rather_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n with_o some_o mixture_n of_o doubtfulness_n if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v yet_o he_o think_v it_o much_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o he_o can_v not_o be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o eat_v if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v his_o eat_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n persuade_v of_o it_o well_o but_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 5._o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a else_o he_o do_v not_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o by_o the_o former_a text_n direct_v we_o to_o interpret_v this_o latter_a in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o doubt_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o get_v full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o several_a way_n for_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o that_o already_o among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o act_v without_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n they_o sin_v against_o conscience_n but_o his_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v they_o quiet_o to_o permit_v each_o other_o to_o enjoy_v their_o several_a persuasion_n in_o those_o little_a matter_n without_o censure_v one_o another_o so_o that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v render_v let_v every_o one_o be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o satisfy_v with_o his_o own_o persuasion_n this_o indeed_o differ_v from_o our_o english_a translation_n but_o grotius_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a as_o well_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theodoret_n do_v thus_o interpret_v it_o and_o moreover_o the_o matter_n require_v it_o for_o otherwise_o the_o precept_n be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o possible_a since_o if_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o doubt_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o doubt_v nay_o it_o be_v then_o as_o much_o his_o duty_n to_o doubt_v as_o in_o other_o case_n to_o believe_v thus_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o word_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v do_v not_o overthrow_v my_o assertion_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o true_a and_o substantial_a answer_n to_o the_o argument_n yet_o i_o shall_v give_v another_o which_o untie_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o dissenter_n own_o principle_n suppose_v therefore_o what_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o a_o real_o doubt_v person_n and_o not_o of_o one_o that_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o the_o man_n do_v sin_n in_o eat_v those_o meat_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n sin_n in_o obey_v authority_n where_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o command_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disparity_n in_o the_o case_n since_o the_o man_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v and_o sin_v in_o choose_v to_o run_v a_o needless_a hazard_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n but_o when_o the_o superior_a command_n a_o man_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n in_o the_o former_a case_n the_o man_n may_v forbear_v without_o any_o danger_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o forbear_v than_o in_o act_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n though_o it_o may_v be_v sin_n to_o act_v in_o the_o former_a but_o further_a the_o reason_n why_o he_o that_o eat_v doubt_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v be_v this_o because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v always_o sinful_a to_o act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n because_o there_o be_v some_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v act_v with_o faith_n notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n for_o he_o that_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n do_v act_n with_o faith_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a all_o thing_n consider_v to_o do_v a_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v sinful_a in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o act_v otherwise_o that_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v though_o he_o act_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o doubt_n because_o he_o act_n in_o faith_n be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n thus_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o obey_v authority_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n be_v not_o sinful_a because_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o reasonable_a but_o his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n can_v have_v faith_n that_o be_v be_v satisfy_v about_o a_o action_n and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n often_o happen_v a_o man_n have_v often_o very_o great_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n in_o general_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v all_o doubt_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o doubt_n be_v overbalanced_a though_o a_o man_n doubt_n be_v hard_a and_o troublesome_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v more_o advisable_a to_o do_v the_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o he_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n because_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o best_a judgement_n and_o more_o than_o this_o a_o man_n can_v do_v iv_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o at_o all_o or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o it_o i_o say_v therefore_o in_o general_n that_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n do_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o for_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n about_o a_o particular_a action_n he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o now_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n while_o he_o be_v dispute_v whether_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o no_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o contradiction_n a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n but_o as_o he_o think_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v can_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n either_o way_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a law_n of_o god_n which_o determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o the_o general_a law_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v can_v oblige_v we_o to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o we_o can_v he_o that_o do_v thus_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n though_o he_o act_v doubtful_o have_v thus_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfy_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n some_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o ceremony_n other_o of_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_v conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o doubt_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v of_o these_o person_n some_o have_v a_o single_a doubt_n that_o be_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o but_o they_o be_v satisfy_v they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o we_o other_o have_v a_o double_a doubt_n that_o be_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o and_o they_o doubt_v
