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
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
of_o grace_n and_o receive_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o baptism_n by_o the_o uncovenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v we_o less_o regardful_a of_o his_o sure_a ordinary_a and_o covenant_v mercy_n and_o the_o appoint_a mean_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v nay_o infant_n do_v by_o baptism_n acquire_v a_o present_a right_n unto_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v assistance_n which_o they_o shall_v certain_o receive_v as_o soon_o and_o as_o fast_o as_o their_o natural_a incapacity_n remove_v now_o since_o these_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n and_o since_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o they_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o shall_v receive_v they_o by_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n or_o stay_v for_o they_o till_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v it_o better_o for_o a_o child_n that_o have_v the_o evil_a to_o be_v touch_v for_o it_o while_o he_o be_v a_o child_n or_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o be_v of_o sufficient_a age_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n or_o be_v it_o best_o for_o a_o traitor_n be_v child_n to_o be_v present_o restore_v to_o his_o blood_n and_o estate_n and_o his_o prince_n favour_n or_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o mere_a capacity_n of_o be_v restore_v till_o he_o be_v a_o man_n i_o must_v add_v that_o baptism_n lay_v such_o a_o early_a pre-engagement_n upon_o child_n as_o without_o the_o high_a baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n they_o can_v afterward_o retract_v for_o there_o be_v no_o person_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n honour_n or_o conscience_n but_o will_v think_v himself_o bind_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o obligation_n which_o he_o contract_v in_o his_o infancy_n when_o he_o be_v so_o gracious_o admit_v to_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n before_o he_o can_v understand_v his_o own_o good_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n himself_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v high_o to_o be_v applaud_v for_o bring_v they_o under_o such_o a_o beneficial_a pre-engagement_n and_o not_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n at_o such_o year_n when_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o find_v out_o so_o many_o shift_n and_o excuse_n and_o make_v they_o regret_n to_o be_v baptise_a 2._o infant-baptism_n be_v very_o expedient_a because_o it_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o wellbeing_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v those_o scandalous_a and_o shameful_a delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o grow_v person_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v in_o these_o as_o they_o do_v in_o former_a time_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n since_o therefore_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o command_v by_o the_o church_n but_o most_o expedient_a in_o itself_o and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v conclude_v that_o there_o lie_v the_o same_o obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o desire_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n as_o there_o do_v upon_o grow_v person_n to_o desire_v it_o for_o themselves_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o exact_v any_o thing_n concern_v child_n or_o person_n under_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n lay_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v for_o if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o general_a contagion_n the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v command_v that_o all_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n shall_v every_o morning_n take_v such_o a_o antidote_n that_o command_n will_v oblige_v parent_n to_o give_v it_o to_o their_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v it_o themselves_o just_o so_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v intend_v for_o child_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n it_o must_v needs_o oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v about_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n concern_v all_o guardian_n etc._n etc._n to_o who_o care_n child_n be_v commit_v and_o if_o any_o ask_v at_o what_o time_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o baptism_n i_o answer_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o gospel_n indulge_v a_o discretional_a latitude_n but_o forbid_v the_o wilful_a neglect_n and_o all_o unreasonable_a and_o needless_a delay_n thereof_o v._o as_o to_o communion_n with_o believer_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a and_o have_v ever_o be_v think_v so_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a sin_n to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o because_o that_o will_v be_v a_o disow_a those_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n who_o he_o own_v to_o be_v such_o nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o take_v off_o two_o objection_n first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o infant-communion_n may_v be_v practise_v as_o well_o as_o infant-baptism_n but_o i_o answer_v 1._o there_o be_v not_o equal_a evidence_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n because_o st._n cyprian_n be_v the_o first_o author_n which_o they_o can_v produce_v for_o it_o and_o then_o the_o author_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n mention_v it_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o st._n austin_n in_o the_o five_o whereas_o for_o infant-baptism_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n cyprian_a and_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o father_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v of_o origen_n tertullian_n irenaeus_n st._n jerom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n who_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n general_o practise_v and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v that_o none_o of_o the_o four_o testimony_n