272 afterwards enfued, bath been a principal means of alter- ing the Bate ofthe Church from its Original Inf'}itution, ofcorrupting its Worfhip, Adminiftring occafion unto fcandal andendlefs Strifes. 2. Ifthe fpoJ1les gave nofilch Rules themfelves, it may be concluded fàfely, that it was becaufe in their judge- ment, nofilch Rule was to begiven. Other R.eafon hereof cannot be affigned, for ifit might have been done, ac- cording to the Mind ofChrift, and by vertue of the Commi7on which they had from him, innumerable E- vils might have been prevnted, by the doingof it. They forefaw what Differences would arife in the Church, what Divifìons, the darknefs and corrupt Lulls ofmen wouldcal} them into, about fuch things as there, and probably knewmuchwhereunto the eYklifiery ofIniquity tended ; yet would they not appoint any Arbitrary Rules about things not ordained by our Lord Jefus Chrift, which might have given force bounds unto the Inclinations ofmen, in making and multiplying Rules of their own, unto the ruine ofthe Church. 3. Then I fay, we beg the Pardonofall who concern themfelves herein, that we fcruple the Complying with fuch 'Rules, in Religion and the Worfhip of God, as the Apoftles thought not meet toappoint or ordain. But he addes, It is f ficient that they gave this general Rule, that all Lawful things are to be donefor the Churches 'Peace. ,Anfrr. What is to be done for the Churches Peace we fhall afterwards confider. To be done, is intended of Aasof Religion in the Worfhip ofGod. I fay then, theApofties never gave any f ch *le, as that pretended. The
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