3._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n as_o their_o own_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o household_n and_o family_n and_o whoever_o make_v two_o family_n of_o it_o be_v a_o schismatic_n if_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n hold_v separate_a assembly_n under_o distinct_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o different_a governor_n and_o condemn_v each_o other_o constitution_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o member_n from_o each_o other_o they_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o church_n and_o indeed_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o several_a sort_n of_o government_n in_o the_o same_o nation_n with_o distinct_a governor_n distinct_a subject_n and_o distinct_a law_n that_o be_v always_o at_o enmity_n and_o war_n with_o each_o other_o be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o such_o congregation_n be_v but_o one_o church_n iii_o i_o be_o to_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n by_o fix_a communion_n the_o dissenter_n understand_v a_o actual_a and_o constant_a communicate_v with_o some_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o fix_v member_n of_o it_o by_o occasional_a communion_n they_o mean_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o some_o other_o church_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n as_o occasion_n serve_v that_o be_v either_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o curiosity_n or_o to_o serve_v some_o secular_a end_n or_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n now_o fix_v communion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a notion_n of_o communion_n for_o occasional_a communion_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o communion_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n can_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n as_o of_o a_o occasional_a membership_n since_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v equal_o fix_a and_o constant_a or_o equal_o occasional_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v true_a in_o one_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v we_o may_v live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o particular_a bishop_n in_o a_o particular_a national_a church_n but_o yet_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n perform_v in_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o that_o wherever_o i_o communicate_v whether_o in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o usual_o live_v or_o in_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n where_o i_o be_o accidental_o present_a my_o communion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n now_o our_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o our_o constant_a abode_n be_v may_v be_v call_v fix_o communion_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o we_o be_v accidental_o present_a may_v be_v call_v occasional_a communion_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n because_o all_o these_o church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o we_o can_v lawful_o join_v sometime_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o sometime_o with_o a_o separate_a congregation_n because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a for_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n congregation_n be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o but_z separate_z church_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o worship_n we_o join_v in_o with_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o three_o forego_v particular_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o main_a business_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o all_o english_a man_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v first_o that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n second_o that_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n from_o whence_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v three_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n i._o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n because_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o communion_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n to_o communicate_v in_o religious_a office_n but_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n i_o shall_v offer_v five_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 1._o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o since_o all_o society_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n therefore_o some_o duty_n and_o office_n must_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n as_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.11_o which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o ministry_n authorise_a for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 2.42_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a prayer_n of_o church-member_n be_v acceptable_a yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n offer_v up_o by_o the_o minister_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n nay_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v celebrate_v but_o in_o actual_a communion_n 4._o the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n which_o consist_v in_o admit_v man_n to_o or_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n suppose_v that_o church-member_n be_v oblige_v to_o visible_a communion_n 5._o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n as_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v from_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o heb._n 10.25_o then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n according_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 21._o so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n before_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v yet_o we_o can_v preserve_v our_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n which_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n be_v worth_a nothing_o because_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o when_o it_o can_v be_v have_v we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o but_o then_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n now_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v different_a opinion_n in_o religion_n as_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o division_n excuse_v from_o actual_a
god_n own_o law_n in_o the_o other_o we_o only_o obey_v man_n because_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o in_o general_a to_o obey_v our_o superior_n god_n command_v every_o subject_a to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a but_o human_a authority_n determine_v out_o of_o what_o good_n and_o in_o what_o proportion_n he_o must_v pay_v now_o because_o human_a authority_n interpose_v if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n detain_v the_o king_n be_v right_a do_v he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n than_o break_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o penalty_n if_o he_o be_v detect_v yes_o certain_o for_o tribute_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n the_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o break_v god_n law_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n do_v not_o lessen_v his_o guilt_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o church-vnity_n for_o though_o human_a law_n prescribe_v particular_a circumstance_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n yet_o god_n law_n oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o pay_v the_o king_n his_o due_n and_o that_o man_n that_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n by_o such_o a_o method_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n declare_v to_o be_v unjust_a may_v as_o well_o acquit_v himself_o from_o knavery_n before_o god_n as_o that_o man_n that_o choose_v a_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church-law_n can_v acquit_v himself_o of_o schism_n before_o god_n nay_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v human_a law_n grant_v a_o toleration_n and_o call_v no_o man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n yet_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o human_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v v._o it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n that_o be_v how_o far_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_n or_o not_o act_v when_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o the_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n if_o right_a we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a conscience_n if_o wrong_n we_o have_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n there_o be_v also_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n when_o we_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v treat_v in_o another_o place_n now_o if_o our_o conscience_n or_o judgement_n be_v right_a that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n without_o doubt_n we_o be_v forever_o bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o nor_o can_v we_o sin_v in_o do_v so_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n be_v but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o we_o must_v do_v when_o our_o conscience_n be_v erroneous_a and_o mistake_v and_o to_o answer_v this_o i_o lay_v down_o three_o rule_n which_o i_o think_v may_v give_v any_o man_n