which_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o what_o sort_n the_o action_n be_v this_o measure_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o conscience_n be_v no_o far_o safe_a than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n now_o this_o measure_n or_o rule_n of_o conscience_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o that_o thing_n only_o be_v indifferent_a which_o his_o law_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n i_o mean_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n whether_o declare_v by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_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 write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v natural_o convince_v of_o some_o thing_n be_v eternal_o good_a as_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n other_o be_v eternal_o evil_a and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o gentile_n have_v this_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o christian_n have_v the_o law_n of_o revelation_n too_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o god_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o declare_v its_o precept_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o with_o great_a strength_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o before_o by_o this_o also_o he_o have_v perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o add_v some_o positive_a law_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o than_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o conscience_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a head_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o these_o head_n and_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n but_o also_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o those_o command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n command_v or_o forbid_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o yet_o by_o inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o let_v it_o alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n iii_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o must_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n for_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o i_o shall_v explain_v in_o four_o proposition_n first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n law_n command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n for_o all_o society_n be_v found_v in_o this_o principal_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o governor_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n otherwise_o no_o state_n city_n or_o family_n can_v subsist_v happy_o and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n command_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v human_a law_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n second_o human_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 we_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n to_o obey_v our_o superior_n conscience_n be_v our_o judgement_n of_o our_o action_n according_a to_o god_n law_n and_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o god_n alone_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v man_n because_o therein_o we_o obey_v god_n three_o human_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o man_n command_v any_o thing_n sinful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o man_n power_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o impose_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o they_o four_o though_o human_a law_n general_o speak_v bound_v the_o conscience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o human_a law_n though_o consistent_a with_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_n against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o for_o than_o who_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o first_o where_o the_o public_a or_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v suffer_v damage_n or_o inconvenience_n by_o our_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n or_o second_o where_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o not_o obey_v it_o argue_v contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o set_v a_o ill_a example_n there_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o human_a law_n be_v sinful_a and_o not_o in_o other_o case_n so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v transgress_v a_o pure_o human_a law_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n provide_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o ill_a example_n in_o it_o for_o either_o of_o these_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n for_o this_o i_o insist_v upon_o that_o god_n law_n and_o the_o public_a good_a require_v that_o authority_n be_v hold_v sacred_a and_o therefore_o when_o governor_n insist_v upon_o a_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v trifle_v or_o inconvenient_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o even_o seem_v to_o contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o public_a than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iv_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n and_o here_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o long_o as_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o nothing_o sinful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v human_a law_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v obey_v in_o church-matter_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v man_n to_o make_v law_n about_o religion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o far_o i_o earnest_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o dissenter_n that_o we_o be_v all_o real_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o preserve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n do_v real_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n those_o therefore_o who_o think_v they_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o come_v to_o church_n than_o to_o obey_v any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v great_o mistake_v because_o they_o break_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v human_a institution_n yet_o the_o public_a worship_n itself_o under_o public_a lawful_a governor_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o no_o man_n can_v renounce_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o human_a law_n a_o divine_a law_n clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n than_o a_o law_n that_o command_v a_o thing_n perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v obey_v because_o it_o be_v
god_n own_o law_n in_o the_o other_o we_o only_o obey_v man_n because_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o in_o general_a to_o obey_v our_o superior_n god_n command_v every_o subject_a to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a but_o human_a authority_n determine_v out_o of_o what_o good_n and_o in_o what_o proportion_n he_o must_v pay_v now_o because_o human_a authority_n interpose_v if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n detain_v the_o king_n be_v right_a do_v he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n than_o break_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o penalty_n if_o he_o be_v detect_v yes_o certain_o for_o tribute_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n the_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o break_v god_n law_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n do_v not_o lessen_v his_o guilt_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o church-vnity_n for_o though_o human_a law_n prescribe_v particular_a circumstance_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n yet_o god_n law_n oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o pay_v the_o king_n his_o due_n and_o that_o man_n that_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n by_o such_o a_o method_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n declare_v to_o be_v unjust_a may_v as_o well_o acquit_v himself_o from_o knavery_n before_o god_n as_o that_o man_n that_o choose_v a_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church-law_n can_v acquit_v himself_o of_o schism_n before_o god_n nay_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v human_a law_n grant_v a_o toleration_n and_o call_v no_o man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n yet_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o human_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v v._o it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n that_o be_v how_o far_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_n or_o not_o act_v when_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o the_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n if_o right_a we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a conscience_n if_o wrong_n we_o have_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n there_o be_v also_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n when_o we_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v treat_v in_o another_o place_n now_o if_o our_o conscience_n or_o judgement_n be_v right_a that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n without_o doubt_n we_o be_v forever_o bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o nor_o can_v we_o sin_v in_o do_v so_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n be_v but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o we_o must_v do_v when_o our_o conscience_n be_v erroneous_a and_o mistake_v and_o to_o answer_v this_o i_o lay_v down_o three_o rule_n which_o i_o think_v may_v give_v any_o man_n satisfaction_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o it_o though_o we_o take_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o duty_n for_o a_o sin_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a crime_n to_o act_v against_o this_o persuasion_n because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v at_o present_a and_o therefore_o our_o will_n be_v as_o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o act_v against_o a_o true_a light_n nothing_o but_o conscience_n can_v guide_v our_o action_n and_o though_o a_o eroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n we_o have_v and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o one_o instance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o