no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o live_v in_o the_o french_a or_o dutch_a church_n because_o there_o be_v a_o french_a and_o dutch_a church_n allow_v among_o we_o 5._o your_o next_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o true_a christian_a though_o not_o visible_o admit_v into_o church-communion_n where_o he_o want_v the_o mean_n have_v not_o a_o virtual_a baptism_n in_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n according_a to_o 1._o peter_n 2._o 21._o ans_fw-fr what_o this_o concern_v i_o i_o can_v tell_v i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o visible_a member_n you_o put_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o want_n of_o visible_a admission_n by_o baptism_n when_o it_o can_v be_v have_v may_v not_o be_v supply_v with_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n i_o hope_v in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v though_o i_o do_v not_o hope_v this_o from_o what_o st._n peter_n say_v who_o only_o speak_v of_o that_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v make_v at_o baptism_n not_o of_o that_o which_o be_v make_v without_o it_o but_o what_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o determie_n unbaptise_v person_n be_v no_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o not_o capable_a of_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o not_o concern_v at_o all_o in_o this_o dispute_n 6._o query_n why_o a_o profess_a atheist_n who_o have_v be_v baptise_a and_o out_o of_o secular_a interest_n continue_v a_o communicant_a with_o this_o church_n be_v more_o a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n then_o such_o as_o be_v above_o describe_v ans_fw-fr neither_o atheist_n nor_o schismatic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o this_o be_v a_o vile_a insinuation_n against_o the_o governor_n and_o government_n of_o our_o church_n as_o if_o profess_a atheist_n be_v admit_v to_o communion_n though_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o atheist_n yet_o i_o never_o meet_v yet_o with_o one_o who_o will_v profess_v himself_o a_o atheist_n if_o i_o shall_v i_o assure_v you_o i_o will_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o communion_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n who_o have_v any_o kindness_n for_o the_o church_n with_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o hold_v communion_n will_v ask_v such_o a_o question_n 7._o query_n whether_o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o body_n of_o man_n incorporate_v by_o one_o charter_n shall_v upon_o supposition_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o charter_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o of_o the_o officer_n do_v it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o of_o the_o officer_n or_o the_o church_n representative_a as_o i_o remember_v bishop_n sanderson_n call_v the_o clergy_n may_v forfeit_v the_o privilege_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n or_o at_o least_o may_v suspend_v they_o as_o suppose_v a_o protestant_a clergy_n take_v their_o power_n to_o be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n claim_v shall_v deny_v the_o laity_n the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o popish_a do_v in_o venice_n and_o here_o in_o king_n john_n time_n during_o the_o interdict_v quid_fw-la inde_fw-la operatur_fw-la ans_fw-fr just_o as_o much_o as_o this_o query_n do_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o can_v easy_o guess_v i_o assert_v indeed_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o covenant_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v found_v so_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n to_o which_o this_o covenant_n belong_v and_o therefore_o those_o who_o divide_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n forfeit_v etc._n resol_n of_o case_n p._n 8._o etc._n etc._n their_o right_n to_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v only_o with_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o illustrate_v by_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o charter_n grant_v to_o a_o particular_a corporation_n which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o interest_n in_o who_o divide_v himself_o from_o that_o corporation_n to_o which_o this_o charter_n be_v grant_v but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o forfeit_v a_o charter_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o officer_n i_o doubt_v sir_n your_o head_n have_v be_v warm_v with_o quo_n warranto_n which_o so_o affect_v your_o fancy_n that_o you_o can_v dream_v of_o nothing_o else_o i_o be_v almost_o afraid_a when_o your_o hand_n be_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o these_o question_n and_o i_o know_v no_o more_o reason_n why_o you_o so_o soon_o leave_v off_o ask_v question_n than_o why_o you_o ask_v any_o at_o all_o for_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o ask_v five_o hundred_o more_o as_o pertinent_a to_o the_o business_n as_o most_o of_o these_o you_o have_v not_o indeed_o do_v yet_o but_o have_v a_o reserve_v of_o particular_a query_n but_o general_a query_n be_v the_o most_o formidable_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o find_v what_o they_o relate_v to_o than_o how_o to_o answer_v they_o you_o have_v three_o set_n of_o query_n relate_v to_o three_o several_a proposition_n beside_o a_o part_a blow_n of_o four_o query_n relate_v to_o my_o text._n the_o first_o proposition_n you_o be_v please_v to_o question_v i_o about_o be_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n governor_n of_o his_o church_n with_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o i_o allege_v to_o prove_v that_o when_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o christian_n but_o a_o regular_a society_n under_o order_n and_o government_n now_o sir_n be_v this_o true_a or_o false_a if_o it_o be_v false_a than_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o govern_a society_n be_v not_o a_o body_n but_o a_o confuse_a heap_n and_o multitude_n of_o independent_a individual_n which_o be_v somewhat_o worse_o than_o independent_a church_n if_o it_o be_v true_a why_o do_v you_o ask_v all_o these_o question_n unless_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o confute_v our_o saviour_n and_o burlesque_fw-la his_o institution_n but_o since_o i_o be_o condemn_v to_o answer_v question_n i_o will_v brief_o consider_v they_o 1._o whether_o our_o saviour_n promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v every_o man_n in_o his_o respective_a station_n and_o capacity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o church-governor_n for_o which_o you_o may_v compare_v st._n john_n with_o st._n matthew_n ans_fw-fr no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v promise_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o promise_n which_o belong_v to_o particular_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n which_o relate_v peculiar_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o authority_n but_o what_o then_o christ_n be_v with_o his_o church_n with_o his_o minister_n with_o particular_a christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n and_o to_o different_a purpose_n and_o yet_o that_o promise_n there_o be_v peculiar_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n include_v their_o successor_n also_o for_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v here_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o apostolical_a ministry_n be_v 2._o therefore_o query_n whether_o it_o signify_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n to_o particular_a church_n provide_v there_o be_v to_o particular_a person_n such_o as_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o man_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n which_o require_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o divine_a covenant_n ans_fw-fr it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o hard_a query_n what_o this_o query_n mean_n or_o how_o it_o concern_v that_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v to_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o this_o query_n relate_v i_o assert_v indeed_o that_o christ_n have_v make_v no_o covenant_n with_o any_o particular_a but_o only_o with_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o include_v particular_n as_o member_n of_o it_o nor_o have_v he_o make_v any_o promise_n to_o particular_a person_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o communion_n with_o it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v upon_o lawful_a term_n whoever_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o necessary_a reason_n though_o he_o may_v in_o other_o thing_n be_v a_o very_a good_a nature_a man_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o true_a christian_a charity_n which_o unite_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n in_o one_o communion_n
worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v symbolise_v so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_v communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_v communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n in_o two_o part_n 11._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 12._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommence_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 13._o a_o argument_n to_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 14._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a brethren_n 15._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 16._o the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v etc._n etc._n 17._o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 5._o a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n with_o respect_n especial_o to_o the_o romish_a pretence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v infallible_a a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v london_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n of_o conscience_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o in_o our_o mouth_n than_o conscience_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n we_o have_v general_o take_v less_o pain_n to_o understand_v we_o sit_v down_o too_o often_o with_o this_o that_o it_o be_v something_o within_o we_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o which_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o that_o it_o suggest_v to_o we_o and_o we_o trouble_v ourselves_o no_o further_o about_o it_o by_o which_o mean_n it_o frequent_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o we_o have_v espouse_v very_o dangerous_a error_n or_o happen_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o very_o sinful_a practice_n yet_o believe_v and_o act_v as_o we_o say_v according_a to_o our_o conscience_n we_o do_v not_o only_o think_v ourselves_o perfect_o right_a and_o safe_a while_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o state_n but_o be_v effectual_o arm_v against_o all_o sort_n of_o argument_n and_o endeavour_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o the_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o better_a mind_n this_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o many_o case_n but_o in_o none_o more_o than_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o at_o this_o day_n separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o though_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a do_v oblige_v they_o to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n though_o many_o argument_n be_v offer_v to_o convince_v they_o not_o only_o that_o they_o lawful_o may_v but_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v sensible_a that_o manifold_n and_o grievous_a mischief_n and_o danger_n do_v ensue_v from_o this_o breach_n of_o communion_n and_o these_o unnatural_a division_n both_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n and_o to_o our_o reform_a religion_n in_o particular_a yet_o if_o to_o all_o these_o thing_n a_o man_n can_v reply_v that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v well_o in_o refuse_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o we_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v require_v this_o single_a pretence_n shall_v be_v often_o think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n both_o to_o law_n and_o argument_n a_o strange_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o conscience_n which_o among_o other_o end_n be_v give_v to_o mankind_n for_o a_o preservative_n and_o security_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_o oblige_v man_n to_o unity_n and_o obedience_n to_o law_n yet_o shall_v often_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o set_v they_o at_o distance_n and_o prove_v a_o shelter_n for_o disobedience_n and_o disorder_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o governor_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o yet_o that_o we_o shall_v disobey_v they_o in_o lawful_a thing_n for_o conscience_n sake_n too_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o examine_v what_o there_o be_v in_o this_o plea_n that_o be_v so_o often_o make_v by_o our_o dissenter_n for_o their_o not_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v and_o to_o show_v in_o what_o case_n this_o plea_n be_v just_o make_v and_o in_o what_o case_n not_o and_o where_o it_o be_v just_o make_v how_o far_o it_o will_v justify_v any_o man_n separation_n and_o how_o far_o it_o will_v not_o and_o all_o this_o in_o order_n to_o the_o possess_v those_o who_o be_v concern_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o of_o use_v their_o most_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o inform_v their_o conscience_n aright_o in_o these_o matter_n before_o they_o prefume_v to_o think_v they_o can_v separate_a from_o we_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o our_o business_n to_o persuade_v any_o man_n to_o conform_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o to_o convince_v every_o man_n how_o dangerous_a it_o may_v be_v to_o follow_v a_o misinform_a conscience_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o disquisition_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o prepare_v my_o way_n by_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n i_o mean_v to_o proceed_v upon_o and_o here_o that_o i_o may_v take_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v beforehand_o about_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v treat_v distinct_o of_o these_o five_o head_n 1_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n 2_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o under_o that_o 3_o of_o the_o power_n of_o humane_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n 4_o and_o particular_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o church_n communion_n 5_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n i._o and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n the_o true_a way_n to_o find_v out_o that_o will_v be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n conscience_n or_o the_o several_a scholastical_a definition_n of_o it_o as_o to_o consider_v what_o every_o man_n do_v real_o mean_a by_o that_o word_n when_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o
to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v and_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v innocent_a or_o culpable_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o reflect_v upon_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o give_v this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o scripture_n about_o it_o but_o what_o do_v confirm_v this_o notion_n if_o indeed_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o conscience_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o a_o sear_v conscience_n or_o the_o like_a then_o it_o include_v more_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n than_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v as_o be_v without_o the_o limit_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n ii_o and_o now_o we_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o our_o second_o general_a point_n which_o be_v touch_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o after_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o superfluous_a to_o insist_v upon_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o what_o i_o have_v represent_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o order_n to_o the_o frame_v such_o a_o judgement_n about_o action_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o make_v action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a and_o from_o which_o by_o apply_v particular_a action_n to_o it_o or_o compare_v they_o with_o it_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o one_o sort_n or_o the_o other_o now_o this_o whatever_o it_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o it_o be_v its_o rule_n that_o conscience_n can_v be_v no_o far_o a_o safe_a guide_n than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n if_o now_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o action_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o body_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v make_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o what_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o last_o we_o call_v a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n either_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o that_o undeniable_o the_o great_a nay_o i_o say_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n consider_v either_o as_o it_o command_v action_n or_o forbid_v they_o or_o as_o it_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v this_o needful_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n in_o what_o sense_n we_o take_v or_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o here_o understand_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o that_o will_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v to_o man_n two_o way_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n so_o that_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o part_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n reveal_v law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n eternal_o good_a in_o themselves_o such_o as_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o covenant_n to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o government_n from_o which_o we_o receive_v protection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o will_v be_v eternal_o evil_a the_o head_n of_o all_o which_o thing_n thus_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v write_v so_o plain_o and_o legible_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convince_v that_o to_o practise_v these_o thing_n will_v always_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v they_o will_v always_o be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n now_o all_o these_o head_n and_o principle_n put_v together_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o mankind_n have_v before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n by_o more_o particular_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o have_v a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o act_v according_a to_o which_o or_o contrary_a to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o do_v either_o accuse_v they_o or_o excuse_v they_o but_o than_o second_o to_o we_o christian_n god_n to_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v superad_v a_o reveal_v law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o reveal_v law_n yet_o be_v not_o whole_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o void_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o god_n have_v in_o his_o reveal_v law_n declare_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o than_o before_o he_o have_v give_v great_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o they_o than_o they_o have_v before_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o have_v likewise_o herein_o perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v oblige_v we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n to_o more_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n than_o nature_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o and_o last_o he_o have_v add_v some_o positive_a law_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n to_o make_v all_o our_o application_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o exercise_n communion_n with_o that_o society_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o we_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o indeed_o be_v it_o a_o summary_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v call_v it_o the_o great_a or_o only_a rule_n of_o christian_a conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v he_o provide_v that_o this_o be_v always_o remember_v that_o in_o the_o three_o place_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o just_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n or_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n the_o just_a rule_n we_o be_v so_o to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n as_o to_o take_v into_o it_o not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o either_o of_o those_o law_n but_o also_o all_o that_o by_o plain_a collection_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o apply_v general_n to_o particular_n or_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o
persuasion_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n separation_n from_o we_o or_o how_o far_o it_o will_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o person_n in_o order_n either_o to_o their_o communicate_v or_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n this_o be_v our_o second_o point_n and_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o say_v obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o as_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o appoint_v or_o to_o use_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o appoint_v for_o this_o be_v to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o all_o those_o that_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n must_v necessary_o do_v it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o use_v any_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v new_a sacrament_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o be_v direct_o to_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n example_n in_o his_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o savour_v beside_o of_o popish_a idolatry_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v these_o sinful_a thing_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o those_o too_o impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n how_o can_v we_o blame_v they_o if_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o we_o will_v we_o have_v they_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o practice_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n where_o then_o be_v their_o conscience_n they_o may_v perhaps_o by_o this_o mean_n show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n but_o what_o will_v become_v of_o their_o fidelity_n to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o do_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o refuse_v we_o their_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o thing_n stand_v thus_o with_o they_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o herein_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o may_v justify_v their_o proceed_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n let_v we_o say_v what_o we_o please_v this_o be_v the_o case_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o that_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o except_v against_o in_o our_o communion_n be_v real_o unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o jesus_n christ_n then_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o their_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o in_o that_o case_n separation_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n and_o second_o suppose_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o we_o think_v they_o can_v without_o sin_n join_v in_o our_o communion_n for_o even_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o we_o have_v show_v bind_v thus_o far_o that_o a_o man_n can_v without_o sin_n act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o grant_v they_o and_o let_v they_o make_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o they_o but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a will_v render_v this_o whole_a plea_n for_o nonconformity_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v now_o open_v it_o whole_o insufficient_a viz._n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v indeed_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n communion_n but_o what_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n then_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n in_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o real_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v with_o we_o it_o be_v not_o my_o province_n here_o to_o answer_v all_o their_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o ceremony_n our_o order_n and_o rule_n in_o administer_a sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o communion_n this_o have_v be_v do_v several_a time_n and_o of_o late_a by_o several_a person_n which_o have_v treat_v of_o all_o these_o particular_a matter_n and_o who_o have_v show_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o strength_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o church_n appointment_n which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o establishment_n of_o our_o church_n be_v for_o gravity_n decency_n purity_n and_o agreeableness_n with_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n the_o most_o approvable_a and_o the_o least_o exceptionable_a of_o any_o church_n constitution_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o this_o be_v the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o whether_o suppose_v it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v i_o say_v suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n whether_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v any_o man_n from_o sin_n that_o withdraw_v from_o that_o communion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o through_o his_o mistake_n he_o believe_v he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n or_o thus_o whether_o will_v any_o man_n persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v sinful_a term_n require_v in_o our_o communion_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o we_o this_o be_v the_o general_a question_n true_o put_v and_o this_o i_o give_v as_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o that_o in_o general_a speak_v a_o man_n erroneous_a persuasion_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o god_n law_n or_o justify_v any_o man_n transgression_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o and_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o i_o think_v i_o have_v my_o misperswasion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o discharge_v i_o from_o my_o obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o break_v it_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o i_o have_v full_o show_v before_o in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o by_o way_n of_o further_a confirmation_n ask_v this_o question_n be_v st._n paul_n guilty_a of_o sin_n or_o no_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n be_v very_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o this_o because_o he_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n they_o contradict_v his_o own_o express_a word_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o say_v that_o he_o do_v sin_n in_o do_v this_o then_o they_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o practise_v it_o if_o real_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a will_v