satisfaction_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o it_o though_o we_o take_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o duty_n for_o a_o sin_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a crime_n to_o act_v against_o this_o persuasion_n because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v at_o present_a and_o therefore_o our_o will_n be_v as_o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o act_v against_o a_o true_a light_n nothing_o but_o conscience_n can_v guide_v our_o action_n and_o though_o a_o eroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n we_o have_v and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o one_o instance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o act_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v not_o that_o man_n think_v sincere_a that_o act_n as_o he_o believe_v and_o that_o man_n a_o hypocrite_n that_o act_n otherwise_o whether_o his_o judgement_n be_v true_a or_o false_a he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_v contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n shall_v a_o jew_n turn_n christian_n or_o a_o papist_n turn_v protestant_n while_o yet_o they_o believe_v their_o former_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a we_o shall_v all_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n because_o they_o do_v it_o upon_o base_a principle_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o judgement_n nay_o we_o shall_v all_o think_v more_o favourable_o of_o a_o protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o a_o cunning_a papist_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n than_o of_o such_o person_n all_o this_o put_v together_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v second_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o for_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v it_o be_v not_o our_o opinion_n but_o his_o law_n that_o make_v thing_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v forever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n be_v because_o we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n then_o duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o day_n will_v be_v the_o contrary_a to_o morrow_n as_o any_o man_n opinion_n alter_v but_o such_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n do_v follow_v his_o judgement_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o too_o if_o his_o judgement_n lead_v he_o to_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o action_n according_a to_o a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v sinful_a but_o that_o a_o man_n mistake_n may_v be_v such_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n either_o against_o it_o or_o according_a to_o it_o for_o a_o man_n may_v often_o mistake_v and_o yet_o not_o sin_n provide_v his_o mistake_n do_v not_o lead_v he_o to_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n for_o first_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o pray_v seven_o or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v because_o god_n have_v bind_v he_o up_o to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o since_o god_n have_v not_o command_v the_o contrary_a he_o may_v safe_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o his_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o second_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o play_v at_o card_n in_o this_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o false_a opinion_n without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o since_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o follow_v his_o mistake_a conscience_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o it_o but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n when_o a_o man_n think_v that_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o indifferent_a which_o god_n command_v or_o that_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n forbid_v here_o the_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o his_o judgement_n or_o
of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o though_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o man_n conveniency_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a part_n or_o congregation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o church_n so_o that_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o it_o a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a corporation_n but_o if_o he_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o one_o corporation_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o corporation_n forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n thus_o have_v god_n grant_v a_o charter_n or_o covenant_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o christian_n into_o one_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o one_o church_n we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o it_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o ii_o by_o church-communion_n i_o mean_v church-society_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church-member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church-privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n it_o be_v true_a this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o but_o strict_o speak_v those_o office_n be_v not_o communion_n but_o a_o exercise_n of_o communion_n church-communion_n be_v church-union_n for_o as_o a_o member_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v the_o natural_a action_n of_o a_o member_n so_o a_o man_n must_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o pray_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o in_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v perform_v those_o office_n yet_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o intruder_n such_o office_n be_v act_n of_o communion_n if_o perform_v by_o church-member_n but_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o be_v a_o member_n a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o and_o a_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o church-society_n viz._n obedience_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n join_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o that_o act_v otherwise_o renounce_v his_o communion_n with_o it_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o observe_v 1._o that_o church-communion_n principal_o respect_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n because_o it_o admit_v we_o into_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o universal_a church_n 2._o that_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n such_o as_o pray_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n though_o it_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o christian_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o do_v we_o as_o fellow-member_n pray_v to_o god_n the_o common_a father_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o common_a saviour_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o christian_n thus_o also_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_a communion_n 3._o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o i_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o i_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a that_o i_o may_v lawful_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_a church_n 4._o that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n because_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v but_o one_o all_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o join_v with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o separate_a society_n be_v to_o renounce_v its_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v its_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n in_o the_o body_n have_v its_o proper_a place_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o we_o distinct_a church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v so_o that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n it_o be_v true_a a_o nation_n may_v permit_v those_o foreigner_n that_o be_v among_o they_o to_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o bare_a variety_n of_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o now_o every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n for_o though_o all_o true_a church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o each_o church_n have_v a_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o allow_v foreigner_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v separate_a communion_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v so_o that_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n who_o own_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n though_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o be_v not_o schismatical_a as_o the_o separate_a conventicle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v 2._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n from_o any_o dislike_n of_o its_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o leave_v the_o church_n because_o they_o think_v it_o unsafe_a to_o continue_v one_o body_n with_o it_o two_o church_n may_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o actual_o communicate_v together_o because_o distance_n of_o place_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o church_n which_o renounce_v each_o other_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o withdraw_v ordinary_a communion_n from_o each_o other_o from_o a_o profess_a dislike_n shall_v still_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a society_n sound_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o act_v by_o contrary_a rule_n and_o pursue_v contrary_a end_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o each_o other_o
