concern_v the_o case_n of_o governor_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o act_n uncharitable_o and_o give_v great_a offence_n contrary_a to_o st._n paul_n rule_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o determinate_o to_o impose_v unnecessary_a rite_n by_o which_o they_o know_v many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v scandalize_v but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o discourse_n of_o though_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o think_v very_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v take_v all_o reasonable_a care_v not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o have_v be_v since_o take_v at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v foresee_v by_o those_o who_o make_v our_o first_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o be_v any_o reason_n against_o the_o first_o establishment_n nor_o 2._o be_v they_o now_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v it_o reasonable_a to_o alter_v public_a law_n make_v with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o deliberation_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v dislike_v by_o or_o prove_v offensive_a to_o private_a person_n if_o this_o be_v admit_v there_o then_o can_v never_o be_v any_o settle_a government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n because_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o establishment_n that_o will_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o give_v such_o offence_n they_o who_o now_o take_v offence_n at_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v on_o the_o same_o or_o a_o like_a account_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o whatever_o can_v be_v enjoin_v and_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n will_v be_v good_a against_o any_o establishment_n they_o themselves_o shall_v make_v for_o though_o they_o will_v not_o use_v these_o reason_n against_o their_o own_o establishment_n yet_o in_o a_o short_a time_n other_o will_v take_v up_o their_o weapon_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o what_o serve_v to_o destroy_v the_o present_a church_n will_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o overthrow_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o its_o room_n so_o that_o whatever_o alteration_n be_v make_v if_o this_o be_v allow_v for_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o it_o viz._n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o man_n take_v at_o the_o present_a constitution_n yet_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v and_o new_a offence_n will_v arise_v and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v continual_a change_n and_o alter_v to_o gratify_v the_o unreasonable_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v any_o one_o party_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o get_v their_o form_n of_o government_n and_o worship_n establish_v by_o law_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v preach_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n we_o do_v now_o to_o they_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o private_a person_n must_v bend_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o law_n to_o private_a person_n that_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n that_o we_o be_v offend_v that_o our_o weakness_n proceed_v from_o our_o unwillingness_n to_o receive_v instruction_n that_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o be_v govern_v not_o to_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n that_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o what_o be_v with_o good_a reason_n appoint_v and_o order_v shall_v be_v present_o abrogate_a or_o change_v out_o of_o compliance_n with_o man_n foolish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v how_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a both_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o be_v and_o have_v be_v where_o they_o have_v have_v any_o advantage_n and_o what_o little_a consideration_n or_o regard_n they_o have_v have_v of_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o they_o will_v have_v we_o so_o tender_a of_o they_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o precept_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v in_o such_o instance_n though_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o because_o no_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v for_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n i_o may_v from_o this_o head_n further_o argue_v that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o commit_v any_o sin_n to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o our_o parish-church_n upon_o that_o account_n because_o all_o voluntary_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n in_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o black_a dye_n and_o great_a guilt_n note_v the_o in_o scripture_n for_o a_o act_n of_o carnality_n a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o come_n to_o church_n and_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o same_o public_a place_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n discipline_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n we_o live_v in_o do_v not_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o enforce_v it_o and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o require_v it_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o needless_a separation_n or_o division_n among_o christian_n break_v into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n from_o whence_o come_v strife_n envy_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n be_v to_o be_v most_o careful_o avoid_v as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o christianity_n the_o rend_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o utter_o destructive_a not_o only_o of_o the_o peace_n but_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o shall_v all_o the_o law_n about_o conformity_n and_o against_o conventicle_n be_v rescind_v and_o void_v shall_v the_o magistrate_n indulge_v or_o connive_v at_o the_o separate_a assembly_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v not_o make_v our_o join_n with_o they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a since_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o one_o communion_n be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v think_v a_o justifiable_a thing_n to_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o any_o err_a or_o ignorant_a brethren_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n either_o total_o or_o in_o part_n have_v be_v so_o evident_o show_v in_o some_o late_a discourse_n write_v on_o that_o subject_n that_o i_o do_v despair_n of_o convince_a those_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o who_o