for_o infant-communion_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o origen_n do_v of_o infant-baptism_n 2._o there_o be_v not_o equal_a reason_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n but_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o perfection_n institute_v for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o piety_n child_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o perform_v nor_o be_v there_o a_o equal_a concurrence_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n for_o infant-communion_n it_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o john_n 6.53_o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o now_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o eucharist_n or_o no_o because_o it_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o institute_v but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v yet_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o nay_o the_o western_a church_n discern_v the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o infant-communion_n be_v ground_v have_v long_o since_o lay_v it_o aside_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o mighty_o confirm_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v valid_o baptise_a and_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n full_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o ever_o be_v or_o still_o indies_n still_o as_o in_o the_o greek_a russian_a and_o abyssin_n church_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o the_o indies_n be_v practise_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o valid_a and_o lawful_a as_o that_o of_o grow_v person_n second_o it_o be_v object_v that_o child_n who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n can_v know_v what_o a_o covenant_n mean_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v contract_v and_o stipulate_v though_o st._n peter_n say_v the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o must_v have_v the_o answer_n or_o restipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n be_v as_o strong_a against_o infant-circumcision_n as_o against_o infant-baptism_n 2._o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o circumcise_a infant_n upon_o a_o implicit_a and_o imputative_a
sort_n of_o stipulation_n which_o at_o year_n of_o understanding_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o own_o because_o if_o they_o renounce_v it_o the_o covenant_n be_v as_o void_a as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o a_o implicit_a stipulation_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n and_o st._n peter_n it_o be_v likely_a have_v not_o respect_n to_o all_o baptism_n or_o baptism_n in_o general_n but_o only_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o adult_n proselyte_n who_o the_o minister_n use_v to_o interrogate_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o interrogate_v adult_a proselyte_n now_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o tertullian_n 18._o tertullian_n de_fw-fr baptism_n cap._n 18._o make_v mention_n of_o sponsor_n or_o surety_n for_o child_n at_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n make_v parent_n etc._n etc._n stipulate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o 3._o their_o see_v selden_n de_fw-fr synedr_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o minor_n when_o they_o baptise_a they_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o child_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o matth._n 18.6_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n may_v also_o probable_o allude_v to_o all_o baptism_n because_o child_n may_v be_v answer_v for_o by_o other_o person_n thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n answer_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n i._o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o baptise_a infant_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v regenerate_v of_o which_o some_o think_v we_o can_v be_v certain_a but_o since_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o into_o christ_n and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3.27_o and_o consequent_o be_v new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o since_o i_o say_v they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 2.38_o and_o since_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n tit._n 3.5_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o our_o church_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v unless_o the_o ordinance_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v of_o none_o effect_v towards_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v object_v that_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o covenant_n or_o act_n in_o their_o name_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o surety_n be_v procure_v by_o the_o parent_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o parent_n may_v act_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o infant_n the_o surety_n have_v all_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o parent_n can_v give_v they_o 2._o the_o church_n do_v hereby_o take_v great_a security_n that_o the_o infant_n shall_v be_v religious_o bring_v up_o inasmuch_o as_o beside_o their_o parent_n a_o obligation_n be_v lay_v upon_o other_o also_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o if_o the_o parent_n shall_v die_v or_o be_v negligent_a the_o surety_n be_v engage_v to_o admonish_v the_o child_n and_o have_v great_a authority_n and_o better_a advantage_n of_o do_v so_o than_o other_o person_n and_o in_o this_o age_n when_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a reproof_n be_v so_o general_o omit_v it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o defect_n be_v this_o way_n a_o little_a supply_v but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a that_o the_o opportunity_n thereof_o and_o obligation_n thereto_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v seldom_o practise_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v where_o it_o be_v keep_v and_o not_o where_o it_o be_v break_v and_o if_o the_o dissenter_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o that_o it_o be_v neglect_v they_o may_v remove_v this_o objection_n themselves_o