Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n according_a church_n word_n 2,966 5 4.1215 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27392 An answer to the dissenters pleas for separation, or, An abridgment of the London cases wherein the substance of those books is digested into one short and plain discourse. Bennet, Thomas, 1673-1728. 1700 (1700) Wing B1888; ESTC R16887 202,270 335

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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
make_v by_o incense_n the_o coal_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o thence_o and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o those_o office_n nay_o just_a after_o the_o account_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o light_v the_o fire_n follow_v this_o relation_n of_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n to_o show_v wherein_o they_o offend_v for_o before_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o aaron_n son_n to_o put_v fire_n upon_o the_o altar_n and_o now_o they_o suffer_v for_o attempt_v to_o do_v as_o former_o because_o heaven_n have_v declare_v to_o the_o contrary_n there_o be_v also_o a_o conformity_n between_o the_o punishment_n and_o the_o sin_n for_o as_o fire_v from_o the_o lord_n consume_v the_o burnt-offering_a so_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n consume_v they_o so_o that_o their_o case_n seem_v like_o that_o of_o vzzah_n 1_o chron._n 13.7_o 10_o &_o 15.2_o for_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o god_n command_n i_o may_v add_v that_o in_o other_o place_n also_o the_o phrase_n not_o command_v be_v apply_v to_o thing_n forbid_v such_o as_o be_v call_v abomination_n that_o be_v idolatrous_a worship_n false_a prophet_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 17.3_o 4._o jer._n 7.31_o &_o 19.5_o &_o 32.35_o so_o that_o since_o the_o phrase_n be_v always_o speak_v of_o thing_n plain_o forbid_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o god_n forbid_v that_o make_v they_o unlawful_a than_o his_o not_o command_v but_o say_v they_o why_o shall_v the_o phrase_n be_v use_v at_o all_o in_o such_o matter_n if_o not_o command_v be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o forbid_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o not_o command_v be_v only_o a_o soft_a way_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v usual_a in_o all_o language_n and_o frequent_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n thus_o god_n say_v that_o hypocrite_n choose_v that_o in_o which_o i_o delight_v not_o be_v 66.4_o that_o be_v their_o abomination_n as_o we_o read_v v._o 3._o so_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o gentile_n do_v thing_n not_o convenient_a rom_n 1.28_o 29._o that_o be_v envy_n murder_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o phrase_n not_o command_v be_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n when_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v apply_v to_o be_v alike_o abominable_a beside_o if_o not_o command_v be_v the_o same_o as_o forbid_v than_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v destroy_v and_o there_o be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n because_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n not_o command_v in_o god_n word_n be_v addition_n to_o it_o and_o that_o such_o addition_n be_v unlawful_a because_o god_n say_v you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 4.2_o and_o the_o scribe_n be_v condemn_v matth._n 15.9_o because_o they_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n now_o to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o if_o by_o add_v to_o the_o word_n they_o mean_v do_v what_o the_o word_n forbid_v or_o appoint_v somewhat_o else_o instead_o of_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v or_o expound_v away_o the_o design_n of_o the_o word_n or_o make_v that_o which_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o it_o as_o the_o scribe_n do_v or_o give_v the_o same_o efficacy_n to_o human_a institution_n as_o god_n do_v to_o he_o if_o i_o say_v by_o add_v to_o the_o word_n they_o mean_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o think_v that_o add_v to_o the_o word_n be_v unlawful_a and_o if_o by_o diminish_v they_o mean_v neglect_v what_o the_o word_n require_v or_o think_v god_n institution_n not_o complete_a we_o think_v that_o diminish_n from_o the_o word_n be_v unlawful_a but_o if_o they_o say_v that_o do_v any_o thing_n not_o command_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n though_o it_o have_v none_o of_o the_o ingredient_n before_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o sinful_a add_v to_o the_o word_n we_o therein_o differ_v from_o they_o 1._o because_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o church_n have_v do_v thing_n not_o command_v 2._o because_o this_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o can_v be_v indifferent_a if_o they_o be_v sinful_a addition_n to_o god_n word_n beside_o add_v be_v add_v to_o the_o substance_n and_o diminish_v be_v diminish_v from_o the_o substance_n so_o that_o when_o the_o substance_n remain_v entire_a without_o debasement_n or_o corruption_n it_o can_v be_v call_v a_o addition_n or_o diminution_n in_o the_o scripture-sence_n however_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o what_o they_o charge_v upon_o we_o for_o they_o forbid_v as_o absolute_o unlawful_a to_o use_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v and_o certain_o he_o that_o forbid_v what_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o forbid_v do_v as_o much_o add_v to_o it_o as_o he_o that_o