can_v withstand_v the_o force_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v to_o they_o i_o only_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o such_o separation_n and_o division_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v give_v by_o our_o conformity_n from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o at_o large_a discourse_v it_o plain_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n must_v be_v do_v though_o scandal_n follow_v it_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a aught_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o a_o great_a obligation_n than_o that_o of_o scandal_n but_o now_o in_o matter_n wherein_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o command_n we_o ought_v so_o to_o exercise_v our_o liberty_n as_o if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v give_v any_o offence_n to_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o one_o christian_a ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v to_o another_o by_o admonition_n instruction_n good_a example_n and_o by_o the_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n lawful_a at_o which_o he_o forsee_v his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n and_o this_o we_o teach_v and_o press_v upon_o our_o people_n as_o much_o as_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o st._n paul_n rule_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n thing_n neither_o in_o themselves_o good_a or_o evil_n nor_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v every_o way_n a_o proper_a instance_n wherein_o christian_n may_v exercise_v their_o charity_n and_o compassion_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o whole_o forego_v his_o liberty_n than_o by_o
some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n london_n print_v by_o h._n hill_n jun._n for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o f._n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v concern_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v to_o mention_v any_o one_o thing_n require_v of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n judge_v by_o they_o absolute_o sinful_a on_o the_o account_n of_o which_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v necessary_a and_o consequent_o justifiable_a they_o either_o put_v we_o off_o with_o some_o inconvenience_n inexpedience_n or_o corruption_n as_o they_o call_v they_o some_o thing_n appoint_v and_o use_v which_o in_o their_o opinion_n render_v our_o service_n less_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o chief_a of_o which_o exception_n have_v be_v consider_v in_o several_a discourse_n late_o write_v with_o great_a temper_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n or_o else_o some_o of_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v they_o do_v not_o see_v but_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o and_o devout_o our_o way_n and_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n live_v and_o die_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v long_o join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o at_o least_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v such_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n as_o be_v by_o law_n require_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o heinous_a and_o of_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o st._n matt._n 18._o 6._o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_n of_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rome_n 14._o 15._o now_o this_o case_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n i_o have_v undertake_v brief_o to_o consider_v where_o i_o once_o for_o all_o suppose_v as_o all_o those_o must_v do_v who_o make_v this_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o our_o church_n that_o nothing_o be_v among_o we_o impose_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n for_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o itself_o sinful_a require_v by_o our_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n that_o alone_o will_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o discourse_v therefore_o at_o this_o present_a only_a with_o such_o who_o for_o their_o own_o particular_a can_v well_o enough_o join_v with_o we_o but_o dare_v not_o do_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_a those_o who_o yet_o scruple_n and_o be_v dissatisfy_v at_o the_o use_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n nor_o do_v i_o design_v exact_o to_o handle_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o scandal_n or_o elaborate_o explain_v all_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v it_o or_o state_n the_o case_n there_o treat_v of_o nor_o shall_v i_o now_o meddle_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o governor_n and_o superior_n how_o far_o they_o ought_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o those_o under_o their_o care_n and_o charge_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o this_o one_o question_n whether_o there_o do_v lie_v any_o obligation_n upon_o any_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o to_o absent_a from_o his_o parish_n church_n or_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n here_o i_o shall_v first_o of_o all_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o three_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n first_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n now_o a_o weak_a brother_n or_o weak_a in_o faith_n in_o scripture_n denote_v one_o new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o so_o neither_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n nor_o well_o settle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o same_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o little_a one_o and_o the_o apostle_n a_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1._o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v often_o call_v our_o new_a birth_n and_o consequent_o at_o man_n first_o entrance_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v for_o a_o while_n reckon_v as_o in_o a_o infant_n state_n and_o according_o be_v to_o be_v most_o tender_o handle_v and_o nurse_v and_o gentle_o use_v with_o all_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n not_o drive_v fast_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o go_v till_o by_o degree_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o full_a age_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o heb._n 5._o 14._o they_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o easy_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n against_o which_o least_o exception_n can_v be_v make_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o will_v not_o at_o first_o tell_v his_o disciple_n of_o the_o shame_n and_o suffering_n he_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o