not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o not_o practise_v it_o if_o indeed_o god_n law_n have_v make_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v very_o well_o what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n schism_n undoubted_o be_v a_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n a_o sin_n against_o which_o there_o be_v as_o many_o hard_a thing_n say_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n as_o against_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o let_v those_o that_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o or_o join_v with_o other_o assembly_n in_o opposition_n to_o we_o i_o say_v let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o dreadful_a sin_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o their_o separation_n proceed_v upon_o good_a ground_n if_o they_o will_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o always_o enough_o to_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v sinful_a condition_n impose_v in_o our_o communion_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v for_o unless_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o indeed_o their_o believe_v so_o will_v not_o cancel_v their_o obligation_n to_o our_o church_n communion_n or_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o this_o may_v perhaps_o at_o the_o first_o hear_n seem_v very_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o many_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a for_o all_o that_o and_o will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o roman-catholick_n persuasion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o popery_n and_o hearty_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a one_o wherein_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o therefore_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n do_v pay_v religious_a worship_n to_o image_n do_v pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v give_v divine_a adoration_n to_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o real_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v turn_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o his_o soul_n and_o deity_n be_v personal_o unite_v be_v now_o such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o these_o practice_n or_o be_v he_o not_o he_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o he_o will_v abhor_v these_o practice_n if_o he_o do_v in_o the_o least_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v they_o as_o idolatrous_a nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forbid_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o he_o can_v be_v a_o good_a catholic_n unless_o he_o thus_o worship_n image_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o host_n well_o now_o the_o point_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o he_o do_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n acquit_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n we_o all_o grant_v that_o if_o he_o have_v such_o clear_a information_n about_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o protestant_n have_v he_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o idolater_n if_o he_o shall_v contitinue_v in_o these_o practice_n but_o whether_o his_o belief_n and_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v these_o thing_n do_v not_o excuse_v he_o and_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v idolatry_n that_o will_v otherwise_o be_v so_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n but_o yet_o none_o of_o we_o make_v any_o great_a question_n of_o it_o for_o we_o do_v charge_v the_o papist_n indiscriminate_o with_o idolatry_n in_o their_o worship_n notwithstanding_o their_o disclaim_n it_o notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n to_o worship_n god_n no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v real_o take_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o consecrate_a element_n and_o those_o other_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v they_o let_v his_o opinion_n about_o they_o be_v what_o it_o will._n a_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v or_o false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o can_v neither_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v nor_o that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v all_o that_o it_o will_v do_v be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o may_v more_o or_o less_o extenuate_v the_o transgression_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o and_o the_o case_n be_v just_a the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o any_o man_n to_o withdraw_v his_o communion_n from_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o ought_v and_o with_o which_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v that_o be_v as_o proper_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n for_o any_o man_n therefore_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v or_o that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o that_o church_n without_o sin_n yet_o if_o this_o persuasion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o schismatic_a for_o all_o this_o than_o the_o other_o man_n be_v a_o idolater_n that_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o adore_v image_n and_o those_o other_o undue_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n among_o the_o romanist_n it_o be_v true_a the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o misperswasion_n will_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o more_o or_o less_o excuse_v the_o man_n person_n before_o god_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n but_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o case_n it_o make_v that_o to_o be_v no_o idolatry_n which_o god_n word_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v idolatry_n well_o now_o admit_v all_o this_o here_o come_v the_o pinch_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o will_v you_o have_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o transgressor_n if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o comply_v against_o his_o conscience_n you_o grant_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v if_o he_o do_v not_o comply_v than_o you_o say_v he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n why_o to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v often_o true_a and_o here_o be_v that_o dilemma_n which_o man_n by_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v abuse_v with_o evil_a principle_n and_o persuasion_n do_v frequent_o run_v themselves_o into_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o act_n nor_o forbear_v act_v they_o can_v neither_o obey_v nor_o disobey_v without_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o this_o that_o all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o the_o error_n and_o false_a principle_n which_o mislead_v the_o man_n be_v depose_v and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v and_o then_o he_o may_v both_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o god_n law_n require_v of_o he_o and_o avoid_v sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v why_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o use_v conscientious_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o common_a prudence_n will_v recommend_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o gain_v instruction_n and_o information_n to_o himself_o about_o any_o point_n that_o he_o desire_v thorough_o to_o understand_v that_o be_v to_o say_v free_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o apply_v himself_o serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o the_o get_v right_a notion_n and_o sentiment_n about_o his_o duty_n in_o these_o matter_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n call_v in_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v by_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o practise_v all_o that_o he_o be_v undoubted_o convince_v to_o
forbid_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n where_o a_o man_n apprehend_v no_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v about_o or_o do_v it_o not_o there_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n in_o question_n to_o be_v real_o all_o thing_n consider_v more_o expedient_a and_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n choose_v either_o side_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o conscience_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v the_o most_o expedient_a or_o the_o most_o eligible_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o when_o this_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n to_o marry_v or_o not_o to_o marry_v he_o thus_o resolve_v it_o that_o though_o indeed_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o marry_v yet_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v for_o if_o they_o do_v marry_v they_o sin_v not_o and_o though_o as_o he_o say_v he_o that_o give_v not_o his_o virgin_n in_o marriage_n do_v better_a than_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n yet_o he_o allow_v that_o he_o that_o give_v she_o in_o marriage_n do_v well_o and_o consequent_o do_v act_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n vid._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o conscience_n particular_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o scrupulous_a which_o be_v our_o three_o point_n under_o this_o head_n conscience_n be_v usual_o though_o how_o proper_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o kind_n the_o resolve_a the_o scrupulous_a and_o the_o doubt_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n every_o body_n know_v that_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o that_o phrase_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o action_n he_o have_v be_v deliberate_v upon_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o as_o be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o this_o persuasion_n if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n we_o call_v it_o a_o right_a conscience_n if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o of_o this_o we_o need_v speak_v no_o more_o here_o since_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a argument_n of_o the_o former_a discouse_n as_o for_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n as_o that_o be_v make_v a_o distinct_a sort_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o resolve_a and_o the_o doubt_v we_o may_v thus_o define_v it_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o some_o measure_n resolve_v but_o yet_o accompany_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o act_v according_a to_o that_o resolution_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o point_n which_o they_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a to_o object_n against_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v or_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o act_n thus_o or_o thus_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o act_v they_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o make_v a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o new_a reason_n appear_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o unsettle_v much_o less_o overthrow_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o first_o determination_n but_o only_o their_o unaccountable_a fear_n must_v pass_v for_o reason_n this_o now_o be_v to_o have_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n but_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o though_o in_o common_a speech_n it_o be_v often_o confound_v with_o the_o scrupulous_a be_v quite_o different_a from_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o conscience_n for_o in_o both_o those_o a_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v pass_v a_o judgement_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o the_o action_n before_o he_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n or_o against_o it_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o nor_o can_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o both_o side_n have_v as_o he_o think_v as_o many_o argument_n to_o incline_v he_o one_o way_n as_o the_o other_o and_o when_o once_o he_o come_v to_o have_v so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n or_o opinion_n on_o one_o side_n than_o he_o cease_v to_o have_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o that_o the_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v be_v this_o the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n in_o a_o question_n about_o the_o duty_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o action_n occasion_v by_o the_o equal_a or_o near_o equal_a probality_n on_o both_o side_n and_o likewise_o the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o doubt_v a_o resolve_a and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v this_o that_o the_o resolve_a conscience_n be_v satisfy_v about_o its_o point_n and_o act_n confident_o at_o least_o cheerful_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v likewise_o satisfy_v in_o the_o general_n but_o either_o dare_v not_o act_n or_o act_n fearful_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v not_o satisfy_v at_o all_o for_o the_o point_n before_o it_o be_v still_o a_o question_n of_o which_o it_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n no_o resolution_n because_o of_o the_o equal_a appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n discourse_v of_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o speak_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o particular_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n about_o the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v no_o judgement_n as_o to_o that_o point_n but_o continue_v waver_a and_o undetermined_a now_o how_o a_o man_n judgement_n and_o his_o no_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n that_o we_o say_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o may_v also_o if_o we_o please_v say_v a_o unresolved_a resolution_n or_o a_o persuasion_n without_o a_o assent_n but_o however_o because_o use_v have_v give_v the_o name_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o doubt_v mind_n and_o because_o conscience_n be_v sometime_o real_o concern_v about_o act_v in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o choose_v to_o follow_v the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v ii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o our_o second_o general_a head_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o rule_n we_o here_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v which_o conscience_n need_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n second_o what_o that_o rule_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o resolve_v all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v every_o point_n so_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o doubt_v any_o long_o concern_v that_o point_n but_o we_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o determine_v himself_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n so_o as_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o doubt_n or_o not_o there_o be_v just_a as_o much_o difference_n
theophylact_fw-mi but_o if_o any_o one_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o this_o account_n of_o that_o business_n but_o will_v further_o contend_v that_o st._n paul_n here_o do_v not_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o moses_n law_n but_o also_o take_v in_o the_o case_n of_o some_o gentile_a christian_n at_o that_o time_n who_o upon_o a_o pythagorean_n principle_n they_o may_v have_v entertain_v be_v averse_a to_o the_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o flesh_n as_o think_v all_o such_o food_n to_o be_v unclean_a they_o may_v notwithstanding_o what_o i_o have_v say_v enjoy_v their_o own_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o our_o controversy_n whether_o the_o person_n who_o case_n be_v here_o speak_v to_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n only_o thus_o much_o appear_v plain_o that_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v jewish_a christian_n who_o together_o with_o their_o christianity_n have_v a_o conscientious_a regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n second_o as_o for_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doubt_v in_o the_o upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v no_o where_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o author_n signify_v to_o doubt_n but_o most_o usual_o to_o discern_v or_o distinguish_v or_o make_v a_o dâ—fference_n as_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testatament_n vid._n matt._n xvi_o 3._o act_n xv._o 9_o i_o cor._n iu_o 7._o vi_o 5._o xi_o 29._o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o take_v active_o and_o then_o it_o have_v the_o same_o signification_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n to_o make_v a_o difference_n as_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o in_o st._n judes_n text_n here_o quote_v but_o in_o st._n james_n ch._n ii_o 4._o where_o our_o english_a translation_n have_v indeed_o very_a well_o render_v the_o apostle_n sense_n thus_o be_v you_o not_o partial_a but_o if_o they_o have_v true_o render_v his_o word_n they_o must_v have_v thus_o translate_v do_v you_o not_o make_v a_o difference_n again_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v passive_o and_o then_o the_o signification_n of_o it_o be_v this_o to_o be_v divide_v or_o sever_v or_o distinguish_v and_o when_o it_o be_v use_v in_o this_o sense_n it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o the_o english_a word_n doubt_v do_v convenient_o enough_o express_v it_o doubt_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n be_v divide_v as_o to_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o according_o in_o some_o place_n our_o translator_n have_v thus_o english_v it_o though_o i_o believe_v in_o some_o of_o those_o more_o proper_a word_n may_v be_v find_v out_o to_o express_v its_o sense_n but_o though_o in_o a_o few_o text_n it_o be_v thus_o use_v in_o scripture_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o profaâ—e_a author_n do_v ever_o use_v it_o in_o this_o seâ—se_n of_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o unless_o there_o be_v evident_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o know_v why_o we_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o natural_a and_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o tâ—xt_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o text_n the_o reader_n may_v be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o here_o translate_v he_o that_o doubt_v do_v as_o proper_o signify_v to_o distinguish_v or_o make_v a_o difference_n as_o to_o doubt_v or_o hesitate_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v use_v both_o by_o profane_a writer_n and_o in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o particular_o in_o the_o 22_o d._n of_o st._n jude_n epistle_n and_o of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a word_n in_o the_o text._n now_o consider_v the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o persuasion_n about_o the_o legal_a observation_n some_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n and_o other_o make_v none_n it_o seem_v every_o whit_n as_o proper_a and_o natural_a and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n to_o take_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n in_o this_o place_n rather_o than_o in_o that_o other_o according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v usual_o translate_v so_o that_o the_o text_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v render_v he_o that_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a meat_n if_o he_o do_v eat_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v unclean_a he_o be_v damn_v or_o condemn_v for_o so_o do_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o so_o probable_a be_v this_o render_n that_o our_o english_a translator_n take_v care_n to_o put_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bibles_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o every_o one_o nor_o do_v it_o want_v good_a authority_n for_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a thus_o translate_v the_o place_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o erasmus_n hentenius_n and_o general_o all_o the_o latin_a expositor_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v estius_n who_o yet_o himself_o interpret_v it_o the_o common_a way_n indeed_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o true_a version_n of_o this_o word_n in_o this_o text_n however_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o stand_v upon_o it_o as_o to_o preclude_v any_o man_n from_o the_o liberty_n of_o take_v the_o other_o if_o he_o like_v it_o better_o for_o though_o this_o way_n of_o render_v do_v better_a serve_v our_o purpose_n as_o quite_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n yet_o our_o cause_n do_v not_o so_o absolute_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v very_o well_o allow_v of_o the_o common_a translation_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o three_o as_o for_o the_o word_n faith_n which_o be_v here_o use_v let_v it_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o when_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o have_v faith_n and_o in_o the_o text_n of_o eat_v without_o faith_n or_o not_o of_o faith_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v faith_n here_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o belief_n in_o jesus_n christ_n or_o a_o assent_n to_o god_n revelation_n particular_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a notion_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o only_o for_o a_o man_n assent_n to_o the_o goodness_n or_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n that_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n so_o that_o to_o have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o that_o action_n may_v be_v lawful_o do_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o reason_n that_o shall_v make_v it_o unlawful_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o do_v a_o action_n without_o faith_n or_o not_o of_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o express_v it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o action_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o way_n satisfy_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a think_v we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unlawful_a action_n four_o whereas_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o that_o doubt_v or_o difference_v be_v damn_v or_o condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o that_o expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o eat_n in_o the_o other_o world_n which_o be_v that_o which_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o call_v damnation_n but_o only_o of_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o eat_n as_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n why_o our_o translator_n shall_v here_o use_v the_o word_n damn_a since_o condemn_a be_v the_o natural_a word_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o greek_a or_o the_o english_a language_n so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o proposition_n he_o that_o doubt_v with_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o yet_o eat_v such_o a_o man_n be_v condemn_v for_o so_o do_v condemn_a how_o why_o condemn_v of_o himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v express_v it_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n because_o without_o necessity_n have_v free_a power_n over_o his_o own_o action_n he_o do_v that_o which_o he_o apprehend_v to_o be_v sinful_a i_o dare_v say_v the_o reader_n will_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o interpretation_n as_o to_o both_o the_o last_o name_v particular_n if_o he_o will_v careful_o read_v the_o forego_n verse_n together_o with_o the_o text_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o both_o make_v one_o complete_a sentence_n and_o judge_v of_o one_o by_o the_o other_o st._n paul_n have_v for_o a_o good_a while_n be_v address_v himself_o to_o the_o strong_a christian_n in_o order_n to_o the_o persuade_v they_o so_o to_o use_v their_o knowledge_n and_o
answer_n to_o this_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_v indeed_o which_o i_o main_o stand_v upon_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o answer_n give_v to_o it_o by_o the_o casuist_n which_o because_o it_o be_v the_o answer_n that_o our_o learned_a bishop_n sanderson_n think_v fit_a to_o pitch_v upon_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v it_o by_o without_o mention_n nor_o if_o i_o can_v without_o some_o improvement_n i_o must_v confess_v if_o we_o do_v admit_v this_o answer_n the_o authority_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v be_v set_v high_a than_o i_o do_v in_o this_o discourse_n suppose_v it_o but_o however_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n because_o it_o untie_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o their_o own_o principle_n the_o answer_n be_v this_o 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n allow_v that_o the_o man_n who_o case_n st._n paul_n speak_v to_o in_o this_o text_n be_v real_o a_o doubt_v person_n and_o not_o one_o that_o be_v persuade_v as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suppose_v yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o this_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o condemn_v for_o eat_v those_o meat_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v therefore_o a_o man_n that_o obey_v authority_n in_o a_o instance_n where_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o command_n that_o such_o a_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v condemn_v for_o so_o do_v this_o i_o say_v do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disparity_n in_o the_o case_n and_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v to_o argue_v from_o a_o particular_a to_o a_o universal_a or_o from_o one_o particular_a to_o another_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o different_a circumstance_n of_o each_o case_n which_o be_v against_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n if_o st._n paul_n have_v say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o act_n there_o have_v be_v some_o pretence_n for_o make_v his_o sentence_n a_o universal_a proposition_n so_o as_o to_o extend_v to_o all_o doubt_v man_n in_o all_o case_n but_o now_o only_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v it_o show_v that_o he_o only_o speak_v to_o the_o particular_a case_n that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o that_o other_o case_n be_v no_o far_o concern_v in_o his_o proposition_n than_o as_o they_o do_v agree_v in_o circumstance_n with_o the_o case_n he_o there_o speak_v to_o now_o the_o case_n the_o apostle_n there_o treat_v of_o and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v about_o be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a circumstance_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o measure_v the_o goodness_n or_o the_o badness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o there_o can_v be_v two_o doubtful_a case_n put_v that_o be_v more_o different_a as_o â—_o shall_v now_o show_v if_o st._n paul_n do_v at_o all_o here_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v man_n he_o speak_v of_o one_o that_o act_v doubt_o in_o a_o matter_n where_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o act_n without_o a_o doubt_n that_o be_v he_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n that_o he_o know_v he_o may_v certain_o without_o sin_n refuse_v to_o eat_v those_o meat_n concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v for_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n of_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o eat_v they_o but_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n where_o he_o be_v perfect_o at_o liberty_n to_o let_v alone_o for_o the_o serve_v some_o evil_a unwarrantable_a end_n he_o will_v not_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o be_v safe_a and_o where_o he_o need_v fear_v no_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o forbear_v but_o will_v choose_v that_o side_n that_o be_v doubtful_a that_o be_v will_v run_v a_o needless_a hazard_n of_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o man_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o that_o st._n paul_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v suppose_v indeed_o that_o his_o word_n be_v at_o all_o to_o be_v expoundin_fw-mi this_o sense_n but_o now_o because_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o this_o case_n and_o in_o all_o such_o like_a if_o you_o please_v do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v from_o these_o word_n that_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o other_o circumstance_n that_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v his_o own_o way_n as_o not_o be_v at_o his_o own_o disposal_n but_o under_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o authority_n that_o this_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v condemn_v if_o he_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o his_o superior_n when_o he_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o express_v his_o obedience_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o this_o case_n have_v a_o quite_o different_a consideration_n in_o the_o former_a case_n there_o be_v only_o danger_n on_o one_o side_n and_o that_o be_v in_o act_v and_o the_o man_n may_v forbear_v if_o he_o please_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n but_o in_o the_o other_o case_n there_o be_v danger_n on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o man_n run_v at_o least_o as_o great_a a_o hazard_n in_o forbear_v the_o action_n nay_o we_o say_v a_o much_o great_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o so_o that_o undeniable_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v one_o rule_n to_o serve_v for_o all_o case_n though_o never_o so_o different_a which_o be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v here_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a this_o latter_a man_n may_v not_o only_o without_o sin_n do_v the_o thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o but_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o whereas_o if_o the_o other_o man_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n shall_v do_v the_o action_n he_o doubt_v of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o further_a that_o st._n paul_n mean_v not_o to_o extend_v his_o proposition_n to_o all_o doubtful_a case_n but_o only_o to_o such_o case_n as_o he_o here_o treat_v of_o be_v pretty_a evident_a from_o the_o reason_n that_o he_o give_v why_o he_o that_o eat_v doubt_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v viz._n because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n if_o he_o have_v say_v so_o i_o grant_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o proposition_n will_v have_v reach_v all_o doubt_v man_n in_o all_o case_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v act_n with_o faith_n notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v allow_v that_o those_o case_n be_v except_v out_o of_o st._n paul_n proposition_n now_o that_o there_o be_v such_o case_n and_o that_o our_o case_n of_o obey_v authority_n be_v one_o of_o they_o i_o thus_o prove_v whosoever_o so_o act_n as_o that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n such_o a_o man_n act_n with_o faith_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o action_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o of_o which_o i_o have_v before_o give_v a_o account_n but_o now_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o doubt_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n and_o yet_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v that_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o duty_n nay_o as_o the_o case_n may_v be_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o thus_o doubt_n rather_o than_o not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o the_o not_o do_v that_o action_n all_o thing_n consider_v appear_v to_o he_o more_o dangerous_a or_o attend_v with_o worse_a consequence_n this_o now_o be_v grant_v it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o wherever_o a_o man_n light_n into_o these_o circumstance_n he_o be_v not_o a_o sinner_n even_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n though_o he_o act_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o doubt_n because_o he_o act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v he_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o thus_o it_o behove_v he_o to_o act_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a or_o sinful_a to_o act_v otherwise_o so_o that_o let_v our_o adversary_n make_v the_o most_o of_o st._n paul_n word_n that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v a_o very_a illogical_a inference_n to_o say_v that_o whoever_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_n upon_o his_o conscience_n in_o any_o case_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o to_o