this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v but_o i_o will_v transcribe_v no_o more_o only_o i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v serious_o how_o you_o will_v have_v like_v what_o i_o have_v transcribe_v from_o mr._n hildersham_n if_o one_o of_o our_o man_n have_v preach_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o add_v that_o for_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v may_v be_v decent_a and_o comely_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n house_n to_o be_v careless_a about_o the_o neatness_n of_o it_o if_o you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o unprofitable_a then_o consider_v why_o such_o thing_n as_o please_v out_o of_o one_o man_n mouth_n shall_v displease_v out_o of_o another_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o partiality_n make_v you_o not_o profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n or_o if_o you_o can_v not_o like_o such_o discourse_n either_o from_o nonconformist_n or_o our_o minister_n then_o be_v you_o not_o mistake_v about_o profit_v by_o sermon_n when_o you_o think_v those_o discourse_n unprofitable_a which_o sober_a man_n of_o all_o side_n have_v think_v necessary_a for_o mr._n hildersham_n say_v profaneness_n and_o atheism_n have_v make_v we_o too_o void_a of_o all_o care_n in_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n second_o if_o you_o think_v such_o a_o sermon_n profitable_a consider_v whether_o you_o have_v learn_v so_o much_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o to_o study_v and_o observe_v those_o rule_n do_v you_o for_o instance_n pay_v reverence_n to_o god_n house_n and_o come_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o service_n and_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v with_o the_o congregation_n &_o c_o if_o you_o do_v not_o than_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o our_o sermon_n that_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v for_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o plain_o teach_v these_o thing_n to_o conclude_v if_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a excuse_n for_o our_o divide_v from_o it_o that_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o edify_v when_o we_o have_v no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o to_o hope_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n upon_o this_o pretence_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o any_o man_n skill_n in_o dispense_n they_o that_o can_v make_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n any_o way_n beneficial_a to_o we_o with_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o we_o undervalue_v most_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o our_o salvation_n without_o it_o our_o ear_n may_v be_v tickle_v and_o our_o fancy_n pleasant_o entertain_v for_o the_o time_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o edify_v by_o the_o most_o fluent_a and_o popular_a tongue_n or_o the_o most_o melt_a and_o pathetical_a expression_n in_o the_o world_n chap._n xi_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answer_v have_v answer_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o our_o communion_n i_o be_o now_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n as_o separate_v from_o we_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o we_o such_o as_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o or_o that_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o they_o scruple_n it_o but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o these_o excuse_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n who_o commit_v a_o sin_n and_o think_v to_o cover_v it_o by_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o principle_n i_o mean_v to_o proceed_v upon_o by_o treat_v distinct_o on_o these_o five_o head_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n 2._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o particular_o 4._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n 5._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o his_o action_n i._o then_o to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o every_o man_n do_v real_o mean_a by_o that_o word_n when_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o use_v it_o now_o as_o to_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v of_o his_o conscience_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o action_n we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o a_o accident_n be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o these_o thing_n indeed_o may_v please_v or_o trouble_v we_o but_o our_o conscience_n be_v affect_v only_o with_o that_o which_o be_v willing_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o we_o or_o which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v forbear_v second_o we_o never_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n about_o our_o action_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n with_o which_o if_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o disagree_v they_o be_v evil_a three_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o be_v either_o already_o do_v or_o not_o already_o do_v but_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v whether_o past_a or_o future_a they_o be_v either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o they_o be_v indifferent_a action_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o these_o consideration_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n for_o first_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o already_o do_v we_o think_v it_o either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n or_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n or_o we_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v it_o or_o else_o we_o think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a and_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v undeniable_o every_o man_n meaning_n when_o he_o talk_v of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v or_o i_o be_o satisfy_v or_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v we_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v either_o do_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o not_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o trouble_v we_o but_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n to_o wit_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v only_o in_o the_o first_o sort_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o action_n to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o sort_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v already_o do_v but_o in_o both_o sort_n conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a but_o if_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o it_o and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o the_o like_a than_o it_o include_v more_o than_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o follow_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n about_o action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n by_o apply_v
