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o apostolical_a command_n and_o their_o own_o natural_a decency_n which_o bring_v they_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o general_a rule_n church-governor_n have_v authority_n to_o apply_v that_o general_a rule_n to_o particular_a ceremony_n which_o have_v such_o order_n and_o decency_n as_o comprehend_v they_o within_o that_o general_a rule_n but_o these_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n when_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v do_v not_o derive_v their_o obligation_n mere_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o from_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n we_o must_v observe_v they_o not_o mere_o because_o the_o church_n have_v command_v they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o decent_a and_o so_o comprehend_v within_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o church-authority_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v only_o in_o apply_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n to_o such_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o by_o their_o own_o decency_n be_v fit_a and_o qualify_v to_o be_v use_v in_o religious_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v the_o apostolical_a authority_n as_o apply_v by_o the_o church_n to_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n which_o give_v they_o their_o necessity_n and_o obligation_n hence_o mr._n calvin_n observe_v that_o those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o order_n 14.40_o must_v not_o be_v account_v humane_a tradition_n because_o they_o be_v found_v in_o this_o general_a precept_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o so_o receive_v their_o approbation_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n have_v such_o goodness_n and_o necessity_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v for_o they_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o necessity_n of_o decency_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o apostolical_a canon_n but_o still_o the_o controversy_n remain_v what_o this_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n be_v and_o by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o it_o for_o one_o man_n may_v account_v that_o decent_a which_o another_o may_v think_v have_v no_o positive_a decency_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o church_n of_o england_n retain_v the_o use_n of_o some_o ceremony_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o decency_n our_o modest_a reconciler_n who_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o proneness_n to_o mistake_v yet_o venture_v to_o contradict_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a order_n or_o decency_n in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v command_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a second_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o decency_n in_o religious_a worship_n be_v and_o by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o it_o now_o in_o general_n the_o external_a decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n consist_v in_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v expressive_a of_o honour_n reverence_n and_o devotion_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o external_a worship_n but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v by_o what_o rule_v we_o must_v judge_v of_o external_a honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o yet_o most_o man_n understand_v this_o very_a well_o also_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o civil_a honour_n they_o know_v what_o posture_n what_o action_n what_o habit_n what_o behaviour_n what_o language_n what_o address_v become_v they_o when_o they_o approach_v their_o prince_n and_o their_o parent_n or_o any_o other_o person_n who_o they_o ought_v to_o honour_n or_o respect_n and_o this_o suggest_v to_o we_o two_o general_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o religious_a worship_n 1._o that_o whatever_o will_v be_v deserve_o think_v a_o breach_n of_o good_a manner_n in_o common_a conversation_n or_o a_o violation_n of_o that_o civil_a respect_n and_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o prince_n and_o all_o superior_n can_v never_o become_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o god_n tell_v the_o israelite_n who_o offer_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a in_o sacrifice_n hold_v good_a in_o all_o other_o case_n offer_v it_o now_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n 1_o mal._n 8._o such_o word_n and_o action_n and_o behaviour_n as_o will_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n do_v much_o more_o unbecome_v religious_a worship_n because_o god_n be_v much_o great_a than_o the_o great_a prince_n 2._o that_o whatever_o be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o our_o honour_n and_o reverence_n to_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a degreâ—_n due_a to_o almighty_a god_n many_o of_o the_o external_a expression_n and_o sign_n of_o honour_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v alike_o and_o if_o not_o the_o very_a same_o yet_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n for_o whether_o we_o intend_v to_o honour_n god_n or_o man_n it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o some_o visible_a sign_n of_o honour_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_o determine_v either_o to_o religious_a or_o civil_a worship_n but_o applicable_a to_o both_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o honour_n to_o our_o prince_n to_o be_v uncover_v in_o his_o presence_n to_o deliver_v our_o petition_n upon_o the_o knee_n to_o come_v in_o a_o decent_a apparel_n to_o put_v on_o a_o grave_n and_o modest_a countenance_n to_o keep_v our_o distance_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o we_o must_v express_v our_o reverence_n for_o our_o prince_n in_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n in_o our_o look_n and_o habit_n and_o deportment_n of_o our_o
to_o eat_v together_o at_o a_o common_a table_n be_v a_o civil_a action_n and_o a_o testimony_n of_o civil_a kindness_n and_o respect_n but_o when_o this_o be_v do_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n as_o a_o testimony_n and_o expression_n of_o christian_a charity_n it_o become_v a_o holy_a kiss_n and_o a_o religious_a feast_n these_o ceremony_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o those_o duty_n and_o grace_n be_v which_o we_o exercise_v and_o profess_v in_o they_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a but_o they_o be_v no_o part_n nor_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o perform_v in_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o ceremony_n show_v we_o what_o a_o ridiculous_a pretence_n it_o be_v to_o charge_v they_o with_o be_v sacrament_n of_o humane_a institution_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o definition_n our_o church_n give_v of_o a_o sacrament_n belong_v to_o such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o that_o it_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n and_o here_o they_o stop_v as_o if_o this_o be_v the_o full_a definition_n of_o a_o sacrament_n but_o our_o church_n add_v give_v unto_o we_o and_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o humane_a sacrament_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sacrament_n but_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ._n true_a say_v they_o but_o that_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o it_o that_o when_o upon_o other_o account_v it_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n it_o have_v not_o that_o authority_n which_o shall_v make_v it_o a_o divine_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o a_o humane_a sacrament_n these_o ceremony_n than_o it_o seem_v will_v be_v sacrament_n if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v one_o sacrament_n more_o than_o they_o think_v of_o viz._n wash_v the_o disciple_n foot_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o much_o a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o any_o other_o significant_a ceremony_n can_v be_v but_o it_o want_v what_o our_o church_n add_v to_o make_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o receive_v this_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o as_o a_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o thereof_o which_o show_v that_o no_o ceremony_n how_o symbolical_a soever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v a_o sacrament_n which_o be_v not_o the_o seal_n of_o a_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o