a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_v communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n etc._n etc._n 15._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o second_o part._n 16._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 17._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 18._o the_o charge_n of_o scan_v i_o and_o give_a offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n a_o catalogue_n of_o all_z the_o case_n and_o discourse_n contain_v in_o the_o second_o volume_n of_o this_o collection_n 1._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 2._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common-prayer_n etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o a_o defence_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o symbolise_v etc._n etc._n 5._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n 6._o the_o case_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n consider_v 7._o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_v communion_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v in_o two_o part_n 9_o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 10._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n 11._o a_o argument_n of_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 12._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advises_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n part_n i._n viz._n i._o whether_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o stint_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n ii_o whether_o the_o use_v public_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a omission_n of_o the_o ministerial_a gift_n of_o prayer_n iii_o whether_o pray_v by_o a_o public_a form_n do_v not_o deaden_a the_o devotion_n of_o prayer_n the_o second_o edition_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 chuch-yard_n and_o f._n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o a_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n one_o of_o the_o main_a point_n which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n insist_v on_o to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o public_a worship_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n of_o man_n invention_n which_o they_o conceive_v be_v unlawful_a for_o hereby_o say_v some_o of_o they_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o inspire_v our_o prayer_n be_v stint_v and_o limit_v and_o hereby_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n say_v other_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n communicate_v to_o minister_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o express_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o congregation_n to_o god_n be_v render_v useless_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o even_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o congregation_n too_o be_v mighty_o deaden_v by_o be_v continual_o express_v in_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n beside_o that_o the_o want_n of_o christian_n be_v various_a casual_a and_o emergent_a can_v be_v so_o full_o represent_v in_o a_o fix_a form_n as_o in_o conceive_v prayer_n which_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o variation_n in_o expression_n may_v be_v the_o better_o extend_v to_o the_o continual_a variation_n of_o man_n case_n and_o circumstance_n beside_o all_o which_o say_v they_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o pure_a antiquity_n and_o if_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o universal_a imposition_n of_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o this_o according_a to_o the_o best_a recollection_n i_o can_v make_v be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o our_o brethren_n urge_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o we_o in_o a_o state_v liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v reduce_v their_o whole_a plea_n to_o these_o follow_a case_n and_o endeavour_v a_o plain_a and_o clear_a resolution_n of_o they_o 1._o whether_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n do_v not_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n 2._o whether_o the_o use_v of_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o ministerial_a gift_n of_o prayer_n 3._o whether_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o same_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o very_o much_o deaden_a the_o devotion_n of_o prayer_n 4._o whether_o the_o common_a want_n of_o christian_a congregation_n may_v not_o be_v better_o represent_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n than_o in_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n 5._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o warrant_n for_o form_n of_o prayer_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o pure_a antiquity_n 6._o whether_o suppose_v form_n to_o be_v lawful_a the_o imposition_n of_o they_o can_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o case_n i._o whether_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n do_v not_o stint_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n and_o second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n 1._o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n attribute_v to_o he_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o other_o that_o be_v ordinary_a fix_v and_o stand_v the_o through_o state_n and_o distinguish_v of_o which_o will_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o present_a case_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o it_o first_o i_o say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o that_o be_v the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n together_o with_o a_o ability_n to_o express_v and_o utter_v it_o in_o know_v or_o unknown_a language_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n we_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o upon_o special_a occasion_n be_v immediate_o indict_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o so_o when_o hannah_n present_v her_o son_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o shiloh_n the_o text_n only_o say_v that_o she_o pray_v and_o say_v but_o the_o targum_fw-la paraphrase_n it_o that_o she_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o according_o pray_v and_o praise_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v frequent_o call_v prophesy_v so_o 1_o sam._n 10._o 5._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v prophesy_v that_o be_v
comparative_o few_o but_o you_o much_o doubt_n whether_o the_o use_n of_o those_o few_o be_v long_o before_o popery_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n unless_o he_o mean_v popery_n at_o its_o full_a growth_n for_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o to_o ritual_n begin_v to_o work_v very_o early_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o papist_n may_v con_v you_o great_a thanks_o for_o this_o passage_n it_o plain_o enough_o intimate_v that_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n papist_n though_o not_o full_o grow_v papist_n and_o as_o to_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v already_o work_v if_o you_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n like_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o begin_v to_o work_v in_o his_o day_n the_o use_n of_o such_o rite_n as_o those_o you_o be_v offend_v with_o in_o our_o church_n i_o will_v engage_v for_o our_o author_n that_o he_o shall_v immediate_o set_v up_o for_o a_o nonconformist_n you_o say_v in_o your_o three_o page_n that_o you_o can_v well_o understand_v how_o our_o author_n say_v that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o impose_v her_o rite_n as_o necessary_a unless_o he_o mean_v as_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n but_o do_v he_o not_o express_o tell_v you_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o necessary_a you_o find_v he_o do_v if_o you_o read_v the_o whole_a sentence_n which_o run_v thus_o pag._n 4._o and_o she_o impose_v her_o rite_n not_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v she_o as_o necessary_a and_o as_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a and_o changeable_a thing_n as_o we_o find_v in_o her_o 34th_o article_n etc._n etc._n and_o why_o sir_n do_v you_o conceal_v this_o part_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o thus_o stop_v at_o a_o comma_n you_o thus_o proceed_v nor_o do_v i_o well_o understand_v how_o they_o be_v not_o make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n when_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o they_o be_v make_v sinful_a and_o meritorious_a of_o a_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o assure_v you_o that_o i_o do_v as_o little_o understand_v if_o this_o be_v good_a argue_v how_o whatsoever_o the_o king_n command_v of_o his_o subject_n or_o a_o master_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v not_o make_v by_o they_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n since_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o each_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v sinful_a by_o all_o that_o believe_v these_o precept_n bind_v viz._n submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n etc._n etc._n and_o servants_z obey_v in_o all_o thing_n your_o master_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o to_o the_o penalty_n you_o mention_v of_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o those_o who_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o which_o all_o society_n and_o body_n politic_a whatsoever_o have_v ever_o think_v fit_a to_o have_v inflict_v upon_o obstinate_a transgressor_n of_o their_o law_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o uphold_v of_o government_n among_o they_o and_o our_o author_n i_o be_o certain_a will_n ready_o grant_v that_o none_o but_o obstinate_a transgressor_n of_o the_o church_n law_n and_o such_o as_o be_v incorrigible_a by_o all_o other_o mean_v first_o try_v aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v never_o be_v pronounce_v against_o they_o but_o as_o the_o last_o remedy_n as_o also_o that_o the_o design_n thereof_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o offender_n as_o well_o as_o for_o example_n to_o other_o never_a his_o destruction_n but_o how_o do_v this_o penalty's_n be_v make_v the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n which_o ordain_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o order_n sake_n and_o the_o decent_a administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o public_a speak_v these_o to_o be_v enjoin_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n when_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o judge_v to_o be_v sinful_a than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o disobedience_n to_o humane_a authority_n and_o when_o this_o penalty_n be_v never_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v inflict_v but_o in_o case_n of_o the_o offender_n add_v contempt_n to_o his_o disobedience_n if_o any_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o person_n be_v excommunicate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o nonconformity_n who_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a and_o that_o give_v good_a evidence_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n of_o their_o governor_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a with_o safe_a 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you_o have_v give_v we_o we_o thank_v you_o the_o very_a first_o information_n of_o this_o ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la but_o why_o do_v you_o expect_v unless_o we_o know_v you_o better_o that_o we_o shall_v take_v your_o bare_a word_n for_o it_o nay_o we_o have_v hardly_o that_o for_o you_o do_v not_o in_o express_a term_n affirm_v but_o ask_v this_o question_n how_o many_o have_v we_o that_o will_v tell_v we_o we_o be_v ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la and_o therefore_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o give_v you_o only_o this_o short_a answer_n do_v you_o tell_v we_o how_o many_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o if_o you_o know_v sure_o this_o church_n of_o you_o be_v a_o invisible_a church_n or_o if_o not_o none_o but_o dissenter_n eye_n be_v clear_a enough_o to_o get_v the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o it_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o mere_a figment_n and_o the_o very_a dream_n of_o a_o shadow_n but_o 2._o whereas_o a_o positive_a assertion_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o a_o 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number_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o our_o church_n for_o i_o who_o know_v i_o be_o confident_a as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o most_o man_n in_o england_n can_v true_o declare_v as_o follow_v that_o i_o can_v name_v any_o one_o divine_a of_o our_o church_n who_o teach_v your_o first_o contradictory_n doctrine_n to_o the_o 39_o article_n viz._n that_o although_o we_o may_v not_o terminate_v our_o worship_n in_o a_o image_n yet_o we_o may_v bow_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n before_o a_o image_n nor_o your_o second_o viz._n that_o depart_v saint_n know_v our_o state_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o be_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o they_o nor_o know_v i_o any_o one_o of_o our_o church_n who_o teach_v your_o three_o viz._n that_o any_o priest_n may_v
do_v offend_v which_o move_v he_o to_o set_v out_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o man_n in_o several_a respect_n and_o consideration_n which_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o for_o i_o to_o mention_v nor_o be_v it_o needful_a if_o this_o that_o i_o have_v discourse_v already_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o if_o man_n will_v lay_v nothing_o close_o to_o their_o conscience_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v or_o write_v or_o preach_v will_v do_v they_o no_o good_a but_o they_o will_v be_v only_a hearer_n or_o reader_n not_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n wherefore_o lay_v aside_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v i._o ii_o 1._o 2._o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n or_o deceit_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n or_o that_o rational_a sincere_a milk_n the_o pure_a food_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o not_o of_o your_o fancy_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o as_o certain_o you_o will_v when_o you_o become_v of_o the_o same_o disposition_n with_o little_a child_n void_a of_o hatred_n of_o guile_n of_o wrath_n of_o dissimulation_n and_o such_o like_a evil_a affection_n and_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a teachable_a and_o submissive_a spirit_n for_o if_o every_o one_o have_v but_o such_o a_o increase_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o hear_v meek_o god_n word_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o pure_a affection_n they_o can_v not_o easy_o fail_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o we_o pray_v in_o our_o litany_n and_o may_v it_o please_v god_n as_o it_o there_o follow_v to_o bring_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n all_o such_o as_o have_v err_v and_o be_v deceive_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n benj._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-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o content_n dissension_n be_v dangerous_a to_o the_o church_n page_n 1._o if_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v dissettled_a by_o such_o mean_n our_o dissenter_n will_v not_o obtain_v their_o ends._n p._n 2._o their_o first_o or_o subordinate_a end_n be_v the_o establish_n of_o themselves_o p._n 3._o the_o first_o branch_n of_o it_o be_v the_o establish_n themselves_o as_o a_o national_a church_n which_o can_v be_v hope_v for_o either_o first_o by_o all_o of_o they_o p._n 4._o or_o second_o by_o the_o prevalent_a party_n among_o they_o p._n 5._o this_o be_v prove_v first_o from_o several_a reason_n p._n 5_o 6._o second_o from_o the_o history_n of_o our_o late_a revolution_n p._n 6._o to_o 10._o after_o which_o it_o be_v show_v that_o if_o they_o can_v not_o then_o gain_v their_o point_n they_o can_v much_o less_o do_v it_o now_o p._n 10_o etc._n etc._n the_o second_o branch_n of_o their_o subordinate_a end_n be_v the_o settle_n of_o themselves_o by_o mutual_a sufferance_n p._n 12._o this_o be_v prove_v still_o more_o improbable_a p._n 12_o 13._o also_o it_o be_v show_v that_o party_n tolerate_v each_o other_o no_o long_a than_o one_o get_v power_n to_o suppress_v the_o rest_n with_o public_a safety_n p._n 14._o to_o 18._o the_o second_o end_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v more_o principal_a and_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o keep_n out_o of_o popery_n p._n 18._o that_o this_o end_n can_v be_v obtain_v by_o dissent_v from_o our_o church_n be_v show_v from_o reason_n p._n 18._o to_o p._n 25._o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o late_a time_n p._n 25_o etc._n etc._n from_o the_o judgement_n and_o method_n of_o the_o papist_n themselves_o p._n 28_o 29._o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o more_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v the_o advance_n of_o pure_a religion_n p._n 30._o but_o there_o 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which_o we_o have_v not_o any_o exception_n and_o for_o those_o that_o esteem_v our_o communion_n in_o all_o particular_n utter_o unlawful_a which_o i_o suppose_v be_v but_o very_o few_o and_o i_o know_v they_o have_v but_o very_o slight_a argument_n for_o the_o severe_a judgement_n they_o pass_v upon_o we_o if_o they_o will_v meet_v let_v they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o private_a manner_n that_o they_o can_v without_o any_o vain_a ostentation_n of_o their_o number_n which_o can_v be_v any_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o conscience_n but_o may_v make_v their_o adherent_n over_o forward_a and_o bold_a and_o tend_v to_o the_o create_v of_o jealousy_n in_o the_o government_n and_o while_o they_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n they_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v any_o connivance_n they_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o it_o from_o his_o majesty_n wont_a and_o often_o experience_a clemency_n when_o they_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o their_o dissent_n be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o but_o a_o religious_a design_n in_o it_o than_o when_o they_o assume_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o confidence_n and_o think_v to_o extort_v indulgency_n by_o clamour_n and_o discontent_n and_o resolve_v to_o assemble_v open_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o royal_a command_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o christian_a fortitude_n to_o outbrave_v authority_n these_o be_v but_o ill_a method_n of_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o i_o hope_v for_o the_o future_a we_o shall_v all_o upon_o all_o occasion_n behave_v ourselves_o as_o become_v good_a subject_n and_o sober_a christian_n and_o make_v no_o disturbance_n neither_o on_o a_o civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a account_n let_v it_o pity_v we_o at_o last_o to_o see_v the_o ghastly_a wound_n that_o be_v still_o renew_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o division_n let_v we_o have_v some_o compassion_n on_o a_o bleed_a church_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_a and_o in_o eminent_a danger_n of_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n to_o her_o enemy_n by_o the_o unnatural_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v support_n and_o defend_v she_o why_o shall_v we_o leave_v she_o thus_o desolate_a and_o forlorn_a when_o her_o present_a exigency_n require_v our_o most_o cordial_a assistance_n if_o the_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v such_o as_o god_n law_n do_v not_o allow_v we_o may_v forsake_v she_o that_o have_v forsake_v he_o but_o since_o this_o can_v be_v object_v against_o she_o since_o she_o exact_v not_o forbid_v thing_n of_o we_o let_v we_o strengthen_v her_o hand_n by_o our_o unanimous_a agreement_n and_o since_o we_o do_v not_o condemn_v her_o doctrine_n let_v we_o not_o despise_v her_o worship_n since_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o let_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n be_v any_o long_o a_o occasion_n of_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n a_o happy_a peace_n to_o a_o divide_a church_n a_o considerable_a security_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o probable_o defeat_v the_o subtle_a practice_n of_o rome_n which_o now_o stand_v gape_v after_o all_o and_o hope_n by_o our_o distraction_n to_o repair_v the_o loss_n she_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o reformation_n may_v the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v all_o wicked_a purpose_n unsuccessful_a and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o love_n heal_v all_o our_o breach_n and_o prosper_v the_o charitable_a endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o follow_v after_o peace_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n viz._n i._o whether_o to_o communicate_v with_o some_o church_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n ii_o whether_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o church_n which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o each_o other_o the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n jun._n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n in_o order_n to_o state_n such_o case_n as_o particular_o relate_v to_o church-communion_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v a_o brief_a explication_n of_o some_o word_n which_o must_v be_v use_v in_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o so_o common_o understand_v as_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n and_o a_o christian_a church_n 2._o what_o church_n communion_n be_v 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a communion_n and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n now_o the_o plain_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o a_o church_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v this_o description_n to_o fit_v it_o to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n 1._o then_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n for_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o dispute_n in_o what_o sense_n angel_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o i_o call_v the_o church_n a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n i_o oppose_v a_o body_n to_o single_a individual_n or_o particular_a man_n and_o to_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n without_o any_o order_n or_o union_n among_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o particular_a man_n and_o when_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v of_o great_a multitude_n yet_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o particular_a man_n not_o consider_v in_o a_o private_a and_o separate_a capacity_n but_o as_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a society_n which_o be_v call_v a_o body_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o which_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o exact_a order_n eph._n 4._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o order_n wherein_o their_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o usefulness_n consist_v much_o less_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a ends._n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o god_n ordain_v a_o most_o exact_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o for_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o unity_n he_o form_v into_o a_o
that_o which_o mankind_n will_v have_v be_v have_v there_o be_v no_o such_o particular_a institution_n and_o be_v in_o before_o that_o institution_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o injoin_v of_o it_o by_o divine_a institution_n so_o as_o it_o become_v necessary_a to_o they_o that_o make_v it_o a_o yoke_n and_o a_o 18._o act._n 15._o 18._o yoke_n intolerable_a and_o it_o be_v a_o freedom_n from_o that_o law_n that_o constitute_v the_o liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o in_o that_o epistle_n and_o if_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v take_v as_o our_o author_n will_v have_v it_o for_o a_o freedom_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n from_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v a_o secondary_a sense_n and_o which_o may_v be_v take_v from_o some_o parity_n of_o reason_n betwixt_o case_n and_o case_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o primary_n sense_n of_o it_o but_o take_v it_o how_o we_o will_v in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o i_o there_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o that_o 47._o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n pag._n 47._o plead_v it_o against_o submission_n to_o authority_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n when_o impose_v in_o or_o about_o divine_a worship_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o general_a head_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a 5._o §._o 5._o tract_n which_o contain_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o church_n as_o they_o be_v either_o duty_n or_o indifferent_a and_o for_o a_o enforcement_n of_o that_o and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v brief_o show_v how_o far_o this_o reverend_a author_n consent_v to_o or_o by_o his_o concession_n must_v be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o indeed_o he_o sometime_o do_v tell_v we_o that_o nine_o part_n of_o ten_o of_o all_o dissenter_n say_v they_o can_v comply_v with_o thing_n require_v in_o the_o english_a 38._o case_n examine_v pag._n 3._o 36._o 38._o liturgy_n because_o they_o believe_v the_o thing_n sinful_a and_o unlawful_a and_o elsewhere_o two_o hardly_o of_o a_o hundred_o think_v they_o indifferent_a but_o whether_o our_o author_n be_v of_o that_o number_n or_o at_o least_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o be_v i_o shall_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o concession_n as_o to_o other_o in_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v the_o method_n take_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a tract_n where_o i_o say_v all_o thing_n object_v against_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o posture_n form_n and_o time_n and_o show_v these_o to_o be_v natural_a or_o moral_a circumstance_n of_o action_n and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o now_o in_o general_n he_o grant_v what_o be_v such_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v and_o if_o we_o 14._o pag._n 14._o come_v to_o particular_n he_o do_v at_o last_o yield_v it_o as_o for_o posture_n what_o more_o scruple_v and_o oppose_v than_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o of_o this_o he_o say_v there_o 22._o pag._n 22._o be_v no_o command_n in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v indifferent_a that_o in_o all_o probability_n our_o saviour_n administer_v it_o kneel_v and_o sit_v 12._o pag._n 12._o backward_o upon_o his_o leg_n that_o no_o dissenter_n refuse_v it_o 36._o pag._n 36._o because_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o intend_v it_o as_o a_o homage_n to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n there_o real_o present_a but_o declare_v that_o to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o the_o bread_n be_v a_o idolatry_n to_o 13._o pag._n 12_o 13._o be_v abhor_v and_o in_o conclusion_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o that_o hesitate_n in_o that_o point_n fear_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n use_v by_o idolatrous_a papist_n which_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o no_o moment_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v as_o to_o form_n of_o prayer_n he_o say_v god_n have_v jest_v we_o 30._o pag._n 30._o at_o liberty_n what_o word_n to_o use_v and_o further_o that_o for_o conceive_a prayer_n we_o know_v no_o body_n say_v no_o other_o must_v be_v use_v 22._o pag._n 22._o in_o god_n worship_n and_o if_o so_o than_o form_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o it_o but_o suppose_v any_o scruple_n the_o use_n of_o they_o 18._o case_n of_o indiff_n p._n 18._o he_o say_v however_o we_o know_v no_o reason_n but_o people_n may_v hear_v they_o if_o any_o scruple_n the_o use_n of_o they_o he_o may_v yet_o 22._o case_n exam._n p._n 22._o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n we_o hope_v though_o he_o do_v not_o act_n in_o it_o as_o a_o minister_n as_o to_o time_n he_o say_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n direct_v and_o for_o festival_n such_o as_o purim_n among_o the_o jew_n he_o 29._o pag._n 29._o say_v it_o be_v general_o command_v under_o the_o precept_n of_o 26._o pag._n 26._o give_v thanks_o for_o public_a mercy_n last_o be_v the_o thing_n require_v unlawful_a because_o impose_v he_o answer_v some_o of_o we_o include_v sure_o himself_o be_v not_o of_o that_o mind_n nay_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o most_o 39_o pag._n 39_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v agree_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_a 7._o pag._n 7._o circumstance_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o superior_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o by_o circumstance_n be_v make_v sinful_a but_o if_o imposition_n will_v make_v they_o sinful_a such_o a_o command_n must_v not_o have_v be_v obey_v so_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o reverend_a brother_n and_o the_o dissenter_n he_o defend_v and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o say_v agree_v to_o the_o doctrine_n profess_v in_o the_o article_n 1._o pag._n 1._o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v dissent_v from_o the_o liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o lay-communion_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o nor_o why_o he_o shall_v tell_v we_o so_o much_o of_o goal_n and_o session_n and_o judicature_n and_o of_o the_o suffering_n they_o endure_v when_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a 44._o pag._n 41_o 44._o it_o be_v for_o not_o do_v what_o they_o lawful_o can_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n when_o such_o withhold_v communion_n from_o the_o church_n and_o set_v up_o other_o church_n against_o it_o that_o some_o call_v they_o as_o he_o complain_v perverse_a and_o contumacious_a person_n abide_v abide_v and_o other_o call_v they_o damnable_a schismatic_n and_o 1._o pag._n 1._o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o separation_n from_o that_o church_n be_v a_o separation_n from_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a he_o will_v meet_v with_o such_o that_o will_v speak_v very_o severe_a thing_n of_o his_o follow_a appeal_n to_o god_n judge_n o_o thou_o righteous_a judge_n between_o these_o people_n and_o those_o who_o thus_o pursue_v 44._o pag._n 41_o 44._o they_o i_o be_o far_o from_o one_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o be_v a_o smiter_n of_o his_o fellow-servant_n as_o he_o call_v they_o nor_o 41._o pag._n 41._o will_v have_v any_o one_o do_v what_o he_o very_o believe_v be_v unlawful_a but_o i_o do_v think_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o do_v what_o they_o lawful_o can_v to_o hear_v ready_o and_o consider_v impartial_o what_o may_v be_v offer_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o suffer_v patient_o where_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o this_o i_o think_v every_o true_o conscientious_a person_n will_v do_v and_o i_o shall_v question_v his_o conscience_n that_o do_v it_o not_o certain_o to_o return_v he_o his_o own_o word_n if_o our_o brethren_n have_v any_o value_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o ibid._n ibid._n peace_n of_o other_o soul_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o the_o union_n of_o protestant_n against_o popish_a adversary_n for_o any_o thing_n indeed_o that_o be_v good_a and_o lovely_a they_o will_v rather_o break_v than_o any_o long_o draw_v this_o see_v of_o contention_n and_o will_v do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o breach_n which_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a than_o scandalous_a to_o our_o religion_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 3._o l._n 13._o r._n i_o shall_v p._n 30._o l._n antepenult_n r._n imply_v p._n 31._o l._n 6._o r._n expression_n p._n 39_o marg._n add_v to_o lightfoot_n hor._n in_o matth._n and_o mark_n p._n 46._o l._n 17._o 1._o government_n book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z 1._o a._n a_o persuasive_a 〈…〉_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o