receive_n as_o much_o as_o abstain_v but_o since_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o since_o he_o be_v mistake_v while_o he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a certain_o he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n by_o absent_v himself_o than_o by_o come_v with_o his_o doubt_n about_o he_o because_o his_o doubt_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n be_v only_a surmise_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o his_o doubt_n that_o he_o sin_n by_o habitual_o abstain_v which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n second_o though_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o case_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o man_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o unworthy_a receiver_n if_o he_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o he_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o question_n than_o be_v which_o be_v the_o least_o sin_n to_o receive_v unworthy_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o for_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v when_o he_o can_v avoid_v both_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v that_o a_o man_n who_o obey_v one_o know_v law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v another_o law_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n i_o say_v i_o think_v that_o that_o man_n though_o he_o be_v not_o innocent_a yet_o be_v far_o less_o guilty_a than_o he_o who_o omit_v a_o know_a duty_n and_o so_o break_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n suppose_v two_o man_n who_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v unfit_a so_o much_o as_o to_o say_v their_o prayer_n one_o of_o these_o man_n do_v upon_o this_o account_n forbear_v all_o prayer_n the_o other_o dare_v not_o to_o forbear_v his_o usual_a office_n though_o he_o believe_v he_o perform_v they_o sinful_o now_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o all_o man_n will_v think_v he_o the_o better_a man_n who_o say_v his_o prayer_n though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v very_o faulty_a because_o whatever_o a_o man_n indisposition_n be_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o perform_v a_o duty_n after_o a_o ill_a manner_n than_o whole_o to_o omit_v it_o since_o therefore_o the_o great_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v when_o a_o man_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o commit_v one_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n doubt_v of_o his_o unworthiness_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v habitual_o abstain_v from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o that_o which_o will_v actual_o damn_v a_o man_n i_o answer_v that_o let_v the_o sin_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o be_v as_o damnable_a as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v it_o yet_o the_o sin_n of_o total_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o damnable_a so_o that_o if_o he_o who_o partake_v unworthy_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o he_o that_o partake_v not_o at_o all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mend_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o do_v much_o increase_n that_o damnation_n and_o certain_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v what_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o live_v without_o the_o sacrament_n and_o what_o dreadful_a consequence_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o hereby_o they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n to_o neglect_v it_o but_o what_o apprehension_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o they_o will_v think_v it_o more_o sinful_a and_o more_o dangerous_a not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o three_o suppose_v the_o man_n take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o often_o very_a well_o satisfy_v about_o his_o preparation_n but_o since_o his_o last_o receive_v he_o find_v he_o have_v live_v more_o loose_o than_o he_o be_v wont_a or_o he_o have_v be_v very_o late_o guilty_a of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n so_o that_o he_o think_v himself_o unfit_a to_o receive_v at_o his_o next_o usual_a time_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a perplexity_n for_o he_o think_v he_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o sin_n if_o he_o receive_v in_o these_o circumstance_n than_o if_o he_o forbear_v because_o he_o be_v more_o certain_a that_o god_n forbid_v he_o to_o receive_v unworthy_o than_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n command_v he_o to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o then_o if_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n he_o be_v sensible_a in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n than_o to_o perform_v it_o unworthy_o so_o long_o still_o as_o he_o perform_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n on_o one_o side_n he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v on_o the_o other_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n what_o now_o be_v the_o man_n to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v forbear_v receive_v once_o or_o twice_o for_o his_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o better_a preparation_n against_o another_o opportunity_n because_o since_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o receive_v so_o many_o time_n a_o year_n any_o more_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v so_o many_o time_n a_o day_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o a_o express_a law_n to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o do_v so_o so_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o certain_a danger_n ought_v to_o over_o balance_n that_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o man_n ought_v rather_o to_o defer_v his_o receive_n than_o to_o receive_v in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n but_o second_o a_o man_n must_v not_o habitual_o absent_v himself_o upon_o the_o the_o account_n of_o unworthiness_n for_o i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v more_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o than_o by_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n in_o whole_o withdraw_v than_o in_o come_v with_o never_o so_o great_a fear_n of_o be_v unfit_a and_o therefore_o he_o must_v receive_v frequent_o though_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o do_v it_o unworthy_o rather_o than_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o four_o if_o the_o person_n think_v that_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v equal_a whether_o he_o receive_v or_o no_o then_o he_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o inducement_n of_o prudence_n and_o interest_n and_o they_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o receive_v than_o to_o forbear_v upon_o those_o account_n for_o beside_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o receive_v he_o reap_v this_o spiritual_a profit_n by_o it_o viz._n that_o he_o take_v the_o best_a method_n of_o grow_v more_o worthy_a and_o cure_v his_o doubt_n whereas_o by_o absent_v himself_o his_o doubt_n increase_v and_o he_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v that_o sense_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o now_o have_v thus_o have_v i_o show_v how_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o rule_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n and_o if_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o subject_n i_o hope_v the_o frequency_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o case_n will_v excuse_v i_o iii_o have_v settle_v the_o notion_n and_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n over_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o my_o assertion_n be_v that_o wherever_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v a_o action_n that_o command_n be_v general_o speak_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o action_n though_o he_o doubt_v whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n that_o i_o may_v speak_v clear_o to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v 1._o premise_v some_o thing_n 2._o show_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o assertion_n 3._o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o it_o 1._o i_o premise_v five_o thing_n first_o that_o no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v oblige_v man_n to_o do_v what_o god_n forbid_v or_o to_o forbear_v what_o god_n command_v second_o if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o thing_n which_o his_o governor_n oblige_v he_o to_o be_v sinful_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o can_v obey_v they_o without_o sin_v but_o then_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o also_o sin_n in_o disobey_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n three_o