a_o institute_v mean_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o grace_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o ceremony_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o visible_a exercise_n or_o profession_n of_o some_o grace_n or_o duty_n their_o nature_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o be_v signify_v sign_n to_o teach_v a_o duty_n but_o in_o signify_v the_o actual_a exercise_n or_o profession_n of_o some_o duty_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v do_v not_o make_v they_o sacrament_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o decency_n of_o such_o ceremony_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o dispute_n there_o can_v be_v about_o it_o for_o if_o the_o exercise_n or_o profession_n of_o such_o virtue_n be_v decent_a than_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n whereby_o such_o a_o profession_n be_v make_v if_o it_o be_v use_v in_o a_o grave_a manner_n and_o upon_o a_o solemn_a occasion_n and_o be_v a_o proper_a and_o natural_a sign_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n must_v be_v decent_a too_o if_o it_o be_v a_o decent_a thing_n for_o christian_n to_o express_v their_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n to_o each_o other_o when_o they_o come_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o their_o unite_a prayer_n to_o their_o common_a father_n or_o to_o feast_v at_o the_o table_n of_o their_o common_a lord_n and_o saviour_n then_o to_o kiss_v one_o another_o and_o to_o feast_v at_o a_o common_a table_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o significant_a expression_n of_o mutual_a charity_n must_v be_v decent_a also_o at_o such_o time_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n they_o use_v to_o kiss_v each_o other_o after_o prayer_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v call_v signaculum_fw-la orationis_fw-la or_o the_o seal_n of_o prayer_n thus_o they_o kiss_v each_o other_o before_o their_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o begin_v this_o mysterious_a supper_n with_o a_o love-feast_n which_o be_v a_o common_a table_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o if_o it_o be_v decent_a at_o such_o time_n to_o express_v their_o servant_n charity_n to_o each_o other_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o this_o must_v be_v decent_a also_o for_o inward_a charity_n can_v be_v express_v but_o either_o by_o word_n or_o sign_n and_o visible_a sign_n which_o be_v also_o the_o external_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o word_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v decent_a upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a christ_n and_o our_o resolution_n to_o follow_v he_o even_o to_o the_o cross_n and_o rather_o to_o die_v with_o he_o than_o deny_v he_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o solemn_a occasion_n for_o this_o than_o at_o our_o baptism_n when_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n this_o be_v a_o express_a condition_n of_o our_o discipleship_n to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o also_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a sign_n and_o emblem_n of_o this_o profession_n than_o to_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o our_o forehead_n for_o to_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o natural_a profession_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n and_o a_o suffer_a religion_n and_o to_o receive_v this_o sign_n in_o our_o forehead_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o modesty_n and_o bashfulness_n be_v a_o visible_a profession_n that_o we_o be_v not_o and_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o cross._n and_o as_o this_o be_v decent_a in_o itself_o so_o it_o contribute_v to_o the_o gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o that_o religious_a administration_n as_o all_o awful_a grave_a and_o solemn_a ceremony_n do_v if_o we_o consider_v this_o as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o person_n baptize_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o decent_a at_o such_o a_o time_n than_o to_o confess_v a_o crucify_a christ_n under_o who_o command_n we_o then_o lift_v ourselves_o and_o our_o resolution_n to_o fight_v under_o the_o banner_n of_o the_o cross._n if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n who_o by_o her_o public_a minister_n solemn_o own_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o declare_v it_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o discipleship_n when_o she_o receive_v any_o person_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n unbecoming_a in_o this_o nay_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o comely_a and_o decent_a than_o upon_o such_o solemn_a occasion_n to_o make_v such_o a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o cross_n three_o as_o for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o ceremony_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o prove_v that_o after_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v for_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o visible_a exercise_n or_o profession_n of_o some_o grace_n or_o duty_n upon_o fit_a and_o solemn_a occasion_n they_o can_v be_v unlawful_a unless_o the_o external_a act_n and_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n can_v be_v unlawful_a if_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n no_o time_n can_v be_v more_o proper_a for_o such_o a_o profession_n than_o the_o time_n of_o our_o baptism_n no_o sign_n can_v more_o natural_o signify_v this_o profession_n than_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross._n now_o i_o will_v glad_o hear_v a_o wise_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o this_o at_o our_o baptism_n or_o unlawful_a to_o do_v it_o by_o sign_n as_o well_o as_o word_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v why_o we_o may_v not_o profess_v our_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o innocent_o and_o decent_o as_o make_v our_o appeal_n to_o god_n in_o a_o oath_n by_o lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v it_o nay_o i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v why_o the_o church_n may_v not_o as_o well_o receive_v man_n into_o her_o communion_n with_o the_o sign_n
of_o the_o cross_n on_o their_o forehead_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n which_o do_v no_o more_o derogate_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o baptism_n than_o their_o form_n of_o renounce_v the_o devil_n with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o west_n and_o spit_v at_o he_o those_o constant_a persecution_n which_o in_o those_o day_n attend_v christianity_n make_v this_o a_o very_a useful_a and_o necessary_a ceremony_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o no_o christian_n in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o scruple_v to_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n on_o their_o forehead_n but_o those_o who_o think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o can_v as_o profane_o scoff_n at_o a_o suffer_a religion_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v at_o a_o crucify_a christ_n none_o but_o those_o who_o profess_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n for_o christ_n and_o never_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o suffer_v but_o when_o they_o want_v strength_n and_o power_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o which_o â—ives_n little_a encouragement_n to_o christian_a prince_n to_o part_v with_o this_o symbolical_a sign_n and_o ceâ—â—mony_n of_o a_o suffer_a religion_n but_o there_o be_v one_o objection_n which_o our_o reconciler_n make_v against_o the_o positive_a order_n and_o dcency_n of_o these_o ceremony_n which_o aâ—e_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 38_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o place_n and_o that_o be_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o use_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o either_o worship_v god_n indecent_o or_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n now_o this_o be_v sufficient_o answer_v by_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v that_o though_o the_o decency_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o some_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o external_a decency_n of_o worship_n yet_o where_o there_o be_v choice_n of_o such_o ceremony_n which_o be_v very_o decent_a we_o can_v say_v that_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a because_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v preserve_v by_o the_o