in_o this_o as_o the_o liturgy_n these_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o this_o first_o way_n that_o i_o propose_v to_o show_v that_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o any_o thing_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o this_o place_n nor_o can_v come_v under_o his_o notion_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o which_o he_o speak_v against_o in_o it_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o may_v be_v offend_v and_o trouble_v at_o it_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a how_o much_o some_o man_n be_v trouble_v to_o see_v a_o church_n constitute_v among_o we_o to_o behold_v it_o protect_v by_o law_n and_o power_n and_o to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o deference_n and_o respect_n pay_v unto_o it_o and_o its_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v at_o present_a by_o multitude_n both_o of_o great_a and_o good_a man_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v great_o malign_v and_o envy_v by_o man_n and_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o continual_a trouble_n and_o grief_n to_o they_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o private_a interest_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v so_o their_o design_n and_o aim_n will_v never_o be_v effect_v but_o so_o ill_a man_n be_v trouble_v at_o a_o good_a government_n and_o thief_n and_o robber_n may_v be_v vex_v that_o honest_a man_n be_v secure_v from_o they_o and_o these_o may_v as_o well_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o law_n and_o the_o government_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o as_o other_o may_v that_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o church_n and_o conformity_n sure_o we_o know_v thing_n better_o than_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o scandal_n that_o any_o man_n be_v vex_v or_o trouble_v at_o if_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o offence_n or_o forbear_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n that_o every_o ill_n design_v man_n be_v please_v to_o take_v exception_n against_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a we_o must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o nor_o venture_v to_o undertake_v any_o thing_n till_o we_o see_v whether_o all_o person_n will_v be_v please_v with_o it_o or_o not_o we_o must_v not_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o offence_n that_o please_v not_o the_o humour_n of_o every_o man_n for_o than_o nothing_o can_v avoid_v that_o character_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o it_o will_v serve_v we_o much_o further_o not_o only_o to_o justify_v ourselves_o from_o this_o imputation_n but_o to_o reflect_v it_o back_o upon_o those_o that_o charge_v we_o for_o when_o we_o have_v well_o consider_v thing_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o scandal_n will_v fall_v upon_o our_o accuser_n and_o not_o conformity_n but_o separation_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o give_a offence_n and_o that_o in_o both_o the_o notion_n of_o give_v it_o that_o have_v be_v name_v separation_n be_v indeed_o the_o scandal_n as_o be_v both_o a_o evil_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o betray_v other_o into_o many_o evil_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o schism_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o donatist_n or_o any_o that_o be_v ever_o make_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v a_o schism_n i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v on_o our_o behalf_n that_o the_o present_a separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v real_o a_o schism_n and_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n and_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o will_v judge_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o best_a successor_n yea_o and_o few_o sin_n great_a than_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v separation_n to_o be_v indeed_o the_o scandal_n and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a notion_n of_o scandal_n too_o and_o we_o sad_o see_v what_o great_a mischief_n it_o be_v introductive_a of_o what_o uncharitableness_n and_o rail_n what_o pride_n and_o censoriousness_n it_o betray_v man_n into_o schism_n be_v scarce_o ever_o content_a to_o be_v alone_o man_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o go_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n by_o asperse_v what_o they_o separate_v from_o and_o so_o man_n be_v inevitable_o betray_v into_o envy_n and_o bitter_a rail_n into_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o all_o those_o evil_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v natural_o productive_a of_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sore_a grief_n and_o trouble_n and_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o it_o to_o many_o good_a man_n who_o can_v but_o be_v grieve_v great_o to_o see_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o disregard_v the_o great_a duty_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n so_o slight_v and_o neglect_v and_o to_o behold_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n which_o cost_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n so_o dear_a and_o be_v so_o great_o belove_v by_o he_o so_o very_o little_o consult_v or_o rather_o purposely_o betray_v to_o behold_v man_n allow_v themselves_o nay_o glory_n in_o such_o damnable_a sin_n destroy_v their_o soul_n by_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o and_o wilful_o forfeit_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o last_o to_o see_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n so_o perplex_v with_o idle_a question_n and_o make_v intricate_a by_o needless_a dispute_n and_o to_o see_v so_o many_o unreasonable_a controversy_n start_v and_o