be cut off from the people of the Lorda." They did not, as yet, clearly see that the law had been abrogated by the Lord : much less was this known to the Jews in general at Jerusalem. Still, however, it was so far understood, that all acknowledged, that the difference between Paul and them was, under existing circumstances, admissible. They saw, as Paul himself also did, that an uniform practice at Jerusalem was expedient : and therefore St. Paul himself, whilst at Jerusalem, observed the law, as well as others : yea, many years after this, he even joined himself to others who had made a vow to purify them- selves as Nazarites, and purified himself together with themb. But, amongst the Gentiles, such observances were regarded as altogether indifferent ; and therefore were neither required by him from others, nor retained in his own practice.]
Now this is the precise path adopted by the Church of England —
[The Church of England has its rites, its forms, its cere- monies ; but they are as few, and as simple, as can be imagined. Nor does she require them to be observed by any but her own members. Others, who judge them inexpedient, are left to adopt any other rites which in their minds and consciences they prefer. And in this the Church of England differs alto- gether from the Church of Rome, which insists on an universal observance of all her forms ; and denounces, as heretics, and consigns over to perdition, all who differ from her. Every society under heaven has rules established for its own govern- ment, and expects its members to conform to them ; else there would be nothing, in any society, but disorder and con- fusion. And the Church of England fitly requires this : and I hesitate not to say, that her members generally, and her ministers in particular, are bound in conscience to adhere to them. But, where a diversity of circumstances calls for a diversity of habits, there the rules, by which we were previously bound, are relaxed ; and a difference of conduct may readily be admitted0.
The true medium for our adoption is this; to think for ourselves; but neither to be intolerant nor rigid. The whole college of Apostles at Jerusalem observed the law them- selves, but tolerated the non-observance of it in others. St. Paul, on the other hand, knowing that the law was no longer obligatory on him, observed it, because he would not give needless offence by refusing to conform to the established
a Numb. xv. 30. b Acts xxi. 23, 24.
c Presbyterianism is the Established Church in Scotland; and the king, George IV. as became a wise, and candid, and tolerant monarch, attended divine worship at the Kirk.