use_n of_o other_o decent_a rite_n and_o therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v worship_v very_o decent_o without_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ceremony_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v worship_v very_o decent_o with_o they_o but_o yet_o to_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v consider_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o time_n christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n he_o never_o set_v up_o any_o public_a worship_n distinct_a from_o the_o jewish_a worship_n he_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n anâ—_n worship_v god_n with_o they_o at_o the_o temple_n oâ—_n in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o it_o be_v as_o pleasant_a 〈◊〉_d argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d use_v such_o ceremony_n now_o because_o 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o use_v they_o as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v not_o use_v such_o ceremony_n as_o be_v proâ—er_n to_o the_o christian_a worship_n because_o they_o wre_v not_o use_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o jewish_a synagogue_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n for_o he_o never_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n anywhere_o else_o but_o you_o will_v say_v christ_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o blood_n but_o he_o neither_o receive_v kneel_v himself_o nor_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o do_v so_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o i_o that_o christ_n receive_v at_o all_o himself_o much_o less_o do_v it_o appear_v in_o what_o posture_n he_o receive_v it_o be_v say_v in_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n that_o after_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a supper_n when_o he_o have_v bless_v the_o bread_n and_o break_v it_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o his_o disciple_n and_o command_v they_o all_o to_o eat_v of_o it_o and_o have_v likewise_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o have_v give_v thanks_o command_v they_o all_o to_o drink_v of_o it_o that_o he_o add_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o will_v not_o henceforth_o drink_v of_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n 25._o until_o that_o day_n that_o i_o drink_v it_o new_a with_o you_o â—n_v my_o father_n kingdom_n from_o whence_o some_o â—ay_v conclude_v that_o he_o do_v at_o that_o time_n drink_v 〈◊〉_d the_o cup_n though_o he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d time_n he_o will_v drink_v of_o it_o but_o st._n luke_n 〈◊〉_d we_o 17._o that_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v at_o eat_a 〈◊〉_d passover_n before_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o last_o super_n and_o then_o they_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstratiâ—â—_n that_o he_o do_v not_o drink_v of_o the_o sacramental_a wâ—e_n and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o he_o shall_v feaâ—_n on_o the_o symbol_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o bloâ—_n but_o suppose_v he_o have_v it_o have_v be_v as_o imprper_n for_o he_o to_o have_v receive_v kneel_v as_o it_o â—s_v decent_a in_o we_o to_o do_v so_o for_o this_o have_v be_v â—n_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o himself_o and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o read_v in_o what_o posture_n the_o apostle_n receive_v yet_o i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a they_o do_v receive_v in_o their_o ordinary_a eat_a posture_n for_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o our_o saviour_n will_v require_v they_o to_o kneel_v for_o he_o exact_v no_o act_n of_o worship_n from_o they_o while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n they_o never_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o their_o great_a highpriest_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v that_o we_o must_v not_o pray_v to_o he_o now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n because_o he_o do_v not_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n as_o that_o we_o must_v not_o worship_v he_o when_o we_o approach_v his_o table_n nor_o receive_v that_o mysterious_a bread_n and_o wine_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n because_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a supper_n while_o he_o be_v still_o visible_o present_a witâ—_n they_o he_o do_v not_o command_v his_o apostle_n tâ—_n receive_v kneel_v nor_o be_v it_o likely_a the_o apostle_n will_v do_v 〈◊〉_d of_o themselves_o any_o more_o than_o that_o they_o 〈◊〉_d any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o ch_v on_o earth_n for_o though_o they_o hear_v the_o wrds_fw-mi of_o institution_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n they_o understod_v nothing_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v impoâ—ble_a they_o shall_v who_o understand_v so_o little_a oâ—_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n much_o less_o of_o the_o merorious_a virtue_n and_o expiation_n of_o his_o blood_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o foun_v a_o christian_a church_n and_o set_v up_o christian_a worship_n after_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n they_o use_v we_o be_v no_o certain_a though_o that_o they_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decot_o and_o in_o order_n and_o their_o love-feast_n anâ—_n the_o holy_a kiss_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o without_o their_o religious_a rite_n also_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n by_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n even_o while_o they_o be_v under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n there_o be_v no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n till_o the_o reformation_n so_o free_a from_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v at_o this_o day_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o our_o reconciler_n state_n this_o matter_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o examine_v whatever_o i_o can_v find_v in_o his_o book_n pertinent_a to_o this_o argument_n i._o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o our_o reconciler_n agree_v with_o bishop_n taylor_n that_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o necessary_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n 313._o and_o that_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o same_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o this_o must_v be_v the_o perpetual_a judge_n of_o it_o and_o he_o add_v it_o can_v therefore_o rational_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o command_v thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o positive_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o be_v so_o fair_a a_o concession_n that_o methinks_v we_o may_v agree_v upon_o it_o but_o he_o immediate_o undo_v all_o again_o and_o say_v that_o this_o command_n afford_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o
the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v but_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o man_n soul_n right_a and_o therefore_o not_o a_o absolute_a and_o necessary_a duty_n otherwise_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o bishop_n authority_n extend_v only_o to_o necessary_n why_o may_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o external_a beauty_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v consider_v in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n why_o may_v not_o spiritual_a advantage_n find_v place_n in_o our_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v bare_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o spiritual_a government_n right_a not_o to_o seize_v man_n estate_n to_o adorn_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o these_o reason_n he_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v more_o authority_n than_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o minister_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o learn_v what_o kind_n of_o authority_n he_o mean_v such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n to_o adorn_v religion_n as_o give_v the_o bishop_n authority_n over_o man_n estate_n for_o such_o prous_a use_n but_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o their_o authority_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o decency_n of_o religion_n 3._o when_o that_o reverend_a bishop_n say_v that_o rule_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n must_v be_v limit_v to_o such_o as_o only_o rescue_v from_o confusion_n he_o