such_o eager_a quarrel_n among_o christian_n which_o the_o best_a man_n sometime_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o weather_n and_o get_v over_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v many_o sad_a and_o ache_a heart_n among_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o make_v sad_a and_o these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o sad_a division_n and_o separation_n among_o we_o these_o therefore_o be_v the_o scandal_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o so_o much_o offend_v and_o these_o be_v the_o division_n for_o which_o there_o be_v such_o search_n of_o heart_n at_o this_o day_n i_o will_v to_o god_n some_o man_n will_v serious_o consider_v thing_n they_o may_v then_o possible_o begin_v to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o action_n and_o perhaps_o see_v cause_n to_o take_v some_o part_n of_o that_o reproach_n upon_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v please_v so_o prodigal_o to_o cast_v upon_o we_o 2._o but_o i_o have_v another_o thing_n yet_o to_o show_v the_o error_n of_o apply_v this_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o our_o case_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n so_o there_o be_v too_o in_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o give_a offence_n here_o relate_v and_o they_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o we_o conform_v unto_o by_o which_o the_o offence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v the_o difference_n i_o mean_v be_v this_o that_o however_o they_o may_v be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n equal_o indifferent_a yet_o the_o superven_a command_n from_o lawful_a authority_n may_v make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o this_o text_n relate_v be_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a too_o no_o humane_a law_n have_v take_v cognizance_n of_o they_o but_o the_o institution_n or_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v we_o give_v offence_n be_v thing_n already_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o a_o lawful_a authority_n have_v bind_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o have_v any_o controversy_n i_o hope_v with_o any_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o of_o the_o tragical_a outcry_n against_o they_o prove_v they_o essential_o evil_a though_o some_o man_n have_v be_v teach_v to_o call_v they_o rag_n of_o rome_n instance_n of_o superstition_n and_o relic_n of_o idolatry_n these_o be_v word_n of_o course_n and_o art_n of_o rail_v which_o proclaim_v indeed_o the_o rancour_n and_o malice_n of_o some_o man_n spirit_n but_o do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o certain_o a_o strange_a that_o shall_v hear_v all_o this_o outcry_n and_o at_o last_o find_v the_o thing_n declaim_v so_o against_o be_v but_o pure_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n he_o will_v either_o great_o question_v the_o judgement_n and_o honesty_n of_o some_o man_n or_o at_o least_o conclude_v that_o a_o little_a thing_n will_v serve_v those_o man_n to_o quarrel_n with_o that_o be_v resolve_v either_o to_o find_v fault_n or_o to_o make_v they_o 2._o nor_o second_o shall_v i_o need_v here_o to_o dispute_v whether_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o have_v be_v do_v full_o already_o by_o
both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a power_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o how_o indifferent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o obedience_n and_o plain_a duty_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n as_o strong_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o humane_a command_n be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o we_o can_v show_v favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o other_o if_o we_o will_v for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v under_o authority_n and_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o law_n of_o those_o above_o we_o we_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o do_v or_o forbear_v nor_o can_v we_o now_o abstain_v for_o fear_n of_o offend_v another_o man_n conscience_n without_o grievous_o wound_v and_o worse_a offend_n of_o our_o own_o and_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o conformity_n as_o to_o another_o man_n yet_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o downright_a sin_n and_o a_o grievous_a guilt_n unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o be_v impertinent_a a_o snare_n and_o a_o direct_a temptation_n and_o as_o improper_o urge_v against_o conformity_n as_o it_o will_v be_v against_o any_o other_o duty_n how_o necessary_a soever_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o man_n that_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o our_o do_v of_o it_o in_o this_o and_o all_o such_o case_n we_o stand_v immediate_o responsible_a unto_o god_n and_o may_v just_o retort_v that_o so_o much_o abuse_v and_o mistake_v apology_n of_o the_o apostle_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o regard_v man_n judge_v you_o 2._o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n yet_o incumbent_a upon_o i_o and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o suppose_v the_o text_n be_v pertinent_o urge_v against_o conformity_n and_o there_o be_v a_o real_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v very_o much_o against_o they_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a by_o consider_v who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o caution_n we_o against_o give_v offence_n unto_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n nor_o only_o the_o gentile_n nor_o both_o these_o only_a but_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o main_a improvement_n of_o this_o place_n against_o the_o purpose_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n