do_v appear_v that_o all_o man_n do_v agree_v in_o their_o notion_n and_o sense_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o without_o doubt_n which_o they_o all_o thus_o agree_v in_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o sense_n of_o conscience_n now_o as_o to_o this_o we_o may_v oberve_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v of_o his_o conscience_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o action_n or_o to_o something_o that_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o action_n which_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v by_o he_o or_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v matter_n of_o mere_a knowledge_n and_o speculation_n we_o do_v not_o concern_v our_o conscience_n with_o as_o neither_o with_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o be_v pure_o passive_a as_o neither_o with_o action_n if_o they_o be_v not_o our_o own_o we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n one_o way_n or_o other_o whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v good_a or_o bad_a action_n in_o which_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v these_o kind_n of_o thing_n may_v indeed_o prove_v matter_n of_o great_a satisfaction_n or_o disquiet_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n to_o we_o but_o we_o do_v not_o take_v our_o conscience_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o that_o word_n never_o come_v in_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o something_o willing_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o we_o or_o which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v forbear_v second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o do_v not_o neither_o use_v this_o word_n conscience_n about_o our_o action_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o those_o action_n fall_v under_o a_o moral_a consideration_n that_o be_v as_o they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_n or_o as_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a always_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o conscience_n in_o our_o action_n we_o have_v respect_n to_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v and_o by_o their_o agreeableness_n or_o disagreeableness_n with_o which_o they_o become_v moral_o good_a or_o evil._n three_o this_o be_v so_o the_o only_a thing_n remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o the_o find_v out_o what_o conscience_n be_v be_v what_o can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o be_v our_o sense_n and_o meaning_n when_o we_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n with_o such_o application_n to_o our_o action_n as_o we_o have_v now_o say_v now_o for_o that_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o when_o we_o talk_v of_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o they_o can_v but_o fall_v under_o these_o two_o head_n of_o distinction_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o either_o consider_v our_o action_n as_o already_o do_v or_o omit_v or_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o yet_o not_o do_v but_o as_o we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o they_o and_o then_o second_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o past_a or_o future_a yet_o we_o rank_n they_o under_o one_o of_o these_o three_o notion_n we_o either_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v duty_n or_o as_o forbid_a by_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v sin_n or_o as_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o to_o be_v indifferent_a action_n with_o these_o last_o action_n indeed_o conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o or_o direct_o concern_v but_o only_o by_o accident_n to_o wit_n as_o those_o indifferent_a action_n do_v approach_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o duty_n or_o sin_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o some_o of_o these_o head_n now_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v indeed_o different_a way_n of_o bring_v in_o conscience_n but_o yet_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o they_o all_o first_o of_o all_o when_o we_o be_v consider_v a_o action_n as_o yet_o not_o do_v if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o command_v by_o god_n we_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sinful_a action_n we_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o not_o do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n now_o i_o pray_v what_o do_v we_o mean_v by_o these_o expression_n i_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o will_v consult_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o deny_v if_o he_o can_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n if_o he_o say_v he_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o that_o he_o very_o think_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o action_n if_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n whether_o he_o mean_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o to_o do_v such_o a_o action_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o god_n if_o he_o say_v that_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n than_o this_o that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v now_o undeniable_o the_o sense_n that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v when_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o only_o propose_v to_o his_o consideration_n so_o that_o take_v conscience_n as_o it_o respect_v our_o action_n to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o which_o sense_n we_o call_v conscience_n a_o guide_n or_o a_o monitor_n and_o sometime_o though_o very_o improper_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n that_o use_v that_o word_n but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o action_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o life_n but_o second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v and_o consider_v conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o they_o here_o indeed_o we_o do_v a_o little_a vary_v the_o expression_n about_o conscience_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o we_o have_v now_o give_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o talk_v of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n with_o reference_n to_o some_o action_n we_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v when_o we_o say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v that_o i_o have_v act_v right_o and_o honest_o in_o this_o affair_n or_o my_o conscience_n acquit_v i_o from_o blame_n as_o to_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n or_o i_o be_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v if_o we_o turn_v these_o phrase_n into_o other_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o instance_n we_o have_v either_o act_v or_o omit_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o be_v some_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o we_o have_v do_v or_o forbear_v something_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o take_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o affect_v we_o with_o grief_n and_o trouble_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o instance_n of_o expression_n that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n viz._n it_o be_v our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v or_o lawful_o may_v do_v only_o here_o we_o add_v to_o it_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o action_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a be_v now_o do_v or_o omit_v by_o we_o and_o we_o do_v remember_v it_o in_o the_o former_a case_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n it_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o action_n but_o in_o both_o case_n conscience_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o consequent_o in_o both_o case_n the_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n make_v a_o judgement_n what_o he_o ought_v
be_v a_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o prime_a head_n and_o most_o general_a dictate_v of_o it_o which_o be_v but_o a_o few_o but_o also_o all_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o those_o head_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o express_a command_n and_o prohibition_n we_o meet_v with_o there_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n but_o all_o the_o thing_n likewise_o that_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o those_o command_n or_o prohibition_n in_o a_o word_n when_o we_o be_v deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a action_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o attend_v further_o to_o what_o that_o law_n may_v be_v suppose_v by_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o action_n we_o be_v deliberate_v about_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o if_o neither_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o by_o consequence_n from_o it_o nor_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o action_n before_o we_o appear_v either_o to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o that_o case_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n or_o to_o express_v the_o thing_n more_o proper_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o action_n in_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v as_o our_o prudence_n iii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o which_o natural_o follow_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a design_n be_v what_o share_v humane_a law_n have_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n whether_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o do_v real_o bind_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o or_o no_o which_o be_v our_o three_o general_n head_n now_o as_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o though_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o conscience_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o man_n general_o speak_v do_v also_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n that_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o in_o the_o four_o follow_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n do_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n there_o be_v no_o one_o dictate_v of_o nature_n more_o obvious_a to_o we_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v the_o government_n we_o live_v under_o in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a law_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o society_n and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a either_o for_o kingdom_n or_o state_n for_o city_n or_o family_n to_o subsist_v or_o at_o least_o to_o maintain_v themselves_o in_o any_o tolerable_a degree_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o duty_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_o declare_v there_o than_z that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o man_n that_o be_v make_v by_o just_a and_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o consequent_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v real_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o add_v this_o far_a in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o our_o lawful_a governor_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n conscience_n be_v not_o proper_o concern_v with_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n save_v god_n alone_o it_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o he_o for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o judgement_n of_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n &_o what_o thing_n we_o be_v forbid_v to_o do_v by_o god_n law_n so_o that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o now_o god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o everlasting_a law_n both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v obey_v those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o we_o whether_o they_o be_v our_o parent_n or_o our_o master_n and_o much_o more_o our_o prince_n and_o the_o sovereign_n legislative_a power_n under_o who_o we_o live_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o only_a we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o command_n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o those_o command_n of_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n though_o a_o consequential_a or_o a_o secondary_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o conscience_n because_o they_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o humane_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o it_o than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o any_o law_n or_o command_v of_o man_n do_v clash_n with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v either_o evil_a in_o itself_o or_o contradictory_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o case_n that_o law_n or_o command_n by_o what_o humane_a authority_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v or_o give_v do_v not_o bind_v our_o conscience_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v not_o at_o any_o rate_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o but_o we_o be_v here_o reduce_v to_o the_o apostle_n case_n and_o must_v act_n as_o they_o do_v that_o be_v we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o we_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o for_o since_o god_n only_o have_v proper_a and_o direct_a authority_n over_o our_o conscience_n and_o humane_a power_n only_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o and_o since_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o commission_n to_o the_o most_o sovereign_a prince_n upon_o earth_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o subject_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v any_o law_n of_o man_n far_o than_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o four_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o clear_n the_o point_n we_o be_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o though_o humane_a law_n general_o speak_v may_v be_v say_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o its_o rule_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o every_o humane_a law_n though_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_v against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o no_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o affirm_v this_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o manamong_n we_o upon_o these_o term_n will_v be_v innocent_a thus_o much_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v safe_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o where_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n
be_v proper_o no_o conscience_n unless_o by_o accident_n we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o shall_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o place_n here_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o do_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v how_o far_o that_o judgement_n bind_v we_o to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o if_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o right_a conscience_n that_o be_v if_o we_o have_v true_o inform_v our_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v in_o that_o case_n perpetual_o bind_v to_o act_n according_a to_o our_o judgement_n it_o be_v for_o ever_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o there_o can_v no_o blame_n no_o guilt_n fall_v upon_o we_o for_o so_o do_v let_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o act_n or_o not_o act_v be_v what_o it_o will_n so_o that_o as_o to_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o a_o well_o inform_v judgement_n there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n but_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o obligation_n a_o man_n be_v under_o to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n suppose_v it_o be_v false_a suppose_v he_o have_v not_o right_o inform_v his_o conscience_n but_o have_v take_v up_o false_a measure_n of_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v now_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o proposition_n which_o i_o think_v will_v take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o give_a satisfaction_n to_o every_o one_o concern_v this_o point_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n never_o so_o ill_o instruct_v as_o to_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a though_o we_o shall_v take_v that_o for_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v real_o a_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o for_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o a_o duty_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v high_o criminal_a in_o we_o to_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o wilful_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n which_o at_o present_a we_o have_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o our_o will_n be_v as_o faulty_a and_o as_o wicked_a in_o consent_v to_o such_o action_n as_o if_o we_o have_v have_v true_a notion_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o can_v touch_v or_o affect_v our_o action_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o be_v no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o we_o or_o as_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o remember_v it_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o our_o conscience_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n or_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o we_o be_v mistake_v our_o conscience_n prove_v but_o a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n because_o it_o have_v itself_o lose_v its_o way_n in_o not_o follow_v its_o rule_n as_o it_o shall_v have_v do_v but_o however_o our_o guide_n still_o it_o be_v and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n but_o that_o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o one_o instance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v the_o notion_n that_o any_o of_o we_o have_v of_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v do_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o do_v so_o and_o what_o other_o measure_n have_v we_o of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o act_n according_a to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o believe_v we_o do_v not_o indeed_o say_v that_o every_o one_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o act_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n or_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o all_o action_n that_o be_v do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o persuasion_n no_o we_o measure_v virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o act_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o man_n intention_n in_o act_v but_o however_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o that_o man_n be_v a_o knave_n that_o in_o any_o instance_n act_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o pass_v this_o sentence_n we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v right_o or_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o be_v his_o judgement_n right_o or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o his_o honesty_n in_o act_v or_o not_o act_v according_o to_o it_o he_o that_o have_v a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o that_o persuasion_n continue_v be_v often_o as_o well_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o if_o his_o persuasion_n be_v true_a that_o be_v he_o be_v oftentimes_o as_o confident_a when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_n contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o a_o man_n for_o instance_n shall_v of_o a_o jew_n become_v a_o christian_a while_o yet_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o believe_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o impostor_n or_o if_o a_o papist_n shall_v too_o serve_v some_o private_a end_n renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o join_v with_o we_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o only_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o our_o reform_a church_n be_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a though_o now_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o man_n in_o both_o these_o case_n have_v make_v a_o good_a change_n as_o have_v change_v a_o false_a religion_n for_o a_o true_a one_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o agree_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n for_o make_v that_o change_n because_o they_o make_v it_o not_o upon_o honest_a principle_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o judgement_n but_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o both_o nay_o i_o dare_v say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o think_v better_o of_o a_o ignorant_a well_o meaning_n protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o a_o cunning_a popish_a factor_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n abandon_v our_o communion_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n as_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o such_o a_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o real_o here_o the_o change_n be_v make_v from_o a_o true_a keligion_n to_o a_o false_a one_o than_o we_o shall_v of_o either_o of_o the_o other_o man_n i_o have_v before_o name_v all_o this_o put_v together_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o then_o our_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v over_o he_o it_o can_v never_o bear_v he_o out_o if_o he_o do_v a_o
evil_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o it_o my_o judgement_n be_v as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o action_n but_o it_o may_v through_o my_o negligence_n be_v so_o far_o misguide_v itself_o as_o that_o if_o i_o follow_v it_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n or_o justification_n of_o my_o action_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o say_v that_o indeed_o herein_o i_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o my_o persuasion_n no_o very_o i_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v damn_v without_o repentance_n for_o act_v according_a to_o my_o judgement_n in_o some_o case_n where_o it_o be_v mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o other_o case_n where_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o be_v not_o my_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n that_o make_v good_a or_o evil_a right_a or_o wrong_n justice_n or_o injustice_n virtue_n or_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n under_o that_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n that_o make_v they_o so_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n then_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o various_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n as_o often_o as_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o to_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o that_o which_o in_o one_o man_n will_v be_v a_o heroical_o good_a action_n will_v in_o another_o man_n be_v a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n though_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o do_v it_o save_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a nor_o indeed_o do_v man_n either_o talk_v or_o think_v after_o this_o manner_n every_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a mean_v some_o certain_a fix_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v either_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o action_n be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n so_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o to_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o be_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v our_o proposition_n full_o prove_v but_o then_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o every_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n about_o good_a or_o evil_a do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o sin_n if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n but_o only_o thus_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o to_o act_n against_o it_o so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v sin_n to_o act_n according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o every_o error_n in_o moral_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o pursue_v it_o in_o his_o action_n a_o man_n conscience_n may_v mistake_v its_o rule_n in_o a_o hundred_o instance_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v safe_o enough_o act_n according_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n may_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n according_a to_o they_o too_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o action_n he_o shall_v not_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n now_o this_o that_o i_o say_v hold_v chief_o in_o these_o two_o inslance_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o business_n seven_o time_n or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n or_o to_o give_v half_a of_o his_o yearly_o income_n to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a use_n if_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o prejudice_n to_o his_o family_n now_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v he_o up_o to_o such_o measure_n in_o either_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o yet_o because_o god_n have_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lay_v any_o command_n upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a he_o may_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n act_n according_a to_o this_o mistake_n without_o any_o gild_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o that_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_n according_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o but_o neither_o be_v it_o command_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o ought_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o meat_n that_o be_v strangle_v or_o have_v blood_n in_o they_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o play_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n word_n to_o let_v out_o money_n at_o interest_n why_o in_o all_o these_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o opinion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n however_o his_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o though_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o since_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n forbid_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n follow_v upon_o act_v according_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n where_o a_o man_n mistake_n happen_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o he_o can_v act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o he_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o lawful_a action_n or_o as_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mistake_n become_v dangerous_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o sad_a dilemma_n we_o have_v be_v represent_v viz._n that_o if_o he_o act_n according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n he_o transgress_v god_n law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n if_o he_o act_v against_o his_o persuasion_n than_o he_o be_v self_n condemn_v and_o very_o guilty_a before_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n well_o but_o be_v there_o no_o avoid_n of_o this_o must_v it_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o constant_a universal_a truth_n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o a_o man_n judgement_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n command_v or_o forbid_v a_o action_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n whether_o he_o act_n or_o not_o act_n according_a to_o that_o judgement_n if_o indeed_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n it_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o sin_n but_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v when_o he_o act_v according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o law_n against_o which_o he_o offend_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o untie_n it_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o three_o general_a proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v the_o culpableness_n or_o inculpableness_n the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n
upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o gild_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v always_o guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n before_o god_n when_o upon_o a_o misinformation_n of_o judgement_n he_o omit_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o do_v that_o which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v no_o though_o these_o omission_n or_o action_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sin_n in_o themselves_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o as_o be_v transgression_n of_o god_n law_n yet_o before_o we_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o that_o be_v prove_v formal_o sin_n to_o he_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o man._n if_o we_o find_v upon_o examination_n that_o the_o instance_n wherein_o god_n law_n be_v transgress_v be_v such_o a_o instance_n as_o even_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o mistake_v in_o and_o if_o we_o find_v likewise_o that_o the_o man_n have_v not_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o inform_v himself_o aright_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o understand_v his_o duty_n if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o duty_n and_o act_n upon_o that_o mistake_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n in_o that_o action_n however_o that_o action_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v innocent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n nor_o will_v god_n ever_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o omit_v in_o these_o circumstance_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o affirm_v this_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a at_o the_o first_o hear_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v all_o that_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n can_v or_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o duty_n if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v that_o mistake_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o understand_v better_o and_o if_o his_o mistake_n be_v no_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a to_o act_n according_a to_o that_o mistake_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n neither_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o sin_v or_o not_o sin_v in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n lie_v here_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o mispersuade_v be_v to_o be_v blame_v or_o not_o blame_v for_o his_o mispersuasion_n if_o the_o error_n he_o have_v take_v up_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a unavoidable_a effect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o be_v place_v which_o circumstance_n we_o suppose_v he_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o but_o he_o be_v put_v into_o they_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n then_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o error_n be_v he_o do_v not_o contract_v any_o guilt_n by_o any_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o error_n but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o rectify_v that_o error_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o must_v be_v account_v guilty_a of_o a_o gross_a and_o criminal_a neglect_n in_o not_o do_v it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o accountable_a unto_o god_n as_o such_o for_o all_o the_o action_n that_o he_o do_v or_o omit_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n while_o he_o act_v under_o that_o mistake_n or_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o and_o according_o as_o this_o neglect_n or_o carelessness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o action_n which_o he_o do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o great_a or_o less_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o fatal_a unavoidable_a necessity_n lay_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v a_o sin_n by_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v bring_v under_o those_o sad_a circumstance_n he_o bring_v that_o necessity_n upon_o himself_o god_n never_o put_v any_o man_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o his_o action_n but_o here_o be_v the_o thing_n man_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n by_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o be_v afford_v they_o and_o not_o use_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v may_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o bondage_n of_o such_o false_a and_o evil_a principle_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v those_o principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o act_n against_o it_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a point_n concern_v conscience_n which_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o follow_a discourse_n i_o now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o all_o this_o be_v intend_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o now_o all_o that_o i_o conceive_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o case_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o separate_a the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v true_o and_o just_o make_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o the_o false_a one_o or_o to_o show_v who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v right_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o can_v second_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continne_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n as_o establish_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o a_o person_n in_o order_n to_o his_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a and_o good_a conscience_n in_o this_o affair_n our_o first_o inquiry_n be_v what_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o any_o man_n true_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n or_o who_o those_o person_n be_v that_o can_v with_o justice_n make_v that_o plea_n for_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o very_o convenient_a to_o begin_v my_o disquisition_n here_o because_o by_o remove_v all_o the_o false_a pretence_n to_o conscience_n the_o controversy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o much_o less_o compass_n and_o the_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v will_v be_v more_o easy_o untie_v the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v examine_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o pretence_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v talk_v of_o be_v as_o in_o many_o other_o case_n extend_v much_o far_a than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o meaning_n be_v that_o of_o all_o those_o who_o think_v fit_a to_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o so_o do_v in_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n mistake_v for_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o so_o that_o if_o the_o true_a plea_n of_o conscience_n be_v separate_v from_o those_o counterfeit_a one_o which_o usual_o usurp_v that_o name_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v either_o the_o person_n to_o be_v so_o many_o that_o refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v nor_o the_o case_n to_o be_v so_o many_o in_o which_o they_o do_v refuse_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n or_o distinction_n between_o conscience_n true_o so_o call_v and_o the_o several_a pretence_n to_o it_o in_o this_o business_n of_o not_o conform_v to_o
end_n to_o a_o man_n doubt_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n eat_v of_o these_o meat_n as_o there_o be_v occasion_n i_o believe_v most_o man_n will_v be_v of_o this_o opinion_n but_o yet_o the_o doubt_n here_o be_v not_o determine_v on_o the_o safe_a side_n but_o on_o the_o more_o unsafe_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n be_v in_o less_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o whole_o forbear_v these_o meat_n than_o if_o for_o the_o serve_v a_o present_a convenience_n he_o do_v eat_v of_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o there_o be_v fair_a ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n for_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o these_o meat_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o it_o be_v real_o yet_o a_o question_n among_o many_o and_o it_o be_v late_o so_o to_o the_o man_n himself_o but_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o these_o meat_n may_v not_o at_o any_o time_n be_v lawful_o forbear_v there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n pretend_v that_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o eat_v of_o they_o again_o as_o a_o great_a probability_n will_v turn_v the_o balance_n against_o the_o safe_a side_n of_o a_o doubt_n so_o oftentimes_o such_o doubtful_a case_n do_v happen_v in_o which_o when_o the_o probability_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a temporal_a advantage_n on_o the_o one_o side_n will_v have_v weight_n enough_o with_o a_o very_a honest_a man_n to_o overbalance_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a safety_n on_o the_o other_o still_o take_v safety_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o before_o give_v thus_o for_o instance_n suppose_v one_o shall_v demand_v of_o another_o man_n a_o sum_n of_o money_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o the_o man_n of_o who_o it_o be_v demand_v after_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o conscientious_a enquiry_n he_o can_v make_v be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v due_a but_o such_o be_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o demander_n and_o such_o appearance_n of_o reason_n he_o offer_v that_o the_o man_n come_v to_o doubt_v equal_o whether_o it_o be_v due_a or_o no_o so_o that_o there_o be_v here_o equal_a probability_n on_o both_o side_n the_o thing_n in_o question_n now_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v advisable_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o man_n to_o pay_v the_o money_n demand_v till_o he_o have_v better_a evidence_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o demand_n if_o a_o man_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n it_o be_v certain_a he_o must_v pay_v it_o for_o it_o be_v undeniable_o more_o safe_a that_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n to_o satisfy_v the_o demand_n though_o it_o be_v to_o his_o own_o loss_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o perfect_o set_v himself_o free_a from_o the_o apprehension_n even_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o wrong_v his_o neighbour_n which_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o he_o fear_v in_o this_o case_n whereas_o if_o he_o do_v not_o pay_v the_o money_n he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o detain_v the_o man_n right_a from_o he_o or_o no._n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o he_o shall_v pay_v the_o money_n when_o it_o be_v no_o way_n due_a as_o he_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o due_a as_o that_o it_o be_v how_o shall_v he_o answer_v to_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n for_o part_v with_o such_o a_o sum_n which_o as_o his_o circumstance_n may_v be_v he_o can_v spare_v without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o case_n and_o these_o be_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v to_o be_v urge_v on_o both_o side_n of_o it_o and_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o consider_a man_n to_o judge_v which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a that_o most_o man_n will_v thus_o determine_v viz._n that_o since_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v as_o probable_a that_o the_o demand_n aforesaid_a be_v unjust_a as_o that_o they_o be_v just_o and_o since_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o depart_v from_o that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o till_o it_o do_v appear_v by_o good_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v due_a to_o another_o man_n and_o since_o withal_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o a_o man_n self_n and_o his_o family_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o will_v be_v more_o advisable_a for_o the_o man_n in_o this_o case_n to_o keep_v his_o money_n till_o it_o be_v either_o by_o law_n adjudge_v or_o he_o have_v more_o convince_a proof_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o pay_v it_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o use_v either_o more_o instance_n or_o more_o word_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o rule_n to_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n of_o the_o doubt_n take_v the_o safe_a side_n for_o that_o which_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v it_o be_v abundant_o plain_a that_o many_o doubtful_a case_n may_v and_o do_v happen_v in_o which_o though_o one_o side_n may_v appear_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n yet_o while_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o other_o side_n be_v unlawful_a and_o withal_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o upon_o other_o account_v that_o side_n be_v more_o eligible_a to_o a_o prudent_a person_n no_o good_a man_n if_o he_o be_v but_o as_o wise_a as_o he_o be_v good_a will_v make_v any_o difficulty_n of_o wave_a the_o safe_a side_n for_o the_o more_o prudent_a and_o that_o without_o think_v himself_o ever_o the_o less_o conscientious_a for_o so_o do_v but_o after_o all_o this_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o man_n have_v another_o notion_n of_o safety_n than_o that_o we_o have_v now_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o be_v to_o say_v will_v enlarge_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o will_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o safe_a side_n not_o that_o which_o have_v only_o this_o to_o recommend_v it_o that_o it_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o that_o which_o be_v free_a from_o all_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o all_o kind_n whatsoever_o so_o as_o that_o shall_v always_o be_v the_o safe_a side_n of_o a_o doubtful_a case_n which_o after_o all_o thing_n consider_v do_v appear_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o man_n duty_n in_o the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o or_o which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o few_o absurdity_n and_o evil_a consequence_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o do_v best_a serve_v all_o the_o interest_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a take_v both_o together_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n can_v propose_v to_o himself_o i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n do_v mean_a this_o by_o the_o safe_a side_n i_o do_v ready_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o it_o will_v for_o ever_o and_o in_o all_o case_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a rule_n nay_o i_o add_v the_o only_a one_o to_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n but_o then_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o safety_n the_o safe_a side_n and_o the_o more_o reasonable_a be_v all_o one_o thing_n and_o consequent_o this_o rule_n of_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n and_o that_o i_o before_o lay_v down_o of_o follow_v the_o more_o reasonable_a be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n through_o different_o express_v only_o i_o think_v this_o latter_a way_n of_o expression_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o less_o liable_a to_o misconstruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v it_o but_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o how_o man_n word_n thing_n so_o long_o as_o we_o agree_v in_o our_o sense_n ii_o have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o general_n rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o determine_v himself_o in_o doubtful_a case_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o several_a head_n or_o sort_n of_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v and_o to_o make_v application_n of_o this_o rule_n to_o they_o and_o this_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o do_v admit_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v concern_v but_o it_o will_v of_o necessity_n fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n it_o be_v either_o a_o single_a doubt_n or_o a_o double_a one_o we_o call_v that_o a_o single_a doubt_n when_o a_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o doubt_v concern_v this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a action_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v
in_o great_a danger_n to_o lose_v that_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o he_o now_o have_v upon_o his_o spirit_n because_o he_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v most_o principal_o necessary_a for_o the_o preserve_n and_o maintain_v it_o now_o i_o say_v suppose_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n equal_a this_o very_a consideration_n alone_o will_v prevail_v with_o a_o reasonable_a man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o forbear_v it_o even_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o he_o shall_v not_o receive_v unworthy_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o large_a exemplification_n of_o all_o our_o rule_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n if_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o hope_v the_o frequency_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o case_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n excuse_v i_o iii_o have_v thus_o prepare_v our_o way_n by_o settle_v the_o notion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o come_v now_o more_o direct_o to_o the_o main_a business_n that_o be_v before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o share_n humane_a law_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a have_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o what_o power_n they_o have_v to_o over-rule_v a_o man_n doubt_n in_o any_o case_n which_o according_a to_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v be_v the_o three_o general_n enquiry_n i_o be_o to_o resolve_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a point_n that_o be_v dispute_v between_o we_o and_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n nay_o i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v the_o point_n upon_o which_o that_o whole_a controversy_n turn_v so_o far_o as_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v discuss_v it_o as_o careful_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o general_a way_n as_o that_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v may_v 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subject_n have_v take_v up_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o such_o a_o action_n which_o his_o governor_n have_v oblige_v he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n yet_o it_o will_v so_o far_o bind_v he_o that_o he_o can_v in_o that_o instance_n obey_v their_o law_n without_o offend_a god_n but_o then_o we_o say_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o though_o he_o can_v obey_v without_o sin_n so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v yet_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o disobey_v if_o he_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o that_o mistake_n three_o we_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o particular_a action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v a_o sinful_a action_n but_o only_o he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o 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plain_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o so_o plain_o i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o honest_a man_n to_o know_v this_o and_o he_o must_v be_v most_o criminal_o ignorant_a that_o can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o a_o man_n shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o his_o superior_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v that_o a_o man_n do_v well_o in_o obey_v his_o superior_n in_o such_o a_o instance_n where_o their_o command_n do_v so_o manifest_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o affirm_v the_o man_n be_v high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o such_o action_n that_o he_o do_v though_o they_o be_v do_v pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o pure_o in_o compliance_n with_o this_o principle_n we_o be_v now_o contend_v for_o viz._n that_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_n far_o be_v we_o therefore_o from_o assert_v that_o whatever_o our_o governor_n do_v command_v the_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v so_o long_o as_o he_o only_o doubt_n but_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o action_n he_o that_o command_v it_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o it_o and_o not_o he_o that_o obey_v for_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o matter_n where_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v concern_v every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o must_v answer_v for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o superior_n do_v command_v we_o to_o do_v a_o action_n which_o their_o superior_a god_n almighty_a have_v forbid_v we_o be_v offender_n if_o we_o do_v that_o action_n as_o well_o as_o they_o in_o command_v it_o and_o that_o whether_o we_o do_v it_o doubt_o or_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n but_o then_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v always_o to_o be_v remember_v first_o that_o this_o be_v true_a only_a in_o such_o case_n where_o as_o i_o say_v a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v that_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v that_o action_n which_o his_o governor_n do_v command_v and_o it_o be_v either_o through_o his_o gross_a carelessness_n or_o some_o other_o worse_a principle_n in_o he_o that_o he_o know_v it_o not_o or_o be_v doubtful_a of_o it_o for_o wherever_o a_o man_n be_v innocent_o and_o inculpable_o ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a matter_n which_o authority_n have_v oblige_v he_o to_o
affirm_v it_o in_o our_o present_a case_n of_o obey_v authority_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o man_n be_v and_o i_o believe_v all_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o reasonable_a but_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v their_o superior_n well_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o we_o here_o talk_v contradiction_n can_v a_o man_n have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n that_o be_v be_v resolve_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o such_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o doubt_v concern_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o case_n that_o every_o day_n happen_v where_o a_o man_n have_v a_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o a_o man_n often_o have_v very_o great_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n when_o he_o consider_v the_o action_n in_o general_a but_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o have_v in_o those_o circumstance_n for_o the_o do_v the_o action_n he_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o do_v the_o action_n than_o to_o let_v it_o alone_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o doubt_n he_o have_v about_o it_o that_o be_v though_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n itself_o consider_v without_o his_o present_a circumstance_n yet_o as_o it_o come_v circumstantiate_v to_o he_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v by_o he_o but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v large_o before_o in_o my_o explication_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o be_v not_o all_o doubt_v contrary_a to_o faith_n i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o such_o kind_n of_o doubt_v as_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o do_v we_o see_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o faith_n my_o meaning_n be_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n have_v faith_n about_o a_o action_n that_o all_o his_o doubt_n concern_v that_o action_n shall_v be_v destroy_v it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v overbalance_v that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v be_v this_o wherever_o a_o man_n have_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n touch_v any_o action_n he_o be_v deliberate_v about_o that_o he_o believe_v it_o more_o advisable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a man_n all_o thing_n consider_v to_o do_v than_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o such_o a_o man_n have_v all_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o do_v that_o action_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v have_v such_o doubt_n concern_v that_o action_n as_o will_v perhaps_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o to_o resolve_v and_o will_v create_v he_o likewise_o some_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o though_o indeed_o to_o speak_v proper_o i_o think_v these_o ought_v not_o any_o long_a to_o be_v call_v doubt_n after_o they_o be_v thus_o overrule_v or_o overbalance_v but_o rather_o to_o go_v under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o pure_a scruple_n which_o the_o casuist_n of_o all_o persuasion_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o advise_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v act_v against_o in_o plain_a english_a that_o doubtfulness_n about_o a_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o censure_v as_o a_o sin_n be_v such_o a_o doubtfulness_n as_o after_o the_o action_n be_v do_v render_v the_o man_n self-condemned_n his_o conscience_n can_v not_o but_o reproach_v he_o for_o do_v as_o he_o do_v but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n the_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o self-condemned_n because_o he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n though_o he_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_n yet_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o have_v make_v the_o most_o reasonable_a choice_n that_o he_o can_v in_o his_o circumstance_n and_o wherever_o a_o man_n do_v so_o he_o both_o act_n in_o faith_n and_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n from_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o bustle_n that_o be_v make_v about_o do_v or_o forbear_v a_o action_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n you_o see_v there_o be_v no_o great_a intricacy_n in_o the_o case_n nor_o any_o necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o both_o hand_n always_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a for_o if_o he_o be_v real_o so_o he_o will_v always_o do_v that_o which_o he_o judge_v most_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o and_o wherever_o a_o man_n do_v thus_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n notwithstanding_o any_o doubt_v he_o may_v have_v about_o the_o action_n because_o more_o than_o the_o former_a a_o man_n can_v do_v and_o more_o than_o the_o latter_a he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v as_o for_o what_o sin_n a_o erroneous_a conscience_n may_v engage_v a_o man_n in_o or_o what_o troublesome_a reflection_n a_o melancholy_a imagination_n may_v occasion_v to_o he_o in_o these_o case_n i_o be_o not_o to_o answer_v for_o they_o they_o be_v of_o another_o consideration_n iv_o have_v thus_o large_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o act_n whenever_o it_o happen_v and_o that_o both_o when_o he_o be_v leave_v at_o his_o own_o liberty_n and_o when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o the_o command_v of_o other_o all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o speak_v something_o about_o the_o authority_n or_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o be_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o discussion_n of_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v spare_v after_o what_o i_o have_v say_v relate_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n particular_o under_o my_o last_n head_n however_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o point_n though_o i_o intend_v it_o a_o very_a short_a one_o because_o indeed_o what_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v be_v not_o so_o much_o any_o new_a matter_n as_o a_o application_n of_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n the_o point_n in_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n or_o whether_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n do_v bind_v at_o all_o and_o how_o far_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o say_v in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n of_o itself_o lay_v no_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n any_o way_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o contradiction_n to_o suppose_v that_o it_o shall_v for_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v uncertain_a or_o unresolved_a in_o his_o mind_n whether_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a action_n he_o be_v bind_v or_o not_o bind_v to_o suppose_v now_o that_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n either_o way_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o doubt_n be_v plain_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n take_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v while_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v dispute_v with_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o no._n to_o speak_v this_o plain_a if_o i_o can_v since_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v or_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_v what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n or_o to_o forbear_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o where_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o since_o in_o a_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v pure_o doubtful_a he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o such_o conviction_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v either_o command_n or_o forbid_v the_o action_n doubt_v of_o for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v no_o long_o doubt_n it_o follow_v likewise_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n that_o a_o man_n conscience_n
be_v not_o bind_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n but_o he_o may_v either_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n at_o all_o upon_o a_o man_n to_o act_n thus_o rather_o than_o otherwise_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n that_o obligation_n must_v arise_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o there_o be_v some_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n which_o have_v tie_v a_o man_n up_o to_o such_o precise_a measure_n of_o act_v or_o at_o least_o a_o man_n have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o law_n of_o god_n now_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o both_o these_o case_n there_o do_v a_o direct_a obligation_n pass_v upon_o the_o man_n conscience_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o this_o obligation_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o man_n be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o conscience_n but_o from_o his_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o there_o be_v real_o any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o right_a conscience_n or_o if_o there_o be_v not_o but_o the_o man_n only_a judge_n that_o there_o be_v it_o be_v then_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o as_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o great_a therefore_o or_o indeed_o the_o only_a point_n that_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o present_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o what_o that_o law_n be_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o inquiry_n i_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o have_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o only_a text_n that_o i_o know_v of_o which_o be_v think_v to_o make_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o two_o passage_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n which_o i_o have_v before_o large_o give_v a_o account_n of_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o other_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o several_a argument_n that_o these_o text_n do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v our_o present_a case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a particular_a law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n about_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n we_o seem_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o to_o that_o affair_n to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v declare_v whether_o by_o nature_n or_o scripture_n now_o the_o most_o that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o god_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o use_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v himself_o as_o well_o instruct_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o his_o circumstance_n and_o opportunity_n will_v allow_v he_o and_o second_o where_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o information_n in_o that_o case_n to_o act_n as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n that_o happen_v be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o thus_o much_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o because_o indeed_o more_o than_o this_o he_o can_v do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o more_o than_o be_v in_o his_o power_n wherever_o therefore_o a_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n take_v care_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n however_o he_o may_v act_v doubt_o in_o that_o case_n thus_o far_o i_o think_v we_o be_v clear_a beyond_o exception_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o account_n of_o our_o point_n but_o will_v be_v put_v a_o far_a question_n we_o have_v before_o lay_v down_o several_a rule_n about_o a_o man_n act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v viz._n that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n a_o man_n be_v to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o he_o can_v the_o question_n now_o be_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n always_o to_o follow_v this_o rule_n or_o which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n whether_o a_o man_n in_o a_o matter_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v only_o a_o pure_a doubt_n may_v not_o without_o sin_n indifferent_o choose_v either_o side_n of_o the_o action_n though_o yet_o perhaps_o one_o side_n do_v appear_v to_o he_o more_o reasonable_a or_o more_o safe_a than_o the_o other_o this_o question_n be_v indeed_o more_o curious_a than_o useful_a but_o however_o since_o it_o proper_o fall_v under_o the_o argument_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o and_o tend_v somewhat_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o only_o i_o declare_v beforehand_o that_o i_o mean_v not_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o assert_v any_o thing_n dogmatical_o but_o only_o to_o propose_v in_o order_n to_o further_a examination_n and_o withal_o that_o whether_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o main_a cause_n we_o have_v undertake_v that_o now_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o that_o though_o it_o be_v eternal_o fit_a and_o natural_a and_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n happiness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o that_o he_o shall_v in_o all_o case_n and_o especial_o in_o doubtful_a case_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v and_o certain_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o steady_o will_v he_o pursue_v this_o rule_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v strict_o bind_v in_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o he_o be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o do_v oblige_v we_o in_o all_o case_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v best_a be_v always_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a much_o less_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v safe_a because_o that_o which_o be_v safe_a be_v not_o always_o either_o best_a or_o most_o reasonable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n that_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o do_v not_o sin_n if_o we_o act_n otherwise_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n now_o that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v true_a we_o have_v as_o good_a proof_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v viz._n the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n thus_o determine_v and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o likewise_o because_o they_o follow_v from_o it_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n take_v now_o this_o for_o grant_v i_o ask_v what_o law_n do_v a_o man_n transgress_v that_o in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n choose_v either_o side_n indifferent_o without_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v safe_a or_o most_o reasonable_a always_o suppose_v that_o the_o side_n he_o choose_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n i_o say_v according_a to_o these_o principle_n he_o transgress_v no_o law_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o sin_n at_o all_o if_o the_o man_n be_v at_o all_o guilty_a it_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n viz._n either_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n or_o because_o he_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o prefer_v that_o which_o be_v less_o reasonable_a and_o safe_a before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o so_o now_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a for_o his_o