must_v have_v some_o large_a notion_n of_o confusion_n than_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o that_o word_n will_v justify_v for_o man_n may_v avoid_v all_o confusion_n and_o yet_o neglect_v all_o the_o natural_a decency_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o meeting_n of_o quaker_n may_v be_v very_o orderly_o without_o any_o confusion_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o decency_n and_o the_o reason_n the_o bishop_n assign_v for_o this_o because_o the_o prelate_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n can_v do_v their_o duty_n unless_o thing_n be_v so_o orderly_o that_o there_o be_v no_o confusion_n be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n against_o confusion_n but_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o to_o rescue_v from_o confusion_n in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o there_o be_v something_o more_o require_v in_o religious_a assembly_n than_o mere_o that_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o decent_a manner_n as_o become_v the_o divine_a majesty_n the_o external_a decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o natural_o belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o church-governor_n whether_o there_o have_v be_v any_o law_n for_o it_o or_o no_o much_o more_o when_o they_o be_v command_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o their_o authority_n extend_v to_o whatever_o be_v true_o decent_a in_o religion_n but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v that_o this_o limitation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o matter_n do_v in_o confusion_n 4._o and_o disorder_n may_v be_v plain_o gather_v from_o all_o the_o instance_n precede_v which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o rule_n they_o be_v instance_n of_o great_a indecency_n and_o disorder_n commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o tell_v we_o this_o only_o can_v be_v certain_o collect_v that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v perform_v indecent_o and_o disorderly_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n the_o ruler_n of_o it_o shall_v correct_v they_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o urge_v a_o argument_n of_o mr._n jeane_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v not_o disobey_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o indecency_n commit_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n or_o some_o disorder_n in_o it_o for_o decency_n and_o indecency_n order_n and_o disorder_n or_o ataxy_n be_v privative_o opposite_a and_o between_o privative_a opposite_n in_o a_o capable_a subject_n there_o be_v no_o medium_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v decency_n sufficient_a in_o those_o action_n where_o be_v no_o indecency_n but_o now_o by_o the_o omission_n of_o symbolical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n such_o as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n surplice_n in_o prayer_n kneel_v when_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v commit_v no_o indecency_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n precept_n be_v not_o disobey_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o ceremony_n and_o consequent_o this_o precept_n can_v warrant_v the_o impose_v of_o they_o i_o wonder_v how_o learned_a man_n can_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o with_o such_o silly_a sophism_n as_o these_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v 1._o suppose_v this_o precept_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n be_v give_v upon_o occasion_n of_o those_o disorder_n and_o indecency_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o apostle_n require_v no_o other_o decency_n than_o just_o what_o will_v remove_v the_o indecency_n of_o worship_n be_v decency_n a_o thing_n valuable_a for_o itself_o or_o only_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o indecency_n if_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o good_a thing_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o indecency_n can_v be_v a_o fault_n than_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o the_o end_n of_o decency_n be_v only_o to_o prevent_v indecency_n as_o if_o the_o end_n of_o see_v be_v only_o to_o prevent_v blindness_n or_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n only_o to_o prevent_v vice_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o decency_n and_o indecency_n be_v privative_o opposite_a that_o be_v i_o suppose_v that_o indecency_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o decency_n not_o that_o decency_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o indecency_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o indecency_n consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o decency_n yet_o the_o nature_n of_o decency_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n though_o we_o shall_v allow_v that_o to_o be_v decent_a which_o be_v not_o indecent_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a mere_o because_o it_o be_v not_o indecent_a but_o because_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o precept_n upon_o occasion_n of_o these_o indecency_n commit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n yet_o the_o command_n extend_v to_o any_o instance_n and_o degree_n of_o decency_n for_o he_o do_v not_o command_v decency_n mere_o out_o of_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n which_o be_v to_o invert_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n but_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n as_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o public_a worship_n as_o he_o who_o reprove_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o exhort_v man_n to_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o shall_v only_o practice_v so_o much_o virtue_n as_o not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o popular_a vice_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v aim_v at_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o instance_n of_o virtue_n 2._o and_o therefore_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v include_v in_o this_o apostolical_a precept_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o omission_n of_o which_o be_v not_o disorderly_a and_o indecent_a if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o decency_n because_o the_o decency_n of_o our_o action_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o opposition_n to_o indecency_n but_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a argument_n on_o which_o our_o reconciler_n and_o mr._n jeane_v rely_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v be_v include_v in_o that_o apostolical_a precept_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n because_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o ceremony_n be_v not_o indecent_a if_o then_o say_v the_o reconciler_n it_o can_v appear_v that_o pray_n without_o a_o surplice_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n without_o kneel_v or_o baptise_v without_o the_o cross_n be_v do_v these_o thing_n indecent_o and_o disorderly_o then_o must_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a warrant_n for_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o till_o this_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v it_o must_v be_v vain_o plead_v to_o that_o end_n but_o now_o say_v mr._n jeane_n by_o the_o omission_n of_o symbolical_a ceremony_n of_o humane_a institution_n such_o as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n surplice_n in_o prayer_n kneel_v when_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v commit_v no_o indecency_n in_o those_o