we_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o object_n of_o scandal_n be_v and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v especial_o to_o regard_v in_o their_o care_n not_o to_o give_v it_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o there_o be_v three_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o may_v be_v offend_v with_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n the_o jew_n the_o gentile_n and_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n which_o he_o here_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o analogy_n to_o which_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v different_a party_n among_o which_o man_n converse_v upon_o which_o account_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o our_o respect_n to_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v any_o difference_n among_o they_o and_o this_o we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o in_o by_o consider_v the_o case_n that_o concern_v we_o which_o i_o think_v be_v only_o these_o two_o 1._o when_o we_o perceive_v or_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o what_o we_o be_v go_v to_o do_v will_v offend_v all_o party_n equal_o than_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o forbear_v it_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n here_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o christianity_n by_o this_o practice_n see_v its_o professor_n make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n which_o their_o law_n so_o strict_o prohibit_v and_o god_n have_v always_o declare_v himself_o so_o severe_a against_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v encourage_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o idolatry_n by_o see_v man_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a religion_n as_o they_o call_v themselves_o consent_n with_o they_o in_o it_o and_o the_o church_n may_v be_v offend_v too_o by_o see_v her_o member_n have_v so_o little_a a_o regard_n to_o her_o constitution_n and_o the_o plain_a canon_n of_o her_o great_a founder_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o careful_a and_o cautious_a what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o nice_a point_n and_o so_o ought_v we_o always_o to_o be_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o but_o second_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o what_o we_o do_v may_v only_o offend_v some_o these_o different_a party_n may_v have_v different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n some_o may_v think_v it_o lawful_a or_o a_o duty_n other_o may_v scruple_n it_o or_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o sin_n now_o in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o and_o our_o action_n and_o what_o difference_n to_o make_v in_o our_o respect_n to_o man_n and_o the_o apostle_n rule_v in_o this_o text_n will_v be_v a_o safe_a measure_n and_o direction_n to_o we_o especial_o if_o ecumenius_fw-la his_o note_n be_v true_a as_o it_o common_o be_v in_o all_o place_n where_o a_o climax_n or_o gradation_n be_v use_v as_o it_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v in_o this_o place_n his_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v how_o he_o put_v the_o chief_a thing_n last_o and_o make_v give_v offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o which_o especial_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o concern_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o win_v other_o unto_o the_o faith_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o offend_v and_o grieve_v those_o that_o already_o profess_v it_o and_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a than_o this_o be_v so_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o advice_n be_v plain_o this_o you_o ought_v as_o near_o as_o you_o can_v to_o do_v nothing_o to_o offend_v any_o but_o however_o take_v care_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o church_n you_o ough_o to_o have_v a_o charitable_a respect_n to_o all_o particular_a person_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n but_o especial_o to_o the_o church_n and_o never_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o that_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o do_v now_o this_o will_v be_v a_o clear_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a case_n and_o not_o only_o acquit_v conformity_n from_o all_o guilt_n of_o scandal_n but_o cast_v it_o whole_o upon_o separation_n and_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n since_o that_o be_v a_o direct_a give_v offence_n to_o those_o which_o the_o apostle_n chief_o respect_v in_o this_o prohibition_n i.e._n the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o stay_v not_o now_o to_o give_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o contend_a party_n understand_v that_o competent_o well_o nor_o to_o prove_v the_o present_a national_a church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v just_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o god_n be_v thank_v be_v full_o do_v against_o both_o the_o opposite_a faction_n against_o she_o those_o that_o call_v she_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a on_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o that_o reproach_n she_o as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a on_o the_o other_o be_v her_o present_a constitution_n to_o be_v try_v by_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a practice_n her_o faith_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o that_o of_o the_o first_o century_n and_o four_o most_o true_o general-council_n or_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n her_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o we_o can_v collect_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o pure_a time_n or_o be_v she_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o the_o judgement_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o able_a and_o learned_a of_o protestant_n divine_v abroad_o since_o the_o reformation_n she_o will_v not_o only_o be_v justify_v but_o commend_v not_o only_o pass_v for_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o the_o most_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n the_o most_o true_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a of_o any_o at_o this_o day_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o i_o wave_v all_o this_o and_o proceed_v to_o apply_v this_o advice_n and_o rule_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o our_o own_o case_n as_o it_o be_v at_o