act_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v not_o that_o man_n think_v sincere_a that_o act_n as_o he_o believe_v and_o that_o man_n a_o hypocrite_n that_o act_n otherwise_o whether_o his_o judgement_n be_v true_a or_o false_a he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_v contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n shall_v a_o jew_n turn_n christian_n or_o a_o papist_n turn_v protestant_n while_o yet_o they_o believe_v their_o former_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a we_o shall_v all_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n because_o they_o do_v it_o upon_o base_a principle_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o judgement_n nay_o we_o shall_v all_o think_v more_o favourable_o of_o a_o protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o a_o cunning_a papist_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n than_o of_o such_o person_n all_o this_o put_v together_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v second_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o for_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v it_o be_v not_o our_o opinion_n but_o his_o law_n that_o make_v thing_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v forever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n be_v because_o we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n then_o duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o day_n will_v be_v the_o contrary_a to_o morrow_n as_o any_o man_n opinion_n alter_v but_o such_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n do_v follow_v his_o judgement_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o too_o if_o his_o judgement_n lead_v he_o to_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o action_n according_a to_o a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v sinful_a but_o that_o a_o man_n mistake_n may_v be_v such_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n either_o against_o it_o or_o according_a to_o it_o for_o a_o man_n may_v often_o mistake_v and_o yet_o not_o sin_n provide_v his_o mistake_n do_v not_o lead_v he_o to_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n for_o first_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o pray_v seven_o or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v because_o god_n have_v bind_v he_o up_o to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o since_o god_n have_v not_o command_v the_o contrary_a he_o may_v safe_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o his_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o second_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o play_v at_o card_n in_o this_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o false_a opinion_n without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o since_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o follow_v his_o mistake_a conscience_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o it_o but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n when_o a_o man_n think_v that_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o indifferent_a which_o god_n command_v or_o that_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n forbid_v here_o the_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o his_o judgement_n or_o
according_a to_o it_o three_o therefore_o for_o the_o untie_n this_o great_a difficulty_n i_o say_v 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_v judgement_n be_v 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 guilt_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 if_o the_o mistake_v be_v such_o as_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v make_v if_o he_o do_v his_o best_a to_o understand_v his_o duty_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o know_v it_o better_o then_o we_o think_v he_o innocent_a and_o not_o proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n though_o the_o action_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n for_o no_o man_n 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 whatever_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 since_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v better_o his_o mistake_n and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n be_v not_o sinful_a the_o only_a point_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o his_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o no._n if_o the_o error_n be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n he_o do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o yet_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v though_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n then_o the_o man_n sin_n while_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n under_o the_o mistake_n and_o his_o sin_n be_v great_a or_o less_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o negligence_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o god_n enable_v all_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o none_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v but_o those_o who_o wilful_o embrace_v false_a principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o against_o it_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o five_o principle_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o proceed_v to_o my_o first_o intend_a business_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v 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 and_o that_o i_o may_v clear_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v separate_v those_o who_o can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n from_o those_o that_o can_v for_o a_o great_a many_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o another_o principle_n second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n first_o then_o that_o i_o may_v distinguish_v the_o true_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n from_o the_o false_a one_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o god_n law_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v whether_o a_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n of_o a_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a by_o that_o rule_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o join_v with_o we_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n direct_o sinful_a may_v notwithstanding_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o join_v constant_o with_o other_o for_o his_o great_a edification_n or_o the_o like_a cause_n i_o answer_v that_o my_o proposition_n still_o hold_v because_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o join_v with_o other_o which_o law_n he_o must_v not_o break_v by_o leave_v they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o again_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a but_o only_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v i_o answer_v that_o if_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o he_o think_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o it_o can_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o that_o my_o proposition_n remain_v true_a that_o none_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n but_o those_o who_o think_v that_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n now_o since_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o certain_o true_a how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o for_o first_o those_o that_o separate_v either_o because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v by_o some_o churchman_n or_o to_o please_v a_o relation_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n or_o procure_v or_o regain_v a_o reputation_n or_o for_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n nor_o second_o can_v those_o lay-people_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o hear_v their_o belove_a teacher_n in_o conventicle_n since_o they_o can_v hear_v they_o in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o we_o will_v suffer_v those_o godly_a man_n to_o preach_v nor_o three_o those_o who_o dislike_v form_n of_o prayer_n ceremony_n etc._n etc._n think_v they_o not_o convenient_a though_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a nor_o four_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o edification_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n of_o another_o persuasion_n or_o because_o many_o godly_a person_n condemn_v our_o way_n all_o these_o i_o say_v can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n because_o neither_o fancy_n nor_o example_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o man_n conscience_n but_o only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n nor_o five_o can_v those_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o think_v that_o our_o governor_n have_v encroach_v too_o much_o upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o suppose_v the_o governor_n be_v be_v faulty_a in_o it_o yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o concern_v so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n command_v do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o sixthly_a can_v those_o just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o can_v join_v with_o we_o sometime_o both_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a with_o what_o conscience_n do_v they_o dare_v to_o join_v in_o it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a once_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n always_o but_o leave_v these_o false_a pretender_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o who_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o plead_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n second_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v they_o will_v join_v with_o we_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a and_o sure_o say_v they_o you_o will_v not_o have_v we_o join_v in_o these_o practice_n which_o we_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n they_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v in_o