great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross._n a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n our_o reconciler_n himself_o have_v collect_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o ritual_n or_o ceremony_n or_o religion_n most_o of_o which_o be_v now_o out_o of_o use_n in_o most_o church_n which_o former_o use_v they_o and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v in_o uâ—e_v among_o we_o but_o what_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n ritual_n or_o ceremony_n but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o bishop_n acknowledge_v except_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a significant_a but_o a_o profess_v sign_n as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o for_o such_o ceremony_n as_o these_o which_o serve_v for_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o bishop_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o a_o natural_a reason_n and_o a_o evident_a necessity_n or_o a_o great_a convenience_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o bishop_n speak_v of_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n he_o understand_v by_o they_o exterior_a action_n or_o thing_n something_o which_o be_v like_o the_o ceremonial_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o action_n but_o religious_a rite_n such_o be_v their_o sacrifice_n wash_n and_o purification_n their_o phylactery_n their_o fast_n and_o festival_n new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n not_o consider_v mere_o as_o circumstance_n of_o time_n but_o as_o have_v such_o a_o sacredness_n and_o religion_n stamp_v on_o they_o that_o the_o very_o observe_v they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o religious_a duty_n observe_v on_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o day_n not_o the_o day_n mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o numerous_a tradition_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o make_v broad_a their_o phylactery_n wash_v their_o cup_n and_o platter_n and_o their_o hand_n before_o dinner_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o superstitious_a observance_n now_o though_o some_o external_a action_n and_o thing_n wise_o choose_v and_o prudent_o use_v may_v be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v unless_o we_o will_v condemn_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o several_a age_n which_o use_v a_o great_a many_o external_a rite_n yet_o every_o one_o see_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o such_o rite_n as_o these_o and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o those_o man_n mistake_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o lie_v the_o controversy_n upon_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a signification_n of_o these_o word_n our_o fast_n and_o festival_n look_v most_o like_a such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o with_o we_o they_o be_v not_o religious_a day_n but_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n do_v from_o a_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o make_v a_o day_n religious_a which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v differ_v from_o appoint_v a_o day_n for_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n may_v do_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o observe_v a_o day_n differ_v from_o those_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v perform_v on_o such_o a_o day_n now_o this_o very_a observation_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n will_v answer_v most_o of_o his_o citation_n which_o he_o have_v impertinent_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o bishop_n write_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o objection_n which_o for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o have_v be_v very_o injudicious_o make_v against_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 214._o thus_o he_o observe_v from_o the_o bishop_n that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v mere_o such_o can_v be_v universal_a and_o perpetual_a but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o what_o the_o bishop_n mean_v by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n mere_o such_o that_o be_v say_v he_o those_o which_o do_v not_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n within_o their_o matter_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v relate_v to_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o they_o all_o involve_v a_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o specification_n of_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n and_o include_v those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v and_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v enjoin_v to_o wear_v thesurplice_n it_o signify_v that_o he_o must_v perform_v divine_a office_n in_o a_o surplice_n these_o be_v but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o necessary_a duty_n and_o they_o found_v on_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o decency_n well_o but_o the_o bishop_n add_v when_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n which_o god_n appoint_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o to_o which_o all_o other_o nation_n be_v bind_v if_o they_o come_v into_o that_o communion_n it_o will_v be_v intolerable_a that_o the_o church_n who_o rejoice_v in_o their_o freedom_n from_o that_o yoke_n which_o god_n have_v impose_v shall_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o yoke_n of_o ordinance_n which_o man_n shall_v make_v for_o though_o before_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o now_o they_o may_v exercise_v communion_n and_o use_v the_o same_o religion_n without_o communicate_v in_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n now_o do_v not_o this_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o our_o english_a ceremony_n be_v but_o of_o such_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n as_o answer_v to_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ordinance_n which_o he_o call_v exterior_a thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o different_a rule_n and_o measure_n and_o yet_o our_o reconciler_n be_v so_o unfortunate_a that_o if_o the_o bishop_n have_v mean_v this_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n it_o have_v be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o he_o add_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n this_o do_v no_o way_n concern_v the_o subject_n of_o any_o government_n what_o liberty_n they_o be_v to_o retain_v and_o use_v i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o the_o follow_a number_n but_o it_o concern_v distinct_a church_n under_o distinct_a government_n and_o it_o mean_n as_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n and_o the_o whole_a analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v suffer_v no_o man_n to_o put_v a_o law_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v not_o their_o governor_n for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o ecclesiastical_a law_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o must_v not_o be_v universal_a he_o mean_v that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v intend_v to_o oblige_v all_o christendom_n except_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v that_o be_v do_v consent_n that_o no_o church_n or_o company_n of_o christian_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n in_o it_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o ritual_n and_o ceremony_n which_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o christian_a liberty_n and_o such_o a_o usurpation_n as_o must_v not_o be_v endure_v which_o be_v direct_o level_v against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o though_o one_o church_n can_v impose_v upon_o another_o yet_o every_o church_n have_v power_n over_o she_o own_o member_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v that_o authority_n which_o be_v over_o they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o answer_v all_o his_o testimony_n from_o bishop_n davenant_n etc._n and_o bishop_n hall_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o duraeus_n about_o his_o pacificatory_a design_n of_o unite_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n into_o one_o communion_n and_o several_a other_o cite_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n they_o discourse_n upon_o what_o term_n distinct_a church_n which_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o aught_o to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n and_o this_o he_o apply_v to_o particular_a church_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o particular_a church_n must_v not_o usurp_v authority_n and_o dominion_n over_o each_o other_o nor_o deny_v communion_n upon_o every_o difference_n of_o opinion_n or_o different_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o modes_n of_o worship_n therefore_o no_o church_n must_v govern_v she_o own_o communion_n nor_o give_v law_n to_o her_o own_o member_n as_o if_o because_o