quote_v in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v that_o this_o place_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a question_n nor_o will_v serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o church_n allege_v it_o for_o 2._o that_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v conclude_v against_o they_o and_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o present_a case_n betwixt_o we_o 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o place_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a case_n nor_o pertinent_o urge_v by_o our_o brethren_n against_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o present_a rite_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o may_v do_v from_o two_o thing_n mistake_v great_o in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o text._n 1._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n here_o mention_v 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v which_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o what_o man_n scruple_n or_o forbear_v in_o our_o case_n 1._o from_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o this_o place_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v here_o a_o large_a discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o general_n or_o a_o remove_n and_o rectify_v those_o many_o common_a mistake_n in_o the_o world_n about_o it_o but_o only_o to_o observe_v so_o much_o as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n 1._o then_o i_o observe_v that_o as_o there_o be_v only_o two_o notion_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o there_o be_v only_o two_o case_n in_o which_o man_n be_v proper_o and_o primary_o capable_a of_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o give_v it_o to_o other_o 1._o the_o first_o notion_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o snare_n or_o a_o gin_n by_o which_o man_n be_v entrap_v and_o draw_v into_o some_o plain_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v in_o many_o place_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o famous_a speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 18.6_o to_o 10._o and_o man_n do_v then_o give_v offence_n or_o scandalize_v other_o when_o they_o do_v that_o which_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o induce_v other_o either_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o omit_v that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o be_v a_o plain_a duty_n both_o which_o man_n may_v do_v several_a way_n which_o it_o be_v not_o now_o so_o very_o needful_a to_o reckon_v up_o single_o 2._o the_o second_o notion_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o it_o be_v some_o just_a cause_n of_o grief_n or_o trouble_n to_o other_o in_o their_o christian_a course_n and_o that_o which_o hinder_v they_o from_o walk_v in_o it_o with_o that_o cheerfulness_n and_o security_n that_o they_o otherwise_o will_v according_a to_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v render_v offence_n in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n some_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n of_o trouble_n or_o grief_n give_v to_o another_o by_o something_o that_o he_o see_v we_o either_o omit_v or_o do_v in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o direct_a occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n but_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o his_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n so_o it_o be_v use_v particular_o joh._n 16.1_o and_o rom._n 14.15_o it_o be_v express_v by_o grieve_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n man_n give_v offence_n to_o other_o when_o either_o by_o do_v or_o neglect_v something_o themselves_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n or_o grief_n to_o other_o and_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a course_n and_o occasion_n to_o they_o some_o trouble_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v free_a from_o 2._o have_v observe_v this_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o neither_o of_o these_o notion_n of_o scandal_n can_v be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o present_a case_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o not_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o case_n either_o first_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o a_o sin_n or_o second_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o induce_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o comply_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v give_v offence_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n than_o i_o here_o profess_v i_o will_v myself_o immediate_o turn_v their_o proselyte_n and_o renounce_v conformity_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o for_o ever_o 1._o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v essential_o evil_a none_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o charge_v her_o doctrine_n with_o falsehood_n or_o her_o discipline_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a and_o when_o any_o shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v