command_v what_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o command_v as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o 2d_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v unto_o thou_o any_o grave_a image_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n prove_v that_o we_o must_v worship_v god_n by_o no_o other_o religious_a rite_n than_o what_o he_o have_v prescribe_v it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v there_o command_v to_o worship_v none_o beside_o god_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n but_o sure_o rite_n institute_v by_o man_n for_o the_o solemnity_n of_o god_n service_n be_v not_o there_o forbid_v it_o have_v be_v say_v indeed_o that_o ceremony_n be_v invent_v by_o man_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o image_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v 1._o that_o image_n be_v express_o forbid_v and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o 2._o that_o image_n tend_v to_o debase_v god_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o those_o that_o worship_v he_o after_o that_o manner_n but_o ceremony_n do_v not_o and_o therefore_o ceremony_n be_v not_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o 2d_o commandment_n ceremony_n be_v not_o essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o only_a circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o certain_o our_o brethren_n can_v find_v fault_n that_o such_o circumstance_n be_v use_v to_o further_a devotion_n for_o they_o themselves_o do_v plead_v for_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n upon_o this_o very_a account_n because_o they_o think_v such_o external_a circumstance_n do_v further_a devotion_n but_o say_v they_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n will_v be_v less_o perfect_a than_o the_o law_n and_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v so_o faithful_a in_o the_o care_n of_o his_o church_n as_o moses_n who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n heb._n 3.2_o therefore_o as_o moses_n lay_v down_o all_o the_o particular_a rule_n for_o god_n worship_n under_o the_o law_n so_o have_v christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o add_v as_o to_o detract_v from_o they_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o compare_v moses_n and_o christ_n or_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o show_v the_o exact_a correspondence_n between_o the_o type_n and_o the_o antitype_n and_o not_o to_o show_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v as_o particular_o prescribe_v the_o order_n of_o christian_a worship_n as_o moses_n have_v that_o of_o the_o jewish_a the_o gospel_n be_v not_o so_o particular_a in_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o worship_n as_o the_o law_n be_v and_o we_o must_v not_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v because_o we_o will_v have_v it_o so_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o christ_n have_v actual_o do_v this_o because_o we_o imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v it_o we_o may_v better_o argue_v that_o since_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o express_o determine_v under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n therefore_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o superior_n who_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v nor_o be_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o what_o we_o fancy_v they_o shall_v have_v determine_v but_o by_o what_o they_o have_v since_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n such_o particular_a prescription_n in_o baptism_n as_o in_o circumcision_n nor_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o in_o the_o passover_n nor_o in_o our_o prayer_n as_o in_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n do_v respect_n somewhat_o else_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o for_o want_v of_o they_o christ_n be_v faithful_a as_o moses_n to_o he_o that_o
very_o strange_a that_o have_v the_o institution_n be_v temporary_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n shall_v never_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a high_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o determine_v against_o the_o constant_a belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n without_o the_o least_o warrant_v so_o to_o do_v either_o from_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v object_v yet_o far_o that_o though_o form_n of_o god_n appoint_v may_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v yet_o form_n of_o man_n composure_n ought_v not_o and_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o appoint_v new_a scripture_n for_o public_a instruction_n because_o the_o inspire_a person_n do_v so_o as_o we_o may_v appoint_v new_a form_n for_o public_a worship_n because_o they_o do_v so_o but_o this_o objection_n also_o will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o objection_n allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o form_n to_o be_v lawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o otherwise_o god_n must_v have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n nay_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v his_o form_n be_v a_o tacit_n approbation_n of_o other_o form_n that_o be_v prescribe_v before_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o god_n but_o by_o man_n too_o for_o the_o jew_n use_v several_a form_n of_o human_a composure_n in_o their_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o disapprove_v they_o that_o he_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o own_o