rather_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n with_o some_o mixture_n of_o doubtfulness_n if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o eat_v yet_o he_o think_v it_o much_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o he_o can_v not_o be_v condemn_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o eat_v if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v his_o eat_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n persuade_v of_o it_o well_o but_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 5._o one_o man_n esteem_v one_o day_n above_o another_o another_o man_n esteem_v every_o day_n alike_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a else_o he_o do_v not_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o by_o the_o former_a text_n direct_v we_o to_o interpret_v this_o latter_a in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o doubt_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o get_v full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o several_a way_n for_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o that_o already_o among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o act_v without_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n they_o sin_v against_o conscience_n but_o his_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v they_o quiet_o to_o permit_v each_o other_o to_o enjoy_v their_o several_a persuasion_n in_o those_o little_a matter_n without_o censure_v one_o another_o so_o that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v render_v let_v every_o one_o be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o satisfy_v with_o his_o own_o persuasion_n this_o indeed_o differ_v from_o our_o english_a translation_n but_o grotius_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a as_o well_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theodoret_n do_v thus_o interpret_v it_o and_o moreover_o the_o matter_n require_v it_o for_o otherwise_o the_o precept_n be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o possible_a since_o if_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o doubt_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o doubt_v nay_o it_o be_v then_o as_o much_o his_o duty_n to_o doubt_v as_o in_o other_o case_n to_o believe_v thus_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o word_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v do_v not_o overthrow_v my_o assertion_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o true_a and_o substantial_a answer_n to_o the_o argument_n yet_o i_o shall_v give_v another_o which_o untie_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o dissenter_n own_o principle_n suppose_v therefore_o what_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o a_o real_o doubt_v person_n and_o not_o of_o one_o that_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o the_o man_n do_v sin_n in_o eat_v those_o meat_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n sin_n in_o obey_v authority_n where_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o command_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disparity_n in_o the_o case_n since_o the_o man_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o forbear_v eat_v and_o sin_v in_o choose_v to_o run_v a_o needless_a hazard_n of_o transgress_a god_n law_n but_o when_o the_o superior_a command_n a_o man_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n in_o the_o former_a case_n the_o man_n may_v forbear_v without_o any_o danger_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o forbear_v than_o in_o act_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o act_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n though_o it_o may_v be_v sin_n to_o act_v in_o the_o former_a but_o further_a the_o reason_n why_o he_o that_o eat_v doubt_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v be_v this_o because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v always_o sinful_a to_o act_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n because_o there_o be_v some_o doubtful_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v act_v with_o faith_n notwithstanding_o his_o doubt_n for_o he_o that_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n do_v act_n with_o faith_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a all_o thing_n consider_v to_o do_v a_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v sinful_a in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o act_v otherwise_o that_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v though_o he_o act_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o doubt_n because_o he_o act_n in_o faith_n be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o duty_n in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n thus_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o obey_v authority_n in_o a_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n be_v not_o sinful_a because_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o reasonable_a but_o his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n can_v have_v faith_n that_o be_v be_v satisfy_v about_o a_o action_n and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n often_o happen_v a_o man_n have_v often_o very_o great_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n in_o general_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v all_o doubt_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o doubt_n be_v overbalanced_a though_o a_o man_n doubt_n be_v hard_a and_o troublesome_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v more_o advisable_a to_o do_v the_o action_n than_o to_o forbear_v it_o he_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o act_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n because_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o best_a judgement_n and_o more_o than_o this_o a_o man_n can_v do_v iv_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o at_o all_o or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o it_o i_o say_v therefore_o in_o general_n that_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n do_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o for_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v the_o suspense_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n about_o a_o particular_a action_n he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o or_o forbear_v it_o now_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n while_o he_o be_v dispute_v whether_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o no_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o contradiction_n a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n but_o as_o he_o think_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v can_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n either_o way_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a law_n of_o god_n which_o determine_v our_o action_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_n and_o the_o general_a law_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v can_v oblige_v we_o to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o act_v as_o reasonable_o as_o we_o can_v he_o that_o do_v thus_o act_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n though_o he_o act_v doubtful_o have_v thus_o large_o discuss_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a dissenter_n there_o be_v several_a person_n that_o be_v unsatisfy_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n some_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o ceremony_n other_o of_o other_o thing_n none_o of_o they_o can_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o resolve_v conscience_n with_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v but_o they_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o doubt_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n fear_v they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v of_o these_o person_n some_o have_v a_o single_a doubt_n that_o be_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o but_o they_o be_v satisfy_v they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o we_o other_o have_v a_o double_a doubt_n that_o be_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o and_o they_o doubt_v
of_o grace_n and_o receive_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o baptism_n by_o the_o uncovenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v we_o less_o regardful_a of_o his_o sure_a ordinary_a and_o covenant_v mercy_n and_o the_o appoint_a mean_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v nay_o infant_n do_v by_o baptism_n acquire_v a_o present_a right_n unto_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v assistance_n which_o they_o shall_v certain_o receive_v as_o soon_o and_o as_o fast_o as_o their_o natural_a incapacity_n remove_v now_o since_o these_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n and_o since_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o they_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o shall_v receive_v they_o by_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n or_o stay_v for_o they_o till_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v it_o better_o for_o a_o child_n that_o have_v the_o evil_a to_o be_v touch_v for_o it_o while_o he_o be_v a_o child_n or_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o be_v of_o sufficient_a age_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n or_o be_v it_o best_o for_o a_o traitor_n be_v child_n to_o be_v present_o restore_v to_o his_o blood_n and_o estate_n and_o his_o prince_n favour_n or_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o mere_a capacity_n of_o be_v restore_v till_o he_o be_v a_o man_n i_o must_v add_v that_o baptism_n lay_v such_o a_o early_a pre-engagement_n upon_o child_n as_o without_o the_o high_a baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n they_o can_v afterward_o retract_v for_o there_o be_v no_o person_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n honour_n or_o conscience_n but_o will_v think_v himself_o bind_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o obligation_n which_o he_o contract_v in_o his_o infancy_n when_o he_o be_v so_o gracious_o admit_v to_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n before_o he_o can_v understand_v his_o own_o good_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n himself_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v high_o to_o be_v applaud_v for_o bring_v they_o under_o such_o a_o beneficial_a pre-engagement_n and_o not_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n at_o such_o year_n when_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o find_v out_o so_o many_o shift_n and_o excuse_n and_o make_v they_o regret_n to_o