find_v enough_o to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n have_v dare_v to_o charge_v we_o no_o further_o in_o either_o of_o these_o but_o only_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o both_o and_o reject_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o it_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n than_o heretic_n or_o to_o prove_v we_o heretic_n not_o because_o we_o believe_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a but_o rather_o because_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v or_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v christian_a and_o true_a neither_o do_v they_o charge_v our_o liturgy_n and_o service_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_o evil_a no_o nor_o redundant_fw-la but_o only_o deficient_a in_o many_o usage_n and_o rite_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o if_o our_o own_o brethren_n must_v be_v more_o spiteful_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o our_o worst_a adversary_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o even_o they_o become_v not_o their_o accuser_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o yet_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o have_v not_o adventure_v to_o do_v this_o and_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a enough_o when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o themselves_o free_v we_o from_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o our_o conformity_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v offence_n i._n e._n do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v formal_o a_o sin_n ourselves_o and_o thereby_o induce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o evil_n by_o join_v with_o we_o 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o see_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o conformity_n be_v direct_o introductive_a of_o or_o a_o temptation_n unto_o and_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o duty_n i_o thank_v god_n yet_o leave_v in_o i_o as_o to_o dare_v to_o justify_v she_o from_o this_o imputation_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o intend_v no_o sin_n in_o what_o she_o do_v nor_o know_v of_o any_o evil_n that_o her_o communion_n will_v betray_v any_o man_n into_o all_o that_o she_o design_n in_o her_o doctrine_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o symbol_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o she_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o the_o one_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o innovate_a and_o corrupt_v that_o faith_n or_o debauch_v it_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a religion_n and_o thereby_o conciliate_v that_o grace_n that_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n
of_o christian_a communion_n and_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o be_v consult_v in_o this_o great_a affair_n and_o have_v mature_o consider_v and_o canvas_v the_o matter_n determine_v only_o to_o restrain_v the_o liberty_n that_o the_o gentile-converts_a take_v in_o these_o three_o instance_n to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o blood_n st._n paul_n as_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n so_o he_o be_v the_o great_a agent_n for_o they_o in_o this_o business_n and_o the_o chief_a person_n that_o carry_v these_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o their_o church_n of_o which_o at_o this_o time_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v one_o principal_a and_o most_o considerable_a now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v carry_v this_o constitution_n and_o order_n to_o they_o which_o they_o so_o joyful_o and_o thankful_o embrace_v say_v st._n luke_n and_o afterward_o present_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o and_o to_o grant_v a_o great_a indulgence_n and_o latitude_n in_o this_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o expose_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n too_o to_o contempt_n and_o censure_n and_o to_o give_v cause_n for_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n of_o himself_o than_o he_o give_v to_o st._n peter_n for_o a_o lesser_a matter_n than_o this_o be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o particular_a matter_n here_o relate_v unto_o be_v not_o the_o case_n which_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v regulate_v but_o that_o it_o be_v some_o other_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o they_o 2._o and_o this_o we_o may_v collect_v also_o from_o the_o phrase_n in_o which_o he_o discourse_v this_o matter_n here_o in_o this_o text_n whatsoever_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n that_o eat_v ask_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n v._o 25._o and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o bid_v you_o to_o a_o feast_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d invite_v you_o to_o a_o entertainment_n for_n there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a and_o you_o be_v dispose_v to_o go_v whatsoever_o be_v set_v before_o you_o eat_z ask_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n v._o 27._o by_o both_o which_o expression_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o be_v discourse_v of_o another_o matter_n than_o what_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o canon_n or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o a_o very_a different_a denomination_n and_o circumstance_n from_o that_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o there_o for_o meat_n buy_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o eat_v in_o the_o common_a entertainment_n of_o their_o heathen_a neighbour_n be_v plain_o different_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o canon_n and_o this_o whole_a matter_n will_v be_v make_v