gross_a act_n of_o moral_a impiety_n such_o as_o profane_v swear_v curse_a and_o all_o kind_n of_o uncleanness_n riot_n and_o drunkenness_n may_v be_v profess_o do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n be_v no_o more_o than_o have_v be_v own_v and_o assert_v by_o our_o ranter_n and_o libertine_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o horrid_a opinion_n and_o expression_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n by_o necessitate_v effectual_o and_o irresistible_o move_v and_o determine_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o sin_n by_o a_o efficacious_a decree_n first_o ordain_v the_o sin_n and_o then_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n thereof_o in_o hell_n torment_n and_o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o absolute_a dominion_n and_o justice_n i_o hope_v the_o man_n who_o have_v hold_v forth_o such_o expression_n have_v not_o mean_v so_o ill_a as_o their_o word_n seem_v to_o signify_v to_o common_a sense_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o my_o intention_n to_o parallel_v they_o to_o the_o forementioned_a rank_n of_o profane_a mocker_n of_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n only_o i_o hearty_o wish_v such_o teacher_n will_v sad_o consider_v whether_o those_o doctrine_n be_v like_a to_o produce_v any_o such_o glorious_a conception_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o man_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o do_v in_o they_o 4._o but_o my_o reprehension_n can_v without_o partiality_n determine_v in_o such_o a_o list_n of_o person_n as_o i_o have_v hitherto_o describe_v because_o it_o may_v most_o just_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o better_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o indeed_o to_o the_o best_a which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o we_o for_o doubtless_o we_o be_v all_o to_o blame_v in_o that_o we_o have_v so_o little_o regard_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n in_o that_o we_o have_v seek_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o end_n so_o much_o and_o god_n glory_n so_o little_a how_o few_o of_o we_o can_v say_v but_o that_o other_o end_n have_v be_v more_o regard_v by_o we_o than_o this_o how_o seldom_o and_o how_o slight_o do_v we_o mind_v this_o end_n how_o little_a care_n have_v we_o to_o secure_v it_o or_o zeal_n to_o procure_v it_o be_v this_o indeed_o our_o chief_a end_n we_o will_v be_v more_o careful_a of_o our_o way_n we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o loose_a so_o carnal_a vain_a and_o worldly_a in_o our_o common_a action_n so_o negligent_a cold_a lazy_a and_o slight_a in_o our_o religious_a action_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n more_o precious_a to_o we_o other_o end_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o over-sought_a by_o we_o we_o have_v all_o cause_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o general_a sin_n of_o neglect_v his_o glory_n have_v the_o lord_n deserve_v so_o to_o be_v slight_v by_o we_o nay_o which_o of_o we_o can_v say_v but_o he_o have_v infinite_o deserve_v we_o shall_v have_v have_v all_o the_o zeal_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o his_o glory_n shall_v he_o regard_v we_o and_o our_o welfare_n no_o more_o than_o we_o do_v he_o and_o his_o glory_n what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o with_o what_o face_n do_v we_o expect_v to_o appear_v before_o this_o glorious_a god_n who_o we_o have_v so_o much_o slight_v how_o can_v we_o pretend_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o might_n while_o we_o have_v no_o more_o affection_n for_o that_o which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v his_o only_a interest_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_o dear_a to_o he_o be_v so_o little_o value_v by_o we_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v eternal_o glorify_v by_o he_o and_o with_o he_o that_o regard_v his_o glory_n no_o more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v oh_o let_v we_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o this_o unkind_a and_o ingrateful_a neglect_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o let_v i_o close_v the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n with_o a_o press_a exhortation_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v to_o love_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o to_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o this_o rule_n in_o all_o their_o do_n to_o which_o purpose_n consider_v the_o generality_n of_o indisposition_n thereunto_o which_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v by_o way_n of_o reprehension_n i_o can_v think_v it_o needless_a to_o reinforce_v the_o exhortation_n by_o some_o addition_n of_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a 1._o as_o to_o know_v the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n distinguish_v a_o man_n from_o a_o beast_n so_o to_o choose_v and_o propose_v a_o good_a end_n distinguish_v a_o good_a man_n from_o a_o bad_a as_o man_n and_o reasonable_a creature_n we_o be_v to_o have_v some_o end_n in_o all_o our_o do_n and_o as_o godly_a man_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o chief_a end_n to_o which_o all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v subordinate_a and_o