be_v baptise_a 2._o infant-baptism_n be_v very_o expedient_a because_o it_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o wellbeing_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v those_o scandalous_a and_o shameful_a delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o grow_v person_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v in_o these_o as_o they_o do_v in_o former_a time_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n since_o therefore_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o command_v by_o the_o church_n but_o most_o expedient_a in_o itself_o and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v conclude_v that_o there_o lie_v the_o same_o obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o desire_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n as_o there_o do_v upon_o grow_v person_n to_o desire_v it_o for_o themselves_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o exact_v any_o thing_n concern_v child_n or_o person_n under_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n lay_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v for_o if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o general_a contagion_n the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v command_v that_o all_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n shall_v every_o morning_n take_v such_o a_o antidote_n that_o command_n will_v oblige_v parent_n to_o give_v it_o to_o their_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v it_o themselves_o just_o so_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v intend_v for_o child_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n it_o must_v needs_o oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v about_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n concern_v all_o guardian_n etc._n etc._n to_o who_o care_n child_n be_v commit_v and_o if_o any_o ask_v at_o what_o time_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o baptism_n i_o answer_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o gospel_n indulge_v a_o discretional_a latitude_n but_o forbid_v the_o wilful_a neglect_n and_o all_o unreasonable_a and_o needless_a delay_n thereof_o v._o as_o to_o communion_n with_o believer_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a and_o have_v ever_o be_v think_v so_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a sin_n to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o because_o that_o will_v be_v a_o disow_a those_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n who_o he_o own_v to_o be_v such_o nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o take_v off_o two_o objection_n first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o infant-communion_n may_v be_v practise_v as_o well_o as_o infant-baptism_n but_o i_o answer_v 1._o there_o be_v not_o equal_a evidence_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n because_o st._n cyprian_n be_v the_o first_o author_n which_o they_o can_v produce_v for_o it_o and_o then_o the_o author_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n mention_v it_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o st._n austin_n in_o the_o five_o whereas_o for_o infant-baptism_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n cyprian_a and_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o father_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v of_o origen_n tertullian_n irenaeus_n st._n jerom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n who_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n general_o practise_v and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v that_o none_o of_o the_o four_o testimony_n for_o infant-communion_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o origen_n do_v of_o infant-baptism_n 2._o there_o be_v not_o equal_a reason_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n but_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o perfection_n institute_v for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o piety_n child_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o perform_v nor_o be_v there_o a_o equal_a concurrence_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n for_o infant-communion_n it_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o john_n 6.53_o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o now_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o eucharist_n or_o no_o because_o it_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o institute_v but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v yet_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o nay_o the_o western_a church_n discern_v the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o infant-communion_n be_v ground_v have_v long_o since_o lay_v it_o aside_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o mighty_o confirm_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v valid_o baptise_a and_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n full_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o ever_o be_v or_o still_o indies_n still_o as_o in_o the_o greek_a russian_a and_o abyssin_n church_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o the_o indies_n be_v practise_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o valid_a and_o lawful_a as_o that_o of_o grow_v person_n second_o it_o be_v object_v that_o child_n who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n can_v know_v what_o a_o covenant_n mean_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v contract_v and_o stipulate_v though_o st._n peter_n say_v the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o must_v have_v the_o answer_n or_o restipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n be_v as_o strong_a against_o infant-circumcision_n as_o against_o infant-baptism_n 2._o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o circumcise_a infant_n upon_o a_o implicit_a and_o imputative_a
this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v but_o i_o will_v transcribe_v no_o more_o only_o i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v serious_o how_o you_o will_v have_v like_v what_o i_o have_v transcribe_v from_o mr._n hildersham_n if_o one_o of_o our_o man_n have_v preach_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o add_v that_o for_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v may_v be_v decent_a and_o comely_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n house_n to_o be_v careless_a about_o the_o neatness_n of_o it_o if_o you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o unprofitable_a then_o consider_v why_o such_o thing_n as_o please_v out_o of_o one_o man_n mouth_n shall_v displease_v out_o of_o another_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o partiality_n make_v you_o not_o profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n or_o if_o you_o can_v not_o like_o such_o discourse_n either_o from_o nonconformist_n or_o our_o minister_n then_o be_v you_o not_o mistake_v about_o profit_v by_o sermon_n when_o you_o think_v those_o discourse_n unprofitable_a which_o sober_a man_n of_o all_o side_n have_v think_v necessary_a for_o mr._n hildersham_n say_v profaneness_n and_o atheism_n have_v make_v we_o too_o void_a of_o all_o care_n in_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n second_o if_o you_o think_v such_o a_o sermon_n profitable_a consider_v whether_o you_o have_v learn_v so_o much_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o to_o study_v and_o observe_v those_o rule_n do_v you_o for_o instance_n pay_v reverence_n to_o god_n house_n and_o come_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o service_n and_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v with_o the_o congregation_n &_o c_o if_o you_o do_v not_o than_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o our_o sermon_n that_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v for_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o plain_o teach_v these_o thing_n to_o conclude_v if_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a excuse_n for_o our_o divide_v from_o it_o that_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o edify_v when_o we_o have_v no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o to_o hope_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n upon_o this_o pretence_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o any_o man_n skill_n in_o dispense_n they_o that_o can_v make_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n any_o way_n beneficial_a to_o we_o with_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o we_o undervalue_v most_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o our_o salvation_n without_o it_o our_o ear_n may_v be_v tickle_v and_o our_o fancy_n pleasant_o entertain_v for_o the_o time_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o edify_v by_o the_o most_o fluent_a and_o popular_a tongue_n or_o the_o most_o melt_a and_o pathetical_a expression_n in_o the_o world_n chap._n xi_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answer_v have_v answer_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o our_o communion_n i_o be_o now_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n as_o separate_v from_o we_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o we_o such_o as_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o or_o that_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o they_o scruple_n it_o but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o these_o excuse_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n who_o commit_v a_o sin_n and_o think_v to_o cover_v it_o by_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o principle_n i_o mean_v to_o proceed_v upon_o by_o treat_v distinct_o on_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 3._o of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o particular_o 4._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-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 it_o in_o his_o action_n i._o then_o to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n let_v we_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 use_v it_o now_o as_o to_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o 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 we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o a_o accident_n be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o these_o thing_n indeed_o may_v please_v or_o trouble_v