when_o he_o do_v speak_v of_o they_o it_o be_v covert_o and_o obscure_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v by_o it_o have_v be_v present_o discourage_v and_o tempt_v to_o have_v forsake_v he_o no_o unnecessary_a burden_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o which_o may_v render_v their_o new_a profession_n grievous_a to_o they_o every_o stumbling-block_n and_o prejudice_n be_v to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o their_o way_n that_o may_v occasion_v their_o fall_n the_o grow_v christian_n and_o proficient_o be_v charitable_o to_o condescend_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o these_o novice_n and_o make_v allowance_n and_o for_o a_o time_n bear_v with_o their_o ignorance_n and_o many_o mistake_n and_o childish_a humour_n and_o deny_v themselves_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o become_v even_o as_o child_n with_o they_o as_o if_o themselves_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o understand_v no_o better_o than_o these_o raw_a beginner_n now_o these_o fresh_a disciple_n little_a one_o or_o babe_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o st._n paul_n rom._n 14._o call_v weak_a brethren_n weak_a for_o want_v of_o age_n or_o growth_n or_o as_o the_o original_a word_n rather_o signify_v sickly_a and_o feeble_a like_o a_o man_n beginning_n to_o recover_v from_o a_o waste_a disease_n his_o distemper_n though_o cure_v yet_o hang_v a_o long_a time_n upon_o he_o the_o dregs_o of_o it_o still_o remain_v he_o must_v for_o a_o while_o be_v careful_o attend_v and_o watch_v since_o every_o little_a thing_n discompose_v he_o and_o hazard_n a_o relapse_n so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o first_o convert_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o become_v his_o disciple_n they_o be_v immediate_o baptise_a though_o as_o yet_o they_o understand_v but_o little_a of_o the_o nature_n or_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o haste_n to_o make_v more_o proselyte_n and_o therefore_o present_o baptise_a all_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o it_o without_o that_o previous_a instruction_n and_o preparation_n which_o afterward_o when_o church_n be_v settle_v be_v make_v necessary_a before_o heathen_n or_o jew_n can_v be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n thus_o the_o same_o day_n the_o apostle_n preach_v christ_n to_o the_o jew_n act_n 2._o they_o baptise_a about_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o philip_n without_o any_o delay_n baptise_a the_o eunuch_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o jailor_n and_o his_o household_n be_v baptise_a the_o same_o hour_n at_o
deceive_v he_o into_o something_o that_o be_v evil_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o large_o present_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o interpret_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o offend_v or_o offence_n be_v find_v by_o the_o common_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n among_o we_o but_o by_o the_o undoubted_a signification_n of_o the_o original_a word_n which_o all_o learned_a man_n agree_v to_o have_v quite_o another_o sense_n it_o must_v not_o be_v conceal_v that_o there_o be_v one_o place_n in_o the_o famous_a fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o roman_n that_o seem_v to_o favour_v this_o popular_a conceit_n v_o 15._o if_o thy_o brother_n be_v grieve_v with_o thy_o meat_n now_o walk_v thou_o not_o charitable_o and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a one_o i_o know_v of_o that_o sound_v this_o way_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a that_o this_o one_o verse_n shall_v be_v interpret_v by_o all_o the_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n about_o this_o matter_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n explain_v agreeable_o to_o this_o single_a verse_n nay_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o by_o grieve_v our_o brother_n be_v not_o mean_v displease_v he_o or_o make_v he_o sorry_a or_o sad_a but_o wound_v or_o hurt_v he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v use_v to_o denote_v that_o which_o cause_v grief_n or_o sorrow_n for_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n it_o follow_v destroy_v not_o he_o with_o thy_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o what_o be_v here_o express_v by_o grieve_v be_v v_o 13._o call_v put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v and_o v_o 21._o it_o be_v good_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o thy_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o be_v make_v weak_a all_o which_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o be_v grieve_v to_o be_v offend_v or_o grieve_v be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o what_o another_o have_v do_v out_o of_o pity_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o soul_n but_o to_o receive_v hurt_v ourselves_o from_o it_o be_v by_o it_o draw_v or_o deceive_v into_o some_o sin_n and_o our_o own_o fall_n occasion_v by_o what_o our_o brother_n have_v do_v be_v that_o which_o create_v the_o grief_n and_o trouble_n but_o because_o this_o mistake_n do_v so_o general_o prevail_v among_o many_o as_o i_o hope_v well_o dispose_v people_n who_o think_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n at_o which_o good_a man_n be_v displease_v or_o grieve_v i_o shall_v offer_v these_o few_o thing_n to_o their_o consideration_n 1._o that_o thus_o to_o censure_v and_o condemn_v the_o action_n and_o to_o be_v displease_v and_o angry_a with_o the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o or_o refuse_v any_o long_a to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o separate_a congregation_n be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o peevishness_n and_o uncharitableness_n and_o be_v that_o very_a sin_n which_o st._n paul_n often_o warn_v his_o weak_a believer_n against_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rash_o judge_v those_o who_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n better_o than_o themselves_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o argument_n the_o papist_n use_v to_o persuade_v man_n into_o or_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o communion_n as_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o heaven_n since_o they_o so_o confident_o damn_v all_o man_n who_o though_o never_o so_o unjust_o they_o thrust_v out_o of_o their_o church_n because_o some_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v so_o froward_a and_o unmerciful_a in_o their_o censure_n and_o so_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o way_n as_o to_o brand_v all_o that_o return_v to_o the_o church_n with_o the_o infamous_a name_n of_o apostate_n time-servers_a man_n that_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v