conscience_n have_v pass_v no_o dictate_v no_o verdict_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v against_o any_o such_o dictate_v or_o verdict_n the_o man_n be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n that_o he_o either_o believe_v he_o may_v act_v as_o he_o do_v without_o violation_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o he_o have_v no_o belief_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o any_o way_n condemn_v he_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n of_o his_o not_o choose_v that_o side_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o reasonable_a it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o oblige_v he_o to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n if_o he_o choose_v otherwise_o but_o now_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n always_o suppose_v that_o he_o take_v care_v not_o to_o choose_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n which_o in_o our_o case_n we_o do_v likewise_o suppose_v but_o then_o have_v say_v this_o we_o must_v add_v further_o that_o though_o we_o here_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v strict_o oblige_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_n to_o choose_v one_o side_n more_o than_o another_o but_o may_v indifferent_o choose_v either_o yet_o in_o the_o first_o place_n whoever_o do_v believe_v or_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n either_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o act_n against_o a_o doubt_n or_o that_o in_o every_o doubtful_a case_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o safe_a side_n such_o a_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o so_o believe_v can_v without_o sin_n act_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o and_o second_o we_o be_v far_o from_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o act_v thus_o hand_n over_o head_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n much_o less_o from_o commend_v he_o for_o so_o do_v for_o though_o we_o say_v that_o strict_o speak_v a_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o act_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o think_v he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o low_a dispensation_n as_o to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n that_o never_o look_v further_a into_o his_o action_n nor_o take_v more_o care_n about_o they_o than_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a he_o that_o be_v hearty_o good_a will_v with_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o thing_n be_v expedient_a and_o do_v edify_v it_o will_v not_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o action_n to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o may_v do_v that_o action_n without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v examine_v whether_o the_o do_v or_o forbear_v the_o action_n do_v more_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o virtue_n and_o charity_n and_o according_o as_o that_o appear_v to_o he_o so_o will_v he_o determine_v his_o choice_n in_o a_o word_n the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o virtuous_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o delicate_a and_o tender_a sense_n will_v he_o have_v not_o only_o of_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v precise_o make_v his_o duty_n and_o so_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n do_v oblige_v his_o conscience_n but_o also_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a and_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a so_o that_o it_o will_v real_o grate_v upon_o his_o mind_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v be_v account_v unlawful_a or_o forbid_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o devout_a christian_a and_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o doubt_v to_o choose_v either_o side_n indiscriminate_o though_o if_o he_o shall_v i_o do_v not_o know_v as_o i_o say_v before_o what_o law_n of_o god_n he_o transgress_v but_o he_o will_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o he_o after_o such_o consideration_n to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o and_o the_o world_n good_a that_o shall_v have_v the_o preference_n to_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v this_o as_o conscience_n be_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n so_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o though_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v safe_a in_o follow_v our_o conscience_n where_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v our_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o cancel_v our_o obligation_n to_o act_v according_a to_o what_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v unblameable_a ignorance_n of_o those_o law_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v do_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v it_o we_o must_v do_v it_o or_o we_o sin_n and_o again_o wherever_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v avoid_v this_o action_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o we_o must_v forbear_v that_o action_n or_o we_o sin_n but_o if_o conscience_n can_v say_v that_o this_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v there_o we_o be_v not_o tie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o sin_v either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v that_o action_n but_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n shall_v thus_o suggest_v to_o he_o though_o i_o can_v say_v direct_o that_o this_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v lay_v any_o direct_a obligation_n upon_o you_o either_o way_n yet_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o you_o will_v choose_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o for_o this_o way_n all_o thing_n consider_v appear_v most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v for_o there_o be_v more_o probability_n that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n than_o the_o other_o or_o there_o be_v less_o harm_n though_o you_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o go_v this_o way_n than_o the_o other_o now_o in_o this_o case_n though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o proper_o oblige_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n to_o obey_v his_o conscience_n because_o conscience_n do_v not_o propose_v the_o choice_n to_o he_o under_o that_o condition_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n he_o will_v undoubted_o choose_v that_o side_n which_o conscience_n all_o thing_n consider_v have_v represent_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v choose_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v our_o four_o and_o last_o general_n head_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o general_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o considerable_a inquiry_n that_o can_v be_v make_v about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v leave_v any_o material_a difficulty_n in_o this_o argument_n untouched_a though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o need_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o case_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o undertake_v this_o discourse_n but_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o discussion_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o will_v serve_v for_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n however_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o offer_v something_o towards_o it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o save_v the_o reader_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o case_n the_o labour_n and_o trouble_v of_o do_v it_o the_o case_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o be_v brief_o this_o there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfied_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o enjoin_v and_o that_o upon_o several_a account_n some_o perhaps_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n other_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o
form_n other_o doubt_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o ceremony_n or_o our_o way_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o it_o may_v be_v about_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v indeed_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n or_o that_o they_o believe_v the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_a conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v undetermined_a and_o uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v under_o this_o suspense_n of_o judgement_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o will_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v now_o of_o those_o that_o thus_o doubt_v there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o perhaps_o that_o have_v only_o a_o single_a doubt_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o those_o suspect_a condition_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o they_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_a from_o we_o again_o there_o be_v other_o that_o doubt_v on_o both_o side_n as_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o do_v that_o be_v as_o they_o doubt_v on_o one_o hand_n whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a so_o they_o doubt_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o separate_a upon_o account_n of_o those_o term_n now_o of_o these_o likewise_o there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n some_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n other_o doubt_v unequal_o that_o be_v be_v more_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v sinful_a than_o that_o they_o be_v lawful_a that_o now_o which_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o adviseable_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v do_v in_o each_o of_o these_o case_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n and_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o but_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o separate_a to_o this_o i_o say_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o man_n doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o make_v it_o more_o safe_a for_o he_o to_o separate_a than_o if_o he_o have_v doubt_v on_o both_o side_n because_o indeed_o if_o he_o must_v doubt_v at_o all_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o doubt_n on_o both_o side_n and_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o criminal_a ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o and_o if_o so_o than_o his_o doubt_v only_o on_o one_o side_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o resolution_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o double_a doubt_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o we_o have_v allow_v it_o as_o such_o that_o in_o case_n where_o a_o man_n have_v only_o a_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n of_o a_o action_n it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n than_o that_o other_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v i_o do_v ready_o grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o intend_a and_o do_v only_o obtain_v in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v forbear_v that_o action_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v though_o he_o can_v without_o danger_n of_o sin_v do_v the_o action_n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v about_o it_o but_o now_o in_o our_o case_n here_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v conform_v with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n so_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o danger_n of_o sin_v nay_o and_o we_o say_v a_o much_o great_a danger_n if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o conform_v so_o that_o that_o rule_n have_v here_o no_o place_n at_o all_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o case_n if_o it_o be_v right_o put_v be_v this_o a_o man_n be_v here_o suppose_a to_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o i_o be_o very_a well_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o that_o i_o may_v lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_n cut_v myself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o christianity_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v and_o i_o may_v likewise_o lawful_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a disobedience_n and_o refractariness_n to_o all_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v set_v over_o i_o too_o which_o yet_o by_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v subject_a i_o say_v i_o be_o satisfy_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v both_o these_o thing_n but_o i_o be_o very_o unsatisfied_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o in_o my_o present_a circumstance_n it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n thus_o to_o do_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_n if_o i_o do_v not_o what_o now_o will_v any_o prudent_a man_n say_v to_o this_o case_n why_o certain_o he_o will_v say_v this_o that_o he_o who_o can_v doubt_v after_o this_o fashion_n be_v either_o a_o very_a ill_a man_n or_o a_o very_a ignorant_a one_o and_o that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o good_a advice_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n about_o the_o plain_a duty_n of_o christianity_n than_o of_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o doubtful_a case_n because_o indeed_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v not_o to_o his_o case_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v thus_o ignorant_a and_o if_o he_o shall_v observe_v they_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o justify_v his_o act_n if_o it_o shall_v indeed_o prove_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v both_o in_o his_o power_n and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v better_o a_o man_n right_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o a_o case_n where_o he_o be_v entangle_v by_o a_o wilful_o eroneous_a one_o will_v no_o more_o discharge_v he_o from_o sin_n as_o to_o his_o soul_n if_o he_o do_v a_o evil_a action_n than_o the_o second_o concoction_n though_o never_o so_o regular_a can_v rectify_v the_o error_n of_o the_o first_o as_o to_o his_o body_n but_o second_o though_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o offer_v be_v the_o proper_a answer_n to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v this_o further_a to_o be_v say_v to_o it_o viz._n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o obey_v our_o lawful_a superior_n but_o have_v leave_v it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n at_o all_o in_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v in_o do_v they_o so_o that_o the_o doubt_v about_o conformity_n shall_v have_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n as_o it_o be_v put_v in_o the_o case_n i_o say_v now_o even_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o will_v bear_v a_o just_a dispute_n whether_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n be_v the_o more_o eligible_a side_n nay_o i_o say_v further_o that_o if_o the_o rule_n i_o lay_v down_o about_o a_o single_a doubt_n be_v true_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o as_o thing_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v only_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o to_o disobey_v and_o separate_a for_o thus_o i_o argue_v though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_v the_o rule_n be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v choose_v that_o side_n of_o a_o action_n concern_v which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o concern_v which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o rule_n be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o proviso_n that_o all_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o case_n be_v equal_a if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o a_o very_a great_a good_a may_v be_v compass_v or_o a_o very_a great_a evil_n may_v be_v avoid_v by_o act_v on_o the_o doubtful_a side_n that_o very_a consideration_n
be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o governor_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o nor_o by_o as_o learned_a and_o religious_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o divine_n by_o far_o the_o most_o and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o as_o able_a as_o any_o be_v clear_o of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v be_v at_o least_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o not_o pure_a and_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o very_o obscure_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v out_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o innocent_o and_o inculpable_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a little_a or_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o act_v against_o it_o because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o know_v this_o law_n it_o can_v be_v his_o sin_n that_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o only_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o such_o remote_a consequence_n it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v it_o and_o then_o far_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o conformity_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n shall_v prove_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n yet_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o man_n person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o damage_n arise_v either_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o any_o man_n be_v a_o conformist_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o thing_n stand_v with_o we_o unity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o establish_v way_n seem_v to_o bring_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o both_o as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o to_o be_v a_o probable_a mean_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o many_o danger_n with_o which_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v threaten_v well_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o our_o governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o lawful_a however_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v and_o in_o a_o zealous_a indulgence_n to_o these_o doubt_n we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a governous_a and_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v thus_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o then_o why_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o causeless_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o we_o be_v so_o severe_o caution_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n viz._n of_o all_o those_o that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath._n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o say_v these_o plain_a law_n we_o disobey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o we_o disobey_v they_o too_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o old_a and_o far_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o we_o well_o but_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v estimate_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o it_o with_o which_o we_o be_v here_o concern_v why_o they_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o by_o this_o unnatual_a separation_n we_o do_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o division_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o all_o those_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n all_o that_o bitter_a contention_n and_o strife_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o have_v long_o tear_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o we_o put_v affront_v upon_o our_o lawful_a governor_n who_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o all_o our_o brethren_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o pious_o and_o last_o as_o we_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a handle_n and_o pretence_n to_o all_o discontent_a and_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_n against_o the_o best_a of_o government_n so_o we_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n this_o now_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n among_o we_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o determine_v whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n though_o that_o doubt_v be_v back_v with_o great_a probability_n than_o do_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v with_o all_o the_o probability_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_n can_v have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n as_o separation_n in_o our_o case_n do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unconcerned_a person_n but_o will_v pronounce_v that_o suppose_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n certain_o bind_v to_o choose_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n rather_o than_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o but_o now_o after_o all_o this_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o after_o a_o consideration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o conformity_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o more_o probable_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o withal_o that_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o will_v involve_v he_o in_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o worse_a consequence_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o unfortunate_a a_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n such_o a_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o continue_v a_o nonconformist_n than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o for_o his_o act_n in_o this_o case_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o at_o all_o acquit_v he_o either_o of_o the_o gild_n or_o consequence_n of_o criminal_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n suppose_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o along_o under_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o say_v he_o certain_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o as_o there_o certain_o be_v not_o unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o man_n fall_v into_o these_o mistake_n without_o any_o fault_n
of_o he_o and_o god_n almighty_a who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n and_o circumstance_n do_v know_v he_o have_v not_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v better_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 27._o l._n 7._o for_o annot_v cavoid_v r._n can_v avoid_v p._n 35._o l._n 3._o for_o this_o last_o r._n the_o least_o p._n 43._o l._n 28._o after_o spiritual_a add_v by_o do_v the_o former_a p._n 61._o l._n 1._o r._n because_o p._n 62._o l._n penult_n r._n chrysostome_n p._n 66._o l._n 9_o r._n no_o wise_a p._n 94._o l._n 19_o r._n probability_n advertisement_n 1._o a_o discourse_n concern_v conscience_n the_o first_o part._n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_n and_o obligation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n tojoyn_v in_o it_o be_v state_v and_o discuss_v 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o england_n upon_o that_o new_a pretence_n which_o some_o man_n make_v of_o the_o case_n be_v much_o alter_v now_o from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o the_o puritan_n write_v against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o against_o the_o independent_a 3._o resolution_n of_o two_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o discourse_n the_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o use_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o public_a a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_n conscience_n contain_v some_o plain_a direction_n for_o the_o cure_v of_o it_o london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o expose_v or_o upbraid_v the_o weakness_n of_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n but_o rather_o charitable_o to_o contribute_v what_o i_o can_v towards_o the_o heal_n and_o cure_v of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v do_v great_a service_n either_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o by_o all_o prudent_a mean_n to_o root_v those_o needless_a scruple_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n which_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o such_o unchristian_a separation_n and_o dangerous_a division_n among_o we_o at_o first_o begin_v and_o still_o maintain_v general_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o very_o believe_v a_o well-instructed_n conscience_n need_v not_o be_v concern_v or_o disturb_v about_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n then_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o and_o last_o offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o first_o what_o be_v a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n now_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o judgement_n concern_v the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o evil_n lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o judgement_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a so_o be_v our_o conscience_n either_o good_a and_o well-grounded_n or_o erroneous_a the_o divine_a law_n make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o plain_a scripture_n or_o direct_a consequence_n from_o it_o such_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n may_v understand_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o that_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n and_o guide_n of_o action_n no_o further_o than_o as_o itself_o be_v direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 1._o a_o good_a and_o well_o ground_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o careful_o abstain_v from_o whatever_o god_n have_v forbid_v do_v neglect_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o as_o for_o other_o mat_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o at_o liberty_n we_o do_v they_o or_o forbea_n do_v of_o they_o according_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n prudence_n and_o charity_n do_v require_v this_o be_v the_o health_n and_o sound_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n 2._o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v when_o we_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v evil_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v and_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o that_o to_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a which_o he_o have_v plain_o forbid_v and_o be_v real_o sinful_a now_o our_o conscience_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n remain_v so_o and_o we_o sin_n by_o omit_v it_o notwithstanding_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o be_v real_o evil_a continue_v such_o and_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o however_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o fault_n be_v more_o or_o less_o compassionable_a and_o pardonable_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n be_v more_o or_o less_o voluntary_a and_o avoidable_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n and_o deadly_a sickness_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o we_o thus_o gross_o err_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o act_n according_a to_o our_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o thing_n 3._o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v conversant_a about_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o it_o consist_v either_o in_o strict_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o some_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v as_o the_o pharisee_n make_v great_a conscience_n of_o wash_v before_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o unnecessary_a rite_n and_o usage_n they_o have_v of_o man_n own_o invent_v and_o devise_v which_o they_o as_o religious_o nay_o more_o careful_o observe_v than_o the_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o something_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v nor_o any_o way_n unlawful_a touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v as_o much_o offend_v god_n by_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n wear_v some_o garment_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v be_v they_o guilty_a of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o among_o we_o who_o by_o such_o scrupulosity_n about_o little_a matter_n seem_v more_o precise_a and_o austere_a than_o other_o good_a and_o honest_a christian_n be_v or_o themselves_o need_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o by_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o say_v to_o discourage_v the_o great_a and_o tender_a care_n any_o christian_n can_v take_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o all_o sin_n from_o all_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o from_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_a of_o what_o be_v real_o such_o and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o sinful_a out_o of_o confidence_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a be_v far_o worse_a and_o a_o more_o grievous_a offence_n than_o to_o abstain_v from_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v true_o lawful_a out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v sinful_a notwithstanding_o this_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v it_o the_o chief_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a when_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o sinful_a or_o unlawful_a than_o to_o make_v we_o suspect_v every_o thing_n for_o such_o or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o displease_v god_n by_o the_o most_o indifferent_a and_o innocent_a action_n by_o these_o mean_n ensnare_a and_o entangle_v man_n conscience_n and_o render_v religion_n a_o most_o troublesome_a burden_n to_o they_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n therefore_o start_v and_o boggle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o real_a evil_a or_o mischief_n be_v afraid_a of_o omit_v or_o do_v what_o may_v be_v omit_v or_o do_v without_o sin_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o illustrate_v than_o by_o those_o unaccountable_a antipathy_n or_o prejudices_fw-la that_o some_o man_n have_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o meat_n or_o live_a creature_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o harm_n or_o hurt_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v so_o offensive_a and_o dreadful_a to_o such_o person_n that_o they_o fly_v from_o they_o as_o they_o will_v from_o a_o tiger_n or_o bear_n and_o avoid_v they_o as_o they_o will_v do_v the_o plague_n or_o poison_n just_o thus_o do_v some_o man_n run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o