disciple_n which_o form_n as_o mr._n gregory_n have_v prove_v he_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o jewish_a form_n in_o who_o book_n the_o several_a part_n and_o clause_n of_o it_o be_v extant_a almost_o verbatim_o to_o this_o day_n and_o certain_o have_v he_o disapprove_v their_o form_n as_o evil_a and_o sinful_a he_o will_v never_o have_v collect_v his_o own_o prayer_n out_o of_o they_o since_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o form_n in_o such_o circumstance_n signify_v his_o approbation_n of_o other_o form_n it_o be_v plain_a either_o that_o he_o approve_v what_o be_v evil_a or_o that_o form_n be_v lawful_a 2._o that_o this_o objection_n must_v allow_v the_o prescribe_v of_o public_a form_n to_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o useful_a for_o otherwise_o god_n who_o always_o act_v for_o wise_a end_n and_o use_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n will_v never_o have_v prescribe_v any_o form_n and_o certain_o what_o be_v once_o useful_a be_v useful_a still_o for_o 1._o we_o be_v now_o dull_a and_o carnal_a enough_o to_o need_v form_n and_o 2._o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v one_o to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o age_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o gospel-state_n 3._o that_o this_o objection_n must_v also_o allow_v that_o god_n prescribe_v form_n by_o inspire_a person_n may_v be_v lawful_o imitate_v by_o we_o provide_v we_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o governor_n may_v prescribe_v form_n as_o long_o as_o form_n be_v useful_a 4._o that_o though_o governor_n may_v prescribe_v form_n after_o god_n example_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o prescribe_v they_o as_o scripture_n or_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o as_o spiritual_a governor_n must_v take_v care_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n after_o god_n example_n but_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o by_o inspire_a person_n so_o they_o may_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n after_o god_n example_n but_o can_v pretend_v to_o do_v it_o by_o inspiration_n they_o have_v god_n example_n for_o do_v the_o action_n but_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o inspiration_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o without_o manifest_a falsehood_n and_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o though_o god_n example_n will_v warrant_v for_o the_o one_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o warrant_v they_o false_o to_o pretend_v to_o the_o other_o thus_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n be_v authorize_v by_o god_n example_n to_o prescribe_v other_o when_o they_o judge_v they_o useful_a ii_o therefore_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v prescribe_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o conceive_v or_o extempore_o prayer_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v extempore_o and_o therefore_o form_n have_v a_o better_a claim_n to_o divine_a authority_n than_o they_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o wheresoever_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v vocal_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v in_o our_o own_o conception_n and_o word_n but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o certain_o when_o god_n command_v man_n to_o pray_v by_o his_o own_o form_n they_o do_v pray_v vocal_o though_o not_o in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o here_o let_v i_o take_v notice_n that_o dissenter_n appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o prayer_n to_o pray_v in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o call_v the_o use_v a_o form_n not_o prayer_n but_o read_v a_o prayer_n but_o sure_o the_o levites_n do_v real_o pray_v when_o they_o use_v the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o asaph_n and_o so_o do_v the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o form_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o vocal_a prayer_n for_o vocal_a prayer_n consist_v in_o the_o speak_n of_o our_o devout_a affection_n to_o god_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n but_o they_o pretend_v that_o whatsoever_o instance_n there_o may_v be_v of_o form_n in_o old_a time_n god_n have_v declare_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n we_o shall_v pray_v by_o our_o own_o gift_n of_o utterance_n for_o the_o future_a now_o methinks_v have_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o pray_v by_o form_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o express_a prohibition_n of_o it_o especial_o since_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v form_n and_o philo_n the_o victim_n p._n 483._o and_o the_o modern_a rabbin_n own_o the_o same_o they_o be_v also_o a_o people_n most_o tenacious_a of_o their_o custom_n and_o therefore_o need_v to_o be_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o form_n have_v our_o lord_n design_v to_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o his_o worship_n nay_o the_o essenes_n who_o of_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v most_o ready_o embrace_v christianity_n have_v certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o josephus_n observe_v de_fw-fr bell._n jud._n l._n 2._o c._n 7._o p._n 783._o now_o when_o those_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o form_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o have_v christ_n intend_v they_o shall_v use_v they_o no_o long_o he_o will_v not_o have_v give_v they_o express_v warning_n of_o they_o but_o when_o