forsake_v christ_n for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o the_o like_a therefore_o all_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n yet_o ought_v still_o to_o continue_v with_o they_o in_o their_o separation_n leave_v they_o provoke_v and_o irritate_fw-la their_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o they_o and_o thus_o any_o company_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v join_v together_o and_o resolve_v to_o quarrel_v with_o all_o that_o do_v not_o as_o they_o do_v or_o that_o shall_v leave_v their_o society_n must_v oblige_v all_o for_o ever_o to_o remain_v with_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v they_o offence_n if_o what_o i_o do_v be_v not_o evil_a in_o itself_o it_o can_v become_v such_o because_o another_o man_n be_v causeless_o angry_a with_o i_o for_o do_v of_o it_o let_v but_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o we_o mortify_v all_o pride_n and_o overween_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o way_n let_v they_o lay_v aside_o all_o zeal_n of_o party_n and_o little_a singularity_n and_o learn_v to_o judge_v righteous_o and_o sober_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o then_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o offence_n will_v be_v soon_o remove_v 2._o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o this_o fear_n of_o offend_v that_o be_v displease_v their_o weak_a brethren_n hinder_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o church_n ought_v serious_o to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o real_o only_o the_o care_n of_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n with_o their_o party_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o conformity_n they_o be_v loath_a to_o lose_v that_o share_n they_o have_v in_o the_o affection_n of_o so_o many_o or_o to_o sink_v in_o that_o estimation_n they_o have_v obtain_v of_o great_a sanctity_n by_o join_v with_o the_o strict_a and_o pure_a christian_n for_o undoubted_o man_n reputation_n among_o a_o party_n be_v a_o very_a great_a temptation_n to_o detain_v they_o in_o error_n and_o be_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n to_o their_o understanding_n and_o receive_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o do_n of_o their_o duty_n when_o it_o will_v expose_v they_o to_o reproach_n and_o opprobrious_a nickname_n thus_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o jew_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v who_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n when_o therefore_o man_n tell_v we_o it_o will_v be_v a_o scandalous_a thing_n for_o they_o now_o to_o conform_v they_o often_o mean_v nothing_o else_o by_o it_o but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v unhandsome_a and_o a_o disgraceful_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o change_v their_o mind_n and_o confess_v their_o mistake_n and_o retract_v what_o they_o have_v so_o long_o and_o so_o zealous_o defend_v or_o else_o let_v they_o look_v well_o that_o it_o be_v not_o some_o paltry_a secular_a interest_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n they_o dare_v not_o offend_v their_o weak_a brethren_n that_o be_v they_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v lose_v their_o trade_n they_o shall_v disoblige_v many_o of_o their_o good_a customer_n they_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o such_o a_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v continue_v of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v true_o to_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o most_o rank_a men-pleasers_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n of_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n p._n 141._o please_v man_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a for_o their_o good_a and_o edification_n and_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n but_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o christian_a union_n communion_n charity_n or_o sobriety_n to_o please_v a_o divide_v hot_a brain_a party_n nor_o to_o escape_v their_o sharp_a censure_n 3._o if_o to_o displease_v our_o weak_a brother_n be_v the_o sinful_a offend_v he_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n it_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a yoke_n upon_o man_n conscience_n will_v beget_v endless_a perplexity_n and_o difficulty_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o indifferent_a with_o a_o quiet_a and_o well_o assure_v mind_n since_o as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v some_o one_o or_o other_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o by_o do_v we_o shall_v anger_v some_o by_o forbear_v we_o shall_v provoke_v other_o and_o since_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o weak_a be_v divide_v and_o shatter_v into_o several_a sect_n and_o faction_n each_o condemn_v all_o the_o other_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comply_v with_o any_o one_o of_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v thereby_o displease_v all_o the_o rest_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n perform_v his_o duty_n in_o whatever_o place_n he_o live_v or_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o must_v displease_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o thing_n now_o be_v among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n when_o they_o
doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v scruple_n and_o perplexity_n in_o well_o meaning_n but_o less_o know_v member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o degree_n produce_v a_o distaste_n or_o dislike_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o plain_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o administer_v in_o our_o church_n while_o it_o create_v prejudices_fw-la in_o people_n against_o they_o as_o impure_a and_o corrupt_a and_o why_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o due_a regard_n have_v to_o those_o many_o who_o be_v offend_v at_o our_o dissenter_n conventicle_n worship_n as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o our_o church_n service_n i_o can_v at_o all_o guess_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v here_o that_o irreverent_a sit_v at_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n man_n unmannerly_a wear_v their_o hat_n in_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o oftentimes_o put_v they_o off_o but_o half_a way_n at_o their_o prayer_n their_o indecent_a posture_n and_o antic_a gesture_n at_o their_o devotion_n the_o extravagancy_n and_o folly_n not_o to_o say_v worse_o some_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o their_o extemporary_a effusion_n the_o strange_a uncouth_a metaphor_n and_o phrase_n they_o use_v in_o their_o preach_a in_o a_o word_n the_o slovenly_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n