do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o it_o he_o have_v some_o little_a reason_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o we_o presume_v they_o will_v never_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o forbid_a by_o god_n so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o 2._o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o ourselves_o and_o at_o liberty_n have_v no_o very_a weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o any_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n forbid_v christian_n where_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o have_v some_o suspicion_n though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v sinful_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v scruple_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n or_o go_v to_o see_v stage-play_n or_o put_v out_o his_o money_n to_o usury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n or_o necessity_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o may_v be_v innocent_o forbear_v without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o who_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n of_o they_o whole_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o in_o these_o two_o case_n it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o conscience_n to_o act_v against_o or_o notwithstanding_o our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n when_o either_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n or_o when_o by_o it_o we_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_a or_o mischief_n 1._o when_o our_o superior_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a who_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n our_o scruple_n will_v not_o excuse_v or_o justify_v our_o disobedience_n if_o indeed_o we_o judge_v what_o be_v command_v to_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a erroneous_a judgement_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o such_o persuasion_n we_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o do_v it_o upon_o any_o inducement_n whatever_o if_o i_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o particular_a action_n and_o it_o be_v a_o instance_n wherein_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n i_o be_o still_o bind_v not_o to_o do_v it_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o be_o certain_o innocent_a when_o i_o forbear_v i_o may_v commit_v a_o sin_n if_o i_o do_v it_o wisdom_n will_v therefore_o that_o the_o safe_a part_n be_v choose_v but_o now_o if_o i_o be_o by_o the_o command_n of_o my_o superior_n oblige_v to_o it_o my_o choice_n be_v then_o determine_v it_o than_o become_v my_o duty_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v safe_a or_o advisable_v to_o neglect_v a_o plain_a duty_n for_o a_o uncertain_a offence_n thus_o most_o and_o best_a casuist_n do_v determine_v about_o a_o doubtful_a conscience_n particular_o the_o forename_a reverend_a bishop_n in_o the_o same_o sermon_n whatsoever_o be_v command_v we_o by_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o either_o in_o church_n commonwealth_n or_o family_n quod_fw-la tamen_fw-la not_z sit_fw-la certum_fw-la displicere_fw-la deo_fw-la say_v st._n bernard_n which_o be_v not_o evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o we_o receive_v and_o obey_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v it_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o high_a power_n and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o their_o ordinance_n but_o now_o this_o be_v more_o plain_a concern_v fear_n and_o scruple_n only_o about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o expediency_n of_o thing_n these_o aught_o all_o to_o be_v despise_v when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n will_v man_n but_o think_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o duty_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o do_v expect_v their_o servant_n and_o child_n shall_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o submission_n for_o all_o government_n and_o subjection_n will_v be_v very_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o a_o law_n or_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v to_o give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o the_o most_o humoursome_a or_o perverse_a sort_n of_o christian_n for_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n no_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n can_v be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a though_o a_o very_a ignorant_a conscience_n consent_n to_o they_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o mind_n or_o stand_v upon_o our_o scruple_n when_o they_o probable_o occasion_v a_o great_a evil_n a_o general_a mischief_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n suppose_v for_o once_o that_o our_o public_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v devise_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v amend_v in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o we_o can_v invent_v a_o more_o agreeable_a establishment_n than_o this_o present_n be_v which_o yet_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o tell_v for_o we_o can_v know_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o alteration_n till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v yet_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v think_v so_o intolerable_a a_o evil_a as_o contempt_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n live_v in_o debate_n contention_n and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o if_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n and_o custom_n among_o we_o not_o wise_o choose_v or_o determine_v some_o ceremony_n against_o which_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v yet_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o to_o combine_v and_o associate_v into_o separate_a congregation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v somewhere_o express_v like_o knock_v a_o man_n on_o the_o head_n because_o his_o tooth_n be_v rot_v or_o his_o nail_n too_o long_o how_o much_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o such_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o public_a order_n and_o divine_a charity_n for_o better_a sure_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o defective_a imperfect_a manner_n to_o bear_v with_o many_o disorder_n and_o fault_n than_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_a communion_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v far_o great_a corruption_n both_o as_o to_o person_n and_o practice_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o we_o at_o this_o day_n yet_o though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a reformer_n of_o mankind_n he_o forsake_v not_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o assemble_v with_o they_o in_o their_o public_a synagogue_n which_o answer_n to_o our_o parish-church_n preach_v in_o the_o temple_n though_o they_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n observe_v their_o festival_n though_o some_o of_o they_o of_o humane_a institution_n nay_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o continue_v to_o hear_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o wretched_a generation_n of_o men._n great_a be_v the_o pollution_n and_o misdemeanour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n corinth_n
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 â—oth_o 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 part_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 not_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 pass_v their_o unwarrantable_a censure_n upon_o we_o and_o our_o action_n and_o they_o who_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o other_o can_v never_o tell_v whither_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o this_o principle_n they_o be_v slave_n to_o the_o party_n they_o espouse_v and_o must_v run_v with_o they_o into_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o or_o if_o at_o last_o they_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v they_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n be_v more_o hate_v and_o despise_v by_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o humour_v they_o at_o all_o 4._o i_o add_v only_o that_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v displease_v or_o grieve_v our_o weak_a brethren_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a christian_n and_o yield_v to_o they_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o we_o which_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o our_o lawful_a superior_n and_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o they_o who_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o think_v it_o so_o high_o infringe_v and_o violate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a matter_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o strait_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o will_n and_o passion_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n if_o this_o be_v so_o say_v mr._n baxter_n p._n 134._o of_o the_o forename_a book_n the_o most_o childish_a and_o womanish_a sort_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v the_o weak_a judgement_n and_o the_o strong_a will_n and_o passion_n must_v rule_v all_o the_o world_n for_o these_o be_v hardly_a please_v and_o no_o man_n must_v displease_v they_o whatever_o condescension_n therefore_o may_v be_v due_a to_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a yet_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v that_o they_o shall_v govern_v the_o wise_a and_o better_o instruct_v christian_n in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o who_o can_v govern_v more_o absolute_o than_o they_o who_o will_n must_v never_o be_v cross_v and_o who_o none_o must_v displease_v from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o this_o can_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o scandalize_a or_o give_v offence_n viz._n do_v of_o something_o which_o another_o take_v ill_a or_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o it_o 2._o i_o be_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a in_o scripture_n the_o greek_a word_n which_o we_o translate_v scandal_n or_o offence_n signify_v either_o a_o trap_n and_o snare_n or_o else_o more_o common_o something_o lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o another_o which_o occasion_n his_o stumble_a or_o fall_v by_o which_o he_o be_v bruise_v and_o hurt_v and_o so_o consequent_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v man_n from_o become_v christ_n disciple_n or_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o new_a profession_n or_o tempt_v they_o to_o forsake_v that_o faith_n they_o have_v late_o embrace_v be_v call_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n it_o be_v sometime_o render_v a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v as_o rom._n 14._o 13._o occasion_n of_o stumble_v as_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 10._o a_o stumbling-block_n revel_v 2._o 14._o or_o a_o thing_n that_o do_v offend_v as_o st._n matt._n 13._o 41._o in_o all_o which_o place_n there_o be_v the_o same_o original_a word_n hence_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v any_o one_o as_o it_o be_v common_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o do_v something_o which_o tend_v to_o estrange_v or_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o christian_a profession_n to_o beget_v in_o they_o hard_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o it_o or_o be_v apt_a when_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o turn_v they_o from_o it_o and_o make_v they_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o few_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n st._n matth._n 17._o 27._o be_v say_v to_o have_v pay_v tribute_n lest_o he_o shall_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v the_o jew_n this_o be_v more_o than_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o child_n be_v free_a but_o he_o do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v not_o give_v any_o occasion_n to_o his_o enemy_n to_o represent_v he_o to_o the_o people_n as_o a_o contemner_n of_o their_o law_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o caesar_n according_a as_o you_o understand_v that_o tribute_n to_o be_v pay_v either_o to_o the_o roman_n or_o the_o temple_n and_o so_o
christian_n and_o they_o or_o between_o protestant_n and_o papist_n and_o we_o find_v that_o the_o distance_n that_o god_n make_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n as_o very_o wide_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o wide_a enough_o to_o preserve_v the_o jew_n from_o be_v very_o often_o and_o that_o general_o too_o infect_v with_o their_o superstition_n and_o various_a kind_n of_o idolatry_n no_o though_o they_o frequent_o pay_v most_o dear_a for_o these_o their_o wicked_a imitation_n of_o they_o but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o such_o inclination_n in_o the_o member_n of_o our_o church_n to_o go_v over_o to_o that_o of_o rome_n nor_o have_v any_o such_o inclination_n be_v observe_v ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o where_o one_o of_o our_o communion_n have_v revolt_a out_o of_o love_n to_o popery_n of_o those_o few_o comparative_o who_o have_v play_v the_o apostate_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v that_o many_o have_v so_o do_v mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o interest_n and_o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o such_o person_n will_v not_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o apostasy_n by_o our_o church_n be_v set_v at_o the_o wide_a distance_n possible_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n nay_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a inclination_n in_o our_o protestant_n to_o popery_n that_o nothing_o be_v better_a know_v or_o have_v of_o late_o be_v more_o observe_v than_o the_o great_a antipathy_n and_o aversation_n thereto_o imaginable_a in_o the_o generality_n upon_o which_o account_n i_o say_v the_o foresay_a and_o the_o like_a prohibition_n to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n although_o they_o shall_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n can_v by_o no_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v oblige_v to_o we_o protestant_a christian_n and_o indeed_o most_o of_o they_o have_v seem_v of_o late_a year_n to_o be_v pretty_a well_o aware_a of_o this_o and_o therefore_o divers_a of_o their_o writer_n have_v limit_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o symbolise_v with_o the_o romish_a church_n to_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v abuse_v notorious_o in_o idolatrous_a and_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n and_o that_o our_o symbolise_n with_o that_o church_n in_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a they_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v both_o by_o scripture-precept_n and_o example_n first_o they_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o by_o scripture-precept_n and_o if_o any_o such_o precept_n as_o this_o can_v be_v produce_v that_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v notorious_o abuse_v and_o pollute_v in_o idolatrous_a or_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n shall_v by_o all_o be_v abolish_v and_o lay_v aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o dispute_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o express_v as_o great_a zeal_n as_o our_o brethren_n do_v for_o the_o abolish_n of_o all_o such_o thing_n but_o no_o such_o express_v and_o unlimited_a precept_n be_v pretend_v but_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o text_n from_o whence_o our_o brethren_n endeavour_v to_o infer_v this_o proposition_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o all_o thing_n so_o pollute_v shall_v be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o lay_v aside_o be_v these_o follow_v isaiah_n 30._o 22._o you_o shall_v defile_v also_o the_o cover_n of_o thy_o graven_n image_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o thy_o molten_n image_n of_o gold_n thou_o shall_v cast_v they_o away_o as_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n thou_o shall_v say_v unto_o it_o get_v thou_o hence_o deut._n 7._o 25_o 26._o the_o graven_n image_n of_o their_o god_n shall_v you_o burn_v with_o fire_n thou_o shall_v not_o desire_v the_o silver_n or_o gold_n that_o be_v on_o they_o nor_o take_v it_o unto_o thou_o lest_o thou_o be_v snare_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n neither_o shall_v thou_o bring_v a_o abomination_n into_o thy_o house_n lest_o thou_o be_v a_o curse_a thing_n like_o it_o but_o thou_o shall_v utter_o detest_v it_o and_o thou_o shall_v utter_o abhor_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o curse_a thing_n judas_n 23._o hate_v even_o the_o garment_n spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n revel_v 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balac_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_v block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n etc._n etc._n v._o 20._o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o to_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n now_o to_o their_o allege_v of_o these_o text_n to_o prove_v the_o foresay_a proposition_n i_o reply_v first_o that_o the_o last_o of_o they_o be_v altogether_o impertinent_a for_o the_o eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n condemn_v in_o those_o two_o verse_n be_v nothing_o better_a than_o join_v and_o comply_v with_o idolater_n and_o communicate_v in_o idol-worship_n which_o the_o vile_a gnostic_n hold_v they_o may_v do_v and_z according_o practise_v this_o doctrine_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n which_o abominable_a sect_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o irenaeus_n epiphanius_n eusebius_n etc._n etc._n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n of_o which_o simon_n magus_n be_v the_o first_o founder_n but_o st._n paul_n have_v give_v we_o his_o judgement_n concern_v eat_v of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o idol_n in_o eat_v in_o 1_o cor._n 8_o chap._n viz._n that_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o that_o of_o scandal_n it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o like_a he_o have_v do_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 27_o 28_o 29._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 and_o you_o be_v dispose_v to_o go_v whatsoever_o be_v set_v before_o you_o eat_v make_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o if_o any_o man_n say_v unto_o you_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n unto_o idol_n eat_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n who_o show_v it_o and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n etc._n etc._n conscience_n i_o say_v not_o thy_o own_o but_o of_o the_o other_o for_o why_o be_v my_o liberty_n judge_v of_o another_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o simple_o unlawful_a to_o i_o but_o the_o state_v of_o this_o case_n of_o scandal_n be_v the_o business_n of_o another_o pen_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v those_o who_o need_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o as_o to_o those_o word_n of_o st._n judas_n hate_v even_o the_o garment_n spot_v by_o the_o flesh_n nothing_o more_o can_v possible_o be_v gather_v from_o they_o than_o what_o we_o and_o all_o christian_n must_v acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o our_o brethren_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o cautious_a of_o expose_v ourselves_o unnecessary_o to_o temptation_n to_o sin_n as_o we_o natural_o be_v of_o touch_v the_o garment_n of_o infect_a person_n but_o if_o the_o text_n have_v run_v thus_o hate_v even_o the_o garment_n that_o be_v once_o spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n or_o once_o foul_v with_o a_o plague-sore_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o cleanse_v from_o infection_n than_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n for_o our_o brethren_n purpose_n we_o can_v make_v no_o reply_n to_o three_o as_o to_o the_o two_o place_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o indeed_o not_o only_o serve_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v destroy_v idol_n but_o also_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o precept_n be_v give_v to_o those_o people_n have_v already_o be_v show_v viz._n because_o they_o be_v so_o strange_o so_o prodigious_o addict_v to_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o their_o heathen-neighbour_n but_o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n shall_v real_o make_v for_o our_o brethren_n design_n in_o cite_v they_o and_o do_v prove_v that_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o destroy_v or_o cast_v away_o all_o thing_n notorious_o defile_v in_o gross_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a service_n they_o will_v certain_o prove_v more_o than_o the_o more_o sober_a sort_n of_o dissenter_n do_v desire_v they_o shall_v for_o they_o do_v not_o object_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o use_v the_o church_n or_o font_n or_o bell_n which_o heretofore_o be_v most_o notorious_o so_o defile_v by_o the_o papist_n but_o if_o these_o text_n speak_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n to_o destroy_v all_o such_o thing_n then_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o down_o we_o
the_o primitive_a church_n in_o read_v they_o for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o not_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o any_o doctrine_n which_o in_o that_o article_n be_v show_v from_o st._n hierom_n to_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v not_o now_o appoint_v to_o be_v ordinary_o on_o sunday_n read_v in_o our_o church_n these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o those_o instance_n of_o our_o church_n symbolise_v with_o that_o of_o rome_n in_o the_o composure_n of_o the_o liturgy_n that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v offend_v at_o and_o as_o for_o their_o other_o objection_n of_o this_o kind_n they_o be_v as_o easy_o answer_v and_o i_o most_o sincere_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o i_o imaginable_a that_o any_o thing_n better_o than_o extreme_a prejudice_n can_v make_v any_o man_n a_o separatist_n from_o our_o communion_n upon_o such_o account_n as_o these_o as_o also_o that_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o 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witness_v that_o this_o be_v no_o lavish_a commendation_n of_o our_o prayer_n dr._n tailor_n that_o bless_a martyr_n give_v this_o testimony_n to_o our_o liturgy_n there_o be_v set_v 1696._o act_n and_o monument_n p._n 1696._o forth_o by_o the_o most_o innocent_a king_n edward_n for_o who_o god_n be_v praise_v everlasting_o the_o whole_a church-service_n with_o great_a deliberation_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o best_a learned_a man_n in_o the_o realm_n and_o authorize_v by_o the_o whole_a parliament_n and_o receive_v and_o publish_v glad_o by_o the_o whole_a realm_n which_o book_n be_v never_o reform_v but_o once_o and_o yet_o by_o that_o one_o reformation_n it_o be_v as_o full_o perfect_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n in_o every_o behalf_n that_o no_o christian_a conscience_n can_v be_v offend_v with_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v i_o mean_v of_o that_o book_n reform_v what_o then_o will_v he_o have_v think_v of_o it_o have_v he_o live_v to_o see_v it_o twice_o more_o reform_v as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o last_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o forenamed_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n in_o which_o our_o symbolise_n with_o popery_n be_v so_o much_o condemn_v and_o make_v a_o pretence_n for_o separation_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o particular_n i_o will_v observe_v in_o the_o general_n that_o the_o distance_n our_o church_n keep_v from_o that_o of_o rome_n in_o the_o imposition_n of_o ceremony_n be_v infinite_o great_a than_o her_o agreement_n therein_o with_o she_o for_o as_o those_o impose_v by_o our_o church_n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v be_v exceed_v few_o not_o the_o hundred_o part_n scarce_o of_o those_o impose_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n so_o do_v not_o our_o church_n impose_v they_o as_o the_o other_o do_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o her_o member_n as_o thing_n of_o necessity_n as_o part_n of_o religion_n or_o meritorious_a service_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o article_n now_o then_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o surplice_n our_o church_n require_v not_o the_o wear_n of_o this_o garment_n as_o a_o holy_a vestment_n like_o the_o priestly_a garment_n under_o the_o old_a law_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o order_n and_o uniformity_n whereas_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o surplice_n may_v not_o be_v wear_v till_o it_o be_v hallow_v in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n by_o the_o bishop_n or_o some_o one_o by_o his_o allowance_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o missal_n with_o divers_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v defend_v he_o who_o wear_v it_o from_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o number_n of_o cross_n and_o in_o fine_a the_o surplice_n besprinkle_v with_o holy_a water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n but_o i_o say_v in_o our_o church_n it_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o garment_n of_o distinction_n no_o more_o holiness_n be_v place_v in_o it_o than_o in_o the_o hood_n wear_v over_o it_o mere_o for_o distinction_n of_o degree_n and_o the_o white_a be_v prefer_v before_o any_o other_o colour_n because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a custom_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o minister_n to_o officiate_v in_o white_a garment_n beza_n say_v of_o the_o surplice_n these_o linen_n garment_n 255._o contra_fw-la westphalum_fw-la vol._n 1._o p._n 255._o we_o do_v not_o so_o stick_v at_o that_o we_o will_v have_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hinder_v in_o the_o least_o for_o they_o and_o we_o may_v show_v that_o mr._n calvin_n much_o blame_v contend_v with_o authority_n about_o the_o wear_n this_o garment_n particular_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o bullinger_n and_o since_o all_o the_o popish_a abuse_n of_o this_o garment_n be_v perfect_o remove_v i_o know_v not_o why_o all_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o much_o less_o can_v i_o imagine_v why_o those_o who_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o wear_v it_o shall_v be_v affright_v from_o our_o church_n by_o the_o mere_a sight_n of_o so_o innocent_a a_o thing_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n our_o church_n hold_v so_o little_a conformity_n with_o the_o papist_n herein_o that_o in_o no_o one_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n can_v our_o symbolise_n with_o they_o be_v less_o scandalous_a dr._n burges_n in_o his_o defence_n of_o dr._n morton_n show_n that_o we_o hold_v no_o conformity_n with_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o use_n thereof_o either_o in_o the_o etc._n p._n 416._o etc._n etc._n time_n when_o or_o place_n where_o or_o manner_n how_o or_o end_v whereto_o the_o minister_n with_o we_o as_o he_o there_o show_v may_v not_o cross_v himself_o or_o the_o people_n or_o font_n water_n communion-table_n or_o cup_n or_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n or_o any_o other_o of_o god_n ordinance_n all_o which_o in_o popery_n the_o priest_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o their_o consecration_n or_o blessing_n of_o himself_o or_o they_o as_o without_o which_o nothing_o be_v consecrate_a the_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a with_o we_o may_v not_o be_v cross_v before_o baptism_n on_o the_o forehead_n breast_n or_o any_o part_n which_o in_o popery_n the_o priest_n must_v do_v to_o drive_v away_o the_o devil_n and_o make_v the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o sacrament_n more_o easy_a and_o strong_a as_o they_o teach_v after_o baptism_n the_o minister_n may_v not_o with_o we_o across_o the_o child_n with_o oil_n or_o chrism_n or_o without_o on_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o head_n as_o in_o popery_n be_v require_v to_o give_v they_o their_o full_a christendom_n lest_o they_o shall_v die_v before_o confirmation_n yea_o at_o confirmation_n the_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n on_o the_o forehead_n with_o chrism_n or_o without_o which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o popery_n as_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o they_o call_v it_o of_o confirmation_n nay_o as_o he_o proceed_v if_o the_o child_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o present_a death_n and_o not_o like_a to_o live_v to_o make_v profession_n of_o christ_n crucify_a the_o minister_n be_v direct_v not_o to_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o we_o hold_v it_o not_o to_o be_v either_o operative_a upon_o the_o child_n or_o at_o all_o necessary_a to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o lord_n sacrament_n but_o do_v only_o retain_v it_o according_a to_o the_o first_o and_o best_a intention_n as_o a_o outward_a badge_n of_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 30_o canon_n that_o by_o this_o lawful_a ceremony_n and_o honourable_a badge_n this_o child_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n the_o doctor_n declare_v that_o he_o have_v good_a warrant_n to_o assure_v those_o who_o be_v offend_v at_o that_o explication_n