by_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o observe_v it_o thus_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n the_o benefit_n of_o their_o example_n as_o for_o the_o interrogatory_n put_v to_o the_o surety_n and_o their_o answer_n they_o be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o what_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o to_o and_o that_o infant_n do_v stand_v engage_v to_o perform_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age._n this_o be_v the_o know_a meaning_n of_o the_o contract_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v liable_a to_o misunderstanding_n iii_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o dislike_v be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n against_o which_o it_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o our_o retain_v of_o it_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 2._o that_o it_o seem_v a_o new_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o christ_n right_a who_o alone_o may_v institute_v sacrament_n as_o to_o the_o first_o pretence_n though_o i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o cross_n have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v our_o retain_v of_o it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o we_o consider_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v common_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o those_o corruption_n for_o which_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o papist_n tertullian_n mil._n tertullian_n de_fw-fr coron_n mil._n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o practice_n which_o tradition_n have_v introduce_v custom_n have_v confirm_v and_o the_o believer_n faith_n have_v observe_v and_o maintain_v which_o word_n together_o with_o his_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a mention_n of_o it_o make_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o montanist_n forty_o year_n after_o he_o and_o about_o 200_o after_o christ_n origen_n 38._o origen_n hom._n 2._o in_o psal_n 38._o mention_n those_o who_o at_o their_o baptism_n be_v sign_v with_o this_o sign_n and_o about_o 100_o year_n after_o st._n basil_n 27._o basil_n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o give_v this_o usage_n the_o venerable_a title_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n or_o fix_v law_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v prevail_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o of_o all_o the_o father_n st._n cyprian_n who_o be_v before_o st._n basil_n and_o very_o near_o if_o not_o contemporary_a with_o tertullian_n himself_o not_o only_o speak_v very_o familiar_o of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n but_o have_v some_o expression_n that_o will_v now_o seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unwarrantable_a and_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o father_n have_v save_v he_o from_o be_v question_v about_o it_o he_o 175._o he_o see_v cyprian_n de_fw-fr lap_n p._n 169._o adv_n demet._n p._n 203._o de_fw-la unit._fw-la p._n 175._o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o baptism_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o it_o complete_v every_o sacrament_n the_o great_a the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o usage_n be_v manifest_a nay_o the_o father_n frequent_o use_v be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n for_o be_v baptise_a i_o shall_v not_o instance_n in_o st._n cyril_n st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n austin_n who_o sprinkle_v their_o writing_n with_o the_o common_a mention_n of_o this_o ceremony_n and_o oftentimes_o frame_v argument_n for_o a_o good_a life_n from_o this_o very_a sign_n upon_o their_o forehead_n only_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o remark_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o great_a have_v his_o direction_n probable_o from_o heaven_n itself_o to_o make_v this_o sign_n the_o great_a banner_n in_o his_o war_n with_o this_o encouragement_n that_o by_o this_o he_o shall_v overcome_v that_o this_o dream_n or_o vision_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a reality_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o success_n of_o that_o prince_n army_n under_o it_o and_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n will_v by_o so_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n countenance_n such_o a_o rite_n as_o this_o already_o use_v in_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v resent_v it_o before_o as_o superstitious_a or_o any_o way_n unwarrantable_a i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o petulant_a against_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v sometime_o signalise_v by_o very_o renown_v miracle_n as_o
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
we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o duty_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o affair_n for_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n according_a to_o circumstance_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o give_v certain_a rule_n for_o man_n charity_n in_o other_o case_n and_o fix_v the_o proportion_n which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v of_o his_o estate_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o positive_o to_o tell_v how_o far_o a_o man_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o forego_v his_o own_o liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o brother_n this_o whole_a matter_n say_v dr._n hammond_n disc_n of_o scan_v be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o christian_n pious_a discretion_n or_o prudence_n it_o be_v free_a to_o he_o either_o to_o abstain_v or_o not_o to_o abstain_v from_o any_o indifferent_a action_n remain_v such_o according_a as_o that_o piety_n and_o that_o prudence_n shall_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v most_o charitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o man_n soul_n second_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n and_o if_o this_o matter_n be_v right_o consider_v we_o shall_v soon_o fâ—â—d_v ourselves_o much_o more_o oblige_v upon_o this_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n than_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o