instead_o of_o so_o do_v he_o bid_v they_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v they_o think_v but_o that_o he_o design_v they_o shall_v still_o use_v a_o form_n as_o they_o do_v before_o be_v not_o that_o his_o design_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o he_o take_v no_o care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o but_o that_o i_o may_v full_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n i_o shall_v examine_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o dissenter_n think_v it_o do_v god_n say_v they_o have_v promise_v we_o a_o ability_n to_o utter_v our_o mind_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v by_o form_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o intention_n but_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o this_o ability_n which_o they_o pretend_v be_v promise_v for_o the_o purpose_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v a_o common_a gift_n which_o god_n have_v no_o more_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n than_o to_o any_o other_o end_n of_o utterance_n and_o elocution_n and_o that_o therefore_o to_o omit_v the_o use_v it_o in_o prayer_n be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n than_o to_o omit_v the_o use_v it_o upon_o any_o other_o just_a and_o lawful_a occasion_n however_o because_o they_o urge_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v design_v mere_o for_o vocal_a prayer_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v they_o 1._o they_o urge_v zach._n 12.10_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n the_o hebrew_n word_n translate_v supplication_n do_v always_o say_v they_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n must_v imply_v communicate_v a_o ability_n to_o pray_v vocal_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n be_v no_o
more_o restrain_v to_o vocal_a prayer_n than_o any_o other_o word_n that_o signify_v prayer_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v psal_n 28.2_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n when_o i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n do_v not_o necessary_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hebrai●●_n and_o may_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o my_o supplication_n or_o prayer_n for_o so_o gen._n 4.10_o it_o be_v say_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o brother_n blood_n cry_v etc._n etc._n now_o the_o blood_n have_v no_o real_a voice_n to_o cry_v with_o but_o cry_v just_a as_o mental_a prayer_n do_v in_o other_o place_n the_o word_n signify_v both_o mental_a and_o vocal_a prayer_n indifferent_o psal_n 86.6_o &_o 6.9_o or_o prayer_n in_o general_n jer._n 31.9_o but_o suppose_v the_o word_n be_v always_o use_v for_o vocal_a prayer_n yet_o sure_o the_o promise_n of_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n intend_v a_o much_o great_a good_a than_o the_o gift_n of_o extempore_o utterance_n in_o prayer_n of_o which_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a share_n than_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o what_o be_v that_o great_a good_a but_o the_o gift_n of_o heavenly_a affection_n in_o prayer_n if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n crying_z abba_n father_n gal._n 4.6_o and_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n rom._n 8.15_o and_o that_o these_o text_n prove_v we_o to_o be_v enable_v to_o pray_v vocal_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o pray_v by_o form_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o these_o word_n oblige_v we_o to_o cry_v vocal_o to_o god_n by_o our_o own_o gift_n than_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v in_o all_o our_o vocal_a prayer_n to_o cry_v to_o he_o in_o these_o word_n abba_n father_n because_o that_o be_v the_o cry_n which_o the_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o make_v and_o the_o text_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o express_v for_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o 2._o i_o deny_v that_o cry_n here_o do_v necessary_o denote_v vocal_a prayer_n for_o how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v the_o word_n apply_v to_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o voice_n at_o all_o thus_o the_o stone_n will_v immediate_o cry_v out_o luke_n 19.40_o and_o the_o labourer_n hire_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v to_o god_n james_n 5.4_o and_o indeed_o cry_v to_o god_n have_v the_o same_o latitude_n with_o prayer_n which_o include_v both_o vocal_a and_o mental_a 3._o suppose_v that_o cry_n abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n signify_v vocal_a prayer_n yet_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v vocal_o we_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o assurance_n as_o to_o a_o merciful_a father_n and_o this_o we_o may_v as_o well_o do_v in_o a_o form_n as_o otherwise_o for_o if_o we_o never_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n but_o when_o we_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o when_o we_o join_v with_o a_o public_a extempore_o prayer_n than_o when_o we_o join_v with_o a_o public_a form_n because_o we_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n in_o neither_o it_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o gift_n of_o utterance_n which_o say_v they_o be_v give_v for_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o preach_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n be_v miraculous_a and_o particular_a to_o the_o primitive_a age_n this_o gift_n say_v saint_n chrysostom_n hom._n 24._o ad_fw-la eph._n c._n 6._o be_v that_o which_o