among_o the_o dissenter_n be_v much_o more_o scandalous_a than_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n can_v ever_o be_v 4._o consider_v the_o scandal_n that_o be_v hereby_o give_v to_o magistrate_n and_o our_o superior_n by_o bring_v their_o law_n and_o authority_n into_o contempt_n concern_v which_o the_o forename_a mr._n jean_n in_o his_o first_o edition_n of_o his_o discourse_n about_o abstinence_n from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a have_v these_o word_n if_o say_v he_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n with_o a_o millstone_n about_o one_o neck_n than_o to_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o a_o poor_a and_o illiterate_a artisan_n what_o expression_n shall_v we_o then_o find_v answerable_a to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o a_o scandal_n give_v to_o a_o pious_a magistrate_n to_o a_o religious_a prince_n to_o a_o parliament_n and_o convocation_n to_o a_o whole_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n 5._o by_o this_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n great_a scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o papist_n not_o that_o they_o be_v displease_v at_o it_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o offend_v in_o that_o sense_n but_o this_o serve_v wonderful_o to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n it_o increase_v their_o confidence_n that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n because_o among_o they_o only_o be_v find_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 insomuch_o that_o mr._n baxter_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o thousand_o have_v be_v draw_v to_o popery_n or_o confirm_v in_o it_o by_o this_o argument_n already_o and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o argument_n else_o in_o bellarmin_n and_o all_o other_o book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v have_v not_o do_v so_o much_o to_o make_v papist_n in_o england_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o sect_n among_o ourselves_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o great_a scandal_n to_o our_o protestant_a religion_n and_o be_v that_o which_o the_o papist_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n so_o forward_o to_o object_v against_o we_o and_o hit_v we_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o and_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 out_o of_o their_o hand_n the_o most_o dangerous_a weapon_n they_o use_v against_o the_o reformation_n 6._o this_o tend_v to_o the_o scandal_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n it_o prejudice_v man_n against_o it_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n a_o matter_n of_o endless_a dispute_n and_o debate_n it_o make_v some_o man_n utter_o reject_v it_o as_o consist_v most_o in_o little_a trifle_n and_o nicety_n about_o which_o they_o observe_v the_o great_a noise_n and_o contention_n to_o be_v make_v or_o as_o destructive_a of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o society_n when_o they_o see_v what_o dangerous_a feud_n and_o quarrel_n commence_v from_o our_o religious_a difference_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n that_o they_o have_v cause_v here_o in_o england_n shall_v by_o some_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n itself_o thus_o our_o causeless_a separation_n and_o division_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 after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v of_o old_a and_o always_o will_v be_v where_o there_o be_v party_n in_o religion_n and_o one_o contend_v that_o their_o separation_n be_v lawful_a and_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a the_o common_a people_n soon_o become_v doubtful_a and_o ready_a to_o forsake_v all_o religion_n i_o may_v add_v here_o that_o such_o separation_n necessary_o occasion_n breach_n of_o charity_n they_o beget_v implacable_a enmity_n and_o animosity_n hence_o come_v strife_n emulation_n envy_v one_o party_n continual_o endeavour_v to_o overtop_v the_o other_o watch_v for_o one_o another_o halt_n rejoice_v in_o one_o another_o sin_n and_o misfortune_n constant_a undermine_a one_o another_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a government_n and_o endanger_v the_o civil_a peace_n of_o all_o which_o and_o much_o more_o than_o i_o can_v now_o mention_v the_o present_a distract_a condition_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v so_o great_a and_o undeniable_a a_o evidence_n that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o word_n to_o show_v the_o mischief_n that_o attend_v such_o division_n and_o now_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o maintain_n of_o charity_n among_o brethren_n the_o keep_n out_o popery_n and_o atheism_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o society_n we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o credit_n of_o our_o religion_n last_o whether_o give_v offence_n to_o all_o both_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n those_o only_o except_v of_o our_o own_o particular_a sect_n and_o division_n nay_o scandalize_a they_o also_o in_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o of_o far_o great_a and_o more_o weighty_a consideration_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o displease_v or_o grieve_v some_o few_o weak_a dissatisfied_a brethren_n woe_n to_o those_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v but_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v very_o light_o touch_v because_o they_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n late_o publish_v to_o sum_v up_o all_o i_o have_v say_v since_o they_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o such_o weak_a person_n as_o st._n paul_n all_o along_o describe_v and_o provide_v for_o since_o we_o can_v by_o our_o conformity_n real_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v they_o in_o that_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v those_o word_n since_o though_o we_o do_v give_v offence_n to_o they_o by_o our_o conformity_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o by_o refuse_v to_o conform_v we_o shall_v do_v both_o they_o and_o other_o great_a hurt_n and_o mischief_n i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v lie_v any_o obligation_n upon_o any_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o to_o absent_v himself_o from_o his_o parish-church_n or_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_a his_o weak_a brethren_n i_o end_v all_o with_o one_o word_n of_o advice_n first_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n second_o to_o those_o who_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a 1._o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n and_o therefore_o urge_v so_o hard_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v offend_v