this_o i_o must_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o examine_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o receive_v the_o weak_a for_o though_o our_o reconciler_n and_o i_o agree_v that_o this_o signify_v to_o receive_v to_o communion_n yet_o i_o find_v we_o differ_v very_o much_o about_o that_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v to_o communion_n 83._o as_o will_v appear_v from_o a_o long_a paragraph_n wherein_o he_o oppose_v dr._n falkner_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o very_a perfection_n and_o quintessence_n of_o gibberish_n by_o receive_v one_o another_o i_o understand_v own_v each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n i._n e._n of_o the_o same_o christian_a communion_n a_o necessary_a consequence_n or_o duty_n of_o which_o be_v actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o in_o all_o act_n of_o christian_a worship_n or_o as_o dr._n falkner_n express_v it_o in_o other_o word_n 437._o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v own_v and_o judge_v as_o christian_n notwithstanding_o these_o different_a observation_n he_o forbid_v the_o weak_a jew_n to_o condemn_v the_o other_o jew_n or_o gentile_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o possess_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o they_o observe_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o prohibit_v those_o other_o from_o despise_v or_o disow_v these_o weak_a jew_n as_o not_o have_v embrace_v christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o 3._o signify_v here_o so_o to_o despise_v as_o withal_o to_o reject_v and_o disclaim_v as_o mark_v 9.12_o acts._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 1.28_o because_o they_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o judaism_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o if_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o will_v apply_v this_o to_o any_o other_o case_n it_o must_v be_v to_o condemn_v they_o who_o press_v their_o own_o practice_n or_o judgement_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a as_o be_v the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n and_o thereupon_o do_v undertake_v to_o censure_v all_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o such_o lesser_a thing_n as_o have_v no_o true_a religion_n or_o inward_a relation_n to_o or_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o live_v never_o so_o conscientious_o and_o act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a apprehension_n they_o can_v attain_v what_o now_o have_v our_o reconciler_n to_o say_v to_o this_o why_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o receive_v they_o to_o own_v they_o for_o christian_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o as_o they_o ought_v actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o why_o he_o say_v this_o be_v tacit_o presume_v in_o all_o the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o without_o that_o concession_n they_o be_v not_o cogent_a and_o of_o this_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o which_o both_o party_n be_v endow_v be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n but_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n and_o that_o because_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o he_o do_v not_o only_o forbid_v the_o strong_a to_o disow_v these_o weak_a person_n as_o not_o have_v embrace_v christ_n for_o they_o who_o thus_o conceive_v most_o suitable_o unto_o that_o principle_n deny_v what_o the_o apostle_n here_o assert_n of_o these_o weak_a person_n viz._n that_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o that_o they_o be_v christian_a brethren_n or_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o so_o all_o the_o apostle_n argument_n must_v be_v to_o man_n of_o such_o opinion_n weak_a and_o unconcluding_a but_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o christian_a fellowship_n or_o shall_v admit_v they_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o god_n do_v with_o he_o and_o have_v repeat_v over_o the_o same_o thing_n again_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n he_o conclude_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n plain_o be_v to_o condemn_v those_o person_n who_o for_o these_o thing_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o despise_v judge_n and_o refuse_v communion_n with_o those_o who_o differ_v thus_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n from_o they_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n do_v own_o each_o other_o to_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o that_o one_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o but_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v a_o pique_n against_o each_o other_o for_o these_o different_a custom_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v each_o other_o to_o actual_a communion_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o hinder_v this_o actual_a communion_n but_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v no_o hindrance_n at_o all_o since_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o those_o who_o observe_v it_o and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o be_v both_o of_o they_o very_o good_a christian_n which_o be_v so_o ridiculous_a a_o comment_n upon_o the_o text_n that_o i_o can_v wish_v it_o have_v be_v spare_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o protestant_a reconciler_n but_o the_o only_a way_n to_o end_v this_o dispute_n be_v by_o consider_v the_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o jew_n do_v look_v upon_o all_o person_n as_o unclean_a who_o be_v not_o circumcise_v and_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o law_n for_o which_o reason_n god_n instruct_v peter_n by_o a_o vision_n not_o to_o call_v any_o man_n common_a or_o unclean_a 10._o and_o the_o believe_a jew_n retain_v the_o same_o apprehension_n even_o of_o the_o believe_a gentile_n after_o this_o matter_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o contest_v between_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n at_o antioch_n which_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v after_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n 12._o the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v about_o the_o law_n be_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o the_o jew_n teach_v the_o brethren_n at_o antioch_n 1._o except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v which_o occasion_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o jew_n at_o rome_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n do_v believe_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o prove_v justification_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n now_o man_n of_o such_o persuasion_n as_o these_o can_v not_o believe_v the_o gentile_n to_o be_v perfect_a christian_n because_o they_o reject_v something_o which_o ch_z they_o think_v as_o essential_a as_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o christianity_n viz._n circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o be_v incorporate_v by_o circumcision_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o reject_v they_o from_o their_o communion_n as_o for_o the_o gentile_n though_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o they_o ever_o reject_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o observe_v the_o law_n yet_o this_o chapter_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v very_o near_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a seem_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_a believer_n who_o be_v most_o numerous_a and_o prevalent_a at_o rome_n to_o receive_v the_o jewish_a christian_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o not_o to_o despise_v the_o weak_a not_o to_o reject_v they_o out_o of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o such_o imperfect_a christian_n as_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o be_v still_o more_o the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n than_o of_o christ._n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v apt_a to_o reject_v each_o other_o from_o communion_n be_v because_o those_o who_o do_v so_o have_v no_o opinion_n of_o each_o other_o christianity_n for_o it_o be_v both_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o those_o time_n and_o absurd_a in_o itself_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v one_o another_o to_o be_v goodchristians_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o christian_a communion_n upon_o such_o dispute_v as_o do_v neither_o hinder_v their_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o nor_o prejudice_v their_o christianity_n which_o be_v as_o humoursome_a a_o schism_n as_o dissenter_n themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o such_o as_o there_o be_v no_o example_n of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o say_v our_o reconciler_n 84._o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o