plain_a by_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o and_o show_v wherein_o the_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o discourse_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n do_v differ_v the_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n forbid_v by_o that_o council_n be_v such_o part_v whereof_o be_v not_o only_o offer_v in_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v solemn_o eat_v afterward_o as_o the_o idol_n meat_n and_o the_o whole_a feast_n continue_v as_o a_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v and_o perform_v not_o only_o as_o a_o rite_n of_o confederate_v with_o the_o idol_n but_o of_o be_v more_o close_o unite_v unto_o he_o and_o receive_v a_o divine_a afflatus_fw-la and_o influence_n from_o he_o and_o although_o the_o idol_n to_o which_o this_o be_v do_v be_v real_o nothing_o and_o the_o whole_a performance_n a_o mere_a vanity_n have_v no_o real_a foundation_n at_o all_o in_o nature_n and_o so_o possible_o these_o meat_n may_v have_v be_v safe_o partake_v of_o by_o those_o that_o be_v well_o instruct_v and_o know_v these_o thing_n yet_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o forbid_v they_o for_o the_o forementioned_a reason_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n enlarge_v their_o reason_n in_o this_o chapter_n because_o it_o be_v a_o confederate_n with_o devil_n and_o be_v partaker_n at_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n which_o he_o condemn_v as_o huge_o unbecoming_a they_o that_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n vers_fw-la 20_o 21._o grotius_n be_v so_o exact_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o man_n may_v eat_v of_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v 1._o well_fw-mi aliquid_fw-la a_o tabulâ_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n when_o at_o their_o public_a feast_n they_o send_v some_o part_n off_o the_o table_n to_o be_v offer_v solemn_o to_o the_o idol_n and_o to_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o whole_a feast_n 2._o well_fw-mi ab_fw-la aris_n ad_fw-la mensam_fw-la defertis_fw-la or_o when_o they_o take_v some_o considerable_a portion_n from_o the_o altar_n and_o feed_v upon_o it_o at_o the_o table_n as_o part_v of_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o now_o for_o the_o christian_n to_o be_v present_a at_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v in_o that_o canon_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n also_o be_v so_o sharp_a upon_o from_z 14_o to_o 24_o of_o this_o chapter_n but_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o afterward_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o it_o and_o plain_o mean_v either_o that_o part_n of_o the_o offer_v which_o they_o afterward_o spend_v in_o their_o ordinary_a meal_n or_o which_o be_v public_o sell_v afterward_o in_o the_o shambles_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v easy_o understand_v and_o be_v common_a among_o they_o to_o offer_v some_o part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o to_o reserve_v the_o rest_n for_o their_o own_o common_a use_n not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o sacred_a and_o the_o idol_n portion_n as_o in_o some_o great_a and_o solemn_a sacrifice_n they_o do_v but_o that_o which_o be_v true_o their_o own_o and_o at_o their_o own_o disposal_n especial_o have_v give_v a_o part_n of_o it_o to_o their_o go_n the_o other_o i_o e._n what_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n critic_n give_v two_o account_n of_o 1._o it_o be_v either_o that_o which_o the_o butcher_n sell_v part_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n before_o he_o bring_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o shambles_n well_fw-mi à _fw-fr macellario_n qui_fw-la ante_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la marcellum_fw-la carnes_z ferret_n aliquid_fw-la de_fw-fr aram_n in_o dedisset_fw-la 2._o or_o that_o part_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o which_o they_o often_o sell_v have_v its_o probable_a either_o more_o than_o they_o can_v spend_v themselves_o or_o perhaps_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o exchange_v it_o for_o other_o meat_n which_o they_o may_v purchase_v with_o the_o money_n they_o sell_v it_o for_o well_fw-mi à _fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la qui_fw-la part_n quae_fw-la ipsis_fw-la cederent_fw-la venderent_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n now_o these_o be_v the_o meat_n about_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v no_o order_n at_o all_o so_o that_o man_n be_v at_o their_o liberty_n to_o buy_v and_o eat_v they_o if_o they_o please_v without_o ask_v any_o question_n or_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n about_o they_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o abstain_v then_o only_o from_o when_o know_v what_o they_o be_v their_o eat_v they_o may_v wound_v the_o conscience_n of_o another_o and_o they_o may_v give_v offence_n thereby_o either_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o the_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o see_v they_o make_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o idolatry_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o encourage_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o idolatry_n which_o they_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o seek_v to_o wean_v they_o from_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o see_v they_o so_o careless_a and_o regardless_o of_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o without_o all_o charity_n to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a that_o these_o thing_n to_o which_o this_o speech_n relate_v be_v not_o only_o indifferent_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o undetermined_a also_o as_o to_o their_o use_n no_o law_n have_v pass_v one_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o they_o now_o this_o make_v they_o vast_o different_a from_o the_o thing_n scruple_v among_o we_o and_o by_o conformity_n to_o which_o offence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o be_v already_o determine_v and_o several_a law_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n