we_o but_o our_o conscience_n be_v affect_v only_o with_o that_o which_o be_v 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 never_o use_v the_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 be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n with_o which_o if_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o disagree_v they_o be_v evil_a three_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o be_v either_o already_o do_v or_o not_o already_o do_v but_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v whether_o past_a or_o future_a they_o be_v either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o they_o be_v indifferent_a action_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 these_o consideration_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n for_o first_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o already_o do_v we_o think_v it_o either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n or_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n or_o we_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v it_o or_o else_o we_o think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a and_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v 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 undeniable_o every_o man_n meaning_n when_o he_o talk_v of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v or_o i_o be_o satisfy_v or_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v we_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v either_o do_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o not_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o trouble_v we_o but_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n to_o wit_n 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 only_o in_o the_o first_o sort_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o action_n to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o sort_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v already_o do_v but_o in_o both_o sort_n conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a but_o if_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o it_o and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o the_o like_a than_o it_o include_v more_o than_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o follow_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n about_o action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n by_o apply_v
be_v horrible_o and_o inexcusable_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o those_o that_o separate_v through_o such_o mistake_n as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v if_o they_o have_v be_v careful_a be_v very_o unblamable_a and_o be_v bind_v as_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n to_o take_v more_o care_n of_o inform_v their_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o may_v leave_v their_o sin_n but_o when_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v that_o a_o man_n do_v his_o best_a and_o have_v not_o mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o understanding_n better_o then_o though_o the_o man_n commit_v schism_n yet_o he_o be_v innocent_a of_o it_o and_o god_n who_o judge_v of_o man_n by_o their_o inward_a sincerity_n will_v impute_v it_o to_o his_o ignorance_n and_o forgive_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n especial_o if_o this_o innocent_o mistake_v man_n be_v careful_a in_o the_o follow_a point_n first_o that_o he_o be_v not_o obstinate_a but_o ready_a to_o receive_v conviction_n second_o that_o he_o separate_v no_o more_o than_o he_o needs_o must_v but_o comply_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n three_o that_o where_o he_o can_v comply_v he_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n neither_o exclaim_n at_o his_o governor_n or_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o use_v illegal_a mean_n to_o get_v more_o liberty_n but_o live_v as_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n four_o that_o he_o do_v not_o censure_v those_o of_o another_o persuasion_n but_o show_v himself_o a_o good_a neighbour_n and_o friendly_a to_o they_o whoe're_o observe_v these_o thing_n though_o he_o dissent_v from_o we_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o censure_v he_o as_o a_o ill_a man_n ill_o subject_a or_o ill_a christian_a but_o then_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v do_v no_o more_o justify_v or_o lessen_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n for_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v a_o delude_a dissenter_n or_o a_o delude_a papist_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o innocence_n or_o excusableness_n of_o some_o man_n mistake_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o infinite_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o have_v a_o care_n how_o he_o be_v engage_v either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v show_v how_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v himself_o aright_o before_o he_o disobey_v his_o governor_n or_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o that_o though_o something_o in_o our_o worship_n be_v real_o against_o his_o conscience_n yet_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n and_o therefore_o every_o dissenter_n ought_v present_o to_o set_v about_o the_o true_a inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n for_o fear_v he_o live_v in_o a_o grievous_a sin_n let_v he_o not_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o frivolous_a pretence_n for_o though_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n yet_o schism_n be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v damn_v for_o that_o as_o certain_o as_o for_o heresy_n or_o drunkenness_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o ancient_a father_n think_v so_o what_o if_o the_o point_n of_o conformity_n be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n who_o make_v they_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v have_v be_v well_o please_v if_o these_o controversy_n have_v never_o be_v we_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_a and_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v our_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o that_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o be_v bind_v at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o they_o to_o those_o that_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v subtle_a point_n above_o their_o capacity_n i_o answer_v that_o since_o they_o have_v understanding_n enough_o to_o find_v fault_n and_o separate_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v honesty_n enough_o to_o seek_v satisfaction_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o mischief_n of_o separation_n we_o be_v bind_v especial_o in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v disobey_v his_o superior_n without_o sin_n unless_o after_o he_o have_v use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n he_o find_v their_o command_n inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o disobey_v till_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o case_n i_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a criminal_a schism_n chap._n xii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n answer_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_v because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o no_o and_o who_o fear_n they_o shall_v sin_v in_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o if_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v a_o duty_n no_o man_n doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n settle_a persuasion_n that_o a_o action_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o justify_v his_o omission_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o god_n command_v it_o much_o less_o will_v his_o bare_a doubt_n excuse_v he_o but_o because_o this_o answer_n seem_v rather_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n than_o to_o untie_v it_o i_o shall_v particular_o examine_v this_o plea_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n by_o give_v a_o account_n first_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n second_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o power_n that_o human_a law_n have_v over_o it_o four_o of_o its_o authority_n i._n e._n whether_o at_o all_o or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o it_o i._o in_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o shall_v treat_v 1._o of_o doubt_v in_o general_n 2._o of_o such_o doubt_n as_o affect_v the_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o doubt_v and_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n first_o then_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o doubt_n when_o he_o can_v determine_v whether_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v consider_v be_v so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o he_o think_v the_o question_n probable_a on_o both_o side_n but_o can_v fix_v upon_o either_o so_o that_o his_o mind_n be_v like_o a_o balance_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o equal_a weight_n in_o both_o scale_n neither_o scale_n come_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v lean_v more_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v doubtful_a still_o just_o as_o one_o scale_n may_v have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o other_o while_o yet_o that_o weight_n be_v not_o able_a to_o carry_v it_o perfect_o down_o but_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o evidence_n on_o one_o side_n that_o the_o mind_n can_v determine_v itself_o than_o the_o man_n doubt_v no_o long_o but_o be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o the_o balance_n be_v say_v to_o be_v fix_v when_o there_o be_v weight_n enough_o to_o carry_v it_o down_o on_o either_o side_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n have_v not_o always_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n sometime_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o entire_o assent_v without_o the_o least_o doubtfulness_n this_o be_v assurance_n or_o full_a persuasion_n at_o other_o time_n the_o evidence_n may_v gain_v a_o assent_n but_o not_o such_o as_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n of_o the_o contrary_n this_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v call_v opinion_n or_o probable_a persuasion_n so_o a_o great_a or_o less_o weight_n carry_v down_o the_o scale_n with_o great_a or_o less_o force_v and_o briskness_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o mind_n be_v determine_v the_o balance_n be_v turn_v and_o the_o doubt_n be_v end_v though_o perhaps_o the_o man_n be_v not_o perfect_o free_a from_o all_o scruple_n about_o that_o thing_n second_o then_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o such_o doubt_n as_o affect_v the_o conscience_n a_o man_n may_v doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v to_o consider_v but_o every_o doubt_n do_v not_o affect_v the_o conscience_n as_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v affect_v with_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o action_n so_o his_o doubt_n do_v not_o affect_v his_o conscience_n any_o far_a than_o they_o concern_v his_o own_o action_n and_o as_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o his_o own_o action_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o