of_o every_o man_n private_a liberty_n the_o gentile_a christian_n who_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n which_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n be_v perfect_o at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v forbid_v by_o that_o law_n and_o this_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n wherein_o no_o body_n be_v direct_o concern_v but_o themselves_o neither_o any_o other_o particular_a man_n except_v the_o case_n of_o scandal_n nor_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o any_o man_n what_o be_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whether_o i_o eat_v such_o meat_n or_o not_o when_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v either_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a sphere_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o private_a charity_n for_o charity_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v exercise_v only_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v perfect_o in_o our_o power_n and_o therefore_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v lawful_o extend_v his_o charity_n any_o far_a than_o his_o own_o private_a liberty_n extend_v whatever_o other_o be_v concern_v in_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o especial_o whatever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v in_o be_v the_o object_n neither_o of_o private_a liberty_n nor_o of_o private_a charity_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o private_a christian._n and_o whether_o we_o say_v that_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v only_o particular_a christian_n or_o church-governor_n also_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o concern_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o private_a liberty_n now_o if_o any_o such_o case_n shall_v happen_v again_o which_o i_o think_v can_v possible_o be_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o private_a liberty_n in_o our_o diet_n or_o clothes_n or_o way_n of_o live_v we_o shall_v give_v such_o offence_n to_o weak_a christian_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o endanger_v their_o final_a apostasy_n this_o 14_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n will_v be_v a_o admirable_a text_n to_o preach_v on_o to_o correct_v such_o uncharitable_a abuse_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o use_n of_o decent_a but_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n concern_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n not_o every_o christian_n private_a liberty_n every_o instance_n of_o our_o private_a liberty_n may_v indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v call_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o that_o signify_v what_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v not_o do_v as_o we_o please_v but_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a as_o the_o decent_a rite_n of_o worship_n be_v indifferent_a for_o the_o decency_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o express_a positive_a law_n and_o the_o particular_a rite_n of_o worship_n the_o object_n of_o ecclesiastical_a prudence_n and_o authority_n and_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n this_o make_v in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n will_v appear_v from_o my_o second_o observation_n on_o st._n paul_n discourse_n which_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o this_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n must_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o religion_n and_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o concern_v for_o by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n persuade_v they_o to_o this_o forbearance_n because_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n nor_o drink_n their_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o act_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v the_o charity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o give_v such_o great_a scandal_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n for_o thing_n in_o which_o religion_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v those_o who_o expound_v meat_n and_o drink_n in_o this_o place_n to_o signify_v all_o the_o external_o of_o religious_a worship_n especial_o all_o such_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n as_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a institution_n and_o command_n as_o our_o reconciler_n plain_o do_v do_v mighty_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n 59_o and_o affix_v such_o doctrine_n to_o he_o as_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unaccountable_a when_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n it_o plain_o signify_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v such_o or_o such_o meat_n that_o no_o man_n be_v the_o better_a christian_a for_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o other_o prohibit_v meat_n nor_o the_o worse_a christian_n mere_o for_o not_o eat_v they_o no_o man_n question_n whether_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n signify_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v that_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o must_v mean_v not_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o dream_v of_o but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o no_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v to_o the_o reconciler_n himself_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n the_o decent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n how_o mean_a and_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v think_v can_v be_v comprehend_v under_o those_o general_a term_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n because_o this_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v no_o act_n nor_o part_n nor_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n nor_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o but_o the_o decent_a circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v necessary_a to_o public_a worship_n now_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o exercise_v forbearance_n and_o condescension_n to_o a_o weak_a brother_n in_o such_o matter_n by_o this_o very_a argument_n because_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o our_o reconciler_n will_v be_v a_o very_a wonderful_a man_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o we_o must_v exercise_v the_o same_o indulgence_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o do_v concern_v religious_a worship_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v indulge_v private_a christian_n in_o the_o different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o religious_a worship_n because_o private_a christian_n must_v indulge_v each_o other_o in_o such_o different_a practice_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o relate_v to_o religion_n i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o dispute_v more_o with_o he_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n able_a to_o make_v good_a the_o great_a paradox_n in_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o christian_n not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o nor_o to_o divide_v the_o unity_n or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o dispute_n as_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o religion_n for_o where_o it_o be_v pure_o matter_n of_o our_o own_o liberty_n there_o be_v room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o where_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v what_o we_o please_v in_o such_o matter_n nor_o to_o allow_v other_o the_o liberty_n of_o do_v what_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o indulgence_n and_o forbearance_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v any_o such_o liberty_n which_o will_v effectual_o undermine_v all_o order_n decency_n and_o uniformity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n add_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o do_v not_o signify_v neither_o that_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n or_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v about_o as_o the_o reconciler_n understand_v it_o for_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o these_o but_o these_o be_v plain_a and_o acknowledge_v duty_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o violate_v a_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o be_v no_o duty_n at_o all_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n as_o