this_o day_n with_o respect_n to_o scandal_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o by_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v reform_v itself_o from_o those_o corruption_n that_o have_v sully_v the_o truth_n and_o beauty_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n not_o by_o noise_n and_o tumult_n and_o popular_a faction_n which_o too_o much_o influence_v some_o foreign_a reformation_n but_o upon_o grave_n and_o sober_a advice_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o lawful_a civil_a power_n digest_v her_o doctrinal_n into_o such_o a_o number_n of_o article_n as_o she_o judge_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o council_n establish_v such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o upon_o most_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o search_n she_o find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o pure_a and_o primitive_a age_n and_o retain_v only_o such_o rite_n and_o usage_n as_o she_o find_v most_o 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doctrine_n of_o john_n huss_n be_v preferable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o constance_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n or_o any_o other_o parallel_a one_o that_o respect_v derive_v itself_o not_o from_o their_o person_n but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o stand_v with_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n our_o church_n do_v challenge_v and_o triumph_v over_o all_o charge_n of_o any_o such_o apostasy_n and_o all_o the_o dispute_v and_o contest_v with_o she_o by_o any_o of_o these_o man_n be_v about_o thing_n confess_o doubtful_a and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a thing_n about_o which_o to_o say_v the_o least_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a that_o single_a person_n may_v err_v and_o mistake_v as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n unless_o in_o this_o also_o as_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n man_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o gross_a tenet_n in_o popery_n that_o single_a 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authority_n and_o confidence_n and_o yield_v as_o absolute_a and_o implicit_a faith_n to_o all_o their_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o any_o poor_a papist_n against_o who_o they_o exclaim_v so_o tragical_o for_o blind_a obedience_n and_o faith_n they_o be_v keep_v in_o as_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o their_o placit_n and_o dare_v no_o more_o read_v and_o consult_v book_n that_o be_v write_v to_o inform_v they_o than_o a_o poor_a papist_n dare_n let_v a_o prohibit_v book_n be_v see_v in_o his_o house_n by_o a_o father_n of_o the_o inquisition_n if_o ever_o people_n follow_v their_o leader_n blindfold_a these_o man_n do_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o they_o have_v their_o person_n in_o admiration_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v not_o say_v of_o some_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n or_o at_o least_o some_o mean_a reason_n equivalent_a thereto_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o submit_v to_o mean_n of_o information_n they_o common_o say_v they_o be_v satisfy_v 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against_o that_o of_o many_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o way_n both_o as_o know_v and_o as_o upright_o as_o himself_o whatever_o consideration_n there_o be_v to_o determine_v our_o charity_n to_o single_a person_n there_o be_v the_o same_o at_o least_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a towards_o the_o church_n and_o as_o strong_a reason_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o offend_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o whatever_o become_v a_o argument_n in_o one_o case_n be_v equal_o so_o also_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o effectual_a with_o we_o we_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n and_o distinguish_v without_o any_o reason_n but_o those_o of_o our_o own_o partial_a and_o unjust_a respect_n let_v man_n be_v please_v to_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o consult_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o and_o their_o thought_n will_v soon_o be_v resolve_v in_o 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to_o their_o own_o single_a opinion_n or_o the_o confident_a suggestion_n of_o some_o admire_a leader_n we_o may_v quick_o hope_v to_o see_v some_o end_n of_o our_o question_n and_o dispute_n and_o will_v they_o be_v but_o as_o tender_v of_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o public_a as_o they_o be_v of_o do_v so_o to_o every_o little_a person_n of_o their_o own_o party_n we_o may_v begin_v to_o hope_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n may_v gain_v some_o respect_n and_o some_o measure_n of_o peaceableness_n and_o modesty_n bless_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n once_o more_o 2._o but_o this_o be_v too_o little_a to_o suggest_v and_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o what_o i_o will_v propose_v to_o consideration_n upon_o this_o subject_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o to_o any_o single_a or_o private_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o true_o i_o think_v this_o be_v as_o reasonable_a a_o postulatum_fw-la as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o which_o will_v be_v as_o soon_o grant_v true_a