if_o a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o the_o action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v sinful_a or_o no_o yet_o if_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o act_v against_o his_o private_a doubt_n he_o can_v do_v that_o action_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v it_o be_v he_o sin_v also_o in_o disobey_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n four_o if_o a_o man_n have_v be_v so_o extreme_o careless_a in_o learn_v his_o duty_n that_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o plain_a matter_n in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n be_v high_o accountable_a for_o do_v that_o which_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o he_o do_v it_o pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o pure_o in_o compliance_n with_o this_o true_a principle_n that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o our_o superior_n for_o certain_o if_o a_o sinful_a thing_n be_v command_v not_o only_o he_o that_o command_v but_o he_o that_o obey_v also_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o doubt_o or_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v first_o that_o this_o be_v true_a only_a in_o such_o case_n where_o the_o man_n may_v have_v know_v his_o duty_n have_v he_o not_o be_v careless_a for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a because_o he_o want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v himself_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n though_o he_o break_v god_n law_n second_o that_o when_o this_o case_n happen_v the_o sin_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o obey_v his_o superior_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o in_o his_o do_v that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v know_v to_o be_v sinful_a if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o obey_v his_o superior_n whether_o with_o a_o doubt_n or_o without_o one_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o sin_n five_o i_o premise_v that_o whatever_o the_o power_n of_o superior_n be_v for_o the_o overrule_a a_o private_a doubt_n it_o must_v not_o destroy_v the_o truth_n or_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o the_o forego_n rule_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n because_o the_o case_n of_o obey_v superior_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o command_n be_v a_o double_a doubt_n as_o proper_o as_o any_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v two_o to_o one_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v it_o by_o the_o first_o rule_n but_o then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o turn_v the_o balance_n yet_o there_o be_v usual_o such_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v as_o will_v outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o make_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o obey_v however_o if_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a a_o man_n false_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v sinfiul_a will_v not_o excuse_v he_o unless_o his_o mistake_n be_v such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o rectify_v these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o plain_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n be_v on_o both_o side_n pretty_a equal_a and_o where_o likewise_o the_o man_n concern_v have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v for_o the_o satisfy_n himself_o whether_o i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a do_v not_o oblige_v the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o doubt_v i_o affirm_v it_o do_v oblige_v he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o assertion_n and_o first_o modesty_n oblige_v we_o to_o pay_v as_o much_o deference_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o this_o come_v to_o if_o a_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o civil_a practice_n we_o shall_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o few_o learned_a prudent_a and_o honest_a person_n who_o we_o think_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o case_n than_o ourselves_o and_o do_v it_o not_o argue_v much_o self-conceit_n and_o great_a contempt_n of_o our_o superior_n to_o refuse_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o their_o judgement_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o consult_v and_o command_v for_o the_o best_a second_o bishop_n sanderson_n and_o other_o casuist_n agree_v that_o in_o all_o dispute_v case_n he_o that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o other_o that_o contend_v with_o he_o suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a thus_o if_o i_o be_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o estate_n which_o another_o claim_n i_o can_v just_o be_v dispossess_v till_o the_o other_o man_n title_n appear_v to_o be_v better_a than_o i_o now_o in_o our_o case_n the_o superior_a assert_v his_o right_n and_o command_v the_o subject_n question_v his_o right_n because_o he_o doubt_n whether_o the_o command_n be_v not_o sinful_a but_o since_o the_o superior_a be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o subject_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n by_o his_o disobedience_n dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o authority_n till_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o disobey_v than_o to_o obey_v but_o this_o be_v impossible_a because_o the_o reason_n be_v suppose_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n three_o since_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n that_o the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o obey_v than_o to_o disobey_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n for_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v superior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v unlawful_a the_o only_a hazard_n we_o run_v be_v of_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o which_o perhaps_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v or_o have_v not_o mean_n to_o know_v but_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o thing_n or_o no_o and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a than_o we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n which_o we_o can_v but_o know_v and_o which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o mankind_n four_o since_o in_o all_o case_n we_o must_v do_v as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v to_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a for_o our_o own_o inferior_n to_o contradict_v our_o rule_n upon_o pretence_n of_o doubt_v about_o their_o be_v lawful_a if_o a_o parent_n shall_v command_v his_o son_n to_o sit_v uncover_v before_o he_o or_o a_o master_n command_v his_o servant_n to_o dress_v a_o dinner_n on_o the_o lord's-day_n and_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v so_o because_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a will_v not_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o master_n say_v i_o be_o to_o judge_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o do_v and_o you_o must_v not_o think_v by_o your_o foolish_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o control_v my_o command_n i_o dare_v say_v most_o man_n will_v think_v this_o a_o very_a just_a reply_n and_o if_o so_o than_o our_o superior_a also_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n notwithstanding_o our_o doubt_n and_o if_o we_o think_v otherwise_o it_o be_v because_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o interest_n be_v concern_v and_o we_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o five_o if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v in_o mere_o doubtful_a case_n their_o authority_n signify_v nothing_o nor_o can_v it_o secure_v the_o public_a happiness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o some_o person_n or_o other_o will_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o if_o such_o a_o doubt_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v obedience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n but_o perpetual_a confusion_n for_o instance_n if_o a_o prince_n make_v war_n and_o every_o ignorant_a and_o unexperienced_a subject_n may_v lawful_o withdraw_v his_o assistance_n in_o case_n he_o doubt_n whether_o that_o war_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o what_o a_o sad_a case_n will_v that_o kingdom_n be_v in_o but_o these_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v must_v needs_o be_v think_v intolerable_a also_o 3._o have_v thus_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n