therefore_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v any_o end_n inconsistent_a with_o this_o nothing_o so_o much_o dignify_v a_o action_n as_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o no_o end_n so_o worthy_a as_o this_o by_o which_o all_o action_n be_v sanctify_v even_o the_o common_a action_n while_o they_o be_v though_o remote_o true_o and_o sincere_o design_v to_o this_o end_n be_v hallow_v and_o without_o it_o the_o most_o religious_a action_n be_v profane_v herein_o consist_v the_o form_n essence_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n proper_o so_o call_v godliness_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o religious_a affection_n to_o god_n express_v by_o such_o act_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o honour_n and_o do_v for_o this_o end_n because_o they_o be_v so_o he_o that_o count_v or_o call_v any_o thing_n godliness_n which_o have_v not_o this_o end_n that_o be_v which_o have_v not_o god_n for_o its_o end_n do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v this_o also_o be_v true_a holiness_n in_o the_o most_o distinct_a and_o proper_a notion_n which_o import_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n with_o a_o devote_v of_o a_o thing_n to_o the_o sacred_a majesty_n of_o god_n look_v how_o much_o a_o man_n be_v sequester_v from_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o world_n and_o devote_v to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n so_o much_o holiness_n be_v there_o in_o he_o holiness_n be_v common_o distinguish_v into_o inherent_a and_o relative_a but_o to_o speak_v strict_o all_o holiness_n in_o a_o creature_n be_v relative_a import_v a_o singular_a consignation_n unto_o god_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o inherent_a quality_n as_o that_o which_o be_v call_v holiness_n in_o all_o true_a saint_n but_o because_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n and_o the_o formality_n of_o the_o thing_n consist_v in_o the_o reference_n of_o this_o quality_n to_o god_n as_o the_o rule_n and_o end_n of_o it_o that_o kind_n of_o holiness_n in_o man_n which_o be_v common_o call_v inherent_a or_o practical_a consist_v in_o disposition_n habit_n or_o act_n be_v such_o only_a in_o reference_n to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o object_n or_o end_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o no_o such_o virtuous_a habit_n or_o act_n as_o have_v not_o this_o reference_n principle_n and_o end_n have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n in_o they_o for_o this_o reason_n moral_a virtue_n and_o good_a action_n of_o mere_a heathen_n amount_v not_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n a_o relative_a holiness_n may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o other_o thing_n both_o natural_a and_o artificial_a but_o no_o creature_n be_v so_o true_o capable_a thereof_o as_o man_n because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o capable_a of_o be_v separate_v and_o consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o a_o power_n or_o will_v extrinsical_a to_o himself_o as_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o by_o a_o proper_a design_n dedication_n and_o devotion_n of_o his_o own_o man_n by_o by_o nature_n be_v a_o sacred_a creature_n animal_n ovid._n sanctius_n his_o animal_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a consecration_n to_o god_n from_o that_o image_n of_o the_o creator_n which_o be_v stamp_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o endowment_n of_o reason_n tertul._n ratio_fw-la res_fw-la dei_fw-la tertul._n which_o the_o father_n true_o call_v a_o divine_a thing_n so_o man_n may_v be_v call_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n out_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o live_a creature_n elect_v qualify_v and_o appoint_v to_o celebrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n nor_o only_o for_o himself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o low_a world_n this_o be_v his_o office_n and_o dignity_n according_a to_o the_o prime_a intention_n of_o his_o creation_n but_o all_o mankind_n be_v now_o by_o original_n and_o personal_a sin_n profane_v &_o become_v unworthy_a of_o
by_o the_o radiation_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o their_o respective_a reflection_n so_o god_n can_v create_v glory_n wherewith_o to_o glorify_v and_o please_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o to_o honour_v and_o gratify_v his_o creature_n to_o this_o purpose_n do_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n so_o often_o pray_v be_v thou_o exalt_v o_o god_n above_o the_o heaven_n let_v thy_o glory_n be_v above_o all_o the_o earth_n psal_n 57.5_o 11._o &_o 108.5_o let_v the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fill_v with_o his_o glory_n psal_n 72.19_o that_o common_a piece_n of_o vitiosity_n which_o abound_v so_o much_o in_o man_n tax_v by_o the_o name_n of_o vain_a glory_n be_v just_o reprovable_a for_o its_o injustice_n upon_o diverse_a account_n especial_o because_o it_o be_v a_o affectation_n of_o more_o honour_n than_o be_v due_a either_o without_o or_o above_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o person_n that_o affect_v it_o which_o may_v be_v do_v by_o attribute_v to_o himself_o thing_n worthy_a of_o honour_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o he_o as_o when_o a_o ignorant_a