by_o all_o that_o due_o consider_v thing_n in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o the_o public_a require_v more_o respect_n from_o we_o than_o any_o private_a person_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o we_o before_o that_o of_o the_o other_o if_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o any_o private_a party_n of_o man_n come_v in_o competition_n and_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o we_o probable_o may_v give_v offence_n to_o one_o we_o ought_v to_o let_v our_o regard_n to_o the_o church_n sway_n and_o determine_v we_o and_o think_v it_o a_o less_o evil_a that_o some_o particular_a person_n be_v offend_v than_o that_o trouble_n or_o offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o say_v of_o caiaphas_n record_v joh._n 11.50_o though_o speak_v with_o a_o unjust_a and_o barbarous_a design_n yet_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o rational_a truth_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o one_o man_n suffer_v and_o not_o the_o whole_a nation_n perish_v and_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o less_o evil_a to_o grieve_v or_o offend_v some_o private_a person_n than_o to_o trouble_v and_o disturb_v and_o endanger_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o we_o must_v needs_o do_v if_o at_o every_o private_a person_n pleasure_n we_o take_v upon_o we_o a_o liberty_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o not_o only_o all_o wise_a nation_n but_o even_o all_o man_n still_o act_v by_o in_o case_n that_o be_v any_o way_n like_o to_o this_o all_o nation_n prefer_v the_o public_a good_a before_o the_o private_a and_o think_v it_o much_o better_a that_o some_o single_a person_n suffer_v inconvenience_n than_o that_o the_o public_a be_v endanger_v and_o have_v ever_o set_v the_o worst_a character_n upon_o those_o man_n that_o have_v sacrifice_v the_o good_a of_o their_o country_n to_o their_o own_o private_a ambition_n and_o revenge_n and_o never_o regard_v what_o confusion_n and_o mischief_n thus_o bring_v upon_o it_o so_o they_o may_v please_v and_o gratify_v their_o own_o passion_n all_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o hate_v and_o reproach_v these_o as_o monster_n of_o man_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o in_o time_n shall_v learn_v to_o do_v so_o also_o nay_o we_o see_v nothing_o more_o common_a among_o the_o wise_a nation_n than_o to_o punish_v single_a person_n for_o the_o correction_n and_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o many_o time_n to_o cut_v off_o those_o who_o crime_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o who_o seem_v fair_o capable_a of_o mercy_n only_o to_o be_v example_n and_o warning_n to_o other_o and_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o any_o thing_n by_o which_o the_o public_a may_v be_v endanger_v and_o which_o be_v but_o the_o least_o step_n to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o its_o government_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v all_o man_n act_v by_o this_o rule_n too_o in_o their_o own_o concern_v even_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v every_o particular_a person_n to_o neglect_v and_o speak_v against_o their_o establishment_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o punish_v and_o molest_v they_o than_o endanger_v their_o whole_a constitution_n and_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o body_n and_o the_o health_n of_o it_o before_o any_o particular_a member_n they_o ready_o gash_n and_o cut_v one_o to_o save_v all_o yea_o and_o will_v have_v a_o putrid_a and_o mortify_a member_n take_v off_o rather_o than_o it_o shall_v endanger_v the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o the_o more_o public_a good_a aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o more_o private_a and_o that_o all_o man_n natural_o yield_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n than_o they_o do_v to_o any_o single_a member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o same_o rule_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o in_o our_o present_a case_n of_o give_v offence_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v evident_a both_o by_o plain_a warrant_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o some_o proper_a consideration_n which_o all_o man_n allow_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o in_o other_o case_n 1._o i_o begin_v first_o with_o search_v what_o warrant_v for_o this_o we_o can_v find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n either_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o those_o who_o be_v propose_v there_o to_o our_o imitation_n and_o first_o as_o for_o precept_n and_o direction_n i_o think_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n gal._n 6.10_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o what_o i_o be_o upon_o as_o we_o have_v therefore_o opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a to_o all_o especial_o to_o those_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o enjoin_v we_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o our_o charity_n and_o to_o show_v this_o upon_o all_o occasion_n rather_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o to_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o this_o place_n be_v full_a and_o direct_o come_v up_o to_o our_o present_a case_n and_o the_o pretence_n make_v about_o it_o for_o charity_n be_v as_o direct_v and_o plain_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o not_o give_v offence_n it_o be_v as_o strict_o enjoin_v as_o the_o other_o and_o the_o neglect_n of_o charity_n be_v as_o severe_o threaten_v as_o the_o give_a offence_n be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o any_o other_o person_n whatever_o come_v in_o competition_n and_o be_v candidate_n for_o our_o charity_n we_o ought_v to_o show_v