first_o then_o they_o say_v if_o the_o superior_a must_v determine_v in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n the_o inferior_a must_v often_o commit_v most_o grievous_a sin_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n doubt_v whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o ruler_n command_v that_o baal_n shall_v be_v worship_v the_o man_n must_v renounce_v the_o true_a god_n but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o we_o for_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o neither_o doubtfulness_n nor_o ignorance_n will_v excuse_v a_o action_n that_o be_v plain_o sinful_a though_o it_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o i_o only_o assert_v that_o the_o superior_a be_v to_o over-rule_v when_o we_o doubt_v equal_o whether_o a_o action_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o have_v do_v our_o best_a to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o nay_o this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o they_o as_o against_o we_o for_o if_o a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o ruler_n command_v that_o jehovah_n only_o shall_v be_v worship_v what_o advice_n will_v they_o give_v the_o doubt_a man_n if_o they_o say_v he_o must_v obey_v the_o ruler_n they_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o he_o must_v not_o obey_v the_o ruler_n he_o must_v worship_v baal_n and_o so_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n second_o they_o say_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n not_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o when_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a we_o be_v also_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v than_o to_o disobey_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v already_o give_v many_o weighty_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v rather_o obey_v than_o disobey_v when_o we_o equal_o doubt_v whether_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n but_o three_o the_o principal_a argument_n be_v draw_v from_o st._n paul_n word_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o from_o whence_o they_o argue_v that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v eat_v so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o the_o ruler_n command_n will_v not_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o full_a answer_n only_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o premise_v a_o general_a account_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o before_o i_o take_v of_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o now_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v persuade_v or_o at_o least_o think_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v moses_n law_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o difference_n of_o meat_n whereas_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v better_o instruct_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o food_n though_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o second_o verse_n intimate_v their_o total_a abstinence_n from_o flesh_n and_o eat_v only_a herb_n which_o moses_n law_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o i_o answer_v with_o some_o father_n that_o they_o think_v the_o law_n still_o in_o force_n choose_v to_o eat_v only_a herb_n that_o their_o way_n of_o live_v may_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o religious_a abstinence_n than_o a_o legal_a observance_n and_o so_o the_o other_o christian_n may_v not_o reproach_v they_o for_o keep_v the_o law_n as_o for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v he_o that_o doubt_v it_o do_v as_o proper_o signify_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o it_o be_v so_o use_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o other_o writer_n and_o therefore_o the_o text_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v render_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n be_v damn_v or_o condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v unclean_a because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n this_o render_v be_v put_v in_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bibles_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o most_o latin_a expositor_n the_o word_n faith_n also_o in_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n verse_n do_v not_o signify_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n a_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o a_o man_n assent_n to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n that_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n so_o that_o to_o have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o to_o do_v a_o action_n not_o of_o faith_n be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v be_v unlawful_a and_o whereas_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v we_o must_v observe_v that_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a damnation_n in_o hell_n but_o the_o condemnation_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o the_o sense_n be_v this_o he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n and_o yet_o eat_v be_v condemn_v for_o it_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o he_o apprehend_v to_o be_v sinful_a that_o man_n will_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o interpretation_n who_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v persuade_v the_o strong_a christian_n who_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v any_o sort_n of_o food_n not_o to_o give_v scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a christian_n who_o think_v otherwise_o and_o he_o thus_o conclude_v his_o advice_n have_v thou_o faith_n be_v thou_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v any_o sort_n of_o food_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n enjoy_v thy_o persuasion_n but_o do_v not_o upon_o every_o occasion_n make_v use_n of_o it_o lest_o thy_o weak_a brother_n be_v embolden_v by_o thy_o example_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v true_a happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v happy_a be_v he_o that_o do_v not_o do_v what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o he_o that_o doubt_v that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n be_v damn_v or_o condemn_v in_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o eat_v what_o he_o think_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v it_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n whatsoever_o a_o man_n think_v unlawful_a be_v sin_n to_o he_o that_o think_v it_o so_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o text_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o st._n paul_n here_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o of_o a_o resolve_v conscience_n only_o for_o the_o person_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o waver_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o be_v persuade_v that_o those_o meat_n be_v unclean_a because_o they_o think_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n still_o in_o force_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o 2_o 5_o and_o 14_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n i_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n and_o be_o persuade_v '_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n doubt_v be_v use_v and_o that_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n may_v as_o proper_o be_v render_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n as_o he_o that_o doubt_v but_o though_o the_o word_n doubt_v be_v retain_v yet_o it_o be_v undeniable_o plain_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o a_o doubt_n strengthen_v with_o so_o many_o probability_n that_o it_o want_v but_o very_o little_a of_o a_o persuasion_n or_o