church_n impose_v they_o not_o as_o the_o other_o do_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o her_o member_n as_o thing_n of_o necessity_n as_o part_n of_o religion_n or_o meritorious_a service_n and_o you_o need_v not_o one_o word_n more_o of_o answer_n to_o what_o you_o object_n against_o this_o than_o you_o have_v have_v already_o give_v you_o viz._n pag._n 6._o in_o your_o 25_o page_n you_o begin_v as_o our_o author_n do_v with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o surplice_n and_o 1._o you_o say_v he_o right_o observe_v that_o all_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o wear_v it_o and_o this_o be_v sagacious_o indeed_o observe_v by_o he_o if_o he_o do_v observe_v it_o but_o he_o only_o say_v that_o he_o can_v imagine_v why_o those_o who_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o wear_v it_o shall_v be_v affright_v from_o our_o church_n by_o the_o mere_a sight_n of_o so_o innocent_a a_o thing_n as_o he_o before_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o our_o church_n but_o show_v it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o innocent_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v not_o scandalize_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o but_o for_o all_o that_o you_o know_v that_o not_o a_o few_o dissenter_n do_v profess_v to_o be_v so_o 3._o you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o they_o use_v a_o garment_n of_o the_o same_o form_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o use_v some_o garment_n of_o the_o same_o colour_n so_o that_o you_o doubt_v whether_o in_o that_o we_o do_v symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o no._n i_o be_v in_o good_a hope_n when_o i_o have_v read_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o controversy_n between_o you_o and_o our_o author_n about_o this_o ceremony_n but_o i_o present_o find_v myself_o mistake_v for_o 4._o you_o make_v we_o notwithstanding_o faulty_o to_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o we_o will_v not_o suffer_v this_o garment_n to_o be_v wear_v but_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n so_o that_o you_o say_v it_o be_v neither_o mere_o for_o necessity_n nor_o natural_a decency_n nor_o ornament_n nor_o for_o distinction_n but_o i_o say_v that_o this_o garment_n be_v require_v both_o for_o ornament_n and_o distinction_n you_o say_v it_o be_v not_o require_v for_o either_o because_o all_o minister_n wear_v it_o not_o at_o other_o time_n but_o i_o deny_v your_o consequence_n for_o it_o be_v require_v as_o a_o ornamental_a garment_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o for_o distinction_n between_o a_o minister_n officiate_a and_o not_o officiate_a you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o judge_n scarlet_a be_v neither_o for_o ornament_n nor_o distinction_n and_o see_v it_o be_v such_o a_o offence_n that_o this_o garment_n shall_v be_v appropriate_v to_o divine_a worship_n i_o desire_v you_o sir_n at_o your_o leisure_n to_o answer_v our_o famous_a hooker_n question_n viz._n to_o solemn_a action_n of_o royalty_n and_o edit_n eccl._n pol._n book_n 5_o p._n 228._o last_o edit_n justice_n their_o suitable_a ornament_n be_v a_o beauty_n be_v they_o only_o in_o religion_n a_o stain_n time_n be_v when_o put_v on_o a_o gown_n mere_o for_o the_o desk_n and_o pulpit_n be_v account_v no_o offence_n by_o nonconforming_a minister_n and_o consequent_o they_o do_v not_o then_o espy_v any_o unlawfulness_n in_o appropriate_v a_o garment_n to_o religious_a exercise_n nor_o do_v we_o place_v one_o jot_n more_o holiness_n in_o a_o surplice_n than_o in_o a_o gown_n or_o cloak_n either_o but_o you_o say_v may_v not_o jealousy_n of_o some_o homage_n by_o it_o intend_v to_o god_n and_o such_o thought_n as_o those_o you_o suggest_v arise_v in_o weak_a christian_n i_o answer_v whether_o these_o thought_n may_v arise_v in_o they_o or_o no_o you_o take_v as_o effectual_a a_o course_n as_o you_o can_v that_o they_o shall_v arise_v in_o they_o and_o as_o for_o homage_n intend_v to_o god_n by_o wear_v the_o surplice_n i_o do_v think_v any_o christian_n so_o weak_a as_o to_o fancy_n such_o a_o thing_n if_o you_o and_o other_o will_v but_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o not_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o objection_n against_o innocent_a thing_n when_o you_o may_v employ_v your_o time_n with_o they_o to_o infinite_o better_a purpose_n i_o pray_v sir_n be_v not_o offend_v if_o i_o once_o for_o all_o free_o tell_v you_o that_o by_o your_o possess_v these_o weak_a christian_n with_o all_o imaginable_a objection_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o obey_v governor_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v by_o yourselves_o doubtful_a to_o they_o and_o not_o with_o one_o objection_n against_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o disobedience_n in_o doubtful_a matter_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o everlasting_o weak_a and_o to_o make_v they_o worse_o than_o weak_a too_o it_o sadden_v the_o heart_n of_o not_o a_o few_o good_a people_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o fearful_a consequent_n of_o such_o do_n have_v not_o yet_o make_v you_o sensible_a who_o interest_n you_o have_v all_o along_o serve_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o you_o next_o object_n three_o thing_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n pag._n 26._o 1._o you_o say_v it_o be_v a_o add_v to_o the_o divine_a institution_n unnecessary_o i_o answer_v we_o add_v nothing_o to_o divine_a institution_n i_o mean_v we_o add_v nothing_o more_o to_o baptism_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n as_o of_o divine_a institution_n than_o yourselves_o do_v and_o as_o to_o the_o vnnecessariness_n of_o this_o ceremony_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o will_v be_v no_o ceremony_n at_o least_o not_o humane_a one_o if_o you_o mean_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o impose_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o a_o ceremony_n that_o it_o be_v impose_v for_o good_a and_o profitable_a end_n and_o use_n and_o our_o church_n tell_v you_o for_o what_o end_n and_o use_v this_o of_o the_o cross_n be_v require_v in_o the_o 30_o canon_n if_o you_o mean_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o use_v it_o now_o it_o be_v impose_v i_o beg_v your_o pardon_n for_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n till_o you_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o any_o law_n of_o god_n and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v this_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o to_o use_v it_o 2._o you_o say_v we_o attribute_v to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n more_o than_o be_v true_o due_a to_o it_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v but_o we_o say_v we_o do_v not_o and_o shall_v persist_v in_o say_v so_o till_o you_o prove_v we_o do_v 3._o you_o say_v that_o to_o expound_v dedicate_v in_o the_o canon_n by_o declare_v you_o shall_v have_v say_v declare_v to_o be_v dedicate_v be_v a_o catachrestical_a use_n of_o the_o word_n what_o care_v i_o for_o that_o if_o the_o word_n ought_v so_o to_o be_v expound_v you_o say_v you_o will_v take_v no_o private_a doctor_n be_v word_n for_o it_o though_o great_a than_o dr._n burges_n but_o you_o can_v otherwise_o understand_v that_o word_n except_o you_o will_v make_v our_o church_n to_o speak_v contradiction_n in_o that_o canon_n there_o be_v nothing_o you_o object_n or_o i_o think_v can_v object_v against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n but_o you_o may_v find_v most_o satisfactory_o answer_v in_o the_o learned_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o whole_o pass_v by_o what_o you_o say_v against_o it_o have_v call_v the_o declaration_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v it_o a_o excellent_a declaration_n pag._n 26_o you_o say_v pag._n 27_o that_o it_o may_v be_v it_o satisfi_v you_o abstract_v your_o thought_n from_o the_o bread_n while_o you_o be_v upon_o your_o knee_n and_o he_o that_o can_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n in_o the_o world_n abstract_n his_o thought_n from_o the_o bread_n must_v be_v almost_o starve_v with_o fast_v but_o it_o follow_v if_o all_o can_v be_v so_o satisfy_v shall_v they_o therefore_o be_v ruin_v for_o their_o doubt_n in_o this_o thing_n you_o shall_v have_v no_o new_a answer_n to_o this_o beside_o ask_v you_o this_o question_n if_o there_o be_v any_o danger_n of_o ruin_n in_o this_o case_n who_o be_v most_o charitable_a to_o these_o doubter_n those_o that_o do_v their_o utmost_a to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v near_o the_o danger_n or_o those_o that_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o make_v all_o mean_v unsuccessfull_a that_o be_v use_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n i_o must_v needs_o take_v notice_n also_o of_o your_o pleasant_a answer_n to_o this_o passage_n in_o our_o author_n pag._n 49._o viz._n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o the_o gesture_n in_o our_o saviour_n institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n he_o
this_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v only_o respect_v sit_v as_o he_o do_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o that_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o these_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper_a room_n in_o a_o private_a house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n 20._o supper_n supper_n supper_n mat._n 26._o 20._o in_o the_o company_n of_o 11_o or_o 12_o at_o most_o 14._o mar._n 14._o 17._o luke_n 22._o 14._o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o christian_n to_o observe_v all_o these_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o virtue_n of_o these_o word_n do_v this_o as_o there_o do_v to_o sit._n so_o that_o this_o argument_n violent_o recoil_v upon_o those_o that_o urge_v it_o and_o prove_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o it_o conclude_v strong_o against_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o the_o liberty_n they_o take_v in_o omit_v some_o thing_n and_o press_v the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o other_o upon_o a_o reason_n which_o equal_o oblige_v to_o all_o but_o i_o desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o may_v be_v answ_n two_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o these_o scotchman_n to_o take_v this_o further_a consideration_n along_o with_o they_o which_o i_o think_v will_v turn_v the_o scale_n and_o make_v deep_a impression_n upon_o tender_a conscience_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o observe_v most_o of_o the_o other_o circumstance_n which_o they_o omit_v rather_o than_o this_o of_o sit_v which_o they_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o contend_v for_o all_o those_o forementioned_a circumstance_n 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be_v esteem_v any_o rule_n at_o all_o these_o be_v question_n i_o confess_v beyond_o my_o capacity_n and_o surpass_v my_o skill_n to_o resolve_v it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n that_o answ_n iii_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v this_o do_v respect_n only_o the_o verse_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 27_o 28._o verse_n bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o other_o action_n there_o specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v you_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a after_o all_o as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v and_o then_o i_o leave_v this_o to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n how_o they_o will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o excuse_v their_o neglect_n of_o a_o know_v necessary_a duty_n such_o as_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v before_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o love_v we_o so_o much_o as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n how_o they_o will_v ever_o answer_v to_o their_o crucify_a saviour_n their_o live_n and_o die_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o express_a command_n of_o his_o give_v a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o mere_o because_o the_o gesture_n prescribe_v by_o authority_n be_v cross_v to_o their_o private_a will_n and_o fancy_n but_o not_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 2._o for_o the_o further_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n 1._o to_o begin_v with_o our_o nonconforming_a brethren_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o serious_a and_o sincere-hearted_n person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n and_o not_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o law_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n use_v that_o gesture_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o we_o provide_v we_o will_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o either_o sit_v or_o stand_v that_o be_v any_o way_n but_o that_o which_o be_v impose_v by_o law_n for_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o conduct_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a which_o be_v not_o where_o command_v or_o prohibit_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n can_v nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v and_o limit_v by_o any_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n leave_v free_a for_o we_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v without_o sin_n become_v sinful_a to_o we_o when_o impose_v by_o humane_a authority_n it_o be_v remote_a from_o my_o business_n to_o show_v how_o weak_a and_o false_a a_o principle_n this_o be_v and_o of_o what_o mischievous_a consequence_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o will_v pass_v it_o by_o but_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o this_o tenent_n to_o my_o purpose_n that_o they_o who_o hold_v and_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v receive_v kneel_v which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v safe_o do_v plain_o own_o that_o as_o to_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o leave_v free_a by_o god_n for_o we_o to_o use_v or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n give_v by_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o principle_n this_o be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o man_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n it_o can_v not_o be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o whether_o they_o receive_v sit_v or_o stand_v as_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v if_o
remark_n the_o pretence_n of_o their_o convenient_a usefulness_n will_v be_v no_o better_a excuse_n on_o their_o behalf_n than_o be_v that_o plea_n for_o spare_v the_o best_a of_o the_o antalekite_n cattle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o sacrifice_n when_o god_n have_v devote_v they_o to_o destruction_n for_o if_o god_n as_o they_o say_v have_v command_v that_o all_o such_o thing_n and_o rite_n shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v as_o be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n then_o the_o convenient_a usefulness_n of_o such_o place_n and_o thing_n will_v never_o bear_v they_o out_o 4_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n because_o that_o cesture_n have_v be_v and_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n so_o also_o be_v sit_v which_o be_v contend_v for_o with_o so_o much_o show_v of_o zeal_n for_o the_o pope_n himself_o sit_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v as_o be_v before_o note_v and_o if_o any_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o our_o dissenter_n urge_v for_o sit_v viz._n because_o the_o apostle_n sit_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o any_o inquire_v why_o the_o 4._o si_fw-mi quaeratur_fw-la quare_fw-la dominus_fw-la papa_n sedendo_fw-la communicate_v potest_fw-la dici_fw-la quod_fw-la hoc_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o recordationem_fw-la quod_fw-la beatus_fw-la petrus_n &_o alii_fw-la apostoli_fw-la sedendo_fw-la corpus_fw-la domini_fw-la in_o coena_fw-la ultima_fw-la acceperunt_fw-la alex._n hales_n tract_n de_fw-fr missa_fw-la par_fw-fr 2._o quest_n 10._o par_fw-fr 4._o pope_n receive_v sit_v it_o may_v be_v rereply_v that_o he_o use_v that_o gesture_n in_o remembrance_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o ooth_a apostle_n who_o receive_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n at_o the_o last_o supper_n sit_v to_o conclude_v if_o kneel_v be_v unlawful_a because_o it_o have_v be_v 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weakness_n of_o their_o understanding_n but_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o will_n not_o from_o a_o great_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n which_o keep_v pace_n with_o all_o their_o action_n for_o such_o i_o have_v as_o tender_v a_o compassion_n as_o any_o man_n but_o from_o humour_n self-conceit_n affectation_n of_o popular_a applause_n and_o the_o be_v think_v the_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n for_o find_v fault_n with_o every_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o nor_o upon_o man_n who_o scruple_n against_o government_n by_o bishop_n the_o liturgy_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v not_o from_o their_o conscience_n but_o their_o stomach_n from_o pride_n and_o ambition_n from_o private_a pique_n &_o disappointment_n in_o the_o state_n from_o hypocrisy_n and_o interest_n when_o the_o more_o they_o rail_v and_o except_v against_o ceremony_n the_o better_a trade_n they_o drive_v in_o the_o world_n from_o such_o as_o these_o i_o expect_v nothing_o but_o contempt_n and_o derision_n and_o that_o the_o medicine_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o poison_n for_o as_o a_o great_a man_n observe_v on_o prov._n 14._o 6._o he_o 230._o lord_n bacon_n advan_n of_o learn_v fol._n p_o 230._o that_o come_v to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n with_o a_o mind_n to_o scorn_v and_o censure_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v matter_n enough_o for_o his_o humour_n but_o no_o matter_n for_o his_o instruction_n finis_fw-la for_o kneel_v i_o never_o yet_o hear_v any_o thing_n yet_o to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v either_o some_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contradict_v but_o 1_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n for_o any_o gesture_n nor_o against_o any_o christ_n example_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o in_o this_o than_o in_o many_o other_o circumstance_n that_o be_v confess_v not_o obligatory_a as_o that_o he_o deliver_v but_o to_o minister_n and_o but_o to_o a_o family_n to_o twelve_o and_o after_o supper_n and_o on_o a_o thursday-night_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o gesture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o sit_v as_o we_o and_o 2_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v mix_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o pardon_n from_o the_o king_n upon_o our_o knee_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o seal_a pardon_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o ambassador_n upon_o our_o knee_n mr._n baxter_n be_v christian_a directory_n par_fw-fr 2._o p._n 111._o quest_n 3._o §._o 40._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o go_v to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n because_o he_o can_v better_o edify_v there_o the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o j._n c._n and_o freeman_n collins_n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o go_v to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n because_o he_o can_v better_o edify_v there_o answer_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v this_o plain_a two_o thing_n must_v be_v consider_v first_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n this_o be_v who_o ask_v this_o question_n second_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o edification_n as_o to_o the_o person_n he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o there_o be_v no_o term_n of_o communion_n put_v upon_o he_o but_o which_o he_o can_v comply_v withal_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n natural_a reason_n or_o plain_a consequence_n fetch_v from_o both_o or_o either_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o question_n for_o he_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o unlawfulness_n and_o not_o edification_n only_o as_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o question_n second_o by_o edification_n be_v mean_v a_o improvement_n of_o his_o spiritual_a condition_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n whereinsoever_o it_o may_v true_o consist_v whether_o in_o the_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o in_o the_o separate_a congregation_n be_v better_o teach_v more_o clear_o prove_v more_o fit_o apply_v to_o his_o practice_n and_o to_o support_v his_o hope_n of_o heaven_n or_o whether_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o be_v there_o more_o exact_o lay_v down_o and_o more_o
stranger_n i_o mean_v who_o have_v see_v the_o world_n and_o have_v learn_v our_o language_n and_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o sermon_n that_o be_v common_o preach_v and_o print_v in_o this_o great_a city_n affirm_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o god_n grant_v we_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o such_o singular_a help_n by_o our_o contempt_n of_o they_o and_o that_o our_o candlestick_n be_v not_o remove_v out_o of_o its_o place_n because_o we_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o light_n which_o it_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o of_o which_o we_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n if_o not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o profit_v by_o sermon_n we_o make_v no_o progress_n at_o all_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n but_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v little_a or_o no_o effect_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o do_v not_o pronounce_v this_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o object_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o unprofitable_a ministry_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v general_o preach_v by_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o city_n to_o who_o inhabitant_n i_o principal_o write_v be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v profit_v by_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o then_o leave_v they_o to_o judge_n of_o themselves_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n i_o suppose_v we_o be_v all_o agree_v or_o may_v easy_o agree_v what_o it_o be_v to_o profit_v by_o sermon_n for_o we_o agree_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v right_o open_v and_o due_o apply_v in_o a_o sermon_n so_o that_o the_o hearer_n improve_v either_o in_o christian_a knowledge_n or_o in_o faith_n or_o in_o well-doing_n than_o they_o profit_v by_o that_o sermon_n now_o if_o any_o man_n do_v not_o improve_v in_o these_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o sermon_n which_o he_o may_v hear_v in_o our_o church_n and_o the_o fault_n lie_v in_o the_o sermon_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n for_o none_o i_o presume_v will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o accompany_v a_o sermon_n which_o want_v nothing_o belong_v to_o either_o of_o these_o the_o preacher_n also_o be_v due_o qualify_v and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v none_o that_o dare_v now_o complain_v of_o a_o idle_a scandalous_a insufficient_a ministry_n about_o this_o city_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o they_o that_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v those_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n have_v take_v up_o the_o complaint_n of_o a_o unedifying_a whereby_o we_o have_v gain_v this_o great_a point_n that_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n to_o pretend_v the_o person_n who_o preach_v be_v unsanctified_a and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o bless_v his_o ministry_n but_o the_o fault_n must_v lie_v if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o sermon_n itself_o and_o that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o delivery_n i._o and_o as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v that_o any_o dissenter_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v will_v except_v against_o our_o sermon_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o such_o care_n to_o find_v out_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o proper_a meaning_n that_o perhaps_o they_o be_v never_o more_o clear_o open_v and_o right_o apply_v than_o they_o be_v now_o adays_o in_o our_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o that_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n when_o they_o be_v about_o to_o be_v expel_v out_o of_o paradise_n which_o god_n repeat_v in_o his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n which_o he_o shadow_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n illustrate_v by_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o final_o fulfil_v in_o the_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o diffuse_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o over_o the_o world_n be_v there_o so_o full_o and_o distinct_o teach_v that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n will_n be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o faithful_o declare_v among_o we_o and_o as_o that_o be_v declare_v complete_o so_o little_a else_o be_v meddle_v withal_o matter_n of_o controversy_n be_v as_o rare_o handle_v in_o our_o pulpit_n i_o believe_v as_o in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o which_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n sometime_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o fortify_v the_o people_n against_o popery_n and_o against_o separation_n yet_o even_o these_o be_v not_o so_o often_o treat_v of_o as_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n to_o all_o party_n of_o christian_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o great_a drift_n of_o our_o preacher_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v they_o good_a particular_o to_o give_v they_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n know_v that_o error_n and_o superstition_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o without_o a_o particular_a confutation_n for_o they_o be_v support_v by_o nothing_o but_o ignorance_n and_o naughty_a affection_n which_o will_v uphold_v they_o against_o all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v assault_v unless_o man_n mind_n be_v inform_v and_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o thing_n as_o alter_v their_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v general_o preach_v by_o our_o minister_n and_o which_o be_v so_o well_o perform_v that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a either_o to_o make_v man_n true_o know_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o to_o work_v belief_n in_o they_o or_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n or_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o follow_v those_o direction_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o satisfy_v material_a scruple_n to_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o comfort_v disconsolate_a penitent_n and_o awaken_v drowsy_a sinner_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n but_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o in_o our_o church_n so_o full_o solid_o and_o judicious_o handle_v that_o man_n need_v go_v no_o whither_o else_o for_o edification_n if_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o true_o desire_v and_o sincere_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v for_o what_o truth_n can_v they_o learn_v any_o where_o else_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v if_o they_o will_v attend_v upon_o god_n service_n there_o in_o our_o church_n what_o motive_n to_o believe_v or_o what_o argument_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o there_o represent_v and_o press_v what_o vice_n be_v there_o which_o do_v not_o there_o receive_v just_a correction_n what_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o there_o most_o strong_o recommend_v which_o of_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o there_o apply_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o where_o can_v man_n have_v better_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v against_o all_o the_o impenitent_a and_o disobedient_a and_o if_o man_n can_v profit_v where_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v constant_o manage_v to_o as_o much_o advantage_n as_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o preacher_n will_v enable_v he_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o fault_n must_v lie_v somewhere_o else_o than_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sermon_n ii_o yes_o will_v some_o say_v we_o allow_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o to_o be_v good_a enough_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v reap_v the_o like_a benefit_n by_o they_o that_o we_o do_v by_o other_o man_n preach_v who_o can_v conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n the_o fault_n must_v lie_v either_o in_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o or_o in_o their_o delivery_n after_o they_o be_v compose_v 1._o now_o if_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o be_v faulty_a it_o be_v because_o their_o method_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a or_o the_o language_n not_o plain_a enough_o to_o convey_v the_o