by_o we_o i_o will_v beseech_v they_o that_o they_o will_v take_v some_o care_n and_o make_v some_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v give_v any_o needless_a offence_n to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o this_o can_v but_o be_v think_v a_o reasonable_a request_n since_o they_o require_v all_o other_o to_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o they_o they_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o meet_v in_o such_o number_n nor_o at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o which_o we_o assemble_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o our_o public_a church_n let_v they_o not_o affront_v our_o service_n and_o common-prayer_n nor_o revile_v our_o bishop_n and_o minister_n nor_o put_v on_o their_o hat_n when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o chance_v to_o be_v present_a at_o our_o service_n in_o our_o church_n nor_o talk_v nor_o read_v in_o book_n nor_o make_v sour_a face_n at_o our_o devotion_n and_o when_o they_o observe_v these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a rule_n they_o may_v then_o with_o a_o better_a grace_n though_o with_o little_a reason_n find_v fault_n with_o our_o conformity_n as_o offensive_a to_o they_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v exasperate_v or_o provoke_v any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o satisfaction_n i_o design_v i_o very_o well_o know_v their_o weakness_n that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o fault_n however_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n profess_v religion_n and_o godliness_n that_o have_v do_v such_o scandalous_a thing_n as_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n dissenter_n i_o forbear_v to_o name_v particular_n 2._o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o so_o to_o order_v their_o return_n to_o the_o church_n as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o those_o who_o they_o forsake_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o conform_v with_o a_o willing_a mind_n be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o not_o mere_o to_o satisfy_v the_o law_n or_o to_o save_v their_o purse_n or_o to_o get_v into_o a_o office_n or_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o vote_n or_o the_o like_a for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o conformity_n as_o some_o practice_n and_o call_v occasional_a communion_n which_o be_v come_v to_o church_n and_o sacrament_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n be_v true_o scandalous_a to_o all_o good_a man_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o finis_fw-la
epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 8._o and_o 10._o the_o sum_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n though_o as_o ordinary_a meat_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o one_o who_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n do_v eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n for_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n so_o weak_a as_o not_o yet_o to_o have_v quite_o leave_v off_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o a_o christian_n eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n before_o such_o a_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o error_n who_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v of_o who_o soul_n st._n paul_n profess_v himself_o to_o have_v so_o great_a regard_n that_o he_o will_v eat_v no_o such_o meat_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n last_v rather_o than_o lay_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n before_o or_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n in_o all_o these_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o interpreter_n and_o those_o that_o have_v write_v large_o on_o this_o subject_n no_o less_o than_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o sin_n into_o which_o these_o weak_a christian_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v and_o by_o a_o undue_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n to_o give_v occasion_n to_o another_o forsake_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n lose_v a_o disciple_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n perish_v be_v the_o proper_a sin_n of_o offend_a or_o give_v scandal_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o which_o be_v revel_v 2._o 14._o where_o balaam_n be_v say_v to_o have_v teach_v balac_n to_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o scandal_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o relate_v of_o his_o entice_a they_o by_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n to_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v god_n against_o they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o most_o general_a sense_n to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o consequent_o his_o ruin_n and_o undo_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o word_n hence_o i_o shall_v conclude_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o those_o be_v not_o such_o godly_a person_n as_o they_o will_v be_v think_v who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o turn_v to_o be_v offend_v for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v reckon_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n or_o goodness_n who_o be_v so_o easy_o upon_o every_o occasion_n draw_v or_o tempt_v to_o sin_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o tell_v the_o separatist_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n usual_o say_v he_o man_n talk_v most_o against_o scandalize_a those_o who_o they_o account_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o best_a be_v least_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o so_o they_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a or_o else_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v for_o suppose_v a_o separatist_n shall_v say_v if_o you_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o parish_n minister_n or_o church_n in_o england_n it_o will_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o many_o good_a people_n i_o will_v ask_v such_o a_o one_o why_o call_v you_o those_o good_a people_n that_o be_v easy_o draw_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n nay_o that_o will_v sin_n because_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n therefore_o if_o you_o know_v what_o you_o say_v you_o make_v the_o separatist_n almost_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o will_v sin_n against_o god_n because_o another_o will_v not_o sin_v the_o great_a thing_n our_o nonconformist_n pretend_v unto_o above_o other_o man_n be_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o they_o must_v mean_v if_o they_o mean_v any_o virtue_n by_o it_o a_o great_a fear_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a