person_n judge_v himself_o and_o will_v be_v judge_v wise_a or_o learned_a or_o by_o assume_v to_o himself_o more_o of_o those_o thing_n worthy_a of_o honour_n than_o be_v find_v in_o he_o as_o when_o a_o mean_a scholar_n shall_v desire_v to_o be_v think_v profound_o learn_v or_o by_o esteem_v those_o laudable_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o he_o worthy_a of_o great_a honour_n than_o they_o be_v as_o when_o a_o witty_a man_n or_o fair_a woman_n shall_v think_v themselves_o to_o deserve_v as_o much_o respect_n as_o a_o wise_a or_o a_o virtuous_a or_o by_o a_o excessive_a affection_n to_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o prefer_v it_o before_o other_o end_n which_o be_v more_o valueable_a upon_o a_o religious_a and_o reasonable_a account_n or_o last_o by_o attribute_v and_o assume_v the_o merit_n of_o honour_n which_o be_v in_o he_o entire_o to_o himself_o without_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o prime_n and_o chief_a author_n of_o they_o all_o which_o thing_n be_v branch_n of_o iniquity_n and_o the_o last_o the_o great_a act_n of_o injustice_n to_o god_n that_o can_v be_v who_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o honour_n so_o and_o therefore_o ought_v he_o also_o to_o receive_v the_o ultimate_a reflection_n thereof_o but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o direct_a contrary_n be_v in_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o worthy_a of_o all_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v give_v he_o and_o have_v all_o this_o merit_n entire_o and_o sole_o from_o himself_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o attribution_n of_o high_a glory_n to_o he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o justice_n to_o he_o so_o the_o require_v of_o it_o from_o the_o creature_n be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o design_v and_o accept_v it_o when_o it_o be_v do_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o virtue_n in_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v it_o he_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n so_o that_o god_n require_v integrity_n and_o perfection_n of_o glory_n from_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o pleasure_n that_o he_o take_v therein_o have_v precise_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o his_o require_v and_o be_v please_v with_o any_o act_n of_o piety_n or_o virtue_n in_o his_o creature_n thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o clear_v the_o objection_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o god_n be_v so_o much_o please_v with_o that_o great_a duty_n of_o do_v all_o to_o his_o honour_n now_o the_o general_a precept_n in_o the_o text_n be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o particular_a case_n of_o conscience_n concern_v eat_a thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o author_n to_o speak_v of_o some_o other_o case_n of_o ordinary_a occurrence_n in_o humane_a life_n whereunto_o in_o this_o preface_n he_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o add_v the_o follow_a resolution_n of_o a_o doubtful_a conscience_n which_o he_o shall_v deliver_v in_o a_o way_n borrow_v from_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o demonstration_n without_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v exact_o such_o first_o he_o take_v leave_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o follow_a proposition_n for_o his_o principle_n 1._o that_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n do_v aught_o to_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o be_v as_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o precept_n a_o man_n ought_v first_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v by_o he_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o his_o will_n 2._o that_o nothing_o be_v omit_v by_o he_o willing_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o promote_a his_o glory_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o know_a will._n 2._o princip_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v doubt_o that_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n either_o to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v a_o action_n notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n 4._o that_o a_o man_n be_v to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o most_o doubful_a 5._o that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a course_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 6._o that_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v to_o be_v lawful_a than_o to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o 7._o that_o of_o thing_n equal_o evil_a upon_o one_o common_a account_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v more_o evil_a upon_o other_o account_n refuse_v that_o which_o be_v less_o if_o any_o of_o these_o principle_n seem_v to_o be_v co-incident_a the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o pardon_v that_o redundancie_n now_o the_o general_a case_n of_o doubt_n to_o be_v resolve_v by_o these_o principle_n be_v these_o three_o to_o which_o all_o other_o may_v be_v reduce_v 1._o whether_o a_o particular_a action_n in_o question_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v forbid_v or_o not_o forbid_v 2._o whether_o a_o particular_a action_n in_o question_n be_v command_v or_o not_o command_v 