be_v from_o that_o of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o 3._o another_o material_a difference_n between_o that_o indulgence_n st._n paul_n grant_v to_o believe_v jew_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o liberty_n our_o reconciler_n exact_v from_o the_o church_n for_o dissenter_n be_v this_o that_o the_o first_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o christian_a worship_n it_o neither_o destroy_v the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n nor_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o second_o must_v do_v one_o or_o tother_o or_o both_o which_o be_v such_o a_o liberty_n or_o forbearance_n as_o st._n paul_n never_o do_v and_o never_o will_v allow_v the_o believe_a jew_n think_v themselves_o still_o oblige_v to_o observe_v that_o difference_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n and_o to_o celebrate_v the_o jewish_a festival_n and_o this_o liberty_n may_v be_v grant_v they_o without_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o disturb_v christian_a worship_n for_o whatever_o private_a rule_n of_o diet_n they_o observe_v believe_v jew_n and_o gentile_n may_v all_o worship_n god_n together_o according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n to_o receive_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o that_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o to_o christian_a communion_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o in_o christian_a assembly_n this_o account_n the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n 216._o this_o be_v matter_n of_o diet_n and_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o family_n the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o not_o to_o censure_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o difference_n to_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n in_o the_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n let_v every_o one_o order_n his_o family_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a but_o that_o require_v innocency_n and_o a_o care_n not_o to_o give_v disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o matter_n which_o he_o call_v peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v provoke_v and_o grieve_v by_o the_o dissension_n of_o christian_n and_o he_o say_v he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n than_o the_o apostle_n allow_v of_o no_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a communion_n of_o christian_n 81._o this_o our_o reconciler_n very_o grave_o smile_v at_o as_o if_o the_o business_n here_o discourse_v of_o be_v only_a matter_n of_o diet_n relate_v to_o their_o own_o family_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n receive_v do_v only_o signify_v let_v he_o dine_v with_o you_o this_o with_o submission_n to_o that_o learned_a person_n i_o judge_v a_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n for_o what_o great_a cause_n of_o scandal_n can_v their_o private_a dinner_n give_v to_o a_o weak_a brother_n unless_o they_o search_v into_o their_o kitchen_n or_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o fare_v send_v in_o from_o every_o christian_a family_n this_o be_v such_o lewd_a trifle_n with_o a_o great_a man_n and_o in_o a_o serious_a cause_n as_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o every_o sober_a christian._n for_o do_v not_o the_o law_n concern_v clean_o and_o unclean_a meat_n respect_v their_o ordinary_a diet_n in_o their_o own_o family_n be_v it_o not_o sufficient_o know_v without_o a_o bill_n of_o fare_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v observe_v these_o law_n do_v not_o this_o occasion_n great_a heat_n and_o animosity_n judge_n and_o censuring_n of_o one_o another_o do_v not_o some_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n separate_v from_o each_o other_o upon_o these_o account_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o the_o dean_n expound_v receive_v the_o weak_a by_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n in_o the_o duty_n common_a to_o they_o all_o can_v we_o expound_v meat_n of_o their_o ordinary_a diet_n in_o their_o private_a family_n without_o expound_v receive_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a by_o let_v he_o dine_v with_o you_o and_o yet_o whereas_o he_o say_v what_o great_a cause_n of_o scandal_n can_v their_o private_a dinner_n give_v to_o a_o weak_a brother_n unless_o they_o search_v into_o their_o kitchen_n or_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o fare_v send_v 〈◊〉_d from_o every_o christian_a family_n i_o ready_o grant_v they_o can_v give_v none_o nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n command_v the_o gentile_a christian_n to_o abstain_v from_o such_o meat_n in_o their_o private_a family_n when_o no_o body_n be_v preâ—ent_v who_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o but_o only_o not_o to_o use_v this_o liberty_n public_o nor_o in_o their_o private_a family_n neither_o if_o any_o believe_a jew_n happen_v to_o be_v present_a who_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o well_o but_o our_o reconciler_n think_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o eat_v in_o the_o idol-temple_n ibid._n suppose_v this_o be_v so_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n if_o they_o do_v not_o eat_v there_o as_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o as_o at_o a_o common_a feast_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v private_a or_o public_a eat_n it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o it_o be_v innocent_a it_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o can_v break_v church-communion_n while_o man_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o such_o matter_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n can_v here_o mean_v eat_v at_o the_o idol-temple_n but_o their_o ordinary_a diet._n for_o this_o whole_a epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n concern_v the_o dispute_n about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o as_o our_o reconciler_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o ancient_a and_o modern_a expositor_n concern_v this_o very_a chapter_n but_o our_o author_n proceed_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o meat_n 82._o but_o also_o of_o observe_v day_n v_o 6._o now_o that_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o diet_n but_o of_o public_a worship_n teach_v in_o the_o four_o commandment_n and_o so_o the_o dean_n acknowledge_v for_o some_o christian_n go_v then_o on_o jewish_a holy_a day_n to_o the_o synagogue_n other_o do_v not_o but_o for_o such_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v from_o each_o other_o communion_n in_o the_o common_a act_n of_o christian_a worship_n their_o go_v to_o the_o synagogue_n on_o jewish_a holy_a day_n do_v not_o hinder_v their_o communion_n in_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v communion_n on_o such_o account_n but_o now_o these_o controversy_n about_o religious_a ceremony_n do_v whole_o concern_v christian_n worship_n it_o be_v not_o what_o clothes_n man_n shall_v ordinary_o wear_v what_o diet_n they_o shall_v use_v or_o how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n wherein_o a_o great_a latitude_n and_o variety_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o breach_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o communion_n but_o how_o we_o shall_v worship_v god_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n whether_o the_o minister_n who_o officiate_n shall_v wear_v a_o white_a linen_n garment_n whether_o the_o child_n that_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n whether_o christian_n who_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n shall_v receive_v the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n kneeling_z sit_v or_o stand_v now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o our_o reconciler_n how_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o two_o be_v parallel_a case_n or_o by_o what_o logic_n he_o can_v fair_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n grant_v a_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v christian_a worship_n therefore_o the_o same_o liberty_n must_v be_v grant_v in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n itself_o though_o it_o must_v either_o destroy_v the_o uniformity_n of_o worship_n or_o divide_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v not_o produce_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v any_o one_o instance_n of_o such_o indulgence_n grant_v to_o private_a christian_n to_o dissent_v from_o the_o public_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o can_v show_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n all_o his_o other_o scripture-proof_n be_v nothing_o to_o our_o case_n and_o that_o these_o case_n be_v so_o different_a that_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v
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