security_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v against_o be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v by_o what_o other_o man_n do_v that_o be_v against_o be_v draw_v into_o sin_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o do_v real_o disparage_v and_o severe_o reflect_v upon_o the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v thus_o afraid_a of_o give_v they_o offence_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o 2._o no_o man_n can_v with_o sense_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v scandalize_v at_o what_o another_o man_n do_v for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o such_o a_o person_n and_o action_n he_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o sin_n ignorant_o and_o his_o say_v this_o confute_v his_o ignorance_n if_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o betray_v into_o it_o nor_o do_v he_o fall_v into_o it_o through_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v scandalize_v but_o wilful_o commit_v it_o this_o a_o great_a bishop_n compare_v with_o the_o peevishness_n of_o a_o little_a child_n who_o when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o pronounce_v the_o word_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o tell_v you_o he_o can_v pronounce_v that_o word_n at_o the_o same_o time_n name_v the_o word_n he_o pretend_v he_o can_v speak_v such_o nonsense_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o forbid_v i_o do_v any_o thing_n upon_o pretence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o or_o make_v he_o through_o mistake_n fall_v into_o some_o sin_n when_o by_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o know_v of_o it_o beforehand_o and_o so_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o avoid_v the_o stumbling-block_n that_o be_v lay_v before_o he_o and_o the_o danger_n that_o he_o be_v expose_v unto_o sure_o say_v solomon_n prov._n 1._o 17._o in_o vain_a be_v the_o net_n spread_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o bird._n if_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v any_o one_o be_v to_o tempt_v and_o draw_v he_o into_o some_o sin_n whereby_o his_o conscience_n be_v wound_v there_o then_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o order_n and_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o appoint_v by_o or_o use_v in_o it_o but_o what_o may_v be_v comply_v withal_o without_o sin_n for_o this_o as_o i_o before_o observe_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o question_n i_o at_o first_o propound_v to_o discourse_n of_o that_o he_o who_o absent_v from_o his_o parish_n church_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_a his_o weak_a brethren_n be_v convince_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v and_o therefore_o by_o his_o own_o conformity_n he_o can_v only_o engage_v other_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v do_v which_o as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v lawful_a i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o he_o can_v be_v afraid_a of_o scandalize_a other_o by_o it_o or_o make_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o his_o example_n unless_o he_o will_v imagine_v his_o brethren_n not_o so_o weak_a but_o so_o wicked_a as_o to_o worship_n the_o host_n because_o he_o kneel_v at_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o adore_v the_o cross_n because_o he_o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n or_o that_o they_o will_v renounce_v all_o religion_n because_o he_o have_v forsake_v their_o way_n of_o separation_n this_o can_v but_o prove_v a_o vain_a excuse_n for_o i_o to_o forbear_v do_v that_o in_o which_o there_o be_v real_o no_o evil_a lest_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o my_o example_n i_o make_v other_o sin_n in_o do_v the_o same_o innocent_a action_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o if_o by_o my_o example_n i_o prevail_v with_o other_o to_o return_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n they_o be_v not_o thereby_o at_o all_o scandalize_v but_o i_o have_v do_v they_o a_o most_o signal_n kindness_n and_o benefit_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o what_o i_o do_v be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a yet_o it_o may_v minister_v occasion_n or_o provocation_n to_o other_o to_o do_v something_o else_o that_o be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o i_o become_v true_o guilty_a of_o give_v offence_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v accountable_a only_o for_o the_o natural_a tendency_n or_o probable_a effect_n of_o our_o action_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o foresee_v and_o prevent_v remote_a probability_n and_o contingency_n and_o bare_a possibility_n come_v not_o into_o reckon_v nor_o be_v they_o at_o all_o to_o be_v weigh_v if_o in_o every_o action_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o consider_v what_o advantage_n a_o wicked_a sensual_a man_n or_o a_o weak_a silly_a man_n may_v take_v and_o
approve_v of_o and_o by_o our_o authority_n and_o influence_n harden_v other_o in_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o opposition_n against_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n they_o think_v we_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o themselves_o whilst_o we_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o judge_v as_o ill_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o long_o as_o we_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o as_o themselves_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o give_v occasion_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o those_o infinite_a mischief_n which_o have_v happen_v both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o religious_a dispute_n and_o division_n which_o sure_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o think_v of_o and_o consider_v by_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o shall_v go_v to_o church_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o to_o a_o conventicle_n in_o the_o afternoon_n who_o halt_v between_o both_o and_o will_v fain_o displease_v neither_o side_n but_o indeed_o give_v real_a offence_n to_o both_o from_o all_o this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o he_o who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n but_o be_v afraid_a of_o give_v offence_n by_o it_o if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o this_o principle_n aught_o to_o hasten_v the_o fast_o to_o his_o parish-church_n that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v those_o very_a dissenter_n of_o who_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a 3._o it_o remain_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n i_o can_v i_o shall_v now_o suppose_v notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v