3._o whether_o a_o particular_a action_n in_o question_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o each_o of_o these_o case_n the_o doubt_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v only_o of_o the_o thing_n specify_v in_o the_o case_n other_o consideration_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n these_o thing_n premise_v the_o resolution_n be_v as_o follow_v in_o the_o first_o case_n where_o the_o only_a doubt_n be_v whether_o the_o action_n in_o question_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a the_o doubt_n remain_v the_o action_n be_v to_o be_v forbear_v by_o the_o first_o and_o second_o principle_n 1._o because_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o every_o sin_n be_v so_o 2._o and_o every_o action_n do_v doubt_o be_v a_o sin_n likewise_o by_o the_o five_o and_o six_o because_o in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o safe_a course_n be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v to_o be_v lawful_a than_o to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o do_v doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o now_o the_o doubt_n be_v only_o whether_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o lawful_a and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o this_o case_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v forbear_v the_o resolution_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n because_o if_o i_o do_v this_o action_n i_o must_v necessary_o sin_n whether_o the_o action_n in_o itself_o abstract_v from_o my_o doubt_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a i_o sin_v double_o 1._o by_o do_v a_o action_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v unlawful_a 2._o by_o do_v it_o notwithstanding_o my_o doubt_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o as_o abstract_v from_o my_o doubt_n yet_o under_o it_o and_o with_o it_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o sin_n in_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o forbear_v it_o as_o for_o example_n suppose_v a_o man_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v blood_n or_o blouding_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n act_v 15.29_o and_o some_o other_o canon_n of_o council_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o eat_v such_o thing_n because_o he_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o abstain_v from_o they_o as_o have_v no_o colour_n of_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o eat_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v be_v his_o only_a doubt_n and_o that_o
prevent_v other_o do_v of_o evil._n to_o omit_v a_o necessary_a duty_n be_v a_o present_a certain_a evil_n the_o scandal_n that_o may_v be_v take_v thereby_o be_v but_o accidental_a and_o contingent_a though_o it_o be_v probable_a love_v both_o to_o god_n and_o ourselves_o require_v that_o if_o god_n must_v be_v dishonour_v it_o shall_v rather_o be_v by_o another_o than_o by_o a_o man_n self_n beside_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o action_n give_v general_o as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o other_o as_o it_o remove_v from_o some_o be_v the_o case_n so_o that_o a_o far_o great_a sin_n and_o dishonour_v to_o god_n be_v like_a to_o be_v do_v by_o occasion_n of_o this_o action_n than_o that_o omission_n will_v be_v yet_o be_v we_o not_o allow_v much_o less_o bind_v thus_o to_o prevent_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a consideration_n which_o can_v license_v much_o less_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n the_o least_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v to_o prevent_v the_o great_a q._n 2._o but_o what_o if_o the_o action_n be_v only_o good_a and_o commendable_a and_o not_o absolute_o command_v for_o such_o action_n i_o think_v may_v be_v admit_v as_o well_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o the_o freewill_n offering_n and_o voluntary_a vow_n under_o the_o law_n without_o yield_v the_o doctrine_n of_o supererogation_n if_o such_o action_n have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o other_o whether_o be_v they_o to_o be_v omit_v for_o that_o only_a reason_n answ_n if_o that_o brother_n who_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o such_o a_o action_n be_v true_o weak_a that_o be_v uninstruct_v and_o not_o proud_a wilful_a or_o obstinate_a and_o if_o that_o scandal_n can_v be_v sufficient_o prevent_v by_o instruction_n and_o due_a mean_n of_o rectify_v his_o judgement_n i_o think_v the_o action_n shall_v for_o the_o present_a be_v omit_v because_o all_o action_n command_v in_o their_o kind_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d the_o school_n concern_v affirmative_a precept_n nâ—_n bind_v ad_fw-la semper_fw-la that_o be_v at_o every_o time_n indeed_o the_o general_a precept_n of_o believe_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o love_v he_o and_o our_o neighbour_n dâ—_n bind_v both_o semper_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la semper_fw-la that_o be_v at_o aâ—_n time_n but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o the_o habit_n not_o to_o the_o elicâ—â—_n much_o less_o imperate_a act_n of_o these_o virtue_n that_o man_n be_v always_o bind_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a because_o not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n always_o to_o