receive_n as_o much_o as_o abstain_v but_o since_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o since_o he_o be_v mistake_v while_o he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a certain_o he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n by_o absent_v himself_o than_o by_o come_v with_o his_o doubt_n about_o he_o because_o his_o doubt_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n be_v only_a surmise_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o his_o doubt_n that_o he_o sin_n by_o habitual_o abstain_v which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n second_o though_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o case_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o man_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o unworthy_a receiver_n if_o he_o receive_v at_o all_o as_o he_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o question_n than_o be_v which_o be_v the_o least_o sin_n to_o receive_v unworthy_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o for_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v when_o he_o can_v avoid_v both_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v that_o a_o man_n who_o obey_v one_o know_v law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o break_v another_o law_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n i_o say_v i_o think_v that_o that_o man_n though_o he_o be_v not_o innocent_a yet_o be_v far_o less_o guilty_a than_o he_o who_o omit_v a_o know_a duty_n and_o so_o break_v a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n for_o conscience_n sake_n suppose_v two_o man_n who_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v unfit_a so_o much_o as_o to_o say_v their_o prayer_n one_o of_o these_o man_n do_v upon_o this_o account_n forbear_v all_o prayer_n the_o other_o dare_v not_o to_o forbear_v his_o usual_a office_n though_o he_o believe_v he_o perform_v they_o sinful_o now_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o all_o man_n will_v think_v he_o the_o better_a man_n who_o say_v his_o prayer_n though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v very_o faulty_a because_o whatever_o a_o man_n indisposition_n be_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o perform_v a_o duty_n after_o a_o ill_a manner_n than_o whole_o to_o omit_v it_o since_o therefore_o the_o great_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v when_o a_o man_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o commit_v one_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n doubt_v of_o his_o unworthiness_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v habitual_o abstain_v from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o that_o which_o will_v actual_o damn_v a_o man_n i_o answer_v that_o let_v the_o sin_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o be_v as_o damnable_a as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v it_o yet_o the_o sin_n of_o total_o withdraw_v from_o it_o be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o damnable_a so_o that_o if_o he_o who_o partake_v unworthy_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o he_o that_o partake_v not_o at_o all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mend_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o do_v much_o increase_n that_o damnation_n and_o certain_o do_v man_n serious_o consider_v what_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o live_v without_o the_o sacrament_n and_o what_o dreadful_a consequence_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o hereby_o they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o slight_a a_o matter_n to_o neglect_v it_o but_o what_o apprehension_n soever_o they_o have_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o they_o will_v think_v it_o more_o sinful_a and_o more_o dangerous_a not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o three_o suppose_v the_o man_n take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o often_o very_a well_o satisfy_v about_o his_o preparation_n but_o since_o his_o last_o receive_v he_o find_v he_o have_v live_v more_o loose_o than_o he_o be_v wont_a or_o he_o have_v be_v very_o late_o guilty_a of_o some_o grievous_a sin_n so_o that_o he_o think_v himself_o unfit_a to_o receive_v at_o his_o next_o usual_a time_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a perplexity_n for_o he_o think_v he_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o sin_n if_o he_o receive_v in_o these_o circumstance_n than_o if_o he_o forbear_v because_o he_o be_v more_o certain_a that_o god_n forbid_v he_o to_o receive_v unworthy_o than_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n command_v he_o to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o then_o if_o he_o be_v real_o bind_v to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n he_o be_v sensible_a in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n than_o to_o perform_v it_o unworthy_o so_o long_o still_o as_o he_o perform_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n on_o one_o side_n he_o run_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v on_o the_o other_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o sin_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n what_o now_o be_v the_o man_n to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v forbear_v receive_v once_o or_o twice_o for_o his_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o better_a preparation_n against_o another_o opportunity_n because_o since_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o receive_v so_o many_o time_n a_o year_n any_o more_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v so_o many_o time_n a_o day_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o a_o express_a law_n to_o receive_v upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o do_v so_o so_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o certain_a danger_n ought_v to_o over_o balance_n that_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o man_n ought_v rather_o to_o defer_v his_o receive_n than_o to_o receive_v in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n but_o second_o a_o man_n must_v not_o habitual_o absent_v himself_o upon_o the_o the_o account_n of_o unworthiness_n for_o i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v more_o danger_n of_o sin_v by_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o than_o by_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n in_o whole_o withdraw_v than_o in_o come_v with_o never_o so_o great_a fear_n of_o be_v unfit_a and_o therefore_o he_o must_v receive_v frequent_o though_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o do_v it_o unworthy_o rather_o than_o not_o receive_v at_o all_o four_o if_o the_o person_n think_v that_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v equal_a whether_o he_o receive_v or_o no_o then_o he_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o inducement_n of_o prudence_n and_o interest_n and_o they_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o receive_v than_o to_o forbear_v upon_o those_o account_n for_o beside_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o receive_v he_o reap_v this_o spiritual_a profit_n by_o it_o viz._n that_o he_o take_v the_o best_a method_n of_o grow_v more_o worthy_a and_o cure_v his_o doubt_n whereas_o by_o absent_v himself_o his_o doubt_n increase_v and_o he_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v that_o sense_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o now_o have_v thus_o have_v i_o show_v how_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o rule_n concern_v a_o double_a doubt_n and_o if_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o this_o subject_n i_o hope_v the_o frequency_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o case_n will_v excuse_v i_o iii_o have_v settle_v the_o notion_n and_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n over_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o my_o assertion_n be_v that_o wherever_o lawful_a authority_n have_v command_v a_o action_n that_o command_n be_v general_o speak_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o action_n though_o he_o doubt_v whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no._n that_o i_o may_v speak_v clear_o to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v 1._o premise_v some_o thing_n 2._o show_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o assertion_n 3._o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o it_o 1._o i_o premise_v five_o thing_n first_o that_o no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v oblige_v man_n to_o do_v what_o god_n forbid_v or_o to_o forbear_v what_o god_n command_v second_o if_o a_o man_n think_v that_o thing_n which_o his_o governor_n oblige_v he_o to_o be_v sinful_a though_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o can_v obey_v they_o without_o sin_v but_o then_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v he_o also_o sin_n in_o disobey_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n three_o
whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o we_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o sort_n though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_n it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o a_o man_n have_v no_o doubt_n than_o that_o on_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o this_o rule_n hold_v only_o in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n may_v forbear_v the_o action_n without_o danger_n of_o sin_v though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o in_o our_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v sin_v in_o conform_v so_o there_o be_v certain_o danger_n of_o sin_v in_o not_o conform_v nor_o be_v it_o more_o safe_a to_o separate_v in_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n than_o of_o a_o double_a one_o for_o the_o man_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o live_v in_o constant_a disobedience_n to_o his_o superior_n which_o thing_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n must_v needs_o be_v gross_o and_o criminal_o ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n and_o therefore_o his_o be_v satisfy_v about_o such_o sin_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o because_o he_o be_v able_a and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v better_o nay_o further_o though_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obey_v our_o superior_n or_o no_o though_o the_o case_n be_v real_o that_o of_o a_o single_a doubt_n though_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v in_o do_v they_o yet_o i_o say_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o conform_v than_o to_o separate_a notwithstanding_o for_o though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o on_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o this_o rule_n as_o i_o say_v before_o do_v not_o hold_v unless_o all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a and_o therefore_o if_o a_o great_a good_a may_v be_v obtain_v or_o a_o great_a evil_n avoid_v by_o act_v on_o the_o doubtful_a side_n that_o consideration_n ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o over-rule_v the_o doubt_n as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o go_v to_o law_n and_o certain_o if_o weighty_a consideration_n ought_v to_o overbalance_n a_o single_a doubt_n in_o any_o case_n then_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o security_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o many_o public_a and_o private_a mischief_n that_o attend_v separation_n aught_o to_o prevail_v in_o this_o of_o we_o and_o oblige_v man_n to_o conform_v and_o i_o wish_v this_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o doubt_a dissenter_n as_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n who_o doubt_v both_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conform_v and_o also_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o separate_n from_o we_o i_o say_v first_o if_o the_o probability_n appear_v pretty_a equal_a on_o both_o side_n than_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o obey_v authority_n as_o i_o prove_v in_o the_o three_o general_a head_n of_o this_o discourse_n second_o if_o they_o think_v it_o more_o probable_a that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o conform_v than_o that_o they_o ought_v then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n alone_o have_v not_o weight_n enough_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o separation_n be_v sufficient_a and_o aught_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o conform_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o prop._n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n p._n 256_o 257._o now_o let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n judge_v between_o we_o and_o our_o dissenter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o thing_n they_o doubt_v of_o be_v not_o direct_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o consequence_n those_o consequence_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o though_o such_o usage_n have_v ever_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o they_o be_v never_o condemn_v as_o sinful_a till_o our_o day_n and_o even_o now_o these_o consequence_n be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o superior_n no_o not_o by_o as_o great_a and_o good_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n nay_o the_o far_o great_a number_n and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o able_a as_o any_o do_v plain_o own_v our_o injunction_n to_o be_v innocent_a at_o least_o if_o not_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v 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 but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o our_o governor_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o our_o communion_n lawful_a then_o how_o great_a a_o sin_n be_v they_o guilty_a of_o in_o break_v the_o law_n of_o church-vnity_n which_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n of_o old_a and_o the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o they_o the_o consequence_n also_o of_o their_o separation_n be_v most_o dreadful_a for_o by_o it_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o keep_v up_o those_o discord_n and_o animosity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v tear_v the_o bowel_n of_o it_o and_o cause_v atheism_n and_o profaneness_n to_o overspread_v it_o they_o affront_v their_o governor_n give_v scandal_n to_o all_o peaceable_a person_n and_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a pretence_n to_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_v against_o the_o best_a of_o goverment_n so_o they_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_v the_o best_a 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 and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o all_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o doubt_n have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n certain_o a_o unconcern_v person_n will_v pronounce_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o conform_v rather_o than_o to_o separate_a and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o chap._n xiii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n answer_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v 1._o show_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o it_o 2._o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o 3._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 then_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o evil_n or_o his_o action_n and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v a_o scrupulous_a judgement_n concern_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o consist_v either_o 1._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 meat_n etc._n etc._n and_o observe_v such_o usage_n as_o religious_o as_o the_o most_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n or_o 2._o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o way_n unlawful_a doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o god_n be_v as_o much_o offend_v by_o our_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n or_o wear_v some_o garment_n as_o by_o adultery_n or_o murder_n and_o be_v more_o precise_a about_o little_a matter_n than_o other_o good_a christian_n be_v or_o ourselves_o ought_v to_o be_v second_o concern_v this_o scrupulous_a conscience_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o sickly_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o state_n of_o infirmity_n arise_v from_o a_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n our_o religion_n from_o timerousness_n melancholy_a and_o prejudice_n now_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o virtue_n or_o commendable_a quality_n in_o we_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sickly_a and_o often_o indispose_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a well_o settle_v and_o resolve_v but_o such_o needless_a scruple_n be_v at_o the_o best_a a_o sign_n of_o a_o ungoverned_a fancy_n and_o a_o weak_a judgement_n just_a as_o the_o niceness_n and_o squeamishness_n of_o a_o man_n stomach_n that_o distaste_v wholesome_a food_n be_v a_o symptom_n of_o a_o unsound_a and_o unhealthy_a body_n 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o sign_n of_o hypocrisy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n and_o hope_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o their_o gross_a transgression_n in_o other_o case_n of_o far_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n
babe_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v real_o better_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v leader_n and_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n and_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o and_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n which_o they_o call_v their_o conscience_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o in_o all_o instance_n we_o shall_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o weak_a person_n turn_v they_o back_o to_o their_o primer_z advise_v they_o to_o learn_v their_o catechism_n they_o will_v think_v themselves_o high_o wrong_v and_o injure_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o ordinary_o look_v upon_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o high_a illumination_n a_o great_a knowledge_n than_o other_o have_v attain_v unto_o they_o rather_o count_v we_o the_o weak_a christian_n if_o some_o of_o they_o will_v allow_v we_o so_o much_o for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v we_o for_o the_o weak_a and_o worse_a christian_n why_o do_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o why_o do_v they_o associate_v and_o combine_v together_o into_o distinct_a congregation_n as_o be_v pure_a more_o select_a christian_n than_o other_o now_o though_o such_o person_n as_o these_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n very_o weak_a of_o little_a judgement_n or_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o this_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n under_o that_o character_n nor_o to_o expect_v we_o shall_v forego_v our_o liberty_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n they_o 3._o those_o who_o be_v real_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a be_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o only_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a instruction_n but_o we_o can_v be_v always_o babe_n in_o christ_n without_o our_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_n such_o as_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o clear_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n or_o their_o party_n can_v upon_o no_o account_n claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o