for_o 1._o our_o separation_n harden_v other_o dissenter_n in_o their_o persuasion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o conformity_n for_o they_o will_v think_v we_o separate_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v true_a scandalize_a they_o or_o confirm_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a cause_n 2._o whatever_o sect_n we_o join_v with_o we_o offend_v all_o the_o other_o party_n who_o sometime_o speak_v as_o hardly_o of_o one_o another_o as_o of_o the_o conformist_n 3._o hereby_o great_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o conformist_n for_o this_o separation_n be_v a_o public_a condemn_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v scruple_n distaste_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o well-meaning_a but_o least-knowing_a member_n of_o it_o 4._o scandal_n be_v thereby_o give_v to_o superior_n by_o bring_v their_o law_n and_o authority_n into_o contempt_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sinful_a to_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o offend_a a_o prince_n a_o parliament_n &_o c_o no_o scandal_n take_v at_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n can_v be_v so_o great_a as_o both_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o confusion_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n 5._o hereby_o scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o papist_n who_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o own_o way_n because_o they_o only_o have_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o many_o waver_a christian_n to_o turn_v papist_n the_o papist_n always_o hit_v we_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o our_o division_n whereas_o by_o our_o hearty_a unite_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o may_v certain_o wrest_v this_o weapon_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n 6._o separation_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n in_o general_n it_o prejudices_fw-la men_n against_o it_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o matter_n of_o endless_a dispute_n when_o they_o see_v what_o dangerous_a quarrel_n commence_v from_o our_o religious_a difference_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n they_o have_v cause_v shall_v by_o some_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n itself_o thus_o our_o causeless_a separation_n open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n and_o now_o have_v show_v the_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o answer_v those_o plea_n by_o which_o the_o dissenter_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o nothing_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o add_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n &_o due_o consider_v what_o i_o offer_v to_o you_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o nothing_o but_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v a_o separation_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v charge_v our_o church_n with_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o else_o you_o can_v possible_o defend_v your_o practice_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n that_o may_v be_v contrive_v better_o yet_o every_o defect_n or_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o a_o church_n be_v not_o warrant_n enough_o to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n which_o a_o man_n can_v wish_v to_o be_v alter_v but_o whether_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v appoint_v which_o will_v make_v a_o alteration_n not_o only_o desirable_a but_o necessary_a &_o whether_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o withdraw_v till_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o she_o have_v corrupt_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o require_v her_o member_n to_o join_v in_o these_o corruption_n but_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o separation_n from_o she_o must_v be_v unlawful_a mr._n caâ—â—â—â—_n 12._o caâ—â—â—â—_n institut_fw-la lib._n 4._o sect_n 10_o 11_o 12._o say_v that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n keep_v up_o there_o be_v the_o plain_a appearance_n of_o a_o true_a church_n who_o authority_n no_o man_n may_v safe_o despise_v or_o reject_v its_o admonition_n or_o resist_v its_o counsel_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o its_o discipline_n much_o less_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o violate_v its_o unity_n for_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o account_v he_o a_o apostate_n from_o his_o religion_n who_o obstinate_o separate_v from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v a_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a temptation_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o separate_n from_o such_o a_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o be_v never_o to_o be_v reject_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n this_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n as_o if_o he_o have_v particular_o design_v it_o against_o your_o own_o practice_n nay_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n tell_v you_o that_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o yourself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n may_v as_o well_o come_v down_o to_o you_o by_o forbear_v what_o you_o dislike_v as_o you_o come_v up_o to_o the_o law_n by_o do_v what_o it_o require_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o case_n will_v bear_v this_o wantonness_n and_o whether_o such_o expression_n be_v consistent_a with_o your_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o hard_o i_o confess_v to_o make_v out_o the_o prudence_n of_o their_o determination_n but_o i_o think_v it_o hard_o that_o a_o public_a rule_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v reason_n enough_o to_o justify_v thing_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o compliance_n without_o more_o ado_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o union_n till_o man_n learn_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v govern_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n in_o our_o case_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o change_n though_o in_o