christ_n promise_v mark_v 13.11_o by_o which_o the_o disciple_n speak_v without_o premeditation_n and_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v the_o inspire_v word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o gift_n no_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v pretend_v to_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n act._n 2.4_o and_o the_o dissenter_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n as_o that_o of_o utterance_n they_o be_v both_o extraordinary_a but_o say_v they_o though_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o yet_o some_o have_v and_o therefore_o god_n require_v such_o to_o pray_v by_o their_o gift_n and_o not_o by_o a_o form_n for_o he_o require_v they_o not_o to_o neglect_v the_o gift_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o but_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o and_o to_o minister_v the_o gift_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o and_o that_o have_v gift_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o and_o if_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v their_o gift_n in_o general_a than_o they_o must_v exercise_v their_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o in_o particular_a now_o to_o these_o thing_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o timothy_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o episcopal_a power_n which_o he_o be_v exhort_v to_o exercise_v diligent_o for_o at_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o holy_a ghost_n point_v out_o the_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bishop_n as_o the_o 13.2_o the_o clem._n 1_o epist_n ad_fw-la corinth_n chrysost_n in_o act._n 13.2_o father_n testify_v for_o this_o reason_n the_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v he_o by_o prophecy_n it_o be_v give_v also_o with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o these_o two_o circumstance_n prove_v that_o the_o gift_n be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v but_o the_o gift_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n bestow_v upon_o he_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n at_o god_n particular_a appointment_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v how_o do_v this_o text_n prove_v that_o we_o must_v use_v a_o gift_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n in_o our_o own_o word_n as_o for_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o rom._n 12.6_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o they_o against_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o than_o they_o will_v make_v as_o much_o against_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o any_o other_o form_n 2._o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o text_n be_v to_o stir_v man_n up_o to_o diligence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o several_a office_n viz._n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n a_o priest_n a_o deacon_n and_o a_o rich_a man._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o word_n gift_n do_v oftentimes_o signify_v a_o office_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v rather_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o ability_n than_o a_o office_n yet_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o office_n because_o the_o very_a have_v ability_n do_v as_o much_o put_v a_o man_n into_o the_o office_n of_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a as_o if_o god_n have_v appoint_v he_o to_o it_o by_o a_o solemn_a ordination_n 3._o suppose_v that_o by_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o mean_v office_n but_o only_a ability_n yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o exercise_v they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v that_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o be_v pour_v out_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v to_o be_v use_v 1_o cor._n 14.2_o 6_o 19_o 40._o as_o it_o be_v particular_o plain_a by_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n vers_fw-la 23_o 26_o 28._o now_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o exercise_v our_o gift_n but_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o edification_n than_o we_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o any_o far_a than_o it_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o since_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n in_o public_a worship_n do_v as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v tend_v more_o to_o edification_n than_o pray_v extempore_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o suspend_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o those_o text_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v prove_v nothing_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o show_v that_o antiquity_n do_v the_o same_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v 1._o by_o answer_v those_o authority_n which_o be_v object_v by_o the_o dissenter_n against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n 2._o by_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v use_v in_o those_o age_n by_o a_o short_a historical_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n 1._o then_o it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o justin_n martyr_n say_v apol._n 2._o p._n 98._o that_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o communion_n pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
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
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 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