elicit_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n fear_v or_o love_n but_o the_o disposition_n aâ—_n habit_n must_v never_o be_v want_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o good_a christian_n and_o if_o act_v command_v mâ—_n for_o some_o reason_n be_v omit_v at_o some_o time_n bâ—_n cause_n they_o bound_v not_o to_o all_o time_n then_o much_o mâ—_n may_v such_o act_n as_o be_v not_o command_v though_o good_a be_v not_o necessary_a at_o any_o time_n be_v omit_v some_o time_n 2._o because_o as_o before_o be_v say_v â—â—ctions_n not_o only_o indifferent_a but_o good_a in_o themselves_o may_v become_v evil_a by_o some_o circumstance_n among_o which_o this_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v one_o 3._o because_o the_o do_v of_o such_o a_o good_a action_n not_o command_v may_v bring_v more_o dishonour_n to_o god_n by_o the_o scandal_n of_o it_o than_o it_o will_v do_v honour_n by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a to_o prevent_v the_o great_a yet_o may_v we_o omit_v a_o less_o good_a when_o it_o be_v not_o command_v to_o promote_v a_o great_a 4._o last_o that_o general_a rule_n that_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o case_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o my_o brother_n be_v probable_o endanger_v by_o my_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n but_o q._n 3._o what_o if_o the_o act_n that_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o brother_n which_o be_v true_o weak_a be_v bare_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o neither_o command_v nor_o yet_o good_a in_o its_o nature_n or_o kind_a but_o yet_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o man_n life_n liberty_n estate_n or_o credit_n and_o can_v be_v omit_v without_o notable_a prejudice_n and_o hazard_v to_o a_o man_n self_n in_o these_o interest_n whether_o be_v a_o man_n bind_v to_o redeem_v the_o scandal_n of_o his_o brethren_n with_o such_o hazard_n or_o prejudice_n to_o himself_o or_o his_o family_n the_o argument_n producible_a for_o the_o affirmative_a in_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n dishonour_n which_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o another_o occasion_v by_o this_o act_n of_o i_o will_v be_v procure_v 2._o from_o the_o debt_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o brother_n aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o temporal_a interest_n of_o our_o own_o answ_n it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o the_o high_a regard_n which_o a_o man_n owe_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v oblige_v a_o christian_n to_o do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v the_o impeachment_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o bound_v he_o to_o use_v such_o prudential_a mean_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o sin_n in_o another_o which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o forbear_v the_o action_n which_o his_o necessity_n or_o just_a interest_n do_v so_o much_o require_v have_v the_o corinthian_n for_o want_v of_o other_o meat_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v starve_v or_o by_o not_o eat_v this_o any_o otherwise_o hazard_v their_o life_n i_o think_v they_o have_v not_o be_v absolute_o bind_v to_o abstain_v by_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o the_o direction_n which_o here_o he_o give_v they_o which_o do_v not_o suppose_v they_o under_o any_o such_o extremity_n but_o only_o invite_v to_o the_o meat_n in_o that_o case_n of_o danger_n i_o think_v to_o have_v protest_v against_o all_o respect_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n may_v have_v acquit_v they_o from_o the_o scandal_n and_o make_v their_o eat_v that_o meat_n in_o such_o a_o case_n lawful_a though_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o express_v any_o such_o exception_n because_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o express_a apostolical_a interdict_v against_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n 15._o act_n 15._o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o esteem_a precept_n of_o noah_n yet_o it_o appear_v by_o s._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o elsewhere_o upon_o the_o same_o theme_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o temporal_a or_o provision_n edict_n not_o oblige_v beyond_o the_o necessity_n of_o thaâ—_n case_n whereupon_o it_o be_v make_v and_o this_o i_o think_v iâ—_n the_o warrant_n by_o which_o most_o christian_n do_v not_o now_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o the_o same_o edict_n to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v of_o blood_n or_o thing_n make_v thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n for_o soâ—â—_n century_n and_o forbid_v by_o some_o council_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v that_o another_o man_n error_n or_o weakness_n especial_o when_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n thereof_o be_v offer_v by_o i_o shall_v restrain_v i_o of_o such_o use_n of_o my_o lawful_a liberty_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o own_o preservation_n if_o i_o be_v bind_v to_o redeem_v every_o accidental_a dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o hurt_v to_o my_o neighbour_n soul_n by_o the_o loss_n of_o those_o benefit_n which_o god_n providence_n afford_v i_o it_o will_v