lawful_a and_o since_o conformity_n be_v enjoin_v and_o since_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o scripture_n than_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o superior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o must_v not_o omit_v the_o duty_n of_o conform_v for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o those_o precept_n which_o contain_v only_a ritual_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n body_n and_o much_o more_o to_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o when_o both_o together_o can_v be_v observe_v we_o must_v break_v the_o former_a to_o observe_v the_o latter_a god_n will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v now_o if_o sacrifice_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o must_v give_v place_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n much_o more_o must_v human_a invention_n yield_v to_o they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o either_o in_o a_o case_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o when_o they_o plain_o hinder_v any_o moral_a duty_n to_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n but_o this_o be_v only_o when_o the_o necessity_n be_v urgent_a and_o extreme_a and_o the_o sin_n we_o must_v otherwise_o commit_v evident_a and_o certain_a and_o at_o last_o our_o obedience_n be_v dispense_v withal_o only_o for_o that_o one_o time_n we_o may_v be_v absent_a from_o church_n to_o save_v the_o life_n of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o to_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o his_o house_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o pitiful_a pretence_n for_o the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o our_o public_a prayer_n because_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o neighbour_n house_n may_v be_v fire_v or_o his_o life_n invade_v and_o so_o he_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n though_o this_o argument_n may_v serve_v to_o excuse_v the_o omission_n of_o something_o command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o very_o rare_o happen_v yet_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o help_v those_o who_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n only_o because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o offend_v those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o what_o be_v appoint_v but_o say_v they_o scandal_n be_v spiritual_a murder_n and_o if_o we_o must_v obey_v authority_n though_o scandal_n follow_v then_o when_o authority_n command_v we_o may_v murder_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o destroy_v he_o by_o our_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o wear_v a_o surplice_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o make_v man_n forsake_v christianity_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a scandalize_a our_o brother_n which_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o soul-murther_n nay_o this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o obedience_n to_o any_o other_o command_n of_o god_n if_o a_o brother_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o as_o it_o do_v against_o submission_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n also_o that_o be_v break_v by_o disobedience_n to_o superior_n we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o may_v chance_v to_o happen_v to_o some_o other_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n because_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o his_o own_o than_o of_o other_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o to_o avoid_v sin_n in_o himself_o than_o to_o prevent_v it_o in_o his_o brethren_n nay_o as_o bishop_n sanderson_n say_v to_o allow_v man_n under_o pretence_n that_o some_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v thereat_o to_o disobey_v law_n and_o constitution_n make_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o authority_n and_o to_o bring_v both_o magistrate_n and_o law_n into_o contempt_n for_o what_o law_n ever_o be_v make_v or_o can_v be_v make_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a but_o some_o man_n or_o other_o either_o do_v or_o may_v take_v offence_n thereat_o if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v whether_o any_o human_a authority_n can_v make_v that_o action_n cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a which_o if_o do_v without_o any_o such_o command_n have_v be_v scandalous_a i_o answer_v that_o no_o authority_n can_v secure_v that_o other_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v by_o what_o i_o do_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o than_o it_o free_v i_o from_o blame_n by_o make_v that_o my_o duty_n which_o if_o i_o have_v otherwise_o do_v may_v have_v be_v uncharitable_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n be_v a_o main_a duty_n of_o charity_n and_o that_o if_o superior_n may_v appoint_v how_o far_o i_o shall_v show_v my_o charity_n towards_o my_o brother_n soul_n than_o a_o earthly_a court_n may_v cross_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n i_o answer_v that_o here_o be_v no_o cross_v the_o determination_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v his_o express_a will_n that_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n we_o shall_v obey_v our_o governor_n and_o he_o who_o have_v make_v this_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o lay_v to_o our_o charge_n the_o mischief_n that_o may_v sometime_o without_o our_o fault_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n follow_v from_o it_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v as_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o superior_n shall_v appoint_v how_o far_o we_o shall_v exercise_v our_o charity_n towards_o our_o brethren_n as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n and_o prejudice_n of_o any_o private_a christian_n shall_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n or_o that_o every_o ignorant_a and_o froward_a brother_n shall_v determine_v how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o but_o far_o duty_n of_o justice_n be_v of_o strict_a obligation_n than_o duty_n of_o charity_n now_o obedience_n to_o superior_n be_v a_o debt_n and_o we_o injure_v they_o if_o we_o do_v not_o pay_v it_o but_o avoid_v scandal_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o indeed_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v but_o not_o till_o we_o have_v give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a it_o be_v therefore_o say_v bishop_n sanderson_n no_o more_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o disobey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o a_o superior_a to_o prevent_v thereby_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o brethren_n than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v one_o man_n wrong_v to_o do_v another_o man_n a_o courtesy_n withal_o or_o than_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o rob_v the_o exchequer_n to_o relieve_v a_o hospital_n if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o though_o the_o care_n of_o not_o give_v offence_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o a_o debt_n of_o charity_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o legal_a debt_n since_o he_o may_v and_o do_v require_v it_o as_o due_a and_o we_o do_v he_o wrong_v if_o we_o disobey_v he_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o we_o be_v require_v both_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o superior_n and_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o our_o brother_n but_o then_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o charity_n which_o god_n require_v when_o i_o give_v what_o be_v none_o of_o my_o own_o a_o servant_n must_v be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a according_a to_o his_o ability_n but_o he_o must_v not_o rob_v his_o master_n to_o relieve_v they_o our_o superior_n only_o must_v consider_v the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v they_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o can_v show_v our_o charity_n without_o violate_v the_o right_a of_o our_o superior_n thus_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n must_v be_v do_v though_o scandal_n follow_v it_o but_o in_o matter_n wherein_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o command_n we_o ought_v so_o to_o exercise_v our_o liberty_n as_o to_o avoid_v if_o possible_a give_v any_o offence_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o christian_a charity_n to_o endeavour_v by_o admonition_n instruction_n good_a example_n and_o by_o the_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n lawful_a at_o which_o we_o foresee_v our_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n after_o this_o manner_n do_v we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o gain_v dissenter_n to_o the_o church_n but_o