true_o weak_a person_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o danger_n of_o their_o be_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n offend_v by_o our_o conformity_n yet_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v i_o shall_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o who_o be_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o come_v to_o his_o parish-church_n and_o use_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v ought_v not_o to_o forbear_v do_v the_o same_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v such_o offence_n to_o his_o weak_a brethren_n there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n beside_o this_o matter_n of_o private_a scandal_n and_o if_o there_o be_v great_a evil_n in_o and_o great_a mischief_n to_o other_o and_o a_o more_o public_a scandal_n do_v follow_v our_o forbear_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o withdraw_n into_o private_a assembly_n than_o can_v happen_v by_o our_o leave_v they_o and_o return_v to_o the_o church_n and_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v then_o to_o conform_v notwithstanding_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o for_o these_o two_o thing_n as_o i_o suppose_v be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n one_o be_v that_o nothing_o which_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v scandalize_a other_o the_o other_o be_v that_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 scandal_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 by_o these_o two_o rule_n i_o shall_v now_o judge_v of_o the_o case_n at_o first_o propound_v 1._o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a may_v be_v do_v to_o avoid_v other_o be_v scandalize_v which_o be_v direct_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rom._n 3._o 8._o that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o be_v any_o necessary_a duty_n to_o be_v omit_v out_o of_o prudence_n or_o charity_n to_o other_o lest_o they_o through_o error_n or_o ignorance_n be_v hurt_v by_o it_o we_o must_v not_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a sin_n in_o another_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n ourselves_o nor_o disobey_v god_n law_n and_o so_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o our_o own_o damnation_n though_o it_o be_v to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n thus_o calvin_n tell_v we_o instit_n lib._n 3._o c._n 19_o quae_fw-la necessaria_fw-la sunt_fw-la factu_fw-la nullius_fw-la offendiculi_fw-la timore_fw-la omittenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v for_o fear_n of_o offence_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o place_n hic_fw-la charitatis_fw-la rationem_fw-la haberi_fw-la decet_fw-la sed_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la arras_n our_o charity_n to_o our_o brother_n ought_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n displease_v god_n the_o very_o best_a thing_n and_o action_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o man_n of_o ill-disposed_a or_o weak_a mind_n false_a consequence_n and_o unjust_a inference_n may_v be_v strain_v from_o they_o as_o we_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v abuse_v into_o a_o argument_n for_o licentiousness_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v set_v for_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o st._n luke_n 2._o 24._o but_o still_o this_o do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n nor_o can_v it_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n duty_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v no_o such_o uncertain_a contingent_a thing_n as_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o construction_n other_o shall_v make_v of_o our_o action_n or_o the_o conclusion_n they_o shall_v draw_v from_o they_o god_n almighty_a in_o the_o make_n of_o his_o law_n have_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o the_o accidental_a event_n that_o may_v happen_v either_o through_o the_o weakness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o dispense_v with_o his_o command_n without_o any_o allowance_n from_o he_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v not_o foresee_v those_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v arise_v from_o our_o do_v our_o duty_n it_o can_v therefore_o never_o be_v that_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v give_v any_o real_a scandal_n and_o whatever_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o my_o do_v of_o my_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o imagine_v it_o imputable_a to_o i_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o fault_n for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v one_o to_o disobey_v god_n in_o obey_v he_o but_o they_o alone_o be_v chargeable_a who_o be_v offend_v by_o it_o now_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a injunction_n of_o our_o superior_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o deny_v this_o they_o must_v seek_v for_o another_o bible_n out_o of_o which_o to_o judge_v of_o god_n will_n for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o duty_n of_o religion_n more_o plain_o command_v more_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o press_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subjection_n to_o authority_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o avoid_v punishment_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o refuse_v obedience_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o five_o commandment_n that_o the_o conformity_n require_v by_o our_o church_n contain_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unlawful_a must_v be_v grant_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n from_o all_o which_o the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v since_o we_o may_v not_o redeem_v a_o scandal_n by_o disobedience_n to_o god_n since_o god_n have_v plain_o require_v our_o submission_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o i_o now_o discourse_v with_o that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o competent_a authority_n and_o be_v lawful_a i_o say_v the_o necessary_a conclusion_n be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n refuse_v to_o conform_v only_o for_o fear_n of_o scandal_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o this_o argument_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v deny_v any_o of_o the_o premise_n they_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o sin_n may_v be_v commit_v upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o brother_n safety_n by_o wound_v his_o own_o soul_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o lawful_a authority_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a but_o then_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n