be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o enjoy_v they_o at_o all_o but_o for_o a_o conclusion_n to_o this_o point_n of_o scandal_n the_o full_a and_o exact_a handle_n whereof_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o model_n of_o a_o sermon_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o short_a inquiry_n into_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n or_o cause_n whereby_o man_n be_v induce_v to_o imitate_v other_o in_o thing_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o discovery_n whereof_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o resolve_v some_o question_n in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o two_o which_o be_v both_o ground_v upon_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o imitator_n herein_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o borrow_v something_o both_o of_o sense_n h._n d._n h._n h._n and_o word_n from_o a_o late_a reverend_a author_n who_o have_v learned_o discourse_v upon_o this_o question_n 1._o one_o reason_n whereby_o people_n be_v sometime_o encourage_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v against_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v from_o their_o own_o mistake_n of_o the_o action_n or_o intention_n of_o he_o who_o they_o imitate_v think_v he_o to_o do_v or_o intend_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o thus_o
indeed_o see_v it_o to_o be_v sincere_a without_o any_o trial_n and_o therefore_o may_v accept_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v any_o such_o penitent_n but_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o so_o we_o may_v do_v in_o our_o own_o case_n but_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_a assurance_n of_o the_o validity_n of_o our_o repentance_n than_o we_o have_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n which_o be_v deceitful_a above_o measure_n but_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n alone_o be_v not_o repentance_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o forementioned_a woe_n dâ—_n of_o st._n peter_n act._n 2_o 27_o 28._o when_o he_o have_v convince_v the_o jew_n of_o their_o heinous_a wickedness_n iâ—_n the_o murder_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o say_v unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d do_v which_o sure_o do_v sufficient_o express_v thâ—_n sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v all_o thâ—â—_n go_v to_o repentance_n may_v not_o he_o have_v spare_v thaâ—_n precept_n in_o his_o answer_n then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o have_v content_v himself_o with_o his_o additional_a advice_n and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o yâ—â—_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n â—_o sin_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o text_n that_o a_o bare_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v not_o repentance_n much_o less_o be_v it_o a_o bare_a acknowledgement_n or_o confession_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v be_v without_o any_o such_o sorrow_n and_o of_o itself_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o a_o man_n have_v cause_n to_o repent_v not_o necessary_o that_o he_o do_v so_o it_o import_v a_o conviction_n of_o the_o consciene_fw-it not_o any_o conversion_n of_o the_o will_n for_o a_o man_n may_v acknowledge_v himself_o to_o have_v do_v evil_a without_o any_o intention_n of_o cease_v from_o the_o practice_n judas_n and_o pharaoh_n and_o saul_n 15.24.30.26.71_o mat._n 27.3_o exod._n 9.13_o 10s_fw-la 16._o 1_o sam._n 15.24.30.26.71_o do_v all_o confess_v they_o have_v sin_v but_o be_v no_o true_a penitent_n there_o be_v none_o more_o impenitent_a than_o many_o of_o they_o who_o make_v formal_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n private_o and_o public_o oft_o enough_o papist_n have_v a_o general_a custom_n to_o come_v to_o confession_n once_o in_o a_o while_n with_o some_o formal_a show_v of_o contrition_n whereupon_o of_o course_n they_o must_v be_v absolve_v without_o and_o before_o any_o other_o testimony_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o be_v clear_a with_o god_n almighty_a for_o all_o that_o be_v past_a and_o be_v so_o they_o think_v they_o may_v make_v bold_a to_o run_v on_o the_o score_n again_o for_o a_o time_n with_o a_o purpose_n of_o act_v over_o the_o same_o penance_n again_o when_o time_n serve_v for_o their_o new_a sin_n and_o this_o be_v take_v by_o the_o vulgar_a people_n to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o repentance_n sufficient_a to_o save_v they_o from_o hell_n at_o least_o though_o not_o from_o purgatory_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o prevent_v at_o last_o by_o sudden_a death_n of_o time_n or_o opportunity_n to_o act_v this_o repentance_n they_o be_v safe_a enough_o though_o they_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o against_o that_o fear_n they_o have_v also_o this_o salvo_n that_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o their_o intention_n and_o desire_n of_o confession_n shall_v be_v accept_v for_o the_o deed_n and_o this_o doctrine_n want_v nothing_o but_o the_o seal_n of_o infallibility_n to_o make_v it_o the_o most_o comfortable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o can_v easy_o be_v invent_v however_o though_o it_o be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v safe_a enough_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o it_o want_v not_o the_o warrant_n of_o a_o probable_a opinion_n from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o doctor_n that_o have_v teach_v it_o but_o to_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o how_o false_a and_o pernicious_a soever_o this_o opinion_n or_o practise_v be_v it_o be_v altogether_o as_o true_a and_o as_o safe_a as_o that_o which_o be_v common_o follow_v by_o we_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o we_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o they_o for_o ease_n while_o we_o can_v excuse_v ourselves_o of_o all_o their_o trouble_n and_o shame_n of_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n and_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n with_o do_v it_o to_o god_n only_o with_o as_o little_a sincerity_n and_o less_o regret_n than_o they_o do_v to_o a_o man_n for_o what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a with_o we_o than_o for_o people_n to_o make_v solemn_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n joint_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n and_o particular_o after_o a_o fashion_n in_o their_o private_a devotion_n every_o day_n and_o to_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n and_o then_o return_v to_o they_o again_o as_o constant_o as_o night_n and_o day_n light_n and_o darkness_n do_v succeed_v one_o another_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o course_n as_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o do_v as_o to_o sleep_v and_o wake_v how_o many_o be_v they_o in_o both_o church_n that_o do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_o discharge_v by_o such_o a_o formal_a customary_a practice_n of_o confession_n which_o so_o perform_v be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n that_o be_v from_o avail_v any_o thing_n towards_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n thereof_o in_o asmuch_o as_o it_o can_v signify_v before_o god_n nothing_o more_o than_o a_o continue_a practice_n of_o impudent_a hypocrisy_n for_o what_o else_o can_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n daily_o to_o confess_v his_o sin_n without_o any_o real_a desire_n purpose_n or_o care_v to_o forsake_v they_o and_o this_o hypocrisy_n be_v very_o much_o augment_v by_o the_o formality_n of_o such_o devout_a petition_n as_o be_v usual_o join_v with_o such_o confession_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v grant_v they_o hereafter_o to_o live_v a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a life_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n and_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n hereafter_o may_v be_v pure_a and_o holy_a that_o they_o may_v hereafter_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n in_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o like_a which_o prayer_n go_v out_o of_o feign_a lip_n as_o they_o must_v needs_o do_v while_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o be_v neither_o design_v nor_o desire_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n be_v a_o open_a flatter_a of_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n while_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o what_o else_o can_v it_o be_v but_o a_o plain_a mock_n of_o god_n and_o take_v his_o holy_a name_n in_o vain_a for_o a_o man_n with_o such_o seem_a devotion_n to_o pretend_v a_o humble_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o perform_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o go_v about_o this_o repentance_n therefore_o consist_v only_o in_o such_o formal_a confession_n and_o petition_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o hypocritical_a penitent_n and_o therefore_o far_o enough_o from_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n but_o hitherto_o i_o have_v insist_v only_o upon_o some_o gross_a mistake_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o repentance_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v rectify_v by_o a_o right_a description_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o duty_n wherein_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o foremention_v thing_n viz._n sorrow_n for_o sin_n with_o confession_n thereof_o to_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o join_v with_o a_o unfeigned_a purpose_n of_o forsake_v all_o know_a sin_n in_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v not_o only_o true_a and_o real_a part_n of_o repentance_n but_o do_v amount_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n inchoate_n or_o bebegun_a whereunto_o nothing_o be_v want_v to_o complete_a the_o be_v of_o it_o but_o the_o entire_a performance_n of_o such_o a_o purpose_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o a_o man_n life_n as_o may_v be_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o baptist_n matth._n 3.8_o bring_v forth_o therefore_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o the_o like_a of_o s._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n act_v 26.20_o both_o which_o text_n do_v signify_v that_o repentance_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o existence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o root_n antecedent_n to_o the_o fruit_n and_o work_v thereof_o and_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o do_v special_o