weak_a person_n of_o these_o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o regard_n who_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opposition_n matth._n 15.14_o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o condemn_v all_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n for_o be_v malicious_a and_o wilful_a in_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o but_o however_o 1._o i_o beg_v they_o to_o examine_v whether_o they_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o have_v devout_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o free_v their_o mind_n from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n for_o otherwise_o their_o weakness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v pity_v than_o that_o man_n sickness_n who_o will_v not_o though_o he_o may_v be_v cure_v 2._o i_o must_v say_v that_o old_a and_o inveterate_a mistake_v that_o have_v be_v a_o 1000_o time_n answer_v and_o protest_v against_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o if_o people_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o fancy_n they_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o compassion_n which_o st._n paul_n prescribe_v towards_o weak_a brethren_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o doubtful_a or_o suspicious_a nature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v misunderstand_v and_o abuse_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n in_o they_o and_o the_o do_v of_o they_o be_v of_o some_o considerable_a consequence_n to_o i_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o forbear_v they_o no_o long_o than_o till_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v they_o right_o concern_v the_o innocency_n of_o my_o action_n and_o intention_n and_o give_v they_o notice_n of_o the_o evil_a that_o may_v possible_o happen_v to_o they_o if_o i_o dig_v a_o pit_n or_o lay_v a_o block_n in_o the_o way_n whereby_o other_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v hurt_n and_o wound_v i_o be_o guilty_a of_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v but_o if_o they_o be_v plain_o and_o often_o tell_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o will_v run_v into_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v then_o only_o to_o thank_v themselves_o now_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o case_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n and_o misinterpretation_n it_o hold_v much_o more_o in_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n where_o the_o offence_n arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o injunction_n as_o from_o man_n gross_a ignorance_n misconceit_n or_o perverseness_n this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o people_z be_v general_o mistake_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o offend_v or_o give_v offence_n for_o by_o it_o they_o common_o understand_v displease_v or_o grieve_v another_o and_o make_v he_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o godly_a person_n do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o or_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o fancy_n or_o judgement_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v one_o place_n that_o seem_v to_o favour_v this_o conceit_n rom._n 14.15_o if_o thy_o brother_n be_v grieve_v with_o thy_o meat_n now_o walk_v thou_o not_o charitable_o but_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o by_o grieve_v our_o brother_n be_v not_o mean_v displease_v but_o wound_v and_o hurt_v he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v use_v to_o denote_v that_o which_o cause_v grief_n or_o sorrow_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o destroy_v and_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v v._o 15_o 21._o to_o be_v offend_v or_o grieve_v be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o what_o another_o have_v do_v out_o of_o pity_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o soul_n but_o to_o receive_v hurt_v ourselves_o from_o it_o be_v draw_v or_o deceive_v into_o some_o sin_n by_o it_o but_o because_o many_o well-disposed_a people_n do_v think_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o good_a man_n be_v displease_v or_o grieve_v at_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o to_o censure_n and_o condemn_v and_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o action_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o or_o refuse_v to_o join_v any_o long_o with_o they_o in_o their_o separate_a congregation_n be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o peevishness_n and_o uncharitableness_n and_o be_v that_o very_a sin_n which_o st._n paul_n often_o warn_v his_o weak_a believer_n against_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rash_o judge_v those_o who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n better_o than_o themselves_o at_o this_o rate_n any_o company_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v resolve_v to_o quarrel_v with_o all_o that_o do_v not_o do_v as_o they_o do_v must_v oblige_v all_o to_o remain_v forever_o with_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v they_o offence_n if_o what_o i_o do_v be_v not_o evil_a in_o itself_o it_o 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may_v be_v when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_a if_o you_o shall_v see_v popery_n erect_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o that_o church_n which_o you_o yourselves_o have_v overthrow_v it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a addition_n to_o your_o misery_n if_o the_o gild_n and_o shame_n of_o they_o too_o may_v be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n with_o what_o remorse_n will_v you_o reflect_v upon_o it_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o your_o passion_n be_v over_o if_o the_o protestant_a profession_n shall_v be_v far_o endanger_v and_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n get_v great_a advantage_n daily_o by_o those_o distraction_n which_o have_v be_v secret_o manage_v by_o they_o but_o open_o carry_v on_o and_o maintain_v by_o yourselves_o with_o what_o face_n will_v you_o look_v to_o see_v the_o papist_n not_o only_o triumph_v over_o you_o but_o mock_v and_o deride_v you_o for_o be_v so_o far_o impose_v upon_o by_o their_o cunning_n as_o to_o be_v make_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o your_o own_o ruin_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o not_o to_o act_v as_o if_o you_o be_v prosecute_a the_o design_n of_o the_o conclave_n and_o proceed_v just_a as_o if_o you_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pretend_a infallible_a chair_n you_o may_v be_v ashamed_a to_o look_v so_o much_o like_o tool_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jesuit_n when_o you_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o those_o measure_n which_o they_o have_v take_v and_o talk_v and_o do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v you_o as_o if_o you_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v from_o rome_n to_o these_o argument_n i_o must_v add_v another_o which_o i_o hope_v will_v prevail_v with_o you_o viz._n i_o can_v see_v how_o you_o can_v avoid_v be_v self-condemned_a if_o you_o continue_v in_o your_o separation_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o you_o have_v be_v at_o our_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o and_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o think_v that_o you_o act_v against_o your_o conscience_n or_o do_v it_o mere_o to_o secure_v a_o gainful_a office_n or_o a_o place_n of_o trust_n or_o to_o escape_v the_o lash_n and_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n these_o be_v end_n so_o very_o vile_a and_o sordid_a this_o be_v so_o horrible_a a_o prostitution_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o most_o venerable_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o deliberate_a a_o way_n of_o sin_v even_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o suspect_v any_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o man_n of_o profligate_n and_o atheistical_a mind_n but_o then_o why_o do_v not_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o bring_v you_o at_o one_o time_n bring_v you_o at_o another_o why_o can_v we_o never_o have_v your_o company_n but_o when_o punishment_n or_o advantage_n prompt_v you_o to_o it_o we_o blame_v the_o papist_n for_o dispense_n with_o oath_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o cause_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o so_o heavy_a a_o charge_n shall_v ever_o lie_v at_o the_o door_n of_o protestant_n and_o especial_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v most_o to_o abhor_v popish_a practice_n and_o who_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o to_o be_v account_v not_o to_o make_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n than_o other_o men._n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o reason_v a_o little_a if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a why_o do_v you_o enter_v into_o it_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a why_o do_v you_o forsake_v it_o be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n have_v tie_v upon_o you_o which_o command_v you_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v not_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n thing_n that_o ought_v great_o to_o sway_v with_o all_o sober_a humble_a and_o consider_v christian_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a say_v the_o apostle_n and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n and_o shall_v peace_n be_v break_v only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v most_o entire_a and_o that_o by_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o within_o their_o power_n be_v you_o satisfy_v in_o your_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o will_v you_o not_o do_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n will_v you_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o be_v lawful_a and_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o peace_n only_o because_o authority_n command_v and_o have_v make_v it_o your_o duty_n let_v i_o entreat_v you_o as_o you_o love_v your_o dear_a redeemer